Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

^ • ^ ^ / * / * •  - *l " V "1 ISSN 0378-6986
# Omcial Journal C63

., Volume 34

UM«*I*»I
#### of the European Communities

##### English edition Information and Notices

Notice No Contents Page

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with answer_

91/C 63/01 No 667/89 by Mrs Barbara Simons to the Commission
Subject: Iron and steel imports from the Republic of South Africa 1

91/C 63/02 No 684/89 by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde to the Commission
Subject: The environmental guarantee 1

91 /C 63/03 No 704/89 by Mr Lord O'Hagan to the Commission
Subject: Occupational pensions 2

91/C 63/04 No 775/89 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission
Subject: Redundancy payments to miners 2

91/C 63/05 No 1118/89 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission
Subject: Quantitative restrictions on the import of cement from Eastern Europe 3

91/C 63/06 No 1277/89 by Mr Klaus Hansen to the Commission

Subject: Pension entitlements of widows of German frontier workers formerly employed in the
Netherlands 3

91/C63/07 No 1297/89 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez Albor to the Commission
Subject: Protection of the coast of Galicia 4

91/C 63/08 No 157/90 by Mr Nino Pisoni to the Commission

Subject: Aid to Eastern European countries 5

91/C 63/09 No 417/90 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Mum to the Commission
Subject: A new hospital in Gaza 6

91 /C 63/10 No 653/90 by Mr Jose Valverde L6pez to the Commission
Subject: Participation by the European Community in the Seville World Fair in 1992 6

2 (Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C63/11

91/C63/12

91/C63/13

91/C63/14

91/C63/15

91/C63/16

91/C63/17

91/C63/18

91/C63/19

91/C63/20

91/C63/21

91/C63/22

91/C63/23

91/C63/24

91/C63/25

9 1 / C 6 3 / 2 6

9 1 / C 6 3 / 2 7

N o 746/90 by Mrs Lissy Groner to the Commission

Subject: Education policy 7

N o 943/90 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission

Subject: Commission expenditure in the health sector 7

N o 1075/90 by M r Juan Garaikoetxea Urriza and M r Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to

the Commission

Subject: Fundamental rights and freedoms 8

N o 1077/90 by M r Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: COPA report 9

N o 1127/90 by M r Rene-Emile Piquet to the Commission

Subject: The worsening situation of apiculture in the Community 9

N o 1137/90 by M r Proinsias de Rossa to the Commission

Subject: Dublin-Belfast rail link 10

N o 1141 /90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Research into the protection of juvenile fish stocks 10

N o 1149/90 by M r Eugenio Melandri, Mrs Pasqualina Napoletano and M r
Alexander Langer to the Commission

Subject: Arms trading in the Horn of Africa 11

N o 1150/90 by M r Eugenio Melandri, Mrs Pasqualina Napoletano and M r
Alexander Langer to the Commission

Subject: The peace process in the Horn of Africa 11

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1149/90 and 1150/90 11

N o 1157/90 by Mrs Astrid Lulling to the Commission

Subject: Promotions policy for Commission category A staff 12

N o 1167/90 by M r Kenneth Stewart to the Commission

Subject: Safety standards for construction workers on the Channel Tunnel 12

N o 1202/90 by M r Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission

Subject: Insufficient utilization of budget heading 634 in the 1988 financial year 13

N o 1214/90 by M r Francois-Xavier de Donnea to the Commission

Subject: Community system of export credit insurance 13

N o 1217/90 by M r Francois-Xavier de Donnea to the Commission

Subject: Forest protection 14

N o 1245/90 by M r Karl-Heinz Florenz to the Commission

Subject: Promotion of eucalyptus cultivation in the Community 14

N o 1247/90 by M r Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject: The rules governing the issue of securities convertible into shares under Spanish law
contravene Community directives 15

N o 1251/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: EC funding to assist lobster stock enhancement schemes 15

Notice No Contents (continued) Page

91/C 63/28 No 1252/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Natural lobster stock enhancement 15

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1251/90 and 1252/90 15

91 /C 63/29 No 1275/90 by Mr Jesus Cabezbn Alonso, Mr Pedro Bofill Abeilhe, Mr Mateo Sierra '

Bardaji, Mr Josep Pons Grau and Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo to the Commission
Subject: Low utilization rates of Article 5 8 0 and Item 5 812 of the 19 8 8 budget 16
91 / C 63/30 No 1287/90 by Mr Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject: Import of possibly diseased bees into the United Kingdom 16

91/C 63/31 No 1333/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject: 1992 large market and the quality of the services responsible in the Member States for
medical and technical inspections and for monitoring compliance with welfare laws 17

91 /C 63/32 No 1347/90 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission
Subject: Euratom safeguards report — bilateral agreements (Canada, US and Australia) 18

91 /C 63/33 No 1365/90 by Mrs Lissy Gr6ner to the Commission
Subject: University education in the European Community 19

91 /C 63/34 No 1370/90 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission
Subject: Community loans to Spain 20

91 / C 63/35 No 1372/90 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject: Protection against the cochiliomyria hominivorax fly 20

91/C 63/36 No 1391/90 by Mrs Marie Jepsen to the Commission

Subject: Exemption from provisions concerning payment of the co-responsibility levy on cereals
supplied in exchange for mixed feed consisting partly of cereals 21

91/C 63/37 No 1393/90 by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission

Subject: Special provisions in the IMPs for Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrenees 21

91/C63/38 No 1399/90 by Miss Christine Oddy to the Commission
Subject: Staffing levels for implementation of the Social Action programme 22

91/C 63/39 No 1408/90 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Commission
Subject: Community legislation on air transport 22

91/C 63/40 No 1416/90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission
Subject: Stabex 23

91/C 63/41 No 1424/90 by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman, Mr Paul Howell, Lord Plumb and Mr
Thomas Spencer to the Commission
Subject: Levies charged on the import of New Zealand lamb 23

91/C 63/42 No 1489/90 by Mr John Tomlinson to the Commission
Subject: Levies charged on the import of New Zealand lamb 23

91/C 63/43 No 1497/90 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Commission

Subject: Levies charged on the import of New Zealand lamb 23

91/C 63/44 No 1767/90 by Mr Petrus Cornelissen to the Commission

Subject: Levies charged on imports of New Zealand lamb 24

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued)

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1424/90,1489/90,1497/90 and 1767/90 . . . . 24

91/C63/45

91/C63/46

91/C63/47

91/C63/48

91/C63/49

91/C63/50

91/C63/51

91/C63/52

91/C 63/53

91/C63/54

91/C63/55

91/C63/56

91/C63/57

91/C63/58

91/C63/59

91/C63/60

91/C63/61

No 1425/90 by Mr Hans-Gert Poettering and Mr Reimer Bdge to the Commission
Subject: Supervision in the fishery sector in the North Sea 24

No 1435/90 by Mr Lode van Outrive to the Commission
Subject: Designating the Hageland region of Belgium as a rural zone (objective 5b of the
structural funds) 25

No 1437/90 by Mr Hemrao Muntingh to the Commission
Subject: Use of methyl bromide in vegetable-growing 25

No 1456/90 by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission
Subject: Investment in Cantabria as a region covered by Objective 2 26

No 1464/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject: Illegal traffic in domestic animals for vivisection 26

No 1467/90 by Mrs Astrid Lulling to the Commission
Subject: Royalties paid by cable television companies 27

No 1474/90 by Mr Antonio Mazzone to the Commission
Subject: Integrated operation for Naples 27

No 1484/90 by Mr Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission
Subject: Use of foreign languages for the prevention of accidents and safety at work 28

No 1500/90 by Mrs Claudia Roth to the Commission
Subject: Council resolution on measures to combat racism and xenophobia and provide better
education for the children of migrant workers 28

No 1507/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Role of the Consultative Committee of Local and Regional Authorities _vis-d-vis_ the
Commission 29

No 1533/90 by Mr Miguel Arias Cafiete to the Commission
Subject: Seizure of Community vessels by Morocco 30

No 1537/90 by Mr Bryan Cassidy to the Commission

Subject: The right to enter the territory of a Member State 30

No 1560/90 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission
Subject: Special tax for the transit of lorries through Germany 31

No 1570/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject: Costs of payments in ECU by individuals 31

No 1580/90 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission
Subject: Education and 1992 32

No 1581/90 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject: Lavatory/toilet facilities for travellers 32

No 1596/90 by Mr John Bird to the Commission
Subject: Bait breeding for coarse anglers 32

Notice No

91/C63/62

91/C63/63

91/C63/64

91/C63/65

91/C63/66

91/C63/67

91/C63/68

91/C63/69

91/C63/70

91/C63/71

91/C63/72

91/C63/73

91/C63/74

91/C63/75

91/C63/76

91/C63/77

91/C63/78

91/C63/79

Contents (continued) Page

No 1632/90 by Mr Carlos Carvalhas to the Commission
Subject: Safety standards and modernization of railway networks 33

No 1643/90 by Mr Henry McCubbin to the Commission
Subject: Even implementation of Community measures in the fisheries sector 33

No 1651 /90 by Mr Francis Wurtz to the Commission
Subject: Demonstration project under Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 in Alsace 34

No 1686/90 by Mr Virginio Bettini to the Commission
Subject: Improper use of IMP funding Umbria (Italy) 34

No 1692/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission
Subject: EFTA environmental standards 35

No 1695/90 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission

Subject: Dumping practices of Eastern European countries 35

No 1697/90 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject: Copyright protection for composers 36

No 1732/90 by Mr Eugenio Melandri to the Commission

Subject: Arms trade between the Community and developing nations 37

No 1735/90 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission
Subject: Direct taxation and competition policy (coordination centres) 37

No 1785/90 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission
Subject: Use of starch 38

No 1797/90 by Mr Lyndon Harrison to the Commission
Subject: Orchestras 38

No 1799/90 by Mr Lyndon Harrison to the Commission
Subject: Budget for cultural action 39

No 1814/90 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission
Subject: Limitation of agricultural production in the Community 39

No 1821/90 by Mr Bryan Cassidy to the Commission

Subject: Implementation by Belgium of the 1984 Council resolution on reducing waiting time at
frontiers 40

No 1822/90 by Mr Paul Lannoye to the Commission

Subject: The Community's financing of the destruction of Irish peat bogs 40

No 1862/90 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Publicity for Europe — European Tourism Year 41

No 1867/90 by Mr Fernand Herman to the Commission

Subject: Authorization for the Belgian National Giro Office to issue credit cards 42

No 1868/90 by Mr Marc Galle to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination on grounds of nationality in amateur sport (Royal Belgian Tennis
Federation) 43

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued) Page

91/C63/80

91/C63/81

91/C63/82

91/C63/83

91/C63/84

91/C63/85

91/C63/86

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91/C63/88

91/C63/89

91/C63/90

91/C63/91

91/C63/92

91/C63/93

91/C63/94

91/C63/95

91/C63/96

No 1925/90 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject: Degree of implementation of the Community Support Framework for Andalusia 43

No 1933/90 by Mr Jos6 Montero Zabala to the Commission
Subject: Discrepancy in student grant arrangements 44

No 1952/90 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission
Subject: Tender procedure for measures to combat drought in the Sahel 44

No 1961/90 by Mr Francois Musso to the Commission
Subject: REGEN programme 45

No 1973/90 by Mr Alex Smith and Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission
Subject: Voluntary workers 45

No 1983/90 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission
Subject: Environmental impact of projects in the French overseas departments 45

No 1985/90 by Mr Eisso Woltjer to the Commission
Subject: Dairy quotas 46

No 1987/90 by Mr Bryan Cassidy to the Commission
Subject: Movement of funds between Member States 47

No 1996/90 by Mr Alain Marleix to the Commission

Subject: Premium for suckler cows 48

No 1997/90 by Mr Luigi Moretti to the Commission
Subject: Damage caused by heavy storms in Italy 48

No 2006/90 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject: Television advertising monopoly and refusal to provide a semicompetitor with
advertising time 49

No 2040/90 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Commission

Subject: Monitoring of Community food-aid supplies 49

No 2061/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: European Community contribution to the programme to safeguard Amazonia and the
problems caused by mineral prospecting in Yanomami territory and by the Calha Norte and
Calha Sud projects 50

No 2070/90 by Mr Jan Sonneveld to the Commission

Subject: Differentiation in the implementation of the co-responsibility levy in respect of cereals 51

No 2073/90 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission
Subject: Health risks in hair and beauty industries 51

No 2077/90 by Mr Carvalhas to the Commission
Subject: Alcochete shooting range 52

No 2093/90 by Mr McMahon to the Commission

Subject: Financial assistance from the Community budget for the Eurovision Song Contest 53

(Continued on inside back cover)

Notice No Contents (continued) Page

91/C63/97

91/C63/98

91/C63/99

91/C63/100

91/C63/101

91/C63/102

91/C63/103

91/C63/104

91/C63/105

91/C63/106

91/C63/107

91/C63/108

91/C63/109

91/C63/110

91/C63/111

91/C63/112

91/C63/113

91/C63/114

91/C63/115

No 2101/90 by Mr Henry McCubbin to the Commission

Subject: Taxi licensing 53

No 2107/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject: Trade in toxic mercury residues intended for storage in South Africa 53

No 2121/90 by Mr Francis Wurtz to the Commission
Subject: Criminal trading practices _vis-d-vis_ consumers 54

No 2123/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject: Job security and safety on oil-rigs in the North Sea 54

No 2151/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: Support for the Community's cultural heritage 55

No 2171/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Political conditions for expanding trade relations between the Community and Central
America 55

No 2192/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject: Au pair placement 56

No 2216/90 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Commission
Subject: The European Social Fund in 1989, with reference to Navarra 57

No 2257/90 by Mr Marc Reymann to the Commission

Subject: Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 — spouse who is a national of a third
country 57

No 2262/90 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission
Subject: Birds Directive 58

No 2271 /90 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission
Subject: Community information office on private wills 58

No 2295/90 by Mr Luciano Vecchi to the Commission
Subject: Conscientious objection 59

No 2329/90 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject: Community policy on employment 59

No 2331/90 by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz to the Commission
Subject: Aigiiestortes National Park (Catalonia, Spain) 60

No 2435/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Council

Subject: An increase in IMF capital and criteria for intervention 60

No 2460/90 by Mr Luigi Vertemati to the Council

Subject: Tax incentives for environmental protection 61

No 2597/90 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Paul Lannoye and Mr Gerard
Monnier-Besombes to the Council

Subject: Adoption of the Directive on the dumping of waste at sea 62

No 2791/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Council
Subject: The programme for the EBRD 63

No 2799/90 by Mr Luigi Vertemati to the Council
Subject: Safety of drivers of motor vehicles 63

11. 3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/1

_(Information)_

###### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 667/89

by Mrs Barbara Simons (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 November 1989)_

(91/C 63/01)

_Subject:_ Iron and steel imports from the Republic of
South Africa

Pursuant to the Decision of the Representatives of the
Governments of the Member States meeting within the
Council on 16 September 1986, the free importing into
the Community of certain iron and steel products
originating in South Africa has been suspended
(86/459/ECSC) (').

1. How does the Commission assess the fact that Federal

German iron and steel imports from the Republic of
South Africa, which are listed in the annex to the
ECSC Decision and consequently fall under the
import prohibition, have not in fact been suspended,
but, according to data provided by the Federal
Statistics Agency, have actually increased in value
(1986: DM 66,09 million; 1987: DM 59,28 million;
1988: DM 68,40 million) and quantity (1986: 87 871
tonnes; 1987: _71_ 096 tonnes; 1988: 89 210 tonnes)?

2. What action is the Commission considering to put a
stop to imports into the Federal Republic of Germany
of products listed in the Annex to the ECSC Decision
so as to secure compliance with the Decision?

3. What infringements of this Decision in other Member
States are known to the Commission?

O OJNoL268,19.9. 1986, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(30January 1990)_

Neither the Commission nor any other Community body
is competent to verify the national application of the

decision of the Member States meeting within the Council
on 16 September 1986 imposing an embargo on imports
of certain steel products originating in South Africa.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 684/89

by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 November 1989)_

(91/C 63/02)

_Subject:_ The environmental guarantee

A pamphlet published by the Danish TUC entitled 'The
European Community — the internal market and the
social dimension' states on page 22 that 'the trade union
movement is in no doubt that the environmental

guarantee applies at every stage and in all circumstances,
i.e. both in respect of the directives' essential safety
requirements, the specific technical standards and
implementing decisions and that it can be applied both
before and after decisions are made'.

Does the Commission share the Danish TUC's view?

Does the Commission also agree that no Community
rules may restrict the Health and Safety Executive's
('Arbejdstilsynet') right to issue specific directives?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 December 1989)_

Article 118A of the EEC Treaty introduced by the Single
European Act states in its third paragraph that:

No C 63/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

'The provisions adopted pursuant to this Article shall
not prevent any Member State from maintaining or
introducing more stringent measures for the
protection of working conditions compatible with this
Treaty.'

It is not up to the Commission to comment on
publications of which it is not the author. However, the
competence of a field inspector is not affected by
Article 118A. For example: in the case of a dangerous
situation, the field inspector will be able to take
immediate action, as he could do in the past.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 704/89

by Mr Lord O'Hagan (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 November 1989}_

(91/C 63/03)

_Subject:_ Occupational pensions

The legislation effecting occupational pensions varies
between Member States.

1. To what extent are occupationals exportable from one
Member State of the Community to another?

2. What steps is the Commission going to take to
encourage those responsible for the administration of
occupational pensions to permit those pensions to be
enjoyed in whatever Member State a Community
citizen happens to reside?

3. Are the present rules and regulations on the rights to
enjoy occupational pensions as between one Member
State and another compatible with the Articles in the
Treaty of Rome which deal with freedom of
movement of workers ?

4. Will the Commission now make a series of proposals
to increase and encourage the transferrability of
occupational pensions for citizens of Community
countries between Member States ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(22 November 1989)_

1 and 2. The Commission is unaware of any
supplementary pension schemes in the Member States
which do not permit the exportation of the pensions
acquired.

3. By virtue of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 on the
application of social security schemes to employed
workers, to self-employed workers and to members of
their families moving within the Community ('), based on
Article 51 of the EEC Treaty, and, in particular, of its

Article 4 (2), non-statutory schemes are excluded from
the material scope of application of the aforementioned
Regulation and there is thus no provision for the
maintenance of pension rights in these schemes.

4. The Commission is at present studying the problems
raised by the Honourable Member. On 29 September
1989, the Council stressed the importance of this question
and of endeavours relating to it at Community level.

A seminar of the question of supplementary pensions will
be organized in January 1990. Subsequent to this seminar,
the Commission will look at the opportunities for action
which might be taken in this field.

( [l] ) OJ No L230, 22. 8. 1983, as last amended by Regulation
(EEC) No 2332/89,18 July 1989 (OJ No L 224, 2. 8. 1989).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 775/89

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1989)_

(91/C 63/04)

_Subject:_ Redundancy payments to miners

Can the Commission provide a comparative table showing
the level of redundancy severance and re-training monies
payable to miners in the Member States of the
Community?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 December 1989)_

The Commission does not have comparative information
available which systematically details the conditions
according to which severance and retraining payments are
made in favour of redundant mineworkers in the various

Member States of the Community.

With regard to the types of benefit which can be granted
as ECSC readaptation aid (Article 56 of the ECSC
Treaty), the terms and conditions for grants are specified
within the framework of the new Convention (*) which
the Commission in agreement with Member States puts
into operation for all programmes of redundancy as from
1 January 1989. Within that framework, different levels of
financial participation are specified according to a
harmonized system covering five standard situations
(early retirement, unemployment, internal transfer,
external transfer, retraining) with different levels of
intervention. These levels are subject to various ceilings

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/3

which depend _inter alia_ upon the worker's former salary
within the limit of an overall average of ECU 3 000 per
worker.

(') This Convention has not been signed by all Member States.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1118/89

by Mr Ben Visser (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(19 December 1989)_

(91/C 63/05)

_Subject:_ Quantitative restrictions on the import of cement
from Eastern Europe

In the talks with the countries of Eastern Europe on trade
relations, the existing quotas for certain products have
been discussed. One of them is cement, for which Benelux
has import quotas for Poland (43 400 tonnes) and
Bulgaria (0 tonnes). The Polish cement industry supplies
its quota on the basis of a pricing policy which bears all
the hallmarks of dumping. This was confirmed by the
Community on 17 July 1986 (86/344/EEC (')) after a
complaint lodged by a body representing the cement
industries in the EEC. This confirms that the pricing
policy adopted by Poland was inappropriate. The prices
charged by Poland per ton of cement (CIF border) were Fl
88 in 1986, 85 in 1987 and 86,5 in 1988 (source:
Vereniging Nederlandse Cementindustrie — Dutch
Cement Association).

1. Is it true that the pricing policy adopted by Poland for
the supply of cement since 1986 can also be described
as dumping?

2. Are import quotas for cement being considered as a
component in the trade negotiations with Bulgaria and
Poland?

3. What steps is the Commission contemplating in
respect of cement imports while there is a clear
resumption of unfair competition from the Eastern
bloc?

(') OJNoL202,25.7. 1986, p. 43.

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 February 1990)_

The Commission adopted, on 17 July 1986, Decision
86/344/EEC by which an investigation on dumping

concerning imports of cement, falling under Common
Customs Tariff heading No ex 25.23 and originating
in the German Democratic Republic, Poland and
Yugoslavia, was terminated without imposing measures.

Although it was establishing that producers of cement
from these countries had been practising dumping, the
Commission considered nevertheless that these exports,
especially in the light of their very low market share in the
Community, did not cause or threaten to cause material
injury to a major proportion of the Community industry.
Also, no injury on a regional basis was established.

The Commission has no knowledge of the price policy of
cement exports from Poland and Bulgaria after 1986 and
no complaint in this respect has been received concerning
these countries.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1277/89

by Mr Klaus Hansen (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12_ _January 1990)_

(91/C 63/06)

_Subject:_ Pension entitlements of widows of German
frontier workers formerly employed in the
Netherlands

Under Dutch pensions legislation, the old-age pension
paid after age 65 to widows of German frontier workers
formerly employed in the Netherlands is calculated by
reference only to the compulsory contributions paid in the
Netherlands, for the duration of the marriage, by the
deceased insured person. For the purposes of calculating
the widow's pension, however, which is paid until age 65,
all the deceased husband's residence and contribution

periods in the Netherlands are taken into account
(Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 (»), Annex VI (1) (2) (c)
and (e)). This means that, upon reaching 65, widows of
German frontier workers receive lower pensions. Council
Regulation (EEC) No 2332/89 ( [2] ) of 18 July 1989 amends
Annex VI in such a way that foreign women married to
frontier workers are now also authorized to take out

voluntary insurance under the Dutch old-age insurance
scheme, the Netherlands paying its nationals a pension
from age 65 onwards.

Does the Commission agree that this Dutch legislation
violates the principle of equal treatment for frontier
workers (and their families) from Member States and for
Dutch nationals?

No C 63/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3.91

If so, what action does the Commission propose to bring
about a change?

O OJNoL149,5.7.1971, p. 2.
O OJ No L 224,2. 8.1989, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 July 1990)_

As the Court of Justice of the European Communities has
stressed on several occasions (*), Regulations (EEC)
No 1408/71 and (EEC) No 574/72 ( [2] ), based on Article
51 of the EEC Treaty, do not set out to harmonize the
various social security systems in the Community but to
coordinate them. The conditions governing the granting
of a widow's pension are therefore to be determined by
each Member State.

In the Federal Republic of Germany, a widow's pension is
generally paid until the widow dies or remarries. The
granting and calculation of this pension are based on the
number and amount of contributions made by the late
husband. In the Netherlands, by contrast, a widow's
pension is granted only until the widow's 65th birthday.
The granting and calculation of an old-age pension under
the law on general old-age insurance (AOW) — granted
at the age of 65 years — are based not on the amount or
number of contributions made by the late husband but
solely on the periods of insurance contributed by the
widow herself.

A worker who resides with his family in another Member
State and carries on his occupation in the Netherlands is,
under Article 13 of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71,
insured under the Netherlands legislation on general
old-age insurance (AOW). However, his wife, if she does
not work in the Netherlands, is not insured in that
country. To facilitate the free movements of workers
from other Member States who carry on an occupation in
the Netherlands while their wives remain in the State of

origin, point 2 of Part I (Netherlands) of Annex VI to
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71, as last amended by
Regulation (EEC) No 2332/89 of 18 July 1989, contains
provisions protecting wives in this situation. In the case of
the latter, these provisions enable periods of residence in
another Member State prior to 2 August 1989 to be taken
into account as periods of insurance for the AOW
provided that the periods concerned were periods of the
marriage coinciding with periods covered by the
husband's insurance contributions record.

As the Court of Justice ruled in its judgment of 25
February 1986 ( [3] ), the said provisions of Annex VI to
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 do not require that
periods prior to the marriage also be taken into account.
For periods of residence in another Member State
occurring after 2 August 1989 to be taken into
consideration, the aforesaid provisions of Annex VI to
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 lay down that the spouse
of a person employed in the Netherlands can make
voluntary contributions to the insurance scheme under
the Netherlands legislation of general old-age insurance.

The Commission considers that the Netherlands

legislation, as supplemented by Regulation (EEC)
No 1408/71, is consistent with Community law.

O Judgments of 5 July 1967 (Case 2.67 De Moor, ECR 1967,
243, and Case 9/67 Colditz, ECR 1967, 285), 10 November
1971 (Case 27/71 Keller, ECR 1971, 885), 6 December 1973
(Case 140/73 Mancuso, ECR 1973, 1449), 25 November
1975 (Case 50/75 Massonet, ECR 1975,1473), 6 March 1979
(Case 100/78 Rossi, ECR 1979, 831), 12 June 1980 (Case
733/89 Laterza, ECR 1980, 1915), 9 July 1980 (Case 807/79
Gravina, ECR 1980, 2205) and 15 January 1986 (Case 41/84
Pinna, ECR 1986,1).
O OJ No L 230, 22. 8. 1983, as last amended by Regulation
(EEC) No 2332/89, OJ No L 224,2. 8.1989.
O Case 254/86 Spruyt, ECR 1986,671.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1297/89

by Mr Gerardo Fernandez Albor (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 January 1990)_

(91/C 63/07)

_Subject:_ Protection of the coast of Galicia

Because of Galicia's particular geographical situation, all
sorts of vessels in distress are inclined to take refuge along
its coast, irrespective of the wishes of the inhabitants of
these coastal areas, who have to put up with the
consequences of the numerous shipwrecks which occur in
this area.

Would the Commission state whether there are, under
Community law, any specific rules requiring vessels to
maintain a safe distance from the coast of Galicia, thus
avoiding the need for this area to be constantly
harbouring vessels which find themselves in distress in the
region of Cape Finisterre?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 March 1990)_

The Commission is most concerned about the safety of
shipping in Community waters and is particularly aware
of the problems affecting the coast of Galicia.

Since the safety of shipping is an international issue, it is
the subject of a number of international conventions,
mostly drafted within the International Maritime
Organization. Consequently there are no specifically
Community rules on maritime traffic.

As regards the organization of maritime traffic in
practice, reference should be made to the 1972 IMO

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/5

Convention on the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), as amended,
and to the relevant national legislation.

However, the safety of shipping in coastal waters
depends, in the first instance, on the navigational skills of
ships' captains, who receive extremely important
assistance from vessel traffic services (VTSs). These
provide shore-based aids to shipping. The Spanish
authorities are considering setting up such a system to
cover the coast of Galicia.

Attention should be drawn to the major work on VTS
carried out as part of the COST 301 project, completed in
1987, which the Commission intends to use as the basis
for research into the design and assessment of a vessel
traffic management system. This is one of the subjects of
the Commission proposal of 21 November 1989 for a
specific research and technological development
programme in the field of transport (EURET)
1990-1993 C).

Finally, the Commission and several IMO Member States
have put forward, within that Organization:

(a) a resolution recommending the adoption of an,
international agreement on the state of readiness to
take action to deal with oil pollution, which should
be adopted at an international conference to be held
not later than November 1990;

(b) a resolution on the prevention of oil pollution,
calling on governments to implement and comply
with the relevant international conventions and
inviting IMO to examine, in particular, the role of
human factors in tanker accidents.

O COM(89) 557 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 157/90

by Mr Nino Pisoni (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 February 1990)_

(91/C 63/08)

_Subject:_ Aid to Eastern European countries

1. What agricultural products are currently being sent
to Eastern European countries to alleviate the serious
food shortages, particularly in Romania, Poland and the
GDR and in what quantities?

2. What is the source of the food aid sent to these
countries, given that the Community's policy to date of

restricting agricultural production has effectively reduced
stocks to zero and brought the Community to the
threshold of its strategic reserves?

3. Have ECU been sent instead of basic foodstuffs-,
such as meat, milk and cereals or do plans exist to this
effect?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(5_ _October 1990)_

1. Under the Commission's aid policy for Eastern
Europe agricultural products have been supplied free as
follows. The first aid programme adopted for Poland on
21 July 1989, of a value of ECU 110 million (+ ECU
20 million for transport costs), comprised the following:

_(tonnes)_

No decision has so far been taken to supply food aid for
the German Democratic Republic.

2. The products listed above came from stocks in
certain Member States. Although recent common
agricultural policy developments have reduced over
production in certain sectors stocks still exist of the
products supplied free.

breadmaking wheat

barley

maize

beef

olive oil

lemons

oranges

500 000

200 000

100 000

10 000

5 000

15 000

5 000

Funds being still available, the Community decided in
December 1989 to provide an additional 300 000 tonnes
of breadmaking wheat.

In February of this year the Community adopted a second
programme of free food aid, covering transport costs for
Poland but not for Romania.

_(tonnes)_

Poland:

breadmaking wheat

Romania:

beef

butter

olive oil

maize

rye

300 000

20 000

5 000

5 000

125 000

125 000

No C 63/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

3. The Commission has not taken any decision to
supply aid in ecus to Eastern European countries in
replacement of food. Programmes have however been set
up for Poland and Hungary to provide financial aid for
economic restructuring.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 417/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 March 1990)_

(91/C 63/09)

_Subject:_ A new hospital in Gaza

Following the statement made to the Committee on
Cooperation and Development of the European
Parliament by the UNRWA Commissioner, Mr
Giacomelli, on the legal position with regard to opening a
new hospital in Gaza, would the Commission be willing to
help in this project, which would meet a basic need, or to
make proposal for the construction of other similar
centres?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 April_ _1990)_

The European Council of Strasbourg announced that the
Community would increase its assistance to the Occupied
Territories and that this increase should cover actions in
some particularly important fields, including the health
sector.

The Commission is aware of the urgent need for
additional hospital beds in the Gaza strip. The proposed
UNRWA hospital would be a significant step towards
fulfilling this goal. The Commission is seriously
considering the possibility of contributing to the
construction of this hospital under the 1990 programme
of assistance to the Occupied Territories.

However, no final decision on funding will be taken by
the Commission until late June or early July 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 653/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23_ _January 1990)_

(91/C 63/10)

_Subject:_ Participation by the European Community in the
Seville World Fair in 1992

The Commission drew up a communication on
participation by the Community in the Seville World Fair

in 1992 (which was the subject of a resolution adopted by
Parliament on 26 May 1989 (*) and received the Council's
agreement on 30 May) indicating that the Community
should have its own pavilion at the Fair.

Will the Commission be able to adhere to the points made
by Parliament and what is the current position as regards
preparations for an implementation of the project?

O OJ No C 158,26.6.1989, p. 302.

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 June 1990)_

Altogether, the Community is participating at three levels:
through the twelve Member States' pavilions, which are to
stand together along the Avenida del Europa, through the
architectural layout of the Avenida, designed to enhance
the identity of the Community site, and through the
European Community pavilion standing at the centre of
the whole complex.

Member States' pavilions

All the Community countries will be represented in Seville
with their own individual pavilions, which they are
responsible for designing and building. The pavilions will
be arranged on both sides of the Avenida, extending from
the Spanish pavilion, around the Community pavilion
halfway down the Avenida.

Enhancement and decoration of the Community site

The Community site, which was approved by the
Council's fairs and exhibitions group at its meeting on 9
March 1989, comprises 12 30 m high towers symbolizing
the 12 Member States and modelled on the 12 towers of
the Cartuja monastery, which stands on the island where
the World Fair will be, and a 'canopy' (plastic and steel
mesh, of roughly 1 000 m [2] ) linking the towers, starting
with the Community pavilion, to express the unity of the
member countries.

European Community pavilion

Following the competition notice which appeared in the
_Official Journal_ _of the_ _European_ _Communities,_ 62 projects
were submitted to the panel of judges, which met in
Brussels on 18 and 19 January 1990 under the
chairmanship of Mr Dondelinger, Member of the
Commission and the European Community's
Commissioner-General for the Seville World Fair.

The first prize was awarded to a German architect, Mr
Karsten Krebs, whose design for the European
Community pavilion at the '92 Fair will therefore be built.

As regards the exhibition to be mounted in the pavilion,
this is currently being prepared and will focus — as part of

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/7

the general theme of the Fair, 'The Age of Discovery* —
on three main themes: 'Europe at the time of Christopher
Columbus', 'The European Community — a great
discovery of the twentieth century', and 'The Europe of
the future, the realm of science and the new technologies'.

Coordination with the Member States

One of the main features of the Community's
participation in the Seville World Fair is the coordinating
role of the Community _vis-d-vis the_ Member States.

The main coordinating instrument is the Group of
Commissioners-General of the Member States of the

European Community, which has already met twice in
Brussels with Mr Dondelinger in the chair.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 746/90

by Mrs Lissy Groner (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 March 1990)_

(91/C 63/11)

_Subject:_ Education policy

In which areas is it necessary for action to be taken in the
field of education policy within the EC to accompany the
development of the internal market?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 November 1990)_

As the Commission indicated in its communication on

Education and Training in the European Community:
Guidelines for the medium term ('), the 1992 target date
for the completion of the Internal Market has placed
education and training in a new context in the
construction of the Community.

The Commission indicates clearly in this text the future
challenges and perspectives for education and training
policy, and actions to be pursued in this context.

In addition, the Council and the Ministers of Education
meeting within the Council adopted conclusions on 6
October 1989, following an examination of the
Commission's communication, setting out their five
objectives for cooperation in this field.

0) COM(89) 236 final.

Budget item

6452 6452

6471 6471

Assistance Assistance for for victims victims of of
accidents in the coal and steel accidents in the coal and steel
sector and orphans' allowances

WRITTEN QUESTION No 943/90

by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 April 1990)_

(91/C 63/12)

_Subject:_ Commission expenditure in the health sector

Compared to last year the European Parliament has
considerably increased budgetary resources for all
activities in the field of European Community health
policy.

1. How many Commission officials are employed in
Directorate G of DGV?

2. How many Commission officials are engaged in the
'Europe against cancer' programme and in which
directorates-general are they employed?

3. Are the resources earmarked for this purpose in the
1990 budget proportional to the number of staff
occupied in this sector?

4. How have the funds for 1990 been allocated to the

individual sectors covered by Directorate E?

5. What percentage of available staff and funding for
health and safety have been allocated to the 'Europe
against cancer' programme?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 July 1990)_

1. There is no Directorate G in Directorate-General V.

2. The unit responsible for the Europe against Cancer
Programme consists of 12 officials in DG V/01.

3. The 1990 appropriation for measures to combat
cancer amounts to ECU 9 050 000 (Item B 6470). There is
OMamount specifically allocated to the financing of staff
requirements, but this item also covers the fees of experts
and consultants and the costs of services, meetings and
secretarial support.

4. The 1990 appropriations managed by Directorate
V/E are as follows:

_(ECU)_

Assistance Assistance for for victims victims of of
accidents in the coal and steel accidents in the coal and steel
sector and orphans' allowances **390 000**

**Measures to combat AIDS** sector and orphans' allowances **1 100 000**

Title

Amount

**390 000**

**Measures to combat AIDS**

**1 100 000**

No C 63/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

Budget item

6472

6473

6474

6475

6480

6481

ECSC

Title

Measures to combat drug abuse

Measures to combat alcohol

abuse

Public health protection

Action programme on
toxicology for health protection

Health protection, hygiene and
safety at work

Grants to international
organizations

Aid for research, social measures
(ECSC operating budget)

Amount

3 900 000

1 000 000

800 000

360 000

5 100 000

55 000

13 000 000

5. The Europe against Cancer Programme has its own
staff and is financed by a specific budget heading. It does
not draw on the appropriations for health and safety.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1075/90

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

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/13)

_Subject:_ Fundamental rights and freedoms

1. What steps is the Commission considering to put
into practice Parliament's resolution of 12 April 1989 on
the declaration of fundamental rights and freedoms?

2. Bearing in mind that, in recent years, new problems
have arisen which have limited fundamental freedoms and

obstructed the application of the principles of equality
and solidarity, does the Commission not believe that it is
time to reconsider the real extent of fundamental rights
and freedoms, specifically in the areas of economic, social
and cultural rights?

3. Is the Commission prepared to propose specific
measures concerning the right to protection for minorities
and to fulfil international declarations and covenants on

rights such as the right of peoples to self-determination
which has been interpreted in so many contradictory ways
depending on the interests of the States involved?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 June 1990)_

1. Parliament's resolution of 12 April 1989 adopting
the Declaration of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
calls on the other Community institutions and the
Member States to associate themselves formally with the
Declaration. After careful consideration, the Commission
feels that it is not obliged, at this stage, to associate itself
with Parliament's Declaration. It is therefore not

contemplating taking any initiative in this respect.

2. Aware of the new problems which are liable to
curtail the enjoyment of fundamental rights and make it
hard to apply the principles of equality and solidarity, the
Commission and Parliament, in conjunction with the
Florence-based European University Institute, organized,
on 20 and 21 November 1989, a Conference on 'Human
Rights and the European Community in the run-up to
1992 and beyond', in order to review the development of
fundamental rights within the context of the single market
and to put forward a range of options to enhance their
protection both within the Community and in its
international relations.

In this connection the Commission, in its 1990
programme, announced that it will submit a proposal for
the accession of the Community to the Council of
Europe's European Convention for the Protection of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Accession will ensure more effective protection for
citizens' rights in relation to Community acts, with due
regard for the principles of subsidiarity.

3. The Commission believes that application of the
universally accepted principles of human rights, as set out
in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and made
binding by the International Covenants of 1966 on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and on Civil and
Political Rights for the signatory States, should be the
prime duty of all States.

With regard, more specifically, to the right of protection
for minorities and the right of peoples to selfdetermination, the Commission is not competent to
propose any measure, as called for by the Honourable
Member (*).

(') The _protection_ _of_ _minorities_ is enshrined in Article 27 of the
Covenant of Civil and Political Rights ('In those States in
which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons
belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in
community with the other members of their group, to enjoy
their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion,
or to use their own language'). The _right of_ _peoples_ _to_
_self-determination_ (Article 1 of the Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights) was the subject of a declaration of the
United Nations General Assembly of 14 December 1960.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/9

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1077/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/14)

_Subject:_ COPA report

What is the Commission's reaction to the report by
COPA (Committee of Agricultural Organizations in the
European Community) on the situation of the farming
industry in the Community which states, inter alia, that
the disparity between farm and non-farm incomes is
continuing to widen and that the farm sector makes a
significant contribution to curbing the rise in foodstuffs
prices and inflation in general?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

, _(21 September 1990)_

The agricultural situation in the Community is constantly
uppermost in the mind of the Commission. A report on
the subject is published annually and is widely distributed.
The Commission is aware of the paper prepared by the
Committee of Agricultural Organizations in the
European Community (COPA) on the same subject, but it
does not intend to give an official reaction.

The Commission would like, however, to draw the

Honourable Member's attention to a number of matters

which should be borne in mind in relation to farm

incomes, and in particular the interpretation of the
indicators of farm income. Those used at the moment, in
Commission publications too, give a less than complete
picture of the standards of living of farm households.
Their purpose is, as for other branches, to provide an
assessment of the economic performance of the industry,
in this case farming. The stagnation of farm incomes over
the past 10 years must be interpreted, therefore, as a lack
of improvement in the economic efficiency of the
industry. At the same time there has been an upsurge in
production and budgetary spending which is the main
reason for the new targeting of the CAP towards the
market and efforts to improve competitiveness and
budgetary effectiveness. If a comparison is to be made
between the income of those employed in farming and
those in other industries, disposable household income is
the appropriate indicator. This therefore takes account of
income from other gainful activities, social transfer
payments, the effects of taxation, etc. The importance of
part-time work in agriculture means that the income of
farm households is fairly different from the figure

for income derived from agricultural production. It is
estimated, for example, that in France or Germany, only
about half of disposable income comes from farming as
such. Since 1988 the Commission, in association with the
Member States, has been working on an enormous project
to determine better and define overall farm household

incomes, with the long-term aim of incorporating
additional indicators in the statistics which are published
at regular intervals. Lastly, while the averages give an
indication of the overall performance of the industry or of
general emerging trends, they nonetheless conceal highly
varied situations, especially in farming. All the analyses
confirm the very wide disparity between farm incomes, on
account of the diversity of farming in the Community,
both in terms of farm size and of forms of production. An
attempt can be made, admittedly, to make a comparison
with a given reference level by juxtaposing averages, but
an analysis in terms of distribution is essential for the
purpose of interpretation. (See, for example, the graphs
on page 36 of the 1989 report on the agricultural situation
in the Community).

On the question of prices, it has to be acknowledged that
the farm sector has made a positive contribution to
curbing inflation via foodstuffs prices. It should not be
overlooked, however, that the proportion of a foodstuff
price attributable to agriculture is fairly small, and that
consequently the change in food prices does not
necessarily follow that of agricultural products.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1127/90

by Mr Rene-Emile Piquet (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/15)

_Subject:_ The worsening situation of apiculture in the
Community

On 25 October the European Parliament adopted a
resolution on the promotion of bee-keeping in the
European Community (Doc. A2-0091/85). Unfortunately
its proposals with regard to research, processing and
marketing have not met with an adequate response from
the Community authorities. The situation of bee-keepers
has greatly deteriorated and the national and Community
professional organizations are raising a real cry of alarm.

Does the Commission realize how serious the situation is?

Does it intend to propose measures in the near future to
remedy the situation and assist the recovery of apiculture
in the Community?

No C 63/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(1_ _August 1990)_

The Commission is very well aware of the difficult
situation facing beekeepers in the Community, from both
the bee health and economic points of view. It is conscious
of the significant role played by beekeeping in the
pollination of important crops, and also in the
maintenance of the natural balance of rural flora and

fauna.

Since the resolution of the Parliament in 1985, research in

connection with the bee disease Varroasis has been

supported to the tune of approximately ECU 0,5 million.
Furthermore, the amount of ECU 0,5 million earmarked
in the 1986 budget by the Parliament itself for aid to
beekeepers' organizations for the control of Varroasis
was maintained in the following year, and in the 1989
budget was doubled to ECU 1 million. The Commission
has been actively involved in the coordination of efforts at
a Community level to come to grips with this threat to the
health of the bee population.

Past schemes of economic assistance to the beekeeping
sector have proved non-cost-effective and difficult to
administer for a number of reasons including the
structure of the industry itself, comprising a majority of
part-time or hobbyist beekeepers. Nevertheless the
Commission has been kept in constant touch with the
situation in the sector by its representatives at Community
level and is especially conscious of its place in the rural
environment. Thus beekeeping has already been included
amoung sectors covered by a number of integrated
Mediterranean programmes, among others those for
Corsica, and the Drome and Ardeche Departments.
Furthermore, in the context of the reformed structural
policy, it is proposed to include action in support of
beekeeping under the 'diversification' heading in the
Community Support Frameworks, in particular for
objectives 1 (regions lagging behind in development) and
5b (rural development).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1137/90

by Mr Proinsias de Rossa (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/16)

_Subject:_ Dublin-Belfast rail link

Can the Commission say what steps have been taken
by the Irish and British Governments to ensure that the

£35 million of EC funds, available for the improvement of
the rail link between Dublin and Belfast, is availed of?

Would the Commission agree that, in the light of terrorist
attacks on the line by the Provisional IRA, and the fall-off
in traffic which is forcing the two railway companies
concerned to review the service, it is a matter of some
urgency that reinvestment in the service take place?

Would the Commission agree that the rail link is vital to
the economic welfare of the east coast of Ireland, north
and south of the border; to continuing efforts to improve
cross-border relations in all spheres; and to the improved
implementation of the structural framework programmes
to help the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to
meet more effectively the challenge of 1992?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 July 1990)_

The Commission recognizes the social and economic
importance of the Dublin-Belfast rail link to the island of
Ireland.

The Operational Programme concerning Transportation
in Northern Ireland provides for ERDF aid of ECU 7
million for improvements to the Northern Ireland section
of the Dublin-Belfast railway line, subject to
complementary improvements being made by the Irish
authorities to the Dublin-Border section of the line.

The Irish authorities have recently submitted to the
Commission a draft Operational Programme on
peripherality, covering roads and other transport
infrastructures. In its discussions with the Irish authorities

in this programme, the Commission will seek clarification
of their intentions concerning the Dublin-Belfast line.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1141/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/17)

_Subject:_ Research into the protection of juvenile fish
stocks

1. Will the Commission investigate the usefulness of
nets which combine panels of square mesh near the cod

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/11

end (to deal with haddock and whiting) with panels of
diamond mesh (to deal with cod and flat fish) in the
protection of juvenile stocks?

2. Has the Commission enquired if any Member States
have conducted research into this combination and what

research has been conducted in which Member States?

3. Will the Commission publish details of the trials
which have been conducted by the Member States on
combination nets of this kind?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 July 1990)_

1. The Commission would refer the Honourable

Member to its reply to Mrs Ewing's Written Question
No 2182/88 C).

The information available to the Commission suggests
that the nets with a section of square mesh may help to
protect young fish. In addition, Regulation (EEC)
No 3094/86 of 7 October 1986 laying down certain
technical measures for the conservation of fishery
resources ( [2] ) does not prohibit the use of such nets. The
onus is on fishermen to take responsibility for protecting
fishery resources by not using nets which catch young
fish.

2 and 3. Many research institutes are studying the
selectivity of nets; the Commission is encouraging and
assisting the Member States in this research.

In 1989 the Commission financed three research projects
concerning the selectivity of nets under the FAR
programme (Regulation (EEC) No 3252/87 ( [3] )).

The results of this research will be published by the
Commission.

O OJ No C 276, 30.10. 1989, p. 19.
O OJNoL288, 11.10. 1986, p. 1.
O OJNoL314,4. 11. 1987, p. 17.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1149/90

by Mr Eugenio Melandri (V), Mrs Pasqualina Napoletano
(GUE) and Mr Alexander Langer (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/18)

_Subject:_ Arms trading in the Horn of Africa

Having regard to the recent military actions, as a result of
which the anti-government forces in Ethiopia captured
Massawa;

having regard to the serious conduct of Mengistu, who
continues to prevent emergency food aid from reaching
the Eritreans, preventing the arrival of such aid by, among
other things, bombing the lorries used to transport it;

having regard to the enormous responsibility of the
Italian Government which, through its diplomatic
passivity on the matter, continues to endorse the war
waged against the Eritrean people for more than 25 years,
and this in spite of Italy's historical responsibility in the
region;

1. Can the Commission say what European companies
— at least what major companies — sell arms or other
war material to the Mengistu Government, specifying
whether these companies are in the public or private
sector?

2. Does it not consider that an embargo on arms sales in
this region should be proposed, with the aim of
inducing the parties to enter into peace negotiations
on the basis of the UN resolution, as has long been
accepted by the Eritreans?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1150/90

by Mr Eugenio Melandri (Y), Mrs Pasqualina Napoletano
(GUE) and Mr Alexander Langer (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/19)

_Subject:_ The peace process in the Horn of Africa

In view of Jimmy Carter and Hosni Mubarak's recent
political and diplomatic mediation between the Ethiopian
Government and the Eritrean anti-government forces,
with the aim of persuading them to open peace
negotiations on the basis of the UN resolution which has
long been accepted by the Eritreans;

in view of the statements by Commissioner Matutes and
other important representatives of the EC Commission,
who have personally pledged that the Commission itself
would intercede in such mediation;

1. Can the Commission say on what basis it carries out
its own mediation?

2. Can it also say how it is supporting Hosni Mubarak
and Jimmy Carter in their diplomatic activities?

Joint answer given by Mr Delors

on behalf of the Commission

to Written Questions Nos 1149/90 and 1150/90

_(12 November 1990)_

On 30 April, an Ethiopian delegation led by the Deputy
Prime Minister, Mr Wolic Chekol, paid an official visit to

No C 63/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

the Commission and had a meeting with Mr Marin at
which the Ethiopian Ministers gave the Commission a
comprehensive account of the talks being held in Atlanta
(United States) between the Ethiopian Government and
the Eritrean nationalists.

Although this is currently a matter for political
cooperation, the Commission has none the less
reaffirmed its support for the peace process, since a
cessation of hostilities is necessary for the channeling and
distribution of Community aid.

The question of whether an embargo on arms sales to the
region would be appropriate is again a matter for political
cooperation and requires concerted action at
international level. In such a context, there are no plans
for publishing a list of the European companies involved.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1157/90

by Mrs Astrid Lulling (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May_ _1990)_

(91/C 63/20)

_Subject:_ Promotions policy for Commission category A
staff

In its asnwer to my Written Question No 7/90 (') on
injustices which may arise from the present promotions
policy for category A staff at the Commission, the latter
states that promotions proposed by Directors-General for
officials in their departments are considered by joint
committees comprising representatives of the
administration and the staff.

As, according to my information, the promotions
committees for A category officials are not 'joint'
committees, does the Commission not consider that this
state of affairs should be remedied, in order to avoid any
arbitrary blocking of the careers of individual officials on
the basis of the discretionary powers alone of a
Director-General, whose colleagues on the promotion
committee seem traditionally disinclined to object?

With reference to the last paragraph of the answer to my
Written Question No 7/90, is the Commission prepared
to remedy not just irregularities arising from errors of fact
or law, but also to put right the blatant injustices arising
from this discretionary power mentioned above?

O OJNoC 197,6. 8.1990, p. 9.

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

_(28 June_ _1990)_

Further to the answer to Written Question No 7/90, the
necessary transparency is ensured by the fact that the
Promotion Committee for category A staff comprises all
the Directors-General as well as the ten members and
their alternates appointed by the staff representatives,
although it is true that it is not a joint committee in the
strict sense of the term.

What is more, the opinions the Committee submits to the
appointing authority have long been based on consensus.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1167/90

by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May_ _1990)_

(91/C 63/21)

_Subject:_ Safety standards for construction workers on the
Channel Tunnel

The Commission is aware that five British companies have
been fined a total of £50 000 for failing to take reasonable
steps to ensure the safety of their workers.

Will the Commission investigate the safety standards
appertaining to the Tunnel project? What action is
intended to ensure that construction companies maintain
the highest safety standards for their workers, throughout
the whole of the Community?

Would the Commission consider setting a safety
standards charter for construction workers, to coincide
with the Social Charter?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 July_ _1990)_

The Commission is well aware of the accidents related to
construction work on the Channel tunnel, and
profoundly regrets the loss of life and limb that has
occurred as a consequence.

However, safety standards in the Channel tunnel are the
responsibility of the Member States involved, and
therefore the Commission cannot undertake such
investigations.

At Community level, as set out in its communication ('),
the Commission has made safety in construction one of

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/13

the main priorities of its programme concerning safety,
hygiene, and health-at work. On 12 June 1989, the
Council adopted, following a proposal by the
Commission, a directive (89/ 391 /EEC) on the
introduction of measures to encourage improvements in
safety and health at work ( [2] ), the Member States being
required to bring into force the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions necessary to comply with it by
31 December 1992.

This directive, which applies, inter alia, to the
construction sector, lays down general principles
concerning the prevention of occupational risks, the
protection of safety and health, the elimination of risk
and accident factors, the informing, consultation,
balanced participation in accordance with national law
and/or practices and training of workers and their
representatives as well as general guidelines for the
implementation of the said principles. Moreover, it
foresees the adoption of individual directives in particular
areas, construction being specifically included under the
title 'temporary or mobile work sites'. The intention to
submit a proposal for such a directive to the Council in
1990 was announced by the Commission on 29 November
1989 in its communication concerning its action
programme relating to the implementation of the
Community Charter of Basic Social Rights for
workers ( [J] ). This proposal is expected to be submitted to
the Council very shortly.

O OJNoC28,3.2.1988, p. 3.
O OJNoL 183,29.6.1989, p. 1.
( [3] ) COM(89) 568 final, 29.11.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1202/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezdn Alonso (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May_ _1990)_

(91/C63/22)

_Subject:_ Insufficient utilization of budget heading 634 in
the 1988 financial year

For what reasons were the 1988 budget appropriations for
budget heading 634, 'Vocational training and guidance
activities' not fully used up, in view of the fact that
vocational training and guidance must be priority policies
for the Community and the Europe of the future?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 July_ _1990)_

The appropriation entered in the 1988 budget under
Article 634 (Vocational training and guidance activities)
amounted to ECU 13 million.

These appropriations were for a _set_ of operations,
including the implementation of the action for the
vocational training of young people and their preparation
for adult and working life.

This programme had only been adopted by the Council
on 1 December 1987 and it did not start until mid-1988.
So the Member States were not in a position to propose to
the Commission the number of operations which would
have been needed to commit all the funds available for
this purpose.

Because of this delay in implementing the programme,
ECU 1,9 million became available — and was used after a
transfer within Chapter B63 — to respond more
favourably to the many applications for contributions
under the Comett programme for vocational training in
new technologies (Article 6310).

So while all the Article 634 appropriations could not be
used for the vocational training operations initially
planned, the Commission nevertheless made sure that the
funds were used for operations likewise related to
vocational training.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1214/90

by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May_ _1990)_

(91/C 63/23)

_Subject:_ Community system of export credit insurance

At the informal Internal Market Council meeting of 26
March 1990, the Greek representative asked the
Commission to give some thought to a Community
system of export credit insurance.

1. Has the Commission already carried out studies to
this end and, if so, what are the first results of its
deliberations?

2. When will the Commission be submitting proposals to
the Council?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 September 1990)_

1. The Commission would refer the Honourable
Member to its answer to oral question H-161/90 by Mrs
Jepsen (') where the Commission referred already to the
fact that the situation in the Community in the field of
export credit insurance is currently under consideration
by its services. The Commission is of the opinion that
measures are necessary in order to guarantee all
Community exporters appropriate access to insurance
cover and to improve the spread of risks borne by

No C 63/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3.91

Community export insurers. This is particularly urgent
with a view to developments in Central and Eastern
Europe, as stated by the European Council in Dublin on
28 April 1990.

2. Proposals in this area require in depth examination
of a number of complex technical questions. The
Commission hopes to be able to submit a first set of
proposals at the end of this year.

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

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1217/90

given by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/24)

_Subject:_ Forest protection

With reference to action taken under the EEC regulation
on the protection of forests against atmospheric
pollution:

1. for how many prospective inventories of forest
damage and pilot and demonstration projects did
Belgium request Community funding in 1988 and
1989;

2. what was the regional breakdown (Brussels, Wallonia,
Flanders) for the projects approved and the
Community funding allocated;

3. what has the Commission done or what is it intending
to do to speed up the implementation of the
Community forestry action programme adopted by
the Council in May 1989?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 July 1990)_

No Community financial assistance has been requested so
far by Belgium for carrying out the Community inventory
of forest damage in its territory. In 1989, under Article 4
of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the
Community's forests against atmospheric pollution ('),
Belgium submitted a pilot project proposed by the
Flemish Region for which Community funding of ECU
69 169 was granted.

The Commission began applying the community forestry
action programme as soon as it was adopted by the

Council. The speed with which many of the measures are
implemented, however, depends on the willingness of the
Member States to do so.

Since the adoption by the Council of the first forestry
action programme, the Commission has been pressing
forward with the implementation of the reform of the
structural Funds, which includes measures for forest
development and enhancement.

It has also initiated studies to obtain more information on

the afforestation of agricultural land, with a view to
further development.

Important forest protection initiatives have been launched
with the help of the Standing Forestry Committee.
Specific objectives are to make a Community-wide
assessment of air pollution and its effects in forests and to
improve Community measures for the protection of
forests against fire.

O OJNoL 326,21.11.1986, p. 2.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1245/90

by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/25)

_Subject:_ Promotion of eucalyptus cultivation in the
Community

1. Can the Commission state how much funding has
been granted and will continue to be granted from the
European structural funds to the Member States and their
regions to promote the intensive cultivation of
eucalyptus?

2. Is the Commission aware of the threats to the

environment and agriculture that these trees represent?

3. To what conditions linked with environmental

policy and wildlife protection was this funding made
subject?

4. Has the Commission considered alternative

measures which would not harm the environment?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 August 1990)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its joint answer to Written Questions No 89/90 and
No 90/90 by Mr Canavarro (').

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/15

The growing of eucalyptus does not constitute a
significant element of the actions of the Community's
Structural Funds.

However specifically on forestry alternatives geared to
the Iberian and Mediterranean environments, the renewal
and improvement of woodland under cork-oak is eligible
under Regulation (EEC) No 1609/89 _(_ _[2]_ _)._ The processing
and marketing of cork is specially envisaged by
Regulation (EEC) No 866/90 ( [3] ). Finally it is foreseen to
support the cork sector considerably in the framework of
the Community's FOREST research programme ( [4] ) as
stated in the answer given by the Commission to Written
Question No 939/90 by Mr Carvalhas ( [5] ).

(') OJ No C 207,20. 8. 1990, p. 19.
O OJNoLl65,15.6. 1989.
O OJ No L 91, 5.4. 1990.
( [4] ) OJNoL359,8. 12. 1989.
(») OJ No C 28, 4.2. 1991, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1247/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C63/26)

_Subject:_ The rules governing the issue of securities
convertible into shares under Spanish law
contravene Community directives

The new revised text of the Law on Limited Companies in
Spain (Legislative Royal Decree No 1564 of 22 December
1989) includes as one of its new provisions the substantive
control of securities convertible into shares, since they are
one of the main sources of financing for Spanish
businesses. The Spanish legislators have clearly infringed
the Second Council Directive on companies (Directive
77/91/EECO of 13 December 1976), since it explicitly
prohibits the delegation by a company's administrative
body of the power to grant the issue of securities
convertible into shares. The provision laid down in
Article 283.3 of the Regulation on the Business Register,
which makes Spanish law different from the laws of other
European countries, goes against one of the fundamental
objectives of Community law. What general and specific
measures does the Commission have in mind to tackle this

ongoing and generalized infringement of Community
directives by the large majority of the Member States ?

(') OJNoL26,31.1.1977,p. 1.

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(22 November 1990)_

The Commission has noted the facts reported by the
Honourable Member.

It has contacted the Spanish authorities with a view of
obtaining further information and will answer the
Honourable Member's question as soon as it has the
information requested.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1251/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/27)

_Subject:_ EC funding to assist lobster stock enhancement
schemes

Would the Commission consider granting financial
assistance to assist with the expansion of lobster stock
enhancement schemes in Scotland as soon as possible,
given the length of time required to achieve initial
beneficial results?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1252/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/28)

_Subject:_ Natural lobster stock enhancement

Considering the recently published encouraging results by
the Sea Fish Authority from their experiments on natural
lobster stock enhancement in Scapa Flow, Orkney, and at
Ardtoe, Argyll, also the present quota cuts and massive
cuts in grant aid to the Highlands and Islands, would the
Commission sanction funding to allow the expansion of
lobster stock enhancement schemes in Scotland?

Joint answer given by Mr Marin

on behalf of the Commission

to Written Questions Nos 1251/90 and 1252/90

_(13 July 1990)_

Under Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 (') the Commission
may grant Community aid to aquaculture investment
projects, submitted by private or public bodies, provided
that they comply with all the following conditions:

No C 63/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

— they are for a purely commercial purpose,

— they offer a satisfactory assurance of yielding a profit
in due course,

— they fulfil the necessary administrative, technical and
financial conditions required to be eligible for an EEC
aid grant.

Consequently, any Scottish project, submitted by a
private or public body, dealing with lobster stock
enhancement, would be registered and analysed by the
Commission in the light of the above conditions.

O OJ No L 376, 31.12.1986, p. 7.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1275/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso, Mr Pedro Bofill Abeilhe, Mr
Mateo Sierra Bardaji, Mr Josep Pons Grau and Mrs Maria

Izquierdo Rojo (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C63/29)

_Subject:_ Low utilization rates of Article 580 and Item
5812 of the 1988 budget

Why were the appropriations available under the 1988
general budget headings

580: Financial support for transport infrastructure
projects within the Community

5812: Financial support for transport infrastructure
projects to facilitate transit through Yugoslavia

not fully utilized?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 September 1990)_

In accordance with the requirements of Council
Regulation (EEC) No 4048/88 of 19 December 1988 on
granting financial support to infrastructure projects ('),
all the appropriations entered under heading 580 of the

1988 and 1989 budgets have been committed.

All the commitment decisions necessary for implementing
this Regulation and relating to the ECU 65 million
available under the 1988 budget and the ECU 62,5 million
entered as appropriations for commitment in the 1989
budget were taken on 20 December 1988 and 4 December

1989 respectively.

On the question of Item 5812, in which ECU 5 million
was entered in 1988, there being no legal basis for

allocating this appropriation directly to transport
infrastructure projects to facilitate transit through
Yugoslavia, the sum was transferred to Article 580 at the
end of 1988. No appropriations were entered under
Article 581 in 1989.

O OJNoL356,24.12.1988, p. 5.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1287/90

by Mr Thomas Megahy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 63/30)

_Subject:_ Import of possibly diseased bees into the United
Kingdom

In view of the fact that Article 36 of the Treaty of Rome
clearly allows Member States to restrict the import of
goods if such restrictions are 'justified on grounds of . . .
the protection of health and life . . . animals', why is the
Commission proposing legislation which will expose the
United Kingdom to imports of bees from areas of the
Community infested by the parasitical mite varroa?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 July 1990)_

The Commission considers that there are various ways to
ensure the health protection of bees in the Community
and that a complete ban on trade is not justified. In view
of completing the internal market for 1992, the
Commission has already studied carefully the health
problems related to bees.

The proposal for a Council Regulation laying down
animal health requirements for the placing on the market
in the Community of animals and products of animal
origin not covered in this respect by specific Community
rules (') lays down, in particular common animal health
rules governing the placing on the market of bees.

These animal health conditions will encourage
intra-Community trade while meeting certain
requirements designed to avoid the spread of diseases like
varroasis, American foulbrood or acariosis.

The proposed rules concerning varroasis provide for a
ban on movement of bees and colonies, out of varroa
infected zones. However, provisions are contained in the

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/17

proposal which would allow the marketing of queen bees,
with up to 20 bees from infected areas, if they are
accompanied by a certificate attesting that they have been
treated against varroasis.

These requirements will ensure that bees will not spread
the disease throughout the Community.

(') COM(89) 658 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1333/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/31)

_Subject:_ 1992 large market and the quality of the services
responsible in the Member States for medical
and technical inspections and for monitoring
compliance with welfare laws

In several Member States, including Belgium, the official
services responsible for investigating and punishing fraud
in respect of the recruitment of workers, the payment or
non-payment of social security contributions and health
and safety provisions are inadequately equipped, funded
and organized to combat the black economy and bolster,
in accordance with the rules 'in force', public funds in
difficulty. Their demoralization is only increased by the
fact that in Belgium, for example, inspectors are paid less
than the workers on the building sites they are required to
inspect and that there are 390 inspectors — often
travelling at their own expense! — for + / - 2 500 000
workers.

A tripartite ILO mission drew up a report on the Belgium
problem accepted by the National Labour Council on 28
February 1980 (Opinion 645). This document noted the
failure to apply Article 3 (c) of International Labour
Convention No 81 which requires the inspectorate to
bring to the attention of the competent authority
shortcomings or abuses not specifically covered by laws.
Above all, it noted the lack of a doctrine of intervention
on the part of the inspection services, which it described
as poorly coordinated and trained. Inefficiency has
increased since then, particularly through the use of
temporary, unofficial staff with no knowledge of health
and safety rights and rules: the result has been a
lamentable increase in the number of accidents at the

workplace — although the statistics are not reliable —
and an indifferent attitude on the part of the police and
the public prosecutor's office.

In this context, I should like to know:

(') Commuting accidents not included.
(*) Self-employed people totally excluded.
( [J] ) Some sectors (e.g. agriculture, mining) excluded.
( [4] ) 167 fatalities of the Piper Alpha accident included.
(') Permanent incapacity for the particular job.
(*) Incapacity for more than three months.
O Excludes agricultural sector.
(') Excludes public sector.

... No official statistics available.

The figures above should be read with caution; as the
pethora of footnotes suggests, the data corresponding to
fatal or non-fatal injury for the various Member States
are not directly comparable.

1. The number of accidents officially recorded in 198 8 in
each of the Member States which resulted in death or

permanent disablement?

2. What role is played by ILO missions in connection
with draft directives being prepared on health and
safety at the workplace?

3. What practical measures are being taken to ensure that
technological modernization does not undermine
safety?

4. What practical measures are being taken to ensure that
inspectors are able to perform their tasks decently and
humanely?

5. What practical measures are being taken to inform
worker and those responsible for their training of the
old and new rules designed to protect them?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(11_ _July 1990)_

1. Provisional estimates compiled by the Commission
concerning the number of fatal accidents and accidents
resulting in permanent disability in the Member States of
the European Community during 1988 are shown in the
following table:

Member State

Belgium

Denmark (')

Federal Republic of Germany (')

Greece

Spain

France (1987) (*) ( [5] ) (')

Ireland O ( [7] )

Italy (1987)

Luxembourg (')

Netherlands 0) ( [2] )

Portugal ( ' ) O

United Kingdom (')

Fatal

163

80

1605

79

1 322

1 044

13

2015

10

54

619

697 _O_

Permanentincapacity

10 449 O

63 152 O

31250

43 0 O

No C 63/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

In order to obtain reliable and harmonized statistical data

on occupational accidents, the Commission has initiated
a major project designed to produce a common
methodology for the collection, processing and
transmission of such data.

2. The Commission is participating in and contributing
to all important projects and meetings organized by
the International Labour Office (ILO). Moreover,
Conventions and other important documents produced
by ILO on occupational safety and health are taken into
account in the elaboration of proposals for Council
directives in the field of occupational safety and health.

3. The problems and challenges for safety and health
posed by the introduction of new technologies at the
workplace have been given high priority in the
programme of the Commission concerning safety,
hygiene and health at work ( [1] ). Following proposals by
the Commission, the Council has adopted a number of
directives in the field of occupational safety and health,
which contain provisions specifically addressing the risks
posed by new technologies. In particular, specific duties
are placed on employers by virtue of Directive
89/391/EEC ( [2] ), concerning the consultation and
training of workers on new technologies introduced at the
workplace, and Directive 89/655/EEC ( [3] ) concerning the
selection, use, maintenance or servicing of new work
equipment. Finally, the Directive on minimum safety and
health requirements for work with visual display screen
equipment, adopted by the Council on 29 May 1990,
prescribes a set of comprehensive measures in the rapidly
expanding information technology-based industries.

4. The enforcement of national legislation transposing
Council directives is the responsibility of Member States'
governments. As provided by Article 189 of the EEC
Treaty, national authorities have a discretion to choose
the form and methods to achieve the objectives of the
directives, but are, nevertheless, under an obligation to
ensure that these objectives are indeed accomplished. In
this context, it should be stressed that Article 4 of the
aforementioned Directive 89/391 /EEC, which comes
into force on 31 December 1990, enjoins upon the
Member States to ensure adequate controls and
supervision.

The Commission, in fulfilment of its role under the
Treaties, will pay particular attention to establishing
whether these obligations have been fully met by the
Member States. Moreover, the Commission is promoting
active cooperation between the national authorities of
Member States responsible for occupational safety and
health, through regular meetings and joint work on
relevant issues and problems, with a view to obtaining a
better degree of application of Community legislation and
assisting in the improvement of procedures of monitoring
and enforcement.

5. Each and every one of the Council directives on
occupational safety and health promulgated on the basis

of Article 118A of the EEC Treaty contains specific
provisions for the information, consultation, balanced
participation and training of workers and/or of their
representatives on the matters covered by the directives.
The significance of these provisions cannot be
underestimated: the workers must be kept fully informed
about the risks, and prevention and protection measures,
at their workplace.

Besides existing and planned legislative measures, the
Commission is actively engaged in promoting the
information and training of workers, worker
representatives and trainers, on the development and
impact of measures in the field of occupational safety and
health.

O OJ No C 28, 3.2.1988, p. 3.
O OJ No L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1.
O OJNoL393,30.9.1989, p. 13.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1347/90

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/32)

_Subject:_ Euratom safeguards report — bilateral
agreements (Canada, US and Australia)

Regarding paragraph II of the report on the operation of
Euratom safeguards (SEC(90) 452 final), will the
Commission make a statement on the methods used

further to paragraphs 59-61 by the United States, Canada
and Australia to verify the implementation by Euratom of
the bilateral agreements, and have any of the countries
ever indicated formally or informally to the Commission
their dissatisfaction with the outcome of Euratom

safeguards on nuclear materials originating in their
country?

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

_(11 October 1990)_

The supplier countries, i.e. the United States, Canada and
Australia can verify the implementation of the bilateral
agreements through the procedures foreseen in those
agreements. Those procedures include but are not limited

to:

— the provision of the relevant reports,

11.3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/19

— regular contacts and consultations on both technical
and political levels,

— cross-checks of international transfer reported to the
supplier countries through other sources than the
Community.

The abovementioned contacts on all levels with the

supplier countries provide ample opportunity for these
countries to express any opinions on the effectiveness of
Euratom safeguards. So far this effectiveness has not been
challenged.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1365/90

by Mrs Lissy Groner (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/33)

_Subject:_ University education in the European
Community

1. The Community programmes Erasmus, Commett
and Eurotecnet make funding available for measures to
assist the next generation of graduates.

In what other Community programmes, or under what
other budget headings, is funding provided for assisting
the nexrgeneration of graduates, and

— with what objectives,

— for whom is such funding intended,

— what are the requirements for applying for funding,

— what level of funding is provided for in the individual
programmes concerned?

2. Is it true that the main aims are to provide direct
assistance for training and to develop infrastructure
facilities, or are there other key objectives to be met by
such assistance? What funding is available to realize
which objectives?

3. What establishments in the Federal Republic of
Germany are involved in which projects under what
Community programmes (see question 1; including
Erasmus, Comett and Eurotecnet)?

4. In section 4b, point 4.4, of Commission submission
COM(88) 280 final, provision is made _inter alia_ for the
setting up of a fund to provide assistance for European
Fellowships. What establishments in the Federal Republic
of Germany receive monies from this fund, and what are
the eligibility requirements in this respect?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 October 1990)_

1. While it is true that the Erasmus and Comett

programmes contribute to the promotion of university
training for young people, the Eurotecnet programme is
concerned with initial and continuing vocational training.

Apart from Erasmus and Comett, two other programmes
are concerned with higher education: Lingua and
Tempus.

The aim of the Lingua programme is the qualitative and
quantitative improvement of the teaching of foreign
languages; its tentative budget is ECU 200 million for
1990-94.

The Tempus programme was launched on 1 July 1990; its
aims are to improve the quality and encourage the
development of higher education in the countries of
Central and Eastern Europe and to stimulate cooperation
with higher education establishments in the Community;
it has a budget of ECU 20 million for the 1990/91
academic year.

The Commission will send direct to the Honourable

Member and to Parliament's Secretariat the guides for
participation in these two programmes.

2. Generally speaking, it may be said that the aims of
the Erasmus, Comett and Tempus programmes are
promotion of student mobility, inter-university
cooperation and cooperation between the universities and
industry. The Lingua programme is concerned with the
mobility of pupils, students and teachers and
improvement of the infrastructure for the teaching of
languages in the professional and business world.

3. The Honourable Member will find the answer to her

third question in the directories of Erasmus programmes
and Comett projects.

4. As regards the plan to encourage the setting-up of
'European chairs' and courses on European integration,
the Commission has provided support as part of its
information, communication and culture policy through
the Jean Monnet Project for the teaching of European
integration at universities.

Under this project the Commission awarded 220 grants,
46 of them for the setting-up of 'European chairs', nine of
these in Germany.

All higher education establishments are eligible. The
terms are set out in a guide. This guide and the list of
recipients of grants under the Jean Monnet Project in
1990 will be sent direct to the Honourable Member and to

Parliament's Secretariat.

No C 63/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1370/90

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/34)

_Subject:_ Community loans to Spain

Within the 1989—1993 Community support framework
for the development and structural adjustment of regions
whose development is lagging behind (Objective 1), ECU
1 274 million by way of Community loans are earmarked
for Spain for multi-regional projects. No provision is
made for loans to the industrial, services, crafts or tourist
sectors, i.e. for the private sector.

1. In 1989 what loans were granted by the EIB to the
Spanish SMUs (by autonomous Community)?

2. Does the Commission consider the Spanish private
sector is able to finance investments amounting to
ECU 1 050 million without support from Community
loans?

3. What average rate of interest will the Commission
apply to Community loans in Spain?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 August_ _1990)_

1. Of the current EIB global loans to 11 banks in Spain,
ECU 368,2 million were loaned on to 752 SMEs in 1989.
This breaks down between the Autonomous Communities

as follows:

_(million_ _ECU)_

2. The Commission takes the view that the strength of
the Spanish economy should continue to guarantee a
sustained level of growth in private investment, despite a
marked tendency for this to slow down, and enable the
private sector to satisfy its financing needs without
automatically needing to resort to EIB or ECSC loans.

It should be recalled that the total of ECU 1 051 million
of private investment provided for in the Community
support framework is additional to the operations
part-financed with Community structural Fund aid under
this CSF.

Furthermore, the Community support framework for
Spain explicitly lays down that the EIB and the
Commission will examine 'on the basis of their customary
criteria, applications for loans for eligible investment
projects not provided for in this Community support
framework, particularly in the infrastructure, energy,
industrial and related services sectors'.

Finally, although Community loans are essentially
directed towards improving communications and support
infrastructures for economic activity, this does not mean
that the private sector has been totally abandoned, since"
in Spain certain types of infrastructures, for example
energy and motorways, are in the private sector.

3. The rates of interest applied by the EIB to the
financing which it grants in Spain, as in other Community
countries, are based on the cost of the corresponding
loans plus 0,15% per year to cover administrative costs.
The rates applied to the loans granted from NCI
resources are fixed at the same level as the rates for EIB
loans, which have similar purposes and are of similar
durations.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1372/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/35)

_Subject:_ Protection against the cochiliomyria
hominivorax fly

The press conference of 18 April 1990 in Rome convened
by FAO experts highlighted the threat posed by the
_chrochiliomyria_ _hominivorax_ fly, not only for northern
Africa but also for southern Europe.

This plague appears to have reached Libya from Mexico.
A programme of preventive measures is being launched
with the cooperation of the United States Government,
thereby constituting an exception to its generally very bad
relations with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

Catalonia

Andalusia

Madrid

Valencia

Castille-Leon

Castille-La Mancha

Murcia

Canary Islands

Basque Country

Aragon

Extremadura

Galicia

Cantabria

Navarre

Rioja

Asturias

Balearic Islands

Total

65,4

62,0

60,3

35,9

35,2

23,1

16,3

14,2

13,8

13,3

6,3

6,3

5,8

4,1

3,1

2,4

0,7

368,2

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/21

What risk is presented by this plague for the south of the
Community? Are the Commission services, or those of the
Member States most affected, cooperating to eradicate
this plague from Libya before it is too late for the other
Mediterranean countries?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 September 1990)_

This parasite, commonly known as the New World
Screw-worm fly, is an aggressive parasite of all mammals,
including man. Its appearance in Libya has provoked
considerable concern, mostly for the neighbouring
countries but also for the continent of Africa and for the

south of the Community. Direct action in Libya is being
coordinated by the FAO, with the cooperation of the USA
and Mexican governments through a sterile fly release
programme, which is the only effective eradication

measure.

The Commission is studying the possibility of providing
financial aid to the FAO for the programme, and also to
neighbouring countries which are threatened, by helping
with the purchase of insecticides. It is understood that
some Member States are also directly contributing to the
FAO effort.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1391/90

by Mrs Marie Jepsen (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/36)

_Subject:_ Exemption from provisions concerning payment
of the co-responsibility levy on cereals supplied
in exchange for mixed feed consisting partly of
cereals

Paragraph 11 of the judgment handed down by the
European Court of Justice on 29 June 1988 in Case
300/86 (co-responsibility levy for cereals) states that the
objective of Community rules concerning the
co-responsibility levy is to limit the structural surplus on
the cereals market, which means that a levy can only be
applied in respect of processed cereals which are put on
the market, since cereals consignments used in closed
circuit arrangements do not contribute to such surpluses.

In Regulation (EEC) No 3779/88 (*) of 2 December 1988
the Commission lays down the conditions for the
reimbursement of the co-responsibility levy for the
1986—1987 and 1987—1988 marketing years as a result
of this judgment.

However, under Regulation (EEC) No 3779/88, cereal
producers are not entitled to reimbursement of the levy

paid on cereals which have first been 'sold' for processing
purposes and then 'repurchased' by the producer in the
form of mixed feed containing the same quantity of
cereals.

Does the Commission consider that the requirements of
Regulation (EEC) No 3779/88 tally with the view put
forward in paragraph 11 of the judgment handed down
by the European Court of Justice on 29 June 1988 in Case
300/86 that the co-responsibility levy must be paid only
on processed cereals which are marketed and not on
consignments of cereals repurchased by producers in
processed form and, if the Commission does not consider
this to be the case, will it ensure that the co-responsibility
levy on quantities of cereals repurchased by producers in
the form of mixed feed is also reimbursed?

O OJ No L 332, 3.12.1988, p. 17.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 July 1990)_

The question put by the Honourable Member is currently
being studied by the European Court of Justice in the
context of Case 203/89 on which the Court has not yet
handed down its judgment.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1393/90

by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/37)

_Subject:_ Special provisions in the IMPs for Aquitaine and
Midi-Pyrenees

In its answer of 9 February 1990 to Written Question
No 1183/89 ('), Mr Millan refers to 'special provisions' in
the IMPs for Aquitaine and Midi Pyrenees for the
protection of the Pyrenean brown bear which were
included at the Commission's request.

What are these 'special provisions'?

(*) OJ No C 139, 7.6.1990, p. 30.

No C 63/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 July 1990)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answer to Written Question No 1183/89 (').

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

the IMPs with an indication of the relevant pages.

(') OJNoC 139,7.6. 199C.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1399/90

by Miss Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C63/38)

_Subject:_ Staffing levels for implementation of the Social
Action programme

What number of staff is employed by the Commission to
implement the Social Action programme? How are these
staff distributed by grade and function amongst the
various chapter divisions of the Social Action
programme?

How far short of the optimum staffing levels to expedite
the implementation of the Social Action programme are
these figures?

What steps is the Commission taking to recruit staff
necessary to implement the Social Action programme?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(31_ _July 1990)_

By its very nature, the implementation of the Social
Action programme involves all departments of the
Directorate-General for Employment, Industrial
Relations and Social Affairs.

It is therefore difficult to draw conclusions based on the

breakdown given below.

Grade

The priorities requested by Parliament, which are largely
met by the Commisson's programme for 1990, are
requiring officials to work harder and at an
ever-increasing pace.

To implement these objectives with maximum efficiency
an additional _77_ posts are needed in 1990 (rolling plan).

Some of these extra staff have been obtained from new

posts allocated in 1990 (6) and from redeployment (7).

Some of the remaining requirements have been met by the
use of mini-budgets for the recruitment of experts and
consultants.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1408/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/39)

_Subject:_ Community legislation on air transport

Does the Commission intend to propose to the Council
legislation to tackle the unprecedented increase in
passengers at European airports, paying particular
attention to noise and the danger posed by the large
number of aircraft flying over areas close to airports?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 September 1990)_

Although the figures for 1989 show that not all airports
were affected in the same way by the growth in air traffic
— some tourist links even showed a fall — the situation is

nevertheless causing concern.

The Commission recently presented the Council with a
proposal for a Regulation on improving relations between
airport authorities and users (*). The draft proposals
should result in greater weight being given to the
environmental and security problems referred to by the
Honourable Member. The Community Directives aimed
at phasing out the noisiest aircraft ( [2] ) also constitute a
substantial contribution to improving the quality of life
near airports.

In addition, the Commission is firmly of the view that
improving the present system of allocating slots will result

Total

28

52

57

57

B

5

13

14

12

C

8

14

14

20

Industrial relations and social

dialogue

Employment and labour market
Equal opportunities

Social security, social protection and
living conditions
Measures for the disabled

Health and safety

A

15

25

29

25

11. 3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/23

in airport capacity being used more efficiently, to the
benefit of travellers. In this connection it will shortly be
presenting to the Council a draft code of conduct.

(') OJ No C 147,16.6. 1990, p. 6.
O OJNoL18,24. 1. 1980, p. 26. OJ No LI 17, 4. 5. 1983, p. 14.
OJ No L 363, 13. 12. 1989, p. 27.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1416/90

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/40)

_Subject:_ Stabex

Why is the Stabex Fund under Lome IV 62 % larger than
that under Lome III? Does this increase represent, in the
Commission's view, a large enough increase after
inflation to allow Stabex to play an effective role? Is not
the truth that Stabex is still far too small to be of major
significance?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 July 1990)_

The increase of the Stabex funds by 62 %, from ECU 925
million under Lome III to ECU 1 500 million under the

first financial protocol of Lome IV, results from two main
elements:

(a) the wish to achieve an optimal breakdown of the
overall funding on the various instruments contained
in the Convention; for the evaluation of this balance,
traditional allocations and their past evolutions are
important factors;

(b) the actual experience of the operation of the system
in the recent past; here, the financial problems
encountered have certainly significantly influenced
the assessments of the negotiators in relation to the
justified future financial needs of the system.

The Commission believes that, within the global
envelope, the funding of the system is satisfactory. In
percentage terms, Stabex has received the biggest increase
of all the instruments. However, the fact that Stabex is a
limited fund implies necessarily the possibilities of
situations where the amount available may fall short of
what is required.

ECU 1 500 million is a substantial amount. However, the
effectiveness and the significance of the scheme should
not only be measured by the magnitude of the finance it

provides; it also depends on the utilization of these funds.
In this field, the Commission feels that the changes
introduced by the new Convention will certainly not fail
to have a very positive impact.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1424/90

by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman, Mr Paul Howell, Lord
Plumb and Mr Thomas Spencer (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/41)

_Subject:_ Levies charged on the import of New Zealand
lamb

Is the Commission aware that the 10% levy charged on
the import of New Zealand lamb into the Community for
the period January 1989 to November 1989 has not been
paid to New Zealand as agreed?

Will the Commission take immediate action to rectify this
failure and issue the necessary instructions, thus avoiding
charges of deceitful practice and failing to properly
implement a freely negotiated agreement?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1489/90

by Mr John Tomlinson (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 63/42)

_Subject:_ Levies charged on the import of New Zealand
lamb

Is the Commission aware that the 10% levy charged on
the import of New Zealand lamb into the Community for
the period January 1989 to November 1989 has not been
paid to New Zealand as agreed?

Will the Commission take immediate action to rectify this
failure and issue the necessary instructions, thus avoiding
charges of deceitful practice and failing to properly
implement a freely negotiated agreement?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1497/90

by Mr Kenneth Collins (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 63/43)

_Subject:_ Levies charged on the import of New Zealand
lamb

Is the Commission aware that the 10% levy charged on
the import of New Zealand lamb into the Community for

No C 63/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

the period January 1989 to November 1989 has not been
paid to New Zealand as agreed?

Will the Commission take immediate action to rectify this
failure and issue the necessary instructions, thus avoiding
charges of deceitful practice and failing to implement
properly a free negotiated agreement?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1767/90

by Mr Petrus Cornelissen (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/44)

_Subject:_ Levies charged on imports of New Zealand lamb

Is the Commission aware that the 10% levy charged on
imports of New Zealand lamb into the Community for the
period January 1989 to November 1989 has not been paid
to New Zealand as agreed?

Will the Commission take immediate action to rectify this
failure and issue the necessary instructions, thus avoiding
charges of deceitful practice and of failing to implement
properly a freely negotiated agreement?

Joint answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

to Written Questions Nos 1424/90, 1489/90,1497/90 and

1767/90

_(18 October 1990)_

The Community has fulfilled its commitments as agreed
with New Zealand by reimbursing the levies charged on
the imports of lamb into the Community for the period
January 1989 to November 1989 in accordance with
Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3652/89 ('). For
technical and legal reasons the reimbursement had to be
made to the importers who actually paid the levies.

The Commission is aware that the reimbursed levies have,
in certain cases, not been passed on to exporters to the
Community. However, it is the Commission's opinion
that it would be in line with the objective pursued by the
retroactive effect if importers passed on the refund to the
exporters.

O OJNoL.357,7. 12. 1989, p. 14.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1425/90

by Mr Hans-Gert Poettering and Mr Reimer Boge (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/45)

_Subject:_ Supervision in the fishery sector in the North Sea

The so-called 'plaice box' and the 12-mile flatfish
conservation zone allow only fishing vessels listed in the
Regulations (EEC) No 55/87 and (EEC) No 56/87 (')
and subsequent regulations and with an engine capacity of
221 kW (300 h.p.) or less to practice beam trawler fishing.
It is often noted that fishermen in Friesland (Lower
Saxony, Federal Republic of Germany) using cutters
registered as being under 221 kW drag their beam trawls
over the seabed at speeds which experience shows require
substantially more powerful engines. Closer supervision
of engine capacity around the 221 kW mark therefore
seems essential:

1. What is the Commission's view on this matter?

2. What steps is the Commission taking to ensure the
necessary level of supervision and thus prevent abuse?

O OJNoL8,10.7.1987, pp. 1 and 15.

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 July 1990)_

The Commission shares the Honourable Members'

concern regarding possible infringements of the
Community rules laying down the conditions to which
beam trawlers are subject in certain areas of the
Community.

Under Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 55/87, the
Commission is required to check, when the lists are drawn
up or when a request is made for them to be amended,
that the technical specifications of the type of vessel
concerned conform with the rules applicable.

The Commission would remind the Honourable

Member, however, that the Member States have
responsibility in their own territory and in their respective
waters for direct supervision of the activities of fishing
vessels and the prosecution of infringements. All the
means at its disposal are applied, in particular in terms of
Community inspection, in order to remind Member States
of their obligations in this sphere.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/25

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1435/90

by Mr Lode van Outrive (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/46)

_Subject:_ Designating the Hageland region of Belgium as a
rural zone (objective 5b of the structural funds)

The Commission has designated the Hageland region as a
rural zone (objective 5b of the structural funds). The talks
leading to the laying down of Community objectives
revealed a lack of balance in a number of respects. For
example, projects aimed principally at improving the
efficiency of agricultural structures (e.g. land
consolidation and water management projects) were
included, and measures directed towards extensification
or conserving ecological structures were assigned a low
priority. Characteristic of this approach is the fact that no
action has been .proposed for the Demer valley
conservation area (between Diest and Schulen, an area of
6 091 ha), recognized pursuant to Directive 79/409/EEC.
However, this conservation area is part of the Hageland
rural zone.

1. Is not the priority given to intensification of local
agriculture in conflict with European agricultural
policy?

2. Does not the failure to include action aimed at nature

conservation — in particular the failure to include the
Demer valley area — in the planning process suggest a
lack of coordination between regional policy and
other EC action programmes?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_

The Community Support Framework for Hageland,
adopted by the Commission on 6 June 1990, provides for
the implementation of rural development measures
designed to deal with the specific problems of the region.
The actual measures to be implemented will be
determined in the context of negotiations on the
preparation of the Operational Programme giving effect
to the Community Support Framework. Under the
agricultural improvement and diversification priority,
provision is made for the. articulation of measures aimed
at supporting research and pilot projects relating to
reconversion and diversification, promotion of quality
products and non-agricultural activities.

As regards the environment, Member States have been
informed of Commission policy, on the evaluation of the

impact of plans, programmes and projects on the
environment, adopted by the Commission in December
1988.

In conformity with this policy, all proposals must, before
any decision on Community financing, include
information as regards their impact on the environment.

As regard the Demer Valley, it should be noted that the
region may benefit from aid under Objective 5(a) which
provides for measures relating to the protection of the
environment (Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 (') and
amendments thereto). In particular, Article 19 is
applicable if the Belgian authorities wish to propose to
designate the Demer Valley as the environmentally
sensitive zone.

(') OJ No L 93, 30. 3.1985, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1437/90

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/47)

_Subject:_ Use of methyl bromide in vegetable-growing

In the Netherlands there is a ban on the use of methyl
bromide in the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses.

Can the Commission say how the national legislations of
the other Member States restrict the use of methyl
bromide in the cultivation of crops ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_

Methyl bromide is authorized as a soil fumigant in all
Member States with the exception of Luxembourg and the
Netherlands. However, in the Federal Republic of
Germany it is not authorized for the fumigation of
glasshouse soils and a three year waiting period is
required between fumigation and the cultivation of
outdoor vegetable crops. In the Netherlands, whilst
methyl bromide is not authorized for the fumigation of
soil, derogations under certain conditions may be
granted. These derogations are currently being phased
out and will result in a total prohibition of soil fumigation
by 31 December 1991. Derogations for use in the
cultivation of perennial ornamentals, flower bulbs, heated
glasshouse peppers, melons and strawberries will expire

No G 63/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

on 31 December 1990 and the remaining two derogations
for use in the cultivation of roses and glasshouse tomatoes
on 31 December 1991.

In Member States where the use of methyl bromide is
authorized, strict conditions govern its use. These
include, limiting application to trained and licensed
operators equipped with suitable breathing apparatus, use
of gas-tight plastic covering of treated areas for specified
periods, and limitation of dosage rate.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1456/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/48)

_Subject:_ Investment in Cantabria as a region covered by
Objective 2

With regard to the Community aid envisaged for the
Autonomous Community of Cantabria (Spain) as an
Objective 2 region (region in industrial decline),

1. what projects have been co-financed with this aid, and

2. how does the Commission think the delay in
implementing this aid can be overcome, considering
that the period to be covered was 1989—1991 ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 September 1990)_

(a) The Commission is sending the Honourable
Member and the Secretariat a list of the projects approved
by the Commission in 1989 to provide aid to Cantabria.
The total ERDF contribution to these projects is ECU
19,88 million from the multiregional section of the
Objective 2 CSF for Spain. It is not expected that any
other projects coming under this section will be approved
during the current period of the CSF for this region.

(b) According to the forecasts of the CSF there
remains a margin of ECU 15 million in the regional
section for Cantabria. This amount is to be used to

finance operations under the responsibility of the regional
authorities during 1990—1991. The Spanish authorities
have to take the initiative by making applications.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1464/90

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/49)

_Subject:_ Illegal traffic in domestic animals for vivisection

Is the Commission aware of the traffic in dogs and cats
coming from Poland, Hungary and Yugoslavia into the
Community, presumably to be used in vivisection and
often without any health documents to show that they
have been vaccinated against rabies? Is it aware that the
Austrian authorities have drawn attention to this problem
and that the border health authority at Tarvisio has sent
the Italian Ministry of Health detailed information on the
problem of dogs arriving from Hungary with no apparent
destination? What measures will it take to combat this

illegal trafficking and the trade in animals for vivisection ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 September 1990)_

The Commission is aware that at the moment no

harmonized rules exist regarding health requirements for
dogs and cats which are entered into intra-Community
trade or come from third countries although proposals for
a Council Regulation have been made to institute a
certificate for dogs and cats ('). Italian national rules
therefore currently apply in this sector. The Commission
is currently studying the health guarantees and veterinary
border checks applicable to live animals, including dogs
and cats, which should apply to imports from third
countries, with a view to making proposals in this sector.

It is to be noted that Directive 86/609/EEC on the

protection of animals used for experimental and other
scientific purposes, stipulates that the user establishments
may use only purpose-bred dogs for the experiments ( [2] ).
Exemption could however be granted by the competent
authorities.

The Commission has not yet been informed of the
granting of any exemption in Italy under this provision of
the Directive.

O OJNoC85,6.4. 1989, p. 8.
O OJNoL358,18.12. 1986,p. 1.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of thi

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1467/90

by Mrs Astrid Lulling (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/50)

_Subject:_ Royalties paid by cable television companies

Under a Luxembourg law of 1972 implementing the
Universal Copyright Convention (ratified by a number of
Member States), companies operating cable television
networks have to sign agreements to pay royalties for
broadcasting cable television or radio programmes.
Millions of francs thus have to be paid to copyright
companies.

Can the Commission provide information on these
practices in the different Member States? Does it consider
it right that these royalties are payable both by the
broadcasting companies and by the cable television
companies, thereby considerably increasing the cost of
cable television? Does the Commission not believe that it

would be justifiable and is indeed necessary, in the
context of the single market, to investigate the use to
which sums paid to copyright companies are put?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 October 1990)_

Collective agreements authorizing the retransmission by
cable of broadcast programmes have been concluded in
Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

The parties to these agreements are the cable operators,
the broadcasting organizations and the collective
management companies representing the various
categories of those holding the rights. The cable
operators are authorized to retransmit the programmes
covered for the duration of the agreement. The choice of
programmes to which the authorization relates is freely
determined by those holding the rights as represented by
the collective management companies.

In the agreements, the remuneration paid by the cable
operators to the holders of rights is calculated on the basis
of the individual subscription fee (Belgium: Bfrs 436,
equivalent to 15% of the fee for a maximum of 18
programmes), according to the number of additional
programmes retransmitted (Netherlands: Fl 3,07 per
subscription per quarter for the retransmission of five
foreign programmes, Fl 4,07 for six to 10 programmes,
and Fl 5,17 for more than 10 but not more than 15
programmes) or in the form of flat-rate amount payable
during the laying and extension of the cable network
(Germany: DM 63 million for the period 1989—91).

European Communities No C 63/27

A similar agreement has been negotiated in Luxembourg
but has not yet been signed by all the cable operators. In
France a number of partial agreements have been
negotiated. In Denmark retransmission by cable is
permitted under Danish law subject to remuneration
being paid to those holding the rights.

There is nothing in Community law to prevent the
retransmission of a programme by cable from being
protected by copyright and, therefore, from giving rise to
payment of remuneration to holders of rights. It is
recognized in national and international law that the
retransmission of programmes by cable constitutes a clear
exercise of the copyright relating to the works contained
in the programme retransmitted. That exercise of
copyrights is independent of the broadcasting
organization's transmission of the programme and should
be remunerated as such.

The activities of copyright companies and their internal
arrangements are subject to national rules and
Community law on competition.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1474/90

by Mr Antonio Mazzone (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 63/51)

_Subject:_ Integrated operation for Naples

Although the recent reform of the structural funds
includes the concept of integrated funding from various
Community financial instruments, it does not extend to
the direct operation for Naples which was projected prior
to the reform.

How does the Commission intend to reconcile the new

financial regulation concerning the structural funds with
the integrated operation for Naples?

What stage had been reached in this operation prior to the
reform?

What projects have received funding and which have been
completed? What funds have been earmarked to date for
the Naples underground and express tramline? What are
the scheduled dates for the completion of the two projects
and when are they due to become operational?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 September 1990)_

The new rules on the financing of the structural Funds do
not in any way impede continuing Community financing
for projects under the integrated operation for Naples. As

^ o C ^ / 2 8 official Journal of the European Communities 11 3 9 1

part of the Community support framework, these
projectshave been included inamultifund^integrated^
operational programme for Campania, the hulk of which
is concerned with the Naples metropolitan area.

The situation as regards projects financed under the
integrated operation for Naples is as follows^

DD applications for assistance totallingLit30^^billion
have heen made to the ERiUE in respect of l^D
projects, of which 131, accounting for Lit 2D23
hillion, have heen accepted. Applications for payment
total Lit 18^D billion and payments made LitlD29
billions

^ ^1 projects, representing a total investment of Lit
12^3 billion, have been completed.

COn 2^ June the financial situation as regards the
two major urban railway projects, the Naples
underground and the express tramline, was as follows^

^ the undergrounds applications for assistance totalled
L i t ^ 8 hillion, of which Lit 3B0 hillion had heen
granted. Applications for payment totalled Lit 1^8
billion and Lit 128 billion had actuallybeenpaid^

^ the express tramlines applications for assistance
totalled Lit 13D billion,of which Lit 18billion had
been granted. Applications for payment totalled Lit^
billion and Lit2billion had actually been paid.

The dates by which work partfinanced by the ERDE is
espected to have heen completed are 30 April 1993 in the
caseof theundergroundand31 December 1992 inthe
case of the express tramline. It is not possible to forecast
whenthesewillbebrought fully intoservicesincethis
depends on the solutionof the financial,administrative
and technical problems which this type of infrastructure
raises.

w ^ ^ T ^ E r ^ ^ E ^ T T C O ^ ^ o t ^ ^ / ^ O

hy^EerruccioPiso^PPE^

to the Co^o^issio^ of the European Co^^u^ities

^ 9 1 / C D 3 / ^

^ ^ c r . Use of foreign languages for the preventionof
accidents and safety atwork

The Commission is doubtless aware that the percentage
of industrial accidents is higher in sectors employing large
numbers of thirdcountry workers and that most of these
accidents are caused byalack of information concerning
accidentpreventionandsafetyprocedures.

Does not the Commission consider that measures should

be takento ensure that,in the most dangerous sectors,

more information is provided on accident prevention and
safetyproceduresbydistributingeasily comprehensible
notices and showing films at the place of work
accompanied by e^planatoryte^ts in both the language of
the host country and that of the workers employed in the
undertakings

A^swergive^hy^rsPapa^dreou
o^heha^foftheCommission

The Commission shares the honourable ^iember^s

concern regarding the dangers arising from the presence
in any Community country of workers from other
countries who may not be familiarwith the language used
attheirplaceofwork.

Articles 10 and 12 of Council Directive 89/391/EEC of

12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to

encourage improvements in the safety and health of
workers at workg^ contain essential provisions on
worker information, consultation, participation and
training.Theseprovisions apply in particular to workers
from outside undertakings.

Directive ^B5^D/EEC on the provision of safety signs at
places of w o r k ^ i s designed to ensure that all workers
are made aware of their obligations as regards safety
without necessarily using language. As part of the action
programme relating to the implementation of the
Community Charter of the fundamental social Rights of
workers the Commission is currently preparing a
proposal foraDirective to revise and extend the principal
Directive. This should provide an appropriate response to
the concern expressed by the honourable member.

^ e ^ O L ^, ^ t ^ D t ^

w^^TTE^C^UE^TICo^^G 1^00/90

h y l ^ r s C l a u d i a ^ o t h ^

to the Commission ofthe European Communities

^ 9 1 / C D 3 / ^

^ ^ c r . Council resolution on measures to combat

racism and xenophobia and provide better
education forthe children of migrantworkers

In its proposal foraCouncil resolution on measures to
combat racism and xenophobia of 22 June 1988, the
Commission calls on the Council to note that it will take

measures to extend cooperation for the purposes of

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/29

providing better education for the children of migrant
workers. What specific plans has the Commission drawn
up, and how have the budget appropriations earmarked
for this purpose increased or decreased over the last five
years? What amounts does the Commission intend to set
aside for this purpose under the next Interinstitutional
Agreement?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 November 1990)_

Under the education action programme the Commission
has helped to fund some 50 pilot schemes related to the
schooling of the children of migrant workers since 1976.

The purpose of these schemes was to contribute to better
educational integration of migrant workers' children and
to improve their poor performance at school. More
specifically, the schemes have helped with:

— trying out educational strategics and practices suited
to the specific needs of migrant children as regards
learning the host country's language or languages and
their mother tongue,

— developing materials for the teaching of the mother

tongue,

— preparing and implementing in-service training
modules for teachers of migrant children.

For a number of years, these schemes which the
Commission has supported and continues to support, on
the initiative of the Member States, have shown an
increasingly marked tendency to accept the principles of
intercultural education for all pupils. The intercultural
approach is increasingly being adopted by the Member
States and the Commission as the most coherent strategy
for the integration of pupils of immigrant origin, capable
of helping all pupils to develop mutual understanding and
respect and preventing the emergence of racist and
xenophobic prejudices.

The Council and the Ministers of Education meeting
within the Council concluded at their meeting on
6 October 1989 that one of the objectives of European
cooperation in education should be to build a
multicultural Euorope in which the variety of cultural
approaches would be taken into account in educational
and training systems.

At the suggestion of the European Council, the
Commission has asked a group of high-level experts to
draw up a report on Member States' policies relating to
the social integration of migrants. This report will have to

be discussed in the near future by the Council and, in the
light of the outcome, the Commission will consider the
advisability of proposing new measures in this field.'

The appropriations allotted to the pilot schemes referred
to above have been as follows since 1984:

_(ECU)_

1984

981183

1985

1014420

1986

1019846

1987

1282 559

1988

1202546

1989

993 335

1990

750000

The reduction in the amounts earmarked for the schemes

is due to the fact that the budgetary authority did not
increase the appropriations to the education action
programme (Item B 6300) to match the number of
educational sectors the Commission was called on to

support under the programme.

Furthermore^ it should not be forgotten that the
European Social Fund too supports measures on behalf of
migrant workers and their families, measures which are
also concerned with teaching the language and culture of
origin of the children of migrant workers of Community
origin. In 1987,1988 and 1989 the average appropriations
allotted to these measures totalled ECU 78,58 million.

The Commission's expenditure on the schooling of
migrant workers' children and the broader field of
cooperation in education for 1992 will have to be
consistent with the limits imposed by the current financial
perspective and, for subsequent years, with those in the
proposal for the next financial perspective.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1507/90

by Mrs RaymondeDury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/54)

_Subject:_ Role of the Consultative Committee of Local
and Regional Authorities _vis-d-vis_ the
Commission

At the meeting of the Directorial Committee of the Union
of European Socialist Local and Regional Council
Members held in Brussels on 10 May 1990, various
remarks seemed to indicate that the work of the above

Committee was not properly taken into account by the
Commission.

Can the Commission say what role it actually assigns to
the Consultative Committee of Local and Regional
Authorities?

No C 63/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 September 1990)_

By its Decision of 24 June 1988 ('), the Commission set up
the Consultative Council of Regional and Local
Authorities so that those authorities could be more closely
involved in the formulation and implementation of
Community regional policy, which includes the regional
and local implications of the other Community policies.

The Commission regards the Consultative Council as an
essential part of its policy to have regional and local
bodies participate in the definition and implementation of
the Community's regional policies. It takes particular
account of the Consultative Committee's opinion in
adapting proposed measures the better to meet local
needs.

(') OJ No L 247, 6. 9.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1533/90

by Mr Miguel Arias Canete (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/55)

_Subject:_ Seizure of Community vessels by Morocco

There have been a great many incidents in recent weeks in
which Community vessels have been seized by the
Moroccan authorities.

What information does the Commission possess
concerning the abovementioned incidents and how does it
interpret them in the light of the agreements adopted by
the Joint Committee meeting of 19 and 20 March 1990?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(3_ _August 1990)_

Under the agreements adopted by the Joint Committee
when it met at Rabat on 19 and 20 March 1990 the

Commission is regularly informed by the Moroccan
authorities about cases of Community vessels being
stopped and boarded, the reasons for the boarding and
the attendant circumstances being indicated.

The Commission passes on this information to the
Member State and, if it considers that the seizure was
contrary to the provisions of the agreement presses the
Moroccan authorities to ensure that these provisions are
respected.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1537/90

by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/56)

_Subject:_ The right to enter the territory of a Member
State

Further to the Commission's reply to Written Question
No 1134/89 ( [l] ), will the Commission state their view as to
whether it is compatible with Community law for an
airline or shipping company employee, located on the
territory of one Member State, to deny a Community
national (holding a valid ticket) transport to another
Member State, solely because that employee requires, as a
condition of travel, to be presented with a passport or
identity card, not on 'security' grounds, but to decide
whether it is valid for entry to the Member State of
destination?

O OJ No C 125,21.5. 1990, p. 39.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

The methods and circumstances under which a carrier or

its employees check whether a person wishing to be
carried fulfils the conditions for such carriage depend on
the terms of the contract between the carrier and the

person concerned. Since some countries impose penalties
on carriers for transporting to their frontiers persons not
in possession of the required travel documents, carriers
may make the possession of such documents a contractual
condition for carriage.

In this context, the Commission would ask the

Honourable Member to refer to its answer to Written

Question No 1134/90 (') in which it stated its view that
such penalties were not incompatible with Community
law. Consequently, the associated checks carried out
under the contract of carriage do not constitute an
infringement of Community law even if they are carried
out in respect of Community nationals. If a Community
national is not in possession of a passport or identity card
when he wishes to enter the territory of a Member State,
he will not normally be able to provide proper legal
evidence of his nationality, by virtue of which he has a
right of entry to the territory of the Member States.

(') OJNoC 125,21.5.1990.

11. 3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/31

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1560/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/57)

_Subject:_ Special tax for the transit of lorries through
Germany

With effect from 1 July 1990, the Federal Republic of
Germany intends to impose a special tax on heavy goods
vehicles passing through its territory. The tax will
be between DM 1 000 and DM 9 000 annually.
The representatives of professional road haulage
organizations in various Community Member States have
already begun to make their opposition known, and there
is a risk of disturbances on European road networks
during the holiday period.

What is the Commission's position on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 November 1990)_

1. The Commission has started proceedings before the
European Court of Justice against the Federal Republic of
Germany under Article 169 of the EEC Treaty, for
infringement of Articles 76,95 and 5 of the Treaty.

2. Meanwhile, the Commission has obtained an
interim order from the Court to suspend the operation of
the German tax law with regard to Community road
transport operators until a judgement by the Court
pursuant to paragraph 1 above is delivered.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1570/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/58)

_Subject:_ Costs of payments in ECU by individuals

The author of this question recently had to pay the sum of
ECU 5 (Bfrs 212) to the Office for Official Publications
of the European Communities (rue Mercier 2, L-2985
Luxembourg). In the end, he was charged an additional
Bfrs 303 in 'administrative costs' by the branch of the
Kredietbank at the European Parliament fn Brussels.

On what technical grounds is such a surcharge justified?
Is there any difference in respect of payments made:

1. within the Belgium-Luxembourg economic and
monetary union;

2. elsewhere?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 December 1990)_

The charges paid by the Honourable Member break down
as follows:

_(Bfrs)_

payment commission (3 %o, minimum Bfrs 150)

exchange commission (1,5 %o, minimum Bfrs 75)

postal and administrative charges

19% VAT on Bfrs 255

150

75

30

255

48

303

These figures were calculated by the Commission on the
basis of the rates published by the Kredietbank. The
Commission trusts that the breakdown was given on the
invoice in accordance with Commission recommendation

90/109/EEC of 14 February 1990 on the transparency of
banking conditions relating to cross-border financial
transactions (').

Belgium and Luxembourg have a highly integrated
payments system but no automatic clearing centre exists
between the two countries. Settlement therefore takes

place through banks' correspondent accounts and
between two different currencies (Belgian franc and
Luxembourg franc).

Consequently, the payment commission charged is that
applied to all international payments, irrespective of the
country of the beneficiary; there is, therefore, no
difference in treatment between transactions carried out

between Belgium and Luxembourg and transactions
carried out between one of those countries and a country
outside the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union
(BLEU). The reason for the exchange commission lies in
the fact that payment was made in ecus, thus necessitating
a currency conversion. The postal and administrative
charges cover administrative tasks (transcription of the
order, checking, entry in the accounts, postage stamps).

The Commission is aware of the problems associated with
transfers of money between Member States and between
Community currencies. That is why, on 26 September
1990, it published a discussion paper entitled 'Making
payments in the internal market' ( [2] ), which is designed to
pave the way for solutions that will benefit consumers in
particular. The exchange commission would, of course,
disappear automatically if a single currency were
introduced in the Community.

No C 63/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

The Commission is committed to working for significant
improvements in the current unsatisfactory position of
cross-border payments within the Community. The
completion of the internal market and the development of
economic and monetary union make this a priority task
which will benefit both consumers and businesses. The

Commission will make detailed proposals for future
action early next year.

(') OJNoC42,15.3. 1990.
O COM(90)447.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1580/90

byMrPolMarck(PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/59)

_Subject:_ Education and 1992

1. What measures have the Commission taken to

prepare for 1992 in the secondary education sector?

2. What is the Commission's assessment of the '1992

classer' programme introduced in Belgium? Can the
Commission help to support that programme?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1990)_

The Commission considers that all Community
programmes in the field of education contribute to the
preparation of young people for 1992 and the Single
European Market. No specific activities have been
launched for middle-level education, but aspects of the
LINGUA Programme and the PETRA Programme relate
to middle-level school, as do many of the activities of the
Commission in connection with the Resolution of the

Council and Ministers of Education of 9 February
1976 (') on a Community Action Programme in the field
of Education.

The Commission has not launched any programme called
'1992 Classes'; although the President of the
Commission, speaking in Parliament on 17 January
1989 ( [2] ), suggested that there should be a system (which
might bear the name '1992 Classes') under which all
young people in school should be enabled to spend a
period of their schooling in another Member State. The
Community budget at present makes only very limited
funds available for preparatory measures for possible

future initiatives of this sort. The Commission is,
however, interested in such activities carried out in
Member States.

O OJNoC28,19.2. 1976.
( [2] ) Debates of the European Parliament No 2-373 (January
1989).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1581/90

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 63/60)

_Subject:_ Lavatory/toilet facilities for travellers

Is the Commission aware that many so-called public
conveniences — (even in such prestigious places as
Cologne Railway Station) — may be refused to travellers
who, on arrival, do not have the requisite small change in
the local currency?

Would the Commission not agree that in order to
maintain civilized standards, railway and bus stations
throughout the Community should offer free facilities of
a standard comparable to those provided for many years
at airports?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 November 1990)_

The Commission can only share the concern of the
Honourable Member. However, in this particular case, it
does not intend to take any initiative on this matter. It is
primarily a matter for transport companies to ensure that
the package of services they offer their customers is
attractive and competitive.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1596/90

by Mr John Bird (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/61)

_Subject:_ Bait breeding for coarse anglers

There are over five million coarse anglers in the United
Kingdom, the overwhelming majority of whom use the
maggot as their main source of bait.

The 50 maggot farms in the United Kingdom collect and
dispose of 250 000 tonnes per year of farm animal, fish
and poultry waste.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/33

1. Will the Commission confirm that the proposed
regulations on the disposal and processing of animal
waste will not prevent these maggot farms from
breeding bait?

2. Will the Commission agree to amend the proposed
regulations, so as to mention maggot breeding by
name as a"recognized disposal process?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 September 1990)_

1. The Commission has presented the proposal for a
Council Regulation laying down veterinary rules for the
disposal and processing of animal waste, for its placing on
the market and for the prevention of pathogens in
feedingstuffs ( [s] ) as part of the programme for the single
market of 1992.

The proposal aims to ensure that animal waste is disposed
of in such a way that the risk of spreading pathogens is
virtually eliminated. Normally this is achieved by ensuring
that animal waste is processed in an approved and
supervised processing plant. At the same time, the
proposal recognizes that profitable alternative uses for
animal waste should be encouraged, and that this should
be possible when it is ensured that such alternative use is
without risk to the health of livestock or humans.

In consequence, Article 7 of the proposal permits the
competent authorities to exceptionally authorize the use
of certain animal waste for scientific purposes, or for the
feeding of zoo, circus and fur animals, and in special cases
for other animals. The latter category may be considered
to include bait breeding for coarse anglers.

2. In view of the possible variety of special cases which
might exist in the Member States, the Commission does
not consider that it would be suitable to specify a
particular special case such as maggot breeding in the text
of its proposal.

O OJNoC327,30. 12. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1632/90

by Mr Carlos Carvalhas (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/62)

_Subject:_ Safety standards and modernization of railway
networks

Rail accidents have recently occurred in Portugal
(particularly the accident which occurred in the suburbs
of Lisbon on 28 May) as a result of failure to respect

minimum safety standards, overcrowded carriages, the
use of material which had been obsolete for years, the
deterioration of railway lines and signalling equipment
and total failure to respect Community directives on the
safety of public transport users. Is the Commission aware
of this situation? Has any Community financing been
earmarked, for the modernization and restructuring of
the Portuguese railway network, particularly in the
suburbs of Lisbon and Oporto?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 November 1990)_

The Commission is examining ways and means of
reaching a joint solution on the compatibility of the
command and control system, not just for high-speed
lines but for the entire Community railway network. The
Commission will transmit its initial views on the matter to

the Council at the end of the year as part of the report
drawn up by the high-level working party on the
high-speed network established as a result of the Council
resolution of 4 and 5 December 1989. On 29 June this year
the Council reached a common position on the EURET
programme which includes joint research on the
command and control system in the Community.

Responsibility for rail safety lies primarily with the
Member States' railways. The Commission intends,
however, to extend its contacts with railway
organizations, such as the Community of European
Railways, UIC and ORE on which the various railways
are represented, in order to improve safety standards,
where appropriate by harmonizing certain aspects in
order to standardize operation on each railway, as
indicated in the Commission communication to the

Council on a common railway policy (*).

Under the 1986—89 budgets the Commission contributed
to the modernization of Portugal's railway infrastructure.
There is no doubt that this financing helped to improve
safety standards on the Portuguese rail network.

O COM(89) 564 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1643/90

by Mr Henry McCubbin (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/63)

_Subject:_ Even implementation of Community measures in
the fisheries sector

The following statement has been credited to the
Commission 'The Commission will give priority to

No C 63/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

implementing the provisions contained in Regulation
(EEC) No 4028/86 ( [l] ) calling on the Member States to
adapt their laws accordingly, in order not to deprive their
undertakings of the financial benefits associated with
these provisions'. In the light of this statement, will the
Commission seek a Court of Justice ruling on this
statement in order to compel nation states to comply with
the law and ensure that undertakings in all Member States
can avail themselves of the financial benefits?

(') OJ No L 376, 31. 12.1986, p. 7.

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(6_ _August 1990)_

Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 on Community measures
to improve and adapt structures in the fisheries and
aquaculture sector was adopted by the Council on 18
December 1986. One of its main aims is to achieve a

Community fishing fleet which is in equilibrium with
available fish resources and which is competitive with
other fleets.

It may be necessary for Member States to introduce
legislation or other administrative arrangements in order
to comply with the terms and conditions of the
Regulation. This may be the case, particularly in relation
to achievement of the objectives on fleet capacity
reduction laid down in the Multiannual Guidance

Programmes adopted by the Commission within the
framework of Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 or in
relation to the introduction of national schemes including
those to reduce capacity in accordance with Article 25 of
the Regulation.

Where Member States fail to reach the objectives laid
down in the programmes in relation to fleet capacity
reduction it would be inconsistent for the Community to
provide finance for vessel constructions projects in
particular which would add to an existing problem of
overcapacity in relation to the programme objectives.

The Commission examines each case in relation to the

particular circumstances and it is conscious of its
responsibilities to take such action as may be necessary to
ensure that the objectives of the Regulation are achieved.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1651/90

by Mr Francis Wurtz (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/64)

_Subject:_ Demonstration project under Regulation (EEC)
No 797/85 in Alsace

Under Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 ('), a demonstration
project was launched in Alsace (Decision C (87) 2524

of 22 December 1987) for the introduction on an
experimental basis, and the development of roundwood
farm building kits, for which the Community provided
financing of ECU 400 000.

Who was responsible for organizing this project, what
was its final cost (taking the Community's contribution
into account) and what has been learned from this
experiment?

O OJ No L 93, 30. 3. 1985, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 July 1990)_

On 22 December 1987 the Commission, under Regulation
(EEC) No 797/85, provided financing of ECU 400 000
for the implementation of demonstration project
No 87.70/FR.002 involving the introduction on an
experimental basis of roundwood farm building kits.

This project has been organized by the Alsace Regional
Chamber of Agriculture.

The final cost and conclusions to be drawn from this

experiment cannot be determined because the project has
not yet been completed. However, progress at present is
satisfactory.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1686/90

by Mr Virginio Bettini (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/65)

_Subject:_ Improper use of IMP funding in Umbria (Italy)

A project for a gigantic structure to be built in the village
of S. Feliciano di Magione near Lake Trasimeno has been
included in the IMP for Umbria contrary to the basic
conditions governing the programme.

The area in which the structure is to be built is protected
under the 1965 law regarding areas of natural beauty and
is included in the 'Trasimeno-Busillo' regional nature

reserve.

The area is an integral part of the wetlands of
international interest covered by the Berne convention,
which was signed both by the European Community and
the Italian State.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/35

In view of the above, will the Commission take steps to
ensure that the provisons of the IMP for Umbria and of
the Berne Convention are respected? Will it also take steps
to withdraw Community support if the provisions of the
IMP for Umbria and of the Berne Convention are not

observed ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 September 1990)_

The Commission has contacted the appropriate regional
authorities over the project mentioned by the Honourable
Member. The information set out below does not reveal

any improper use of funds provided under the IMP for
Umbria to finance a services centre in S. Feliciano di

Magione:

— in 1986 the region of Umbria commissioned the
Valtur company to study how the area's tourist
potential could be developed without damaging the
environment around Lake Trasimeno;

— the services centre approved by the commune of
Magione has taken full account of the environment
and totally respects it. It is not situated directly on the
lake but in an area also used for housing on the other
side of the road which runs along the lake;

— the building cannot be described as 'gigantic' since it
has a total area of 1 502 m [2] on two floors. It will assist

the tourist industry in developing the area;

— the services centre is located in an area designated for
public services in the land-use plan;

— the area is governed by Law No 1497/39, under which
every project must respect the environment;

— the site on which the centre will be built does not form

part of the Trasimeno wetlands and so is subject to
neither the Berne nor the Ramsar Conventions. There

is therefore no need for Commission intervention to

ensure compliance with those Conventions;

— under the plan governing parks in Umbria, drawn up
with assistance from the region and the European
Community, the financing of services centres is
perfectly compatible with the new legislation. There
are no standards in force which could prevent
completion of the project or make it inadvisable.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1692/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 63/66)

_Subject:_ EFTA environmental standards

Overall, environmental standards adopted by the EFTA
countries are more stringent than European Community
standards.

In the context of the discussions on establishing the
European Economic Area, could the Commission assess
the economic impact which would result from application
by the Community Member States of EFTA-type
standards?

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

_(6 December 1990)_

Negotiations between the EEC and EFTA for the creation
of a European Economic Space (EES) were formally
initiated on 20 June 1990. Their aim is to achieve the 'four

freedoms' on the basis of the relevant Community acquis
which is to be identified jointly, and not on the basis of
EFTA legislation. This also applies to those areas of
environmental legislation which affect the functioning of
the internal market.

Therefore the question of assessment of the economic
impact of the application by the Community Member
States of EFTA-type standards does not arise.

Moreover., if it is true at present that some EFTA
countries have higher standards in a few areas of
environmental legislation, others have less stringent
standards. No single set of EFTA standards exists.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1695/90

byMrPolMarck(PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 July 1990)_

(91/C63/67)

_Subject:_ Dumping practices of Eastern European
countries

There are more and more reports of dumping prices being
applied by Eastern European countries in the dairy sector;
this is detrimental to Community stocks, which, in spite of
the stabilization measures, are liable to rise again.

No C 63/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.3. 91

Can the Commission say what details it has with regard to
butter, milk powder, casein and cheese? Bearing in mind
the new style of relations with these countries, what
action can be considered?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1990)_

Up-to-date specific data on the quantities of butter, milk
powder, casein and cheese exported from Eastern
European countries are not accessible.

Only Poland has informed us that, of the 17 000 tonnes
of butter for which licences has been issued, about
15 000 tonnes had been exported by the end of 1990.

Selling prices are very low. The fob offer prices are
between $US 730 and 10 000 per tonne for butter from
Eastern Europe and between $US 800 and 850 per tonne
for skimmed-milk powder, while minimum prices under
GATT are $US 1 350 and 1 200 per tonne respectively.

Following the liberalization of foreign trade, which had
previously been restricted exclusively to State
organizations, export price controls partially or fully
lapsed.

In addition, consumer prices have begun to rise as a result
of the total or partial abolition of subsidies, which has in
turn created surpluses of butter and skimmed-milk
powder in particular, and these are being disposed of as
quickly as possible in exchange for strong currencies.

The new situation, which is primarily the result of the
recent political changes in Poland, the German
Democratic Republic, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, is
having a negative impact on world market prices. In
particular the countries participating in the international
agreements on milk within GATT, which observe the
minimum prices, are having difficulty in selling butter and
skimmed-milk powder.

As yet, there have been no problems for cheese, since
these countries are only marginal exporters. As for casein,
imports from Poland in particular are on the increase, not
only because of a drop in prices but also as a result of the
prohibition on adding to milk products casein or
caseinates of Community origin in respect of which aid
has been granted.

The Commission has already contacted the authorities of
certain Eastern European countries with a view to
enforcing compliance with the GATT minimum prices. In
addition, the Council has adopted a proposal for a
Regulation to improve the situation as regards casein ( [l] ).

O OJNoL201,31.7. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1697/90

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/68)

_Subject:_ Copyright protection for composers

The Commission introduced a Green Paper in 1988 called
'Copyright and the technological challenge' and is
believed to wish to see its proposals adopted.

The proposals go beyond those of the Luxembourg
Convention (1975), which was intended to supplement
the Munich Convention (1973) on Patents but has yet to
come into force.

The proposals are to be welcomed as far as they go, but
they are silent with regard to the composers of popular
and serious music except as to recordings of their music.
Will the Commission please ensure that the legitimate
rights of composers are specifically included in their
current proposals?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

The two conventions referred to by the Honourable
Member, the convention on the grant of European
Patents of 5 October 1973, and the Agreement relating to
Community patents, signed in Luxembourg on 15
December 1989 ('), are concerned with patent law,
whereas the Green Paper on copyright and the challenge
of technology ( [2] ) deals solely with questions relating to
copyright.

The rights of composers of light and serious music are
protected by Article 2 of the Convention of Berne for the
protection of literary and artistic works.

All the Community's Member States have acceded to that
Convention, but some of them have not yet ratified the
most recent revision carried out in Paris in 1971. The

Commission is therefore studying the possibility of
presenting a proposal for a decision to the Council in the
near future which would ensure that all Member States

accede to the Convention of Berne for the protection of
literary and artistic works, as revised by the Act of Paris of
24 July 1971, and to the International Convention of
Rome for the protection of performers, producers of
phonograms and broadcasting organizations of 26
October 1961.

O OJNoL401,30. 12. 1989, p. 1.
O COM(88) 172 final.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/37

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1732/90

by Mr Eugenio Melandri (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/69)

_Subject:_ Arms trade between the Community and
developing nations

Can the Commission say how much, in money terms, the
arms trade between the Community and the developing
nations, in particular the ACP states, represents?

Which are the main Member States to maintain military
trading relations with developing nations?

Are there Community rules governing the arms trade
involving these countries, and what checks are carried out
to prevent what is known as 'triangulation', i.e. the supply
of material, in collusion with third countries, to states
against which the Community has imposed a political and
trading embargo?

What industrial policy provisions and legislation at
Community level govern arms production and trade?

Why has the Commission hitherto failed to propose
common rules to govern the arms market?

Is the Commission considering both the industrial and
political implications of possibly converting the arms
industry to civil production, which, according to major
economic and scientific studies, is feasible?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 September 1990)_

Information on trade in military equipment is treated as
confidential by Member States for reasons of national
security. The Commission is therefore unable to provide
the details requested by the Honourable Member.

Under Article 223 (1) (b) of the EEC Treaty, Member
States may take the necessary measures to protect their
national security interests connected with the production
of or trade in products intended for specifically military
purposes and included in the list drawn up pursuant to
paragraph 2 of that Article.

Accordingly, although there are a number of reasons,
especially those resulting from Article 30 of the Single
European Act, for strengthening coordination within the

Community of the rules governing trade in military
equipment, any proposal would at all events have to take
account of the security interests of Member States.

At sectoral level, the Council has adopted Regulation
(EEC) No 428/89 ('), which establishes control
procedures for the export of certain chemical products
which could be used for military purposes. A proposal for
a second regulation adding a new product to the list and
containing new administrative provisions to simplify the
Commission's task was approved by the latter and
forwarded to the Council on 13 March 1990.

A firm of consultants has been commissioned to produce a
study on the competitiveness of the European dual-use
industry that will take account of recent political,
economic and technological developments. The study will
also cover the strategic options available to defence firms,
such as diversification, concentration and globalization.
If the expected budgetary cuts in defence spending
materialize, European defence companies, already highly
diversified, should find it relatively easy to undertake
further diversification. Previous attempts at planned
conversion programmes, like the US programme after the
Vietnam war, proved extremely difficult.

(') OJ No L 50,22. 2. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1735/90

by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/70)

_Subject:_ Direct taxation and competition policy
(coordination centres)

On the basis of the 'Coordination Centre Statutes' (1982),
Belgium offers an attractive fiscal environment to
businesses that operate internationally. 213 firms now
benefit from this arrangement, and there are plans for a
further 54 coordination centres _(Financial Times,_ 5 June
1990).

1. Is it true that Ireland, Luxembourg and Austria
operate similar arrangements?

2. Do Member States other than Ireland and

Luxembourg intend to introduce similar
arrangements?

3. Has the Commission received notification of all such

arrangements, which constitute a major tool in
competition between Member States, pursuant to
Article 93 (3) of the EEC Treaty?

No C 63/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

4. In this regard, does the Commission intend to use its
power to propose the 'appropriate measures required
by the progressive development or by the functioning
of the common market' (Article 93 (1))?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 September 1990)_

Several Member States (France, the Federal Republic of
Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United
Kingdom) have indeed introduced rules governing
taxation of the European headquarters of multinational
groups. The rules are designed to avoid double taxation,
in particular by determining taxable profits on a flat-rate
basis. The Commission takes the view that such rules do

not fall within the scope of Articles 92 and 93 of the EEC
Treaty.

The Commission decided that the rules applicable to
coordination centres in Belgium were unobjectionable as
regards Article 92 of the EEC Treaty, following the
Belgian Government's amendments to the provisions
originally notified to it.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1785/90

byMrPolMarck(PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/71)

_Subject:_ Use of starch

In spite of the commitment to promote non-food outlets
for agricultural products, the list of products for which
starch can be used has not been extended.

A striking example of this is the use of starch in coal
briquettes. Lignosulphates and bitumen, which are very
harmful pollutants, are still being used as a binding agent
in these briquettes.

Why has this possible outlet not been included in the list
in the annex to Regulation (EEC) No 1009/86 with a view
to removing the competitive advantage enjoyed by
manufacturers outside the EC?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 October 1990)_

At the European Council's request the Commission is
exploring all possibilities for promoting non-food uses

for agricultural products. The Council has recently
approved two measures, one granting aid for the use of
arable land for non-food purposes and the other on low
price sales of oils and fats held by the intervention
agencies for demonstration projects of new non-food

uses.

The Commission is at the moment examining the list of
potential beneficiaries under these schemes.

The purpose of the starch refund scheme is to ensure that
industrial starch users in the Community can compete
with manufacturers outside the Community in cases
where the import rules do not ensure adequate protection.
The scheme thus indirectly promotes the use of
agricultural products for non-food industrial purposes.

The Commission is now studying all requests for
additions to the list (including coal briquettes) annexed to
Regulation (EEC) No 1009/86 that meet the criteria laid
down in the Regulation.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1797/90

by Mr Lyndon Harrison (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/72)

_Subject:_ Orchestras

Could the Commission indicate what percentage of the
cultural action budget is set aside for orchestras?

In the case of the European Youth Orchestra, could the
Commission also give a breakdown by nationality of the
young musicians?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_

The Commission would draw the attention of the

Honourable Member to the fact that it does not have a

specific policy for aid to music or, by extension, to
orchestras. That said, orchestras received some 10% of
the cultural action budget in 1989.

According to the information supplied at the last meeting
of the Administrative Committee of the European

11. 3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/39

Community Youth Orchestra, its breakdown by
nationality is as follows:

37 British, 36 Germans, 13 French, 13 Italians, 10 Dutch,
eight Danes, eight Belgians, four Irish, four Spanish, two
Portuguese and two Luxembourgers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1799/90

by Mr Lyndon Harrison (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/73)

_Subject:_ Budget for cultural action

Would the Commission give a breakdown and costing for
each item or at least each category of expenditure within
budget heading 670 relating to cultural action?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 September 1990)_

The breakdown of the Cultural Action Budget for 1989
was as follows:

_(in ecus)_

between 11 and 13 million hectares of cultivated land in

the Community in order to achieve a balance between
supply and demand in the food sector and to minimize the
expenditure occasioned by large Community surpluses.
The Economic and Social Committee also points out that
European agriculture must be redirected towards 'new
production sectors', that is to say, forestry, biomass, flax,
hemp, cotton and ornamental, aromatic and medicinal
plants, etc. It goes on to point out, however, that
conversion to other forms of agricultural production in
the Community will require proper planning and research
in order to ascertain whether and to what extent the

cultivation of other products will be profitable.

What are the Commission's views on this matter? Will it

take specific measures for the reorientation of agricultural
production in the Community?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 November 1990)_

When it comes to bringing the supply of agricultural
products under control, a purely arithmetical approach to
the situation across the Community would suggest that
one could achieve a balance between supply and demand
by taking several million hectares of farmland out of
production. This is the sort of approach mentioned by the
Honourable Member in his question. The Commission
considers that such calculations give a simplistic picture of
Community agriculture, as regards both our exports and
our imports, as a similar reasoning could well be applied
to imported agricultural products. However, in neither
case does such an approach provide a firm foundation on
which to base agricultural policy decisions, as it ignores a
whole series of considerations, whether economic or in
relation to agricultural science on the one hand, or social
and environmental on the other, and is, moreover, static.

In particular, as regards the problem raised by the
Honourable Member in his question, the Commission
view is that the limitation of production cannot be seen, in
the Community context, in terms of a single instrument
such as the compensated setting aside of farmland. The
set-aside scheme, in its current form, forms part of a
package of measures aimed at limiting both production
and expenditure, including, in particular, the 'stabilizers'
for products covered by a market organization, and other
measures proposed by the Commission such as direct
income aids, early retirement, conversion, extensification,
use of agricultural products for purposes other than
foodstuffs, etc. Some of these measures have already
entered into force (although the Commission deeply
regrets their uneven legislative and administrative
implementation in the various Member States), others
have only recently been adopted or are still being
discussed by the Council or have only just been adopted
by the Commission. As regards, in particular, the set-aside
scheme, the take-up in the 1988/89 and 1989/90
marketing years was .inadequate and the Commission has

3 484 477

670 000

83 500

288 500

263 200

950 367

113 850

446 106

6 300 000

1.

2.

3,

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Architectural Heritage

European Community Youth Orchestra
and similar activities

Support for literary translation

Dialogue with non-Community countries

Festivals

Grants for cultural activities with a

European dimension

Conferences, Studies, Research

Administrative Costs

Naturally the amount allocated to each category varies
slightly from year to year.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1814/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/74)

_Subject:_ Limitation of agricultural production in the
Community

According to the Economic and Social Committee of the
European Community, it will be necessary to set aside

No C 63/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3.91

undertaken a number of measures to encourage certain
Member States to implement this programme effectively.

As regards the diversification of production, a matter
raised in the second part of the Honourable Member's
question, it should be pointed out that certain of the
measures mentioned above are aimed at encouraging
alternative forms of agricultural production, but that
these measures have only recently been adopted, such as
that on the use of agricultural products for purposes other
than foodstuffs, or have not yet been decided on by the
Council, such as the measure on conversion. As things
stand at' present, the development of new forms of
production must be mainly demand-led.

The Commission does not intend to take any specific
measures to redirect crop production other than those
already on the table, which are intended to form a
coherent package in which market forces play a greater
role in the management of the CAP. The Community
does not wish to enter upon the path of dirigism in
attempting to redirect production but, rather, wishes to
see producer prices play their normal role in a market
economy, namely that of regulating supply and demand.
Nevertheless, the Commission has stated, both in its 1985
Green Paper and its 1988 communication on the future of
rural society, its intention to pursue a product quality
policy. Moreover, it is committed to a number of specific
research measures. In this respect, the Commission would
draw the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that

a specific Community research and technological
development programme in the field of competitiveness
of agriculture and management of agricultural resources
has been established for the period 1989—93 (').

O OJ No L 58, 7. 3. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1821/90

by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/75)

_Subject:_ Implementation by Belgium of the 1984 Council
resolution on reducing waiting time at frontiers

In 1984, the Council and the Representatives of the
Governments of the Member States of the European
Communities meeting within the Council adopted a
resolution (84/C) (*) on appropriate measures to reduce
to a minimum waiting time, and the duration of checks, at
frontiers.

In the recent past, new 'STOP' signs have been placed at
some distance in front of the counters of police officers

checking arriving passengers (Community and
non-Community) at Brussels National Airport. The result
is that the flow of passengers is slowed down; the time
alone taken to walk up to the police officer is often more
than the time taken to examine a passport at many other
Community airports, including Heathrow.

Since Community nationals are entitled under
Community law to enter Belgium on the simple
production of a valid passport or identity card, can the
Commission elicit from the Belgian authorities what is the
purpose of this measure (at least as far as the Community
channels are concerned) ?

O OJNoC 159, 19.6. 1984,p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 September 1990)_

Provided the principle of non-discrimination between
Community nationals is respected, the actual way in
which checks are carried out on persons crossing frontiers
is, as Community law stands, a matter for the Member
States. The Commission does not therefore intend to raise

the matter with Member States' authorities unless the

checks carried out severely restrict the free movement of
persons. This does not seem to be the case here. While it
may well be that the new passport control arrangements
recendy introduced at Brussels National Airport slow
down the flow of passengers slightly, they also afford
passengers greater privacy.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1822/90

by Mr Paul Lannoye (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 63/76)

_Subject:_ The Community's financing of the destruction
of Irish peat bogs

The 1987—88 annual report by Bord na M6na, the Irish
peat development board, shows that, during the 1987—88
financial year, this organization received £Irl 1 418
million in Community aid.

Can the Commission state:

— for what purposes this aid was used;

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/41

— whether the development of new peat bogs was
involved, or the extension of work on existing sites;

— the names of the sites in question?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1990)_

Under Article 4 (i) b of Council Regulation (EEC)
No 3301/86 of 27 October 1986 (') (Valoren programme
in Ireland), an investment of £IRL 10,9 million was
scheduled for development of peat resources (55 % of this
amount is EC funded) in the period 1987—88, these two
years being the first in a five-year programme. This
money was used to begin infrastructural development
work in relation to the extraction and processing of peat
in order to supply increased capacity in electricity
generation and briquetting and to substitute for areas
whose peat deposits are becoming exhausted.

Most of the projects scheduled involved completion or
construction of work on existing sites. An exception is the
proposed development of 800 hectares to produce 22 000
tonnes of sod peat at Attymon near Athenry in County
Galway. Existing bogs in the areas are almost 'cut out'.

Projects at the following sites involve infrastructural
development of milled peat works:

(i) Boor — County Offaly;

(ii) Blackwater — a site which overlaps counties
Westmeath, Offaly, Galway and Roscommon;

(iii) Mountdillon in counties Roscommon and
Longford;

(iv) Derrygreenagh, County Offaly;

(v) Oweninny, County Mayo;

(vi) Littleton in a site overlapping counties Laois,
Kilkenny and Tipperary.

As well as the Attymon project infrastructural
development of sod peat sites is proposed at the following
sites:

(1) Ballydermot, at a site spanning areas of counties
Kildare and Offaly;

(2) Clonsast in North County Laois;

(3) Coolnagun in County Westmeath.

Projects for additional peat briquette production were
proposed at:

(1) Croghlian, County Offaly, where there were plans to
harvest former sod-peat bogs;

(2) Balyldermot (counties Kildare and Offaly) and
Ballivor (counties Meath and Westmeath) where
former sod-peat bogs, now unsuitable for sod-peat
production, can be coverted to milled peat
production for briquettes.

O OJ No L 305, 31.10.1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1862/90

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/77)

_Subject:_ Publicity for Europe — European Tourism Year

1. Is it true that in recent years, the Commission has
attempted to draw the attention of European citizens to
the advantages of European cooperation by means of
catch phrases such as the Year of the Child, the Year of
the Disabled and Tourism Year? How many special years
have been thus designated and in what causes?

2. In what way has the Commission cooperated with
the Member States in working for these causes intended
to generate particular European awareness during the
years in question? With which Member States was this
cooperation organized and over what period?

3. What financial contribution was made by the
Community to these causes and what has been the effect
of Community participation in the public image of
institutions other than the Commission for example the
European Parliament?

4. What contributions were made by the Member
States for each cause?

5. What is the Commission's assessment of these

praiseworthy initiatives and can the results be measured in
concrete terms? If so, how?

6. What causes will be designated over the next five
years and how does the Commission intend to make use
of its experience to correct and improve such initiatives?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 November 1990)_

1. The Commission has been organizing 'European
Years' on particular themes since the early 1980s as a way
of heightening public awareness of important European
issues.

No C 63/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

The themes chosen have been: in 1983 small and

medium-sized enterprises and the craft industry, in 1985
music, in 1986 road safety, in 1987 the environment, in
1988 cinema and television, in 1989 cancer prevention and
in 1990 tourism.

2. In organizing these European Years, the
Commission has cooperated with all the Member States
(public and private bodies) and with other international
agencies.

3. The financial contribution made by the Community
to the European Years varies greatly according to the
activities concerned. The activities have, moreover,
always been presented as Community initiatives, and
Parliament has been as closely involved as possible in their
organization (by being represented on the organizing
committees, for instance).

4. It is very difficult for the Commission to make an
exact appraisal of the share borne by each of the Member
States in financing the activities organized as part of these
European Years. In addition to acitivities jointly funded
from the Community budget and by the Member States,
the latter have also conducted activities of their own

without financial implications for the Community budget.

However, it is clear that the national authorities have
financed a considerable part of the activities carried out
during these Years: the amount contributed by the
Community to the funding of national activities does not
generally exceed 50 %.

5. In most cases, surveys have been carried out by the
Commission to measure the impact which the
Community-wide awareness campaigns accompanying its
European Years have had on public opinion. These
surveys have shown very positive results.

6. As regards the future, 1992 is the only year for
which a theme has been decided on: European Year of
Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work.

The Commission is proposing that 1993 be designated
'European Year of the Elderly and Solidarity between
Generations'.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1867/90

by Mr Fernand Herman (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 63/78)

_Subject:_ Authorization for the Belgian National Giro
Office to issue credit cards

According to press reports, the Belgian National Giro
Office is to be authorized to issue credit cards and to

grant its customers loans and other services.

The activities of the Belgian National Giro Office will
thus correspond to the definition of credit institutions
given in the first indent of Article 1 of the first Council
Directive of 12 December 1977 on the coordination of

laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to
the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit
institutions (77/780/EEC) ('), that is to say 'an
undertaking whose business is to receive deposits or other
repayable funds from the public and to grant credits for
its own account'.

This being so, should not the Belgian National Giro
Office be subject to the First Directive and to other
Community legislation concerning credit institutions
within the meaning of the First Banking Directive?

Officially, under Article 1 of the Council Directive of 25
October 1986 amending Directive 77/789/EEC in respect
of the list of permanent exclusions of certain credit
institutions (86/524/EEC) ( [2] ), giro offices are not subject
to the First Banking Directive.

However, while such exclusions may have been justified
previously when giro offices simply provided a means of
transferring money by filling in a form, such an exclusion
is no longer justified if these offices carry out loan
transactions.

Can the Commission accept such an anomaly without
question? Has it made representations to the Belgian
authorities with a view to ensuring that Community
legislation is respected?

O OJNoL322,17.12.1977, p. 30.
O OJNoL309,4.11. 1986, p. 15.

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 September 1990)_

The Commission too has learned, through press reports,
of the Belgian government's plan to extend the range of
financial services offered by the Belgian national giro
office.

Nevertheless, as the Honourable Member points out,
Directive 78/780/EEC excludes post office giro
institutions from the scope of the Community banking
rules. Since the exclusion is not conditional, the Belgian
Government would not breach any provision of
Community law if it were to put its plan into effect.

It should be pointed out, however, that other Member
States (the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) have
unilaterally turned their national giro offices into credit
institutions, thereby automatically bringing them within
the scope of the Community banking rules.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/43

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1868/90

by Mr Marc Galle (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C63/79)

_Subject:_ Discrimination on grounds of nationality in
amateur sport (Royal Belgian Tennis Federation)

The requirements of the Royal Belgian Tennis Federation
concerning registration for participation in Belgian club
competitions are more stringent for nationals of other
Member States than for Belgians.

In view of moves to achieve a People's Europe, does not
the Commission consider this to be discrimination on

grounds of nationality, which is prohibited under
Article 7 of the EEC Treaty?

What representations has the Commission made to the
Belgian Royal Tennis Federation with a view to
remedying matters and with what results?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1990)_

The Commission is aware that there is discrimination

based on nationality in the field of amateur sport within
the Community.

Such discrimination is contrary to the spirit of a people's
Europe.

As Community law stands at present, there is no legal
basis on which the Belgian Tennis Federation can be
required to open its competitions to all EEC nationals.

The Commission has already brought up this issue in its
contacts with the Community's sports authorities, though
it cannot take any action with binding force. The
Commission can act only in respect of discrimination
related to the pursuit of a sport as a profession.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1925/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/80)

_Subject:_ Degree of implementation of the Community
Support Framework for Andalusia

Following the regional elections in Andalusia (Spain) held
at the end of June this year and the forming of a new

The Commission's departments are currently studying
individual projects for this region amounting to
approximately ECU 221 million, ECU 164 million of
which would come from the multi-regional CSF and ECU
57 million from the regional CSF.

Furthermore, the Andalusian regional authorities plan to
submit to the Commission in the near future three

operational programmes for the areas of Malaga, Bajo
Guadalquivir and Jaen-Granada. The set of measures
mentioned above will mean that almost all the financial

resources provided for in the regional CSF will be
committed.

The set of programmes and projects mentioned above
represent more than 85% of the total planned for
Andalusia in the CSF regional section. The purpose of the
planned measures is to make the best possible
contribution towards the development of the region and
an improvement in its economic structures.

regional government, an assessment still needs to be made
of the achievement of the objectives set out in the CSF
(Community Support Framework) for Andalusia.

In view of the obvious need to create the best possible
conditions for the attainment of these objectives for the
benefit of the support infrastructure for the region's
economic activities, an analysis needs to be made of the
results of the measures carried out on the basis of the

CSF.

Can the Commission say to what extent this CSF has been
implemented, whether it considers that the CSF has come
up to expectations and what prospects it sees for the
future exploitation of the opportunities offered by the
Community Support Framework for Andalusia?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1990)_

In mid-September 1990 the commitment appropriations
provided for in the Community support framework for
Andalusia and already approved by the Commission were
as follows.

_(in million_ _ECU)_

(a) Regional sub-CSF

Individual projects

OP Almeria-Levante

(b) Multi-regional sub-CSF

Individual projects

OP Almeria-Levante

Total

Total

178

35

213

476

145

621

No C 63/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

As regards the future, it is still too early to be able to
analyse the results of these measures for Andalusia, since
only a short time has elapsed since their approval and it
has not been possible to make an _ex-post_ assessment of the
programmes and projects.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1933/90

by Mr Jose Montero Zabala (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/81)

_Subject:_ Discrepancies in student grant arrangements

There are obvious discrepancies between public
scholarships and grants for pre-university and university
students in the different Member States of the

Community.

Can the Commission provide information on the different
arrangements in each of the Member States in this
respect?

Is the Commission envisaging any form of harmonization
and, if so, what system would be used as a model?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 October 1990)_

The Commission published last year a study entitled
'Student support systems in the EC Member States',
which is being sent directly to the Honourable Member
and to Parliament's Secretariat. This study covers only
higher education student support systems.

The Commission does not intend to propose
harmonization of these systems, which are the
responsibility of national authorities and very often
depend on the economic level of the country concerned.

However, the introduction of the European Community
programmes like Erasmus, Comett and Lingua (Action II)
has substantially increased student mobility within the
European Community by providing student grants for
undertaking a study period abroad. This increase in
student mobility has encouraged renewed discussion at
Member State level of the issue of finanical support for
study abroad, and initiatives have been taken recently by
the French, Spanish, Italian and Belgian (Dutch-speaking)

authorities to introduce complementary schemes
supplementing the student mobility funds available
through Erasmus.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1952/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/82)

_Subject:_ Tender procedure for measures to combat
drought in the Sahel

Last November a notice of invitation to tender was

published by the Directorate General for Development
(DGVTII) and the CILSS (Permanent Inter-State
Committee for Measures to Combat Drought in the Sahel
based in Ouagadougou), for the supply of photovoltaic
solar systems in the Sahel countries — Project
No 6100.20.94.216 (Reg. 6116) financed by the EEC, as
part of the EEC/CILSS regional solar energy programme.

For parts II and III Italsolar (ENI Group) put in a much
more attractive bid than any of its competitors quoting a
price which was more than ECU 6 million less than that of
its nearest rival.

However, although this tender was regarded as
technically acceptable by the EEC it was rejected without
reason by the CILSS in a letter from its outgoing secretary
Mr Brah Mahamane.

Has everything been done to establish the reasons for the
attitude adopted by Mr Brah Mahamane, the outgoing
CILSS secretary who is administering Community funds,
bearing in mind that Mr Barka Tefridj, domiciled at
No 54 Avenue Foch, 75116 Paris (the address to which
Mr Brah Mahamane's bank statements are sent), is
claiming for himself and for 'others' 10% of the contract
value for providing tender guarantees?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 December 1990)_

The Commission did indeed decide to draw on Lome III

funds to finance a regional programme for the use of
photovoltaic solar energy in the Sahel countries under
which the supply of photovoltaic solar systems was put
out to tender.

The tender procedure has to comply with the rules laid
down in the Lome Convention which stipulate that the
beneficiary body, in this case the CILSS, is responsible for

11. 3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/45

implementing the project; accordingly, it is the Executive
Secretary of the CILSS who has to decide on the awarding
of the lots. That procedures is still under way.

The Commission considers that it has kept a very close
eye on this dossier, which is currently the subject of
proceedings brought against it in the Court of Justice by
Italsolar (Case C 257/90).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1961/90

by Mr Francois Musso (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/83)

_Subject:_ REGEN programme

Can the Commission state how and why it decided to
provide financial assistance for the construction of a joint
natural gas network for Corsica and Sardinia as part of
the REGEN programme?

More specifically what were the views of the local
authorities which the Commission had to consult in

accordance with the partnership arrangement?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 October 1990)_

The financing of a technical and economic feasibilty study
on the construction of a natural gas network in Sardinia is
provided for in the Community support framework for
Italy.

The French authorities drew the Commission's attention

to the possibility of extending this network to Corsica
should the Italian authorities decide to go ahead with it.
This is why the Commission decided to include this
project in the list of projects eligible for aid under
REGEN on condition that prior studies confirm its merit.
The economic objectives of this project are in line with the
special objectives of the Community initiative in question.

The opinion of the local authorities on this project will be
a significant factor in the overall appraisal which the
Commission will make of the project's merit when it
examines the French and^ Italian authorities' formal

proposal following the final adoption of REGEN planned
for November 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1973/90

by Mr Alex Smith and Mrs Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/84)

_Subject:_ Voluntary workers

In a resolution adopted by the European Parliament and
published in the Official Journal dated Friday, 16
December 1983, the Parliament asked the Commission to
draw up a 'Statute for voluntary workers' and to ensure
that a survey was carried out in order to establish the
extent of voluntary work in the Member States.

Can the Commission detail what progress has been made
on this matter?

Answer given by MrsPapandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 November 1990)_

The Commission entirely shares the view expressed by
Parliament in its resolution of 16 December 1983 on the

importance of voluntary work in our society. This was
underlined in the Commission's communication on the

elderly of 24 April 1990 0).

The Commission depends heavily on voluntary bodies for
the implementation of Community programmes in the
social, environmental and development fields and
therefore makes a significant contribution to the
promotion and support of voluntary work. However, it
does not have the resources to adopt a more
comprehensive approach to voluntary work as envisaged
in Parliament's resolution. It has nevertheless always
endeavoured to encourage exchanges of views between
national voluntary work centres, their association at
Community level and regular dialogue with their
representatives.

(') COM(90) 80 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1983/90

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/85)

_Subject:_ Environmental impact of projects in the French
overseas departments

The French overseas departments are, by virtue of being
part of France, also part of the European Community.

No C 63/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

France has applied to the Commission for financing for a
number of projects in French Guiana, which contains part
of the Amazonian rain forest, the richest and also the
most endangered biotope in the world.

Can the Commission say:

1. how many projects in French Guiana are receiving
financial support from it and how many ECU it has
allocated for this purpose?

2. what instruments it has at its disposal to determine the
environmental impact of projects in overseas
departments ?

3. what bearing environmental effects have on the
evaluation of proposed projects in overseas
departments?

4. whether it does not consider that there are inadequate
environmental safeguards when projects in overseas
departments are being financed and how it thinks the
situation maybe improved?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1990)_

1. Between 1975 and 1988 the Commission contributed

ECU 76,7 million through the ERDF to 97 projects in
Guyana. In accordance with the principles underlying the
reform of the structural Funds, once a programmed
approach had been selected in October 1989, a
Community support framework was adopted laying down
the priorities for assistance and the amount of finance for
that region for the period 1989—93. Out of a total of
ECU 135 million, the Community will provide ECU 73,4
million from the three Funds, including ECU 33,8 from
the ERDF.

2 and 3. The priorities set out in the Community
support framework will be implemented through a
multifund operational programme now being prepared. In
the case of major operations, environmental impact
assessments must be carried out. The general clauses for
this type of programme stipulate that all national and
Community provisions of the environment must be
respected. In its regular on-the-spot monitoring of
programmes and assessment of implementation, the
Commission checks compliance with theses rules; similar
precautions have been taken in respect of the other
overseas departments.

4. The Commission shares the Honourable Member's

concern about protection of the environment in the
overseas departments, and specifically Guyana.
Accordingly, it will finance in that region a number of
measures directly concerned with the protection and
improvement of the environment such as waste water

treatment plants, refuse incineration plants and water
conduits. In view of the special nature of the tropical
forest biotope in Guyana, it is intended to finance a centre
for research into the Amazonian ecosystem, which should
ensure that environmental concerns are more thoroughly
integrated into economic development measures and
encourage cooperation between Guyana and its
neighbours, who face similar problems.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1985/90

by Mr Eisso Woltjer (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91 /C 63/86)

_Subject:_ Dairy quotas

Reports have appeared in the Netherlands media
concerning the increase in public stocks of butter and
skimmed milk powder in the EC resulting from the import
of these products from East bloc countries.

1. Can the Commission give figures for the years 1985 to
1990 concerning:

— the production of milk, butter and skimmed milk
powder in the EC,

— the import, export and processing of dairy
products,

— intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder,

— trends in respect of public and private stocks of
butter and skimmed milk powder?

2. Can the Commission analyse and explain the trends in
respect of imports, exports, processing and the size of
stocks referred to in question 1 ?

3. Does the Commission have any evidence that would
support the criticisms made by the Netherlands
Commodity Board for Dairy Products to the effect
that the increase in public butter and milk powder
stocks is caused by an increase in exports from Eastern
European countries?

4. To what extent has the increase in the total

Community reference quantity resulting from the
arrangements for slaughter and reconversion and the
recent 1,09 % increment/affected the volume of butter
and skimmed milk powder stocks?

5. What will the effects be on the dairy market
(production, consumption, quotas) as a result of the

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/47

special relationship between the two Germanies after 1
July 1990, their subsequent reunification?

6. Does the Commission consider it necessary to review
quota policy in view of anticipated developments on
the dairy market (entry of East Germany and
developments in Portugal), in order to prevent an
increase in stocks with all the unfavourable effects

which this would have on the budget? If so, what
adjustments does the Commission intend to make?

Answer given by Mr Mac Shaxry
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1990)_

1. The Commission will send the requested
information direct to the Honourable Member and to

Parliament's Secretariat.

2, 3 and 4. The favourable market trend for milk
products from 1985 to 1989 was primarily, if not
exclusively, the result of a substantial drop in milk
deliveries and of elimination of public stocks. The
situation on the international market developed
favourably in consequence.

The reasons for the reversal of this trend from the third

quarter of 1990 are:

— an increase in the reference quantities for certain
categories of producer;

— destabilization of the world market as a result of

reduced-price sales (e.g. of American and New
Zealand butter to the USSR);

— surpluses in a number of Eastern European countries
resulting in increased supply to the world market of
products in bulk (butter, skimmed-milk powder and
casein);

— a reduction in the quantities of milk products disposed
of within the Community under certain aid measures;

— a steeper fall in household consumption of ordinary
butter to the advantage of low-fat butters and
substitutes.

Since the import of these factors has been more or less
simultaneous it is impossible to measure their individual
effects on public stocks. An increase of 1 % in the
reference quantities however represents some 35 000
tonnes of butter and 70 000 tonnes of skimmed milk

powder.

5. Since 1 August there has been free trade in
agricultural products with the German Democratic
Republic. It is difficult at the moment to predict what the
balance will be for dairy products.

In the context of the unification of the Federal Republic
of Germany and the German Democratic Republic the
Commission has presented a package of proposals for
adjustment of the agricultural market organizations. In
the dairy sector it is proposed to set the reference quantity
for the territory of the German Democratic Republic at a
level markedly lower than that of present production. The
Commission accordingly considers that unification will
have no lasting impact on the dairy market.

6. The answer to this question depends on both
external (world market developments, Uruguay Round)
and internal factors (supply/demand balance).

It would be premature therefore to come to any decision
at the present time on the future of the milk quotas.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1987/90

by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/87)

_Subject:_ Movement of funds between Member States

1. For each Member State, will the Commission
indicate to what extent the provisions governing the
movement of funds into and out of that Member State

(a) carried on the person

(b) through a bank

differ from provisions governing comparable movements
within the Member State (for example necessity to report
funds carried on the person, or to state purpose of bank
transfer) ?

2. In the Commission's view are any of such provisions
incompatible with existing or known future Community
obligations?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 October 1990)_

The regime in most Community countries governing the
movement of funds into and out of a Member State

generally differs from that governing comparable
movement within the country. In a number of Member
States there is a declaration obligation for funds carried
or sent out of the country. Such declaration requirements
are specifically allowed under Article 4 of Council
Directive of 24 June 1988 for the implementation of

No C 63/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

Article 67 of the Treaty which came into effect on 1 July
1990. Article 4 provides that:

'This Directive shall be without prejudice to the right
of Member States to take all requisite measures to
prevent infringements of their laws and regulations,
_inter alia_ in the field of taxation and prudential
supervision of financial institutions, or to lay down
procedures for the declaration of capital movements
for purposes of administrative or statistical
information'.

In addition, an authorization procedure is applied in five
Member States for particular external operations and/or
the carrying of currency above a certain amount out of the
country in question. In the case of four Member State:
Greece, Ireland, Spain and Portugal, such authorization
procedures are permitted under the transitional
arrangements of Article 6 of the abovementioned
Directive. In the case of Italy, the physical export or
import of bank-notes and bearers' securities are limited to
an amount of Lit 20 million, as a way of contributing to
the fight against money laundering, according to the
Italian authorities. The Commission is clarifying the
matter with the Italian authorities with a view to making
their national provisions consistent with the Community
obligations resulting from the aforesaid Council
Directive.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1996/90

by Mr Alain Marleix (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/88)

_Subject:_ Premium for suckler cows

The premium for suckler cows paid to stock farmers
whose dairy quota does not exceed 60 000 kilograms has
been extended to mixed herds but is limited to ten cows
per mixed herd. Such a restriction is particularly
disadvantageous in respect of the Salers breed, which
makes up a large percentage of cattle herds in the
department of Cantal in France. As a result, 35 000 cows
may be purely and simply ineligible for financial aid,
which is, on the other hand, granted without restriction to
those engaged in mixed cereal farming in the plains.
Stockbreeders resent this anomaly, which is particularly
disadvantageous for mountain areas already placed in a
precarious position by the dairy quotas policy.

Can the Commission give the reasons for limiting the
premium to ten cows and say whether it will be possible to
introduce more favourable arrangements next season for
breeds of mixed herds, in accordance with the wishes of a
large majority of the European Parliament expressed in a
vote in May 1990, calling for all limitations on the scope
of this measure to be eliminated?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(1_ _October 1990)_

The recent amendment of the scheme of premiums for
suckler cows is a substantial improvement on the previous
situation, as it allows small milk producers to receive the
premium for up to 10 cows in their suckler herd. In the
past, all milk producers were excluded from the scheme.
Many producers with a mixed herd of the Salers breed
will now be eligible for the suckler cow premium.

This measure was taken on the basis of the general
situation in the beef sector throughout the Community,
taking account of the specific situation of the Community
suckler herd. The approach is therefore a global one, as it
must be for a decision to be taken within the framework
of a market organization.

Regarding the restriction to 10 cows, the Commission
would point out that there are currently about 950 000
small milk producers in the Community, who could
contribute enormously to an increase in suckler cow
numbers. Given the delicate balance on the beef market, a
maximum limit was necessary in order to reduce the risk
of an additional surge in output as a result of the
premium.

At present the Commission cannot comment on the future
development of the premium scheme for small milk
producers. The matter might be examined during
preparation of the next round of price proposals; any final
decision would be up to the Council.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1997/90

by Mr Luigi Moretti (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/89)

_Subject:_ Damage caused by heavy storms in Italy

Continued heavy storms in June in the Provinces of
Brescia, Bergamo and Como in the Lombardy region and
in the Provinces of Padua and Rovigo in the Veneto
region caused floods and landslides, bringing down
telephone lines, resulting in damage estimated at tens of
billions of Lire in road repairs alone and inflicting
enormous financial losses on the agricultural, crafts and
industrial sectors.

1. Does the Commission intend to carry out a study of
mountain areas and to investigate and identify all
high-risk areas subject to severe landslides, especially
as a result of heavy rainfall?

11. 3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/49

2. Does it intend to have a topographical map drawn up
featuring geologically unstable and high-risk areas, in
order to prevent accidents and disasters?

3. Does it consider it advisable to publish regional
registers containing lists of high-risk areas, with a
general view to limiting as far as possible all
infrastructural and urban development projects?

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

_(3 December 1990)_

Community civil protection policy is based on two
resolutions by the Council and representatives of the
governments of the Member States meeting within the
Council, the first on 25 June 1987 and the second on 13
February 1989.

These resolutions make no provision for action such as
that suggested by the Honourable Member.

However, the EPOCH research programme (European
Programme on Climatology and Natural Hazards)
provides for activities the purpose of which is to obtain
greater understanding of the role of climatic,
4iydrogeological and anthropogenic factors and their
interactions in phenomena such as landslides, storms and
floods, and their impact on society. The research also
focuses on prevention, control and rehabilitation.

Several projects are being financed by the Commission
under this research programme, for instance, a European
meteorological radar programme for forecasting storms
and floods, and a project on landslides in Valtellina and
the French side of the western Alps which includes plans
to set up a data base and to map the areas at risk.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2006/90

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/90)

_Subject:_ Television advertising monopoly and refusal to
provide a semicompetitor with advertising time

Is the recent refusal by VTM, a Flemish commercial
television station with a monopoly on television

advertising, to accord advertising time to the subscriber
television channel, Filmnet, in accordance with
Community competition policy?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 October 1990)_

The Commission has not received any complaint
regarding the refusal referred to by the Honourable
Member and does not possess any other information
suggesting a possible infringement of the Community
rules of competition. It will consider any additional
information supplied to it.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2040/90

by Mr Maxime Verhagen (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/91)

_Subject:_ Monitoring of Community food-aid supplies

In 1987 the Commission used an open procedure to call
for tenders from undertakings for the monitoring of food
aid supplies.

Tenders were received from 32 companies and the
Commission initially concluded contracts with three of.
them. Recently it concluded agreements with two more.

1. Can the Commission list the criteria used to select
companies to monitor food aid?

2. In selecting companies does the Commission take
geographical considerations into account so that the
monitoring companies can operate on its behalf in the
large Community ports?

3. What are the Commission's future intentions as
regards monitoring Community food aid supplies and
when will the next tender procedure begin?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1990)_

1. The criteria for selecting companies were laid down
in the tendering procedure which consisted on the one
hand of a preselection procedure published in Official
Journal No C 127 of 13 May 1987, and secondly two
invitations to tender on a competitive basis participation
in which was reserved for the companies elected, with due
attention to their geographical suitability, based on

No C 63/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

the nature of their presence in countries receiving
Community food aid.

Thirty two firms were shortlisted. Only 27 submitted a
tender. As provided for under the terms of reference of
the dossier the three firms rated best on the basis of the

suggestions put forward, unit prices and criteria as
regards presence in the countries concerned were selected
in this first stage.

Of the other submissions, eight were rejected, and the
other sixteen applicants were asked to submit a new
tender at the second and final stage of recruitment.

At this stage 14 tenders were received, five of which were
placed first equal because they were equivalent both as
regards price and the proposed organization.

Finally, at this stage two candidates were chosen on the
basis of their geographical location in the recipient
countries not yet allocated to the three first monitoring
companies.

2. Controls are carried out at all Community ports
where food-aid products are loaded, since the network of
monitoring companies used makes this possible.

To resolve the range of specific problems which might
arise the five monitoring companies are authorized on
their own responsibility to subcontract their monitoring
duties in Community ports to 32 shortlisted firms in
accordance with the principle of geographical spread
throughout the Community.

3. Under the terms of the contract with the five

monitoring companies, lasting for a minimum of three
years, the Commission will examine the situation in order
to determine the adequacy of the controls carried out and
the measures to be adopted both as regards the controls
themselves and as regards the tendering procedure which
will depend on the assessment of the system introduced.

For the moment it should be noted that the results are

generally positive.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2061/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/92)

_Subject:_ European Community contribution to the
programme to safeguard Amazonia and the
problems caused by mineral prospecting in
Yanomami territory and by the Calha Norte and
Calha Sud projects

At its meeting of 9-11 July 1990 in Houston, the G-7
asked the World Bank and the European Community

(Point 66 of the Declaration) to draw up a pilot
programme to safeguard Amazonia in cooperation with
Brazil, for submission to the Conference on the World
Climate to be held in the United States next year and
other conferences, and to be drawn up in time for the next
economic summit at the latest.

1. The Yanomami territory in the frontier region of
Roraima in the northern part of Amazonia is reserved
for the Indian population by provisions of the
constitution, legal decisions and the mandate given to
the FUNAI, the somewhat ineffectual federal agency
responsible for the protection of the Indians, and to
the IBAMA, the Federal Environment Agency.
Nevertheless, two-thirds of Yanomami territory has
been opened up to mineral prospecting carried out by
some 40 000 'settlers', which is a source of pollution.
The evacuation order of 9 January 1990 issued by the
outgoing President Jose Sarney was not implemented
by the armed forces. What are the Commission's views
on this violation of the written and oral guarantees
given to the Indians and the dangerous conflict
between the political authorities and the military high
command? Is this compatible with the mandate given
to the European Community in Houston?

2. In. 1986, without securing the approval of, or even
informing Congress, the armed forces embarked on a
project known as Calha Norte, designed to
'Brazilianize', colonize and exploit a 6 500 km x
150 km corridor close to the frontiers of five

neighbouring countries. Last year the same arme<i
force? announced a Calha Sud project for western
Amazonia. Congress was finally persuaded to provide
funding, despite the fact that the Governor of
Roraima is facing charges of corruption, while the
armed forces and the National Security Council
(SADEN) are setting themselves up as the main
negotiators for the exploitation of Amazonia. Indeed,
it was the SADEN which represented Brazil during
the renegotiation of road projects with the
Interamerican Bank! Are the abovementioned

programmes compatible with the mandate given to the
European Community in Houston and will it attempt
to discuss proposals with the Brazilian political
authorities which are in keeping with the country's
constitution and laws?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1990)_

The mandate in question was indeed conferred upon the
World Bank and the European Community at the
Houston Summit and the Community will make every
effort to carry it out and keep strictly to its terms.

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/51

As the Honourable Member will be aware, recent political
changes in Brazil have resulted in a substantial redirection
of policy on all matters relating to Amazonia. Those now
in authority are facing serious problems and these are
giving rise to bitter internal conflict. The two examples
quoted — guaranteeing the territory of the Yanomamis
and extending the areas under military control towards
the country's northern borders — are highly
representative of the complexity of the problems and at
the same time clearly show the limits beyond which
international action cannot go.

The final communique of the Houston summit makes it
clear that the signatories are ready to take whatever
measures are necessary to back and provide aid for any
initiatives taken by the countries concerned and to enter
in 'a new dialogue with [them] on ways and means to
support their efforts'. However, no action may disregard
the sovereign rights of all countries to make use of their
natural resources.

In carrying out its mandate the Commission will make
every effort to reconcile respect for the sovereign rights of
its partners in the dialogue with the need to act jointly
with them in seeking real solutions to the problems of all
tropical forests.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2070/90

by Mr Jan Sonneveld (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/93)

_Subject:_ Differentiation in the implementation of the
co-responsibility levy in respect of cereals

Farmers producing less than 25 tonnes of cereals annually
are exempt from the co-responsibility levy. What is the
Commission's assessment of the way in which this rule has
been implemented in the Member States?

1. How is it established that a farmer has produced less
than 25 000 tonnes annually (area under cultivation,
tonnage actually harvested, etc.)?

2. Are the dealers purchasing the cereals from farmers
obliged to make any distinction in administrative
terms between farmers producing more than
25 000 tonnes per year and those producing less, or is
no account taken of this for the payment of the
co-responsibility levy by dealers?

3. How do the Commission and/or the Member State

authorities ensure that this provision is correctly
implemented?

Answer given by Mr Mac Shawy
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 October 1990)_

1 and 2. Under Community rules exemption from the
cereals co-responsibility levy for small producers takes the
form of a direct aid granted within the limits of an overall
amount determined for the Community and allocated
between the Member States.

The aid granted to the individual producer is worked out
on the basis of the co-responsibility levies paid by him and
may not exceed the equivalent of the levies on 25 tonnes.
Only the allocation between the Member States is based
on sales by producers placing not more than 25 tonnes on
the market.

Member States define, taking account of their allocation,
what producers are considered to be small producers.
They apply objective criteria, in particular the area
assigned to cereal cultivation or the utilized agricultural
area of the entire holding.

Most Member States pay the aid to the producer on
presentation of written evidence that the co-responsibility
levies have been paid. Spain, Greece and Italy have been
authorized to introduce a scheme exempting small
producers directly from collection of the levy by the trade
up to a limit of 25 tonnes. To ensure that this limit is
respected they have made provision for the use of a
delivery card.

3. As regards ensuring that the Community provisions
are correctly implemented, the Commission has decided
to clear the accounts for 1987 and 1988 on the basis of a

comprehensive investigation of the quantity of cereals on
which Member States ought to have charged the
co-responsibility levy.

Systems audits will also be carried out among first-hand
buyers of cereals.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2073/90

by Mrs Christine Crawley (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/94)

_Subject:_ Health risks in hair and beauty industries

Is the Commission aware that many women employed in
the hair and beauty care industries are exposed to health
risks leading to lung and respiratory diseases, skin
problems and cancer? What steps is the Commission
taking to ensure that:

No C 63/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

1. the extent of such health risks is quantified;

2. hazardous substances are eliminated from the

workplace;

3. manufacturers are required to label all products with a
full list of ingredients whether they are considered
hazardous or not;

4. action is taken swiftly where a product is suspected of
being hazardous?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 October 1990)_

The Commission would point out to the Honourable
Member that there exists a considerable body of
Community legislation which is designed to provide
proper labelling of dangerous products placed on the
market and to protect workers involved in their use.

This legislation applies fully to workers in the hair and
beauty industry.

In reply to the specific points raised:

1. and 2. Council Directive 89/391/EEC ( [l] ) on the
introduction of measures to encourage improvements
in the safety and health of workers at work and the
individual directives based on this framework dealing
with such matters as personal protective equipment,
workplace requirements, specifically require that
employers fully assess the health risks for workers at
the workplace and take appropriate measures on the
basis of the general principles of avoiding risks and
replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the
less dangerous. Council Directive 90/394/EEC ( [2] ), on
the protection of workers from the risks related to
exposure to carcinogens at work, specifically deals
with the assessment of risks relating to the use of
carcinogens.

These Directives should be seen together with
Directive 80/1107/EEC ( [3] ) on chemical, physical and
biological agents in the workplace and the obligations
deriving from this Directive to protect workers in the
course of their activities.

Actions to be taken when a product is suspected of
being hazardous are also included in these Directives,
e.g. using a closed system, providing collective and/or
individual protective measures, giving information to
workers. Member States authorities are required to
ensure that the employer correctly and adequately
complies with these obligations.

3. Directive 76/768/EEC ( [4] ) lays down Community rules
for the composition, labelling and advertising of
cosmetics. The ingredients used in cosmetics are not
among the particulars which must be shown on the

packaging or label (Article 6 of the said Directive). The
Commission is, however, reviewing the text of the
Directive in question with a view to providing users
with fuller information on cosmetic products. A
proposal should shortly be presented for a sixth
amendment to Directive 76/768/EEC.  

4. Article 12 of Directive 76/768/EEC provides that if a
cosmetic product represents a hazard to health, it may
be temporarily prohibited or made subject to special
conditions. A consultation procedure is immediately
initiated at Community level so that the appropriate
measures can be taken.

O OJNoL 183,29.6. 1989.
O OJ No L 194,26. 7.1990.
O OJNoL327,3.12.1980.
O OJ No L 262, 27.9.1976.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2077/90

by Mr Carvalhas (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17September 1990)_

(91/C 63/95)

_Subject:_ Alcochete shooting range

The decision to expand the Alcochete shooting range
could result in the destruction of the Tagus Estuary
Natural Reserve and the nesting sites for a number of
migratory bird species from northern Europe and Africa.

In view of Directive 79/409/EEC (') on the protection of
wild birds and the fact that Portugal's derogation from
Article 9 of this directive has now expired since it only
applied to 1986 and 1987, and in view also of the Berne
Convention, the Bonn Convention and the Commission's

recent stand on the violation of this directive in the

Donana-Huelva area in Spain, has the Commission
carried out a study into the effect on wild birds in this
area, in accordance with the provisions of this directive?

0) OJ No LI 03, 25.4.1979, p. 1.

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

_(5 December 1990)_

1. The Commission has received a complaint claiming
a risk of serious ecological damage to the Tagus estuary as

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/53

a result of the plan to expand the Alcochete shooting

range.

2. In order to enable it to adopt a position, the
Commission sent a letter requesting information to the
Portuguese authorities. Having examined their reply, the
Commission initiated the procedure provided for under
Article 169 of the EEC Treaty.

3. Given the importance of the Tagus estuary and in
view of the fact that the Portuguese reply to the letter of
formal notice is not entirely satisfactory, the Commission
is at present discussing what action to take on the
infringement procedure.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2093/90

byMrMcMahon(S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/96)

_Subject:_ Financial assistance from the Community budget
for the Eurovision Song Contest

Can the Commission inform the House what sums of

Community funds were awarded to the Eurovision Song
Contest in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 and
under which Community budget line these were awarded?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 November 1990)_

The Commission contributed to the Eurovision Song
Contest on three occasions: in 1987, on the 30th
Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, when the show was
broadcast from Brussels; in 1988, the European Year of
Cinema and Television; and in 1990, the European Year
of Tourism.

The Eurovision Song Contest is the TV show with the
largest audience throughout Europe — about 500 million
TV viewers follow it regularly.

The amounts contributed, which were instrumental to the
transmission, during the show, of certain European
'images', were as follows:

1987: ECU 380 000 (budget line B3300)

1988: ECU 240 551 (budget line B6741)

1990: ECU 200 000 (budget line A3052)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2101/90

by Mr Henry McCubbin (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/97)

_Subject:_ Taxi licensing

Does Community law lay down rules regarding the
licensing of taxis with particular regard to the competence
and suitability of applicants as drivers and also with
regard to whether numbers should be regulated by
anything other than market forces?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 November 1990)_

The Commission considers that the responsibility for
regulating the taxi sector lies primarily with the Member
States and their local authorities concerned since they
have the detailed knowledge necessary. Therefore,
Community law does not cover questions such as taxi
licensing; this falls to the appropriate authorities in the
Member States.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2107/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/98)

_Subject:_ Trade in toxic mercury residues intended for
storage in South Africa

Demonstrations and other forms of protest are currently
taking place in the United States at the head offices and
plants of the American Cyanamid Corporation,
particularly at the Bound Brook export factory in New
Jersey and the Thor Chemicals Company. These actions
have been prompted by the fact that these companies are
sending mercury residues to the Kwazulu homeland in
South Africa for 'reprocessing', thereby contaminating
the nearby Mngeweu and Umgeni Rivers. The
Greenpeace International ecological organization claims
to have taken samples from the Mngeweu river containing
mercury levels 8 800 times higher than the maximum
limits authorized in the United States! It should be

stressed that these rivers provide water for the inhabitants
of the Zulu villages in the Valley of the Thousand Hills.

Given the importance of the Cyanamid Corporation
branches in most of the Member States (producing
weedkillers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotechnological

No C 63/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

products, medical and surgical equipment, biological
products etc.), have the Community institutions
specifically considered the question of the export to the
Third World, and to South Africa in particular, of
dangerous substances such as mercury residues from
Community-based subsidiaries of the above companies?
The International Federation of Chemical Energy and
General Workers' Unions in Brussels and the

Confederation of South African Trade Unions

(COSATU) are particularly concerned with regard to this

matter.

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

_(14 November 1990)_

Regulation (EEC) No 1734/88 (') concerns the export
from the EC to third countries of certain dangerous
substances including the following: mercuric oxide,
mercurous chloride, other inorganic mercury
compounds; alkyl mercury compounds; and alkoxyalkyl
and aryl mercury compounds.

The Regulation requires that the importing third country
is informed that these substances are banned or severely
restricted in the Community and of the reasons for such
bans and restrictions.

The Commission has recently been informed of exports
from the EC of an inorganic mercury compound to
Poland, the Lebanon, Libya, Thailand, Saudi Arabia,
New Zealand, Indonesia, Kuwait and Singapore.

It is not aware of any shipments from the EC of
mercury-contaminated wastes to southern Africa or other
third countries.

(') OJNoL 155,22.6.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2121/90

by Mr Francis Wurtz (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/99)

_Subject:_ Criminal trading practices _vis-d-vis_ consumers

Several French consumer associations are complaining
about West German companies (') which organize
commercial tombolas, with advertisements announcing
prizes which are never awarded, or games entitled 'money
chain'.

These practices are prohibited under French law but seem
to be permitted in West Germany, a state of affairs which

guarantees the directors of these companies freedom
from prosecution when they target French consumers.

Does the Commission plan to take measures to offer
consumers genuine protection in this area and, in
particular, apply the rule of compliance with the national
law of the Consumer's country? In the case in point, what
measures does the Commission plan to propose to the
West German Government?

(') Including the VPC Home Vertrieb company, Munich.

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 November 1990)_

The Commission is well aware of the facts referred to by
the Honourable Member and has already contacted the
German authorities regarding this matter.

Germany has legislation to deal with this type of case, but
a special feature of the case in hand is the fact that
German companies are aiming their sales pitch solely at
consumers in other Member States, including France, and
not at German consumers.

Council Directive 84/450/EEC of 10 September 1984 on
misleading advertising (*) and the relevant national laws
apply to this type of practice. However, a highly complex
problem of conflicting laws arises if the advertiser has no
activity in its country of origin.

The Commission is currently looking into various ways of
solving this type of problem.

As announced in the three-year action plan for
Community consumer policy, the Commission is planning
to draw up a general directive on distance selling, which
should help solve the type of problem referred to by the
Honourable Member.

O OJNoL250,19.9.1984.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2123/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 63/100)

_Subject:_ Job security and safety on oil-rigs in the North
Sea

A serious dispute recently brought oil company
representatives into conflict with many of the crews

l L ^ 9 t Cofficial]oumal of the European Communities ^ o C ^ B ^

manning oiPrigs in the ^orth Sea over safety
arrangements and terms of recruitment which generally
offerfew guarantees'

Could the Commission give its opinion on these two
problems andstatewhatmeasuresareopen to it^

A^swe^^ive^by^rsPapa^d^eou
o^ behalf oftheCommissio^

^ t S O c ^ ^ r ^ ^

After consulting the Safety and Health Commission for
the fining and Cither Extractive Industries, which is
made up of representatives of govemments,workers and
employers fromthe^iemberStates,the Commission is
currently draftingaproposalforaDirective on minimum
provisions to improve the safety and health of workers in
the extractive industries, including exploration and
production of mineral raw materials onshore and
offshoreD

whether more detailed specific measures should be
adopted will, of course, be considered in depth in the light
of theRiper Alpha inquiry,on which LordCullen will
reportatthe end of October.

w^^T^E^^tl^STT^^^o^^B90

by^^a^Pie^reH^fa^i^L^^

to theCommissionofthe^uropea^ Communities

^IBC^BlOl^

^^cr.Supportforthe Community^ cultural heritage

The Commission choosesaprecise theme for its annual
programme to supporttheCommunity^sculturalheritage^
Projects submitted are then selected in accordance with
thispre^determined thematic framework.

^iany projects not related to this theme are therefore not
selected^

In whatway could the Commission sull take into account
certain projects which,while falling outside the annual
selection framework, deserve Community support on
their own merits^

Can the Commission publish the themes selected for the
forthcomingyearsB

A^swe^^venbyl^rTOo^de^er
on behalf oftheCo^miss^

Since 1989 the Commission has been organizing its
activities in support ofthe cultural heritage in relation toa

specifictheme.^ourthemeswere chosen, fore^ample, for
the period from 1989 to 1992,which were published for
the first time in Official ]ournalC^08 of 3l0ecember
1988,Anouce is now published at about the same time
each yearto launch the operation and to inform interested
parties of the themes forthecomingyears,

r^or 1990, 11^8 projects were submitted to the
Commission However, because of budget constraints,
the Commission was able to award financial aid to onlya
limited number of them, ECL^2,D million was divided up
among ^D projects which were picked out by the
Commission after seeking the opinion of a panel of
internationally known experts. The panePs opinion is
based, in particular, on the link between the project and
the theme of the year^ this year, historic buildings in
town and country,

Current budget constraints are such that the Commission
cannot consider broadening theprogramme to include
conservationprojectswhicharenotentirelycoveredby
the theme fortheyear,

r^or the ne^t two years the following themeshave been
selected^

1991 ^ Testimonies to human activities in industry,
agriculture and crafts.

1992^1ntegrated upgrading of public spaces in historic
centres.

w^^TT^^^tl^STI^^^o^^B90

to theCommissionofthe European Communities

^91BC^B10^

^ ^ c r . Political conditions for e^pandingtrade relations
between the Community and CentralAmerica

In ]uly the five governments of Central America and the
Government of Panama decided to diversify Central
Americane^ports to theCommunity,promoting those
of nontraditional products. According to as yet
unconfirmed reports by neuters, the Community would
beproviding^l^Omillionfor the purposed ^vir Angel
Vinas, head of the European delegation, is said to have
stated that the range of exports should be widened, which
wouldindeedbemost valuable, but tomy knowledge
nothing has yet been said about the political conditions
the Community would be entitled to make prior to any

No C 63/56 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

general promotion of Central American exports into its
own market. The democratic systems of Costa Rica and
Nicaragua are in fact different from those in £1 Salvador
and Guatemala, which are still in the throes of civil war
and without any political agreement tending towards
national reconciliation, while Honduras remains under
barely concealed military rule.

Should not the Community therefore be adopting a
country-by-country approach both in respect of the aid it
gives and the imports it allows?

What was the apportionment between 1985 and 1989 of
aid from the Community and its Member States to the
various countries in question?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 November 1990)_

The Central American countries' objective of trade
diversification is entirely legitimate and desirable since
their exports are currently over-dependent on a few
agricultural products — coffee, bananas, sugar — for
which the prospects in terms of markets and export
earnings hardly provide the basis for satisfactory

development. The Commission is therefore willing, in
accordance with the undertakings given by the
Community in the context of the San Jose dialogue, to
promote this diversification.

It would also point out that the ECU 120 million referred
to by the Honourable Member does not concern the
promotion of exports to the Community but a project to
promote trade among the countries of Central America
themselves.

With regard to trade policy, the Commission would recall
that as a trade power, and a member of the GATT, the
Community could not apply a discriminatory policy in
this sphere in breach of international law.

With regard to financial assistance, the Commission
would recall that its objective is to assist people — and not
governments — and that it is not advisable to make
humanitarian aid (food aid, emergency aid, aid for
refugees) subject to political criteria.

The Commission would also point out that in Central
America over 80 % of aid for development projects goes to
regional cooperation or integration projects which help
all the countries in the region, and so any calculation of
the percentage of aid received by each country is therefore
rather arbitrary, if possible at all.

Breakdown of EC aid to Central America

1985—1989

1988

0,15

2,87

20,55

5,86

40,25

0,34

39,76

109,78

1986

0,70

5,79

15,97

15,87

21,81

0,31

5,33

65,78

1987

0,30

19,73

9,87

3,49

21,42

0,11

27,30

82,22

1989

5,66

4,05

7,13

3,24

16,80

0,40

55,37

92,65

_(ECUmiilion)_

Total

20,75

"41,65

54,91

32,97

121,16

1,16

151,24

423,84

Costa Rica

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Nicaragua

Panama

Regional operations

Total

1985

13,94

9,21

1,39

4,51

20,88

—

23,48

73,41

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2192/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4_ _October 1990)_

(91/C 63/103)

_Subject:_ Au pair placement

Twenty years ago — on 24 November 1969 — the
Council of Europe adopted a European Agreement on au

pair placement. On 20 December 1984 the Commission
recommended that Member States should sign and ratify
this agreement (recommendation 85/64/EEC (*));
however, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Portugal, the Federal Republic of Germany
and the United Kingdom have apparently still not ratified
this agreement — hence the Commission's quite justified
appeal to them to do so.

The Commission's recent reply to Written Question
No 589/88( [2] ) by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso and to

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/57

Question No 979/90 ( [J] ) by Mrs Marlene Lenz was
unsatisfactory: it suggests that the matter be referred to
the Council of Europe and refuses (4 July 1990) to take a
responsibility in this matter. This is incompatible both
with the recommendation made to Member States by the
Commission itself on 20 December 1984 and the
resolution adopted by Parliament on 17 November
1983 ( [4] ).

Will the Commission give the official reason furnished by
each of the Member States referred to above — wherever
available — for their failure to ratify the agreement
(Belgium, for instance is obliged to organize a
conciliation procedure between the relevant communal
and regional authorities to bring its domestic legislation
in line with the term of the European agreement, or
alternatively draw up a new national law) and, as regards
the other Member States, say when the relevant bodies
ratified this agreement?

(') OJNoL24,29.1.1985, p. 27.
O OJ No C 49,27.2.1989, p. 23.
(') OJNoC303,3.12.1990, p. 33.
( [4] ) OJ No C 342,19. 12.1983, p. 64.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(24_ _October 1990)_

Five of the Community's Member States have ratified the
European Agreement on Au Pair Placement — Denmark
(29 April 1971), France (5 February 1971), Italy (8
November 1973), Luxembourg (24 July 1990) and Spain
(11 August 1988).

As regards the reasons for non-ratification, the
Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the
answer given by the Committee of Ministers of the
Council of Europe to Written Question No 318 of the
Parliamentary Assembly, to the effect that if a number of
Member States are not prepared to ratify, this is mainly
because they fear excessive bureaucratization and an
increase in social costs by placing the emphasis on a
contract of employment rather than on an arrangement
between individuals.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2216/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8_ _October 1990)_

(91/C 63/104)

_Subject:_ The European Social Fund in 1989, with'
reference to Navarra

What amounts from the European Social Fund were
invested in the region of Navarra (Spain) during 1989?

What programmes or projects were co-financed with this
aid?

Which organizations and institutions in Navarra received
aid from the European Social Fund in 1989?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 October 1990)_

The total amount granted by the Commission from the
European Social Fund to the Region of Navarra for 1989
is PTA 686 861 898, a 50% advance on which was paid
out in mid-1989. Final payments will be made as and when
applications for the remainder are presented.

The programmes approved concern measures to assist
young people or the long-term adult unemployed,
women, persons employed in small businesses undergoing
modernization or industrial firms in process of
restructuring and, finally, categories of workers who are
particularly vulnerable on the labour market, such as
migrant workers and disabled persons.

The bodies to which the funds were paid were INEM,
which is responsible for a major part of the measures to be
carried out, and the Instituto de Servicios Sociales, the
Gobierno Foral de Navarra and the Patronato Santa

Lucia.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2257/90

by Mr Marc Reymann (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8_ _October 1990)_

(91/C 63/105)

_Subject:_ Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 —
spouse who is a national of a third country

Is the Commission aware that, despite the provisions of
Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 ('), some
regional boards of the French College of Medical
Practitioners (l'Ordre des Medecins) are refusing to enter
nationals of third countries on the register of practitioners
(le Tableau des Medecins), even though they have a
spouse who is a national of a Member State and who has
him/herself exercised the right of free movement within
the Community (in this instance in France) ?

More specifically, is a regional board entitled to refuse to
enter on the register of medical practitioners a national of
a third country who has the qualifications that a French

No C 63/58 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

doctor would need to be included on this register and who
is married to a woman of German nationality, who has
herself exercised her right to free movement within the
Community (France), thus preventing him from
practising medicine as a living, although he is as qualified
as his French counterparts?

Might this doctor, who is a national of a third country,
rely on the Judgment of the Court of Justice of the
European Communities of 7 May 1986 in Case 131/85:
Emir Giil v. Regierungsprasident Dusseldorf ECR 1583 _et_
_seq.,_ in order to exercise his rights?

( [l] ) OJ No L 257, 19. 10. 1968, p. 2.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 November 1990)_

The Commission has taken note of the facts described by
the Honourable Member.

Under Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 on
freedom of movement for workers within the
Community ( [x] ), the spouse, irrespective of his or her
nationality, of a national of a Member State pursuing an
activity as an employed or self-employed person in the
territory of another Member State has the right to take up
any activity as an employed person throughout the
territory of that State.

As the Court of Justice of the European Communities
ruled in Case 131/85 Emir Giil v. Regierungsprasident
DUsseldorf ( [2] ), the spouse of a worker entitled to move
freely within the Community who is a national of a third
country has the right to pursue occupations subject to a
system of administrative authorization and to special legal
rules governing their exercise on the same conditions as a
national of the host country. This applies to the medical
profession provided the spouse shows that he or she has
the professional qualifications and diplomas required by
the legislation of the host Member State for the exercise
of that profession.

Where, in cases such as those to which the Honourable
Member refers, doctors fulfil the abovementioned
conditions and are refused the right to register by the
French authorities, they should send the Commission a
copy of their file for examination.

O OJ, English Special Edition 1968 (II).
( [2] ) European Court Reports 1986, p. 1573.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2262/90

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 October 1990)_

(91/C 63/106)

_Subject:_ Birds Directive

Further to the answer to my Written Question
No 738/89 O, will the Commission answer in precise
terms the third part, namely will it list all those species
currently on Annex II to Directive 79/409/EEC ( [2] ) which
are declining in one or more Member States, or must
Parliament assume that it does not know?

(') OJ No C 190, 30. 7.1990, p. 3.
O OJ No L 103,25.4. 1979, p. 1.

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

_(6 December 1990)_

The information requested by the Honourable Member is
to be found in the data bank kept up-to-date by the
Belgian Royal Institute of Natural Sciences.

The information will be sent direct to the Honourable

Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2271/90

by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 October 1990)_

(91/C 63/107)

_Subject:_ Community information office on private wills

The mobility of Community citizens, their resettling in
other Community countries and their participation in real
estate transactions in their adopted countries means
that they own property which is logically among the
dispositions in their respective wills.

Since in most cases these wills are made in the legator's
country of origin, although they cover the property
purchased in their adopted country, those involved in the
legator's business transactions in their adopted country
are naturally confused as to whether the deceased made a
will in his/her country of origin; in the presence of which

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/59

notary; which body is responsible for coordinating this
information in the deceased's country of origin; what
guarantees of notarial information they might receive etc.

In the light of all this, would not the Commission deem it
appropriate to set up a single Community information
office on wills drawn up by Community citizens owning
property in Community countries other than their own,
with a view to coordinating information from respective
bodies dealing with last wills and testaments, and thus to
contribute to greater security in real estate transactions
and in other transactions of a general nature, by
improving information access?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(21 November 1990)_

The matter referred to falls within the jurisdiction of the
Member States. The Commission can inform the

Honourable Member, however, that there is already an
instrument of international law in this field, namely the
Basle Convention of 16 May 1972 on the establishment of
a scheme of registration of wills. This is a Council of
Europe Convention, which has so far been ratified by
France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal,
Luxembourg and Spain among the Community countries,
and by a number of other European countries.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2295/90

by Mr Luciano Vecchi (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 October 1990)_

(91/C63/108)

_Subject:_ Conscientious objection

Parliament's resolution on conscientious objection and
alternative civilian service adopted in October 1989
(A3-0015/89) and a resolution on the same subject
adopted in February 1983 (1-0546/82) recognize the right
to refuse to do military service as a citizen's right which
should therefore be upheld and protected throughout the
Community.

1. What action will be taken on Parliament's resolution

to ensure that all its recommendations are in fact
implemented?

2. Why is it that in one Member State, namely Greece,
the right of conscientious objection and alternative
civilian service is not yet recognized, so that hundreds
of young people are being unjustly detained in
military prisons?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 November 1990)_

As it stated in Parliament's debate in October 1989 on

Mrs Schmidbauer's report on conscientious objection and
alternative civilian service, the Commission has no
competence in this area.

The Commission is aware that varying provisions
regarding the right to refuse to perform military service
are in force in the Member States. However, since it lacks
jurisdiction in the matter, it is unable to take any initiative
to guarantee the status of conscientious objectors and
protect them against measures of which they are the
victims.

The Commission would also refer the Honourable

Member to the recommendation of the Committee of

Ministers to Council of Europe Member States, adopted
on 9 April 1987, regarding conscientious objection to
compulsory military service.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2329/90

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C 63/109)

_Subject:_ Community policy on employment

Does the Commission plan to draw up rules on temporary
employment contracts and temporary work?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

(5 _November 1990)_

The Commission has presented three proposals for
Directives on certain employment relationships — one
relating to working conditions, the second to distortions
of competition and the third supplementing the measures
to encourage improvements in the safety and health of
temporary workers (').

The first two proposals cover part-time, fixed-duration
and temporary employment relationships, while the third

No C 63/60 Official Journal of the

is concerned with fixed-duration and temporary
relationships.

(') OJ No C 224, 8.9. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2331/90

by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C 63/110)

_Subject:_ Aiguestortes National Park (Catalonia, Spain)

The decision by the Catalan Regional Government
to reduce Aiguestortes National Park by nearly
6 000 hectares is a development without precedent in
Europe. The area of this protected natural zone is being
reduced to make way for tourist projects which are
harmful to the environment and incompatible with the
measures envisaged by the Commission in the proposal
for a new Community directive on the protection of
natural and semi-natural habitats and of wild fauna and

flora.

What emergency initiatives can the Commission take, in
conjunction with the Catalan Regional Government, to
prevent the serious ecological damage which may be
caused by this decision?

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

_(13 December 1990)_

The Aigttes Tortes national park is a special protection
area that has been classified in accordance with

Article 4 (1) of Directive 79/409/EEC on the protection
of wild birds (').

Spain is responsible for maintaining this area, which
provides a suitable conservation habitat for those species
for which it has been classified.

There is, in particular, an obligation to take appropriate
steps, within the protection areas at issue, in order to
avoid pollution or the deterioration of habitats and
disturbances affecting the birds, provided that these have
a significant effect _vis-a-vis_ the aims of this article.

The Commission has asked Spain for further information
on the facts put forward by the Honourable Member.

O OJ No L 103, 25. 4. 1979.

European Communities 11.3.91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2435/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 63/111)

_Subject:_ An increase in IMF capital and criteria for
intervention

At its recent meeting in September the International
Monetary Fund's Interim Committee was compelled, in
the light of the international situation, to consider yet
again the problem of its own resources, in order to meet
the debt problem, integrate Eastern European trade
acceptably into the international payments system and
deal with the consequences of the Gulf crisis. Prior to this,
at the beginning of May, the IMF had already decided to
increase its capital by 50%, once 85 % of the shareholders
had approved the increase.

1. IMF members have until the end of 1991 to give their
approval but they could agree before the six-monthly
IMF meeting to be held in April 1991. Are the Twelve
coordinating their position with this earlier date in
mind and, if so, along what lines? What progress have
they made so far?

2. How is the current IMF capital divided among the 152
member countries?

3. Is the 50 % increase sufficient in the Twelve's view and

why has the United States opposed it and is apparently
still opposing it?

4. Is it acceptable for the United States to have the right
of veto when its budget deficit sets the world's worst
example among the developed countries of public
financial management?

5. How does the structural adjustment policy, applied on
a case-by-case basis, fulfil these general criteria?

Answer

_(12 February 1991)_

The increase in IMF quotas agreed on in May 1990 was
the result of protracted, difficult negotiations lasting two
years, in which the arguments of those wanting to see the
capital doubled in order to cope with the Fund's growing
tasks were confronted by the arguments of those who
considered a modest increase sufficient, pointing _inter alia_
to domestic budget constraints. The compromise was a
50% increase in capital, from 90 100 million to
135 200 million SDRs.

M.05 91 official Journal of the European Communities ^ O C ^ B D I

The agreementwas ratified on ^^ June 1990 b v t h e l ^ P s
Board of Governors,

TBhe^ember^tatesof theCommunitvparticipatedin
those negotiations, consulting together regularl^,asthev
have always done, on the major issnes affecting
international financial bodies.

The Governments of the Communitv member states

intend to speed up internal procedures so that the capital
increase can take place as swiftlv as possible. In his
statementatthel^iEAnnual meeting in September 1990,
the President of the Council, speaking on behalf of the
Communitv, appealed to all Ennd members to take the
necessary steps in order forthe capital increase to become
effective as soon as possible in!991.

As regards structural adjustment policv,the President of
the Council pointed out that a growing number of
developing countries are currently applying stringent
macroeconomic and structural adjustment programmes,
realizing that the creation of a favourable economic
environment is essential in order to mobilize savings,
attract investment and enconrage the return of flight
capital, Fie addedthat all industrialized countries must
remain firmlv committed to supporting such adjustment
efforts b^ making available appropriate financing and bv
implementingtrade liberalization measures.

It is not for the Council to commenton the position
adopted bv the ^United states Administration dnring
negotiations on an increase in the Eund'scapital,

The breakdownoftheEund'scapitalbetween member
conntries has been officially published ^I^iE Bulletin,
Augustl990^,

W H I T ^ ^ ^ ^ E ^ T T ^ ^ ^ o ^ ^ e O B 9 0

bv^rLuigiVe^temati^

to theCou^ci^ofthe European Co^r^urut^es

^91BC^B11^

^^crTa^incentivesforenvironmental protection

Among the manv issues which the Italian Presidency has
undertaken to review and define more closerv, both

within the Treaties and bv means of Communitv

legislation,environmentalpolicvhasreceivedparticular
attention,

COn ^ September 1990 the minister responsible, ^lr
CiorgioR^uffolo, convened an informal summit meeting
of Communitv Environment ministers to consider the

matterin more specific detail.

Can the Council inform Parliament of the subjects
discussed atthe summit and the conclusions drawn^

What ideas emerged concerning the introduction of
financial incentives to encourage environmental policv in
the Communitv and the need forthe rapid introduction of
operational instruments ^European Environment Agencv
and European Eundforthe Environments

Whatpositionwas adopted b^the Environment ministers
on possible amendments to the Treaties in respect of
Communitv environmental policv^

Answer

1. The use of economic and fiscal means in

environmentpolic^was examined in detail at an informal
meetingof t h e ^ i n i s t e r s f o r t h e Environment heldin
R^omeon^^eptember 1990 atthe initiative of the Italian
Presidenc^,The discussion tookplace in the light of the
conclusions of the Dublin European Council o f ^ a n d ^ D
June 1990, the conclusions of the Environment Council of
^ November 19^9, the report drawn up at the
Commission's request entitled ^199^ ^ the
Environmental lOimension', and two preparatory
documents, one of which was drafted bv the Italian
Presidency and the other b^aWorkingPartv of experts
of the member states convened bvtheCommission,

^, At its meeting on ^9 C0ctoberl990, the Environment
Council adopted conclusions on the use of economic and
fiscal means in environment policv,stressing in particular
the importance of using these instruments in environment
policies inthe interests of more efficient environmental
protection.

The Honourable member will find attached the full te^t

ofthe conclusions adoptedb^the Council,

05 Lastly, it mav be noted that the other points
mentioned b^ the Honourable member ^operational
instruments' andpossible amendments to theTreaties^
were not broached at the informal meeting of the
ministers forthe Environment,

The Council stresses that in the interests of more efficient

environmental protection in the content of effectivelv
integrating environmental and economic policv and
meeting the fundamental objective of sustainable
development, in particular while complying with the
^polluterpa^s' principle, it is necessarv to back up
current,direct environmental regulations,basedonthe
command and control approach, with economic and fiscal
instruments aimed at influencing the reasoning and
behaviour of producers and consumers, to discourage
wasteful or polluting processes and products and to
promote technologies and productive processes which are
consistentwith resource conservation,

TheCouncilagrees that the possibilitvof Communitv
action in this areashouldbe examined, ^uch action, which
^ o n the basis of the principle of subsidiaritv^could

No C 63/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 3. 91

take various forms depending on the specific problems,
could make a contribution to the cohesion of the Member

States in international negotiations and to the
implementation of commitments entered into. Action
should also avoid the development of these instruments
leading to fragmentation of the market and distortions of
competition.

The areas which call for specific attention are:

— climatic changes (greenhouse gases),

— solid waste,

— environmental considerations in the context of other

Community policies,

— water pollution.

The Council notes that it is the Commission's intention,
on the basis of the conclusions of the European Council in
Dublin (25 and 26 June 1990), to submit in time for the
Environment Council meeting on 20 and 21 December
1990 a concrete proposal relating to climatic changes and
general guidelines for solid waste.'

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2597/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Paul Lannoye and Mr
Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(20 November 1990)_

(91/G63/113)

_Subject:_ Adoption of the Directive on the dumping of

waste at sea

Since 18 March 1988 the Council has had on its files the

amended proposal for a Council directive on the dumping
of waste at sea, submitted to it by the Commission (').

1. Does the Council not consider that failure to adopt
this directive constitutes a serious deficiency in the
implementation of Community environmental policy
with regard to waste?

2. Does the Council intend to consider this proposal for
a directive and, if so, when?

3. Can the Council say what is preventing the adoption
of the proposed directive?

O OJNoC72,18.3.1988, p. 8.

Answer

_(1 February 1991)_

1. The Council attaches great importance to the
control and reduction of marine pollution. It has adopted
several measures in this connection, in particular:

— the Council Decision of 3 December 1981 establishing
a Community information system for the control and
reduction of pollution caused by hydrocarbons
discharged at sea ( [!] ), and

— the Council Decision of 6 March 1986 establishing a
Community information system for the control and
reduction of pollution caused by the spillage of
hydrocarbons and other harmful substances at sea ( [2] ).

The Community is also a Contracting Party to a number
of international conventions on the prevention of marine
pollution, in particular the Bonn Agreement for
Cooperation in Dealing with Pollution of the North Sea
by Oil and Other Harmful Substances and the Barcelona
Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea

against Pollution and Protocols thereto.

2. The Council is, however, fully aware of the need to
step up Community action in this field, as it pointed out in
particular in its resolution of 19 October 1987 on the
continuation and implementation of a European
Community policy and action programme on the
environment (1987-1992) ( [J] ) and in its resolution of 16
October 1989 on guidelines to reduce technological and
natural hazards ( [4] ).

3. As regards points 2 and 3 of the Honourable
Members' Question, it should be pointed out that the
main purpose of the proposal for a Directive in question is
to lay down common rules harmonizing provisions under
international conventions in the interests of better

protection of the marine environment.

In its Opinion delivered in 1987 ( [5] ), the European
Parliament called for other proposals to be submitted on
the matter and in particular a proposal to prohibit the
dumping of radioactive waste.

In 1988 the Commission submitted the amended proposal
to which the Honourable Members refer. Discussions

under way in Council bodies do not as yet afford any
prospect of the Directive being adopted in the near future.

There is, in fact, a school of thought which holds that
recourse to existing international conventions provides a
more suitable way of bringing about satisfactory control
of the dumping of waste at sea.

(') OJNoL355,10.12.1981.
O OJ No L _77,_ 22. 3.1986.
O OJ No C 328, 7. 12. 1987, p. 3, subparagraph (a), and Annex,

p. 23, point 4.2.
(*) OJ No C 273,26.10.1989.
(*) OJ No CI 90,27. 7. 1987. 

11. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 63/63

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2791/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(13 December 1990)_

(91/C 63/114)

_Subject:_ The programme for the EBRD

The particular information the Honourable Member
requires regarding the preparatory work can be supplied
by the Commission, to which the Honourable Member
1 has put the same question. In this connection it should be
» noted that, under the Council Decision, the Commission
» is responsible for appointing the representatives of the

_-_
Community at the Bank.

Under this act the Community as such will be a member of
the Bank as soon as the Agreement enters into force.

The proceedings to which the Honourable Member refers
are in preparation for the first meeting of the Board of
Governors of the Bank, to be held within 60 days of entry
into force of the Agreement.

It is the Board of Directors which, in accordance with 1
general guidelines given it by the Board of Governors,
draws up policies and takes decisions concerning loans,
guarantees, investments in equity capital, loans, the _-_
furnishing of technical assistance and other operations of
the bank. Its decisions are taken on the basis of

documentation submitted by the Bank's management.

The Board of Directors is supposed to be constituted by
means of an election held at the first meeting of the Board
of Governors, to be convened within 60 days following
the entry into force of the Agreement establishing the
bank, or as soon as possible after. Has this actually been
done?

'The principle of lasting development, the implementation
of sound banking management, and the other principles
described in Article 13 of the Agreement, are to govern
the operations of the Bank.' In practice this will mean the
issuing of guidelines, which are at present drawn up by the
teams surrounding and supporting the Presidentdesignate, Mr Jacques Attali, during the transitional
period preceding the entry into force of the agreement
and the beginning of operations. These guidelines, which
will be contained in an operational manual, will establish
the policies and basic principles with which the bank's
operations will have to comply. They should be submitted
to the Board of Directors for its approval in good time.
What stage has been reached so far?

The agreement, which is the only official document
defining at present the functions and principles and
operating principles of the Bank does not, a priori, rule
out any kind of industrial activity, provided that it
belongs to the private and competitive production sector.
Has the operating manual unofficially — made progress
on this important point?

Answer

_(12 February 1991)_

On 19 November 1990 the Council adopted a Decision on
the conclusion of the Agreement establishing the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2799/90

by Mr Luigi Vertemati (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(13 December 1990)_

(91/C63/115)

_Subject:_ Safety of drivers of motor vehicles

Directives 76/115/EEC (') (amended by Directive
82/318/EECO) and 77/541/EEC ( [3] ) (amended by
Directive 82/319/EEC ( [4] )) on the use of seat belts have
yielded positive results with regard to safety.

In some cases, however, seat belts have prevented drivers
from escaping from vehicles, thus adding to the number
of deaths.

Since technology has provided viable solutions which
increase safety for drivers and passengers before, during
and after an accident:

Does the Council not consider it necessary to amend the
directive to provide for the release of the seat belt 10-15
seconds after impact, in order to allow the occupants of
the vehicle to escape?

O OJNoL24,30.1.1976, p. 6.
O OJ No LI 39,19.5.1982, p. 9.
O OJNoL220,29.8. 1977, p. 95.
O OJNoLl39,19.5.1982,p. 17.

Answer

_(12 February 1991)_

The Council has received no proposal from the
Commission amending the Directive referred to by the
Honourable Member.

- O P *

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