Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

ISSN 0378-6986

###### C 90
# Official J ournal

Volume 36

#### of the European Communities

Information and Notices
English edition

31 March 1993

Notice No Contents Page

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

93 / C 90 / 01 No 1589 / 91 by Mr Terence Wynn to the Commission
Subject : Food aid 1

93 / C 90 / 02 No 1599 / 91 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission
Subject : Disposal of waste food 1

93 / C 90 / 03 No 1866 / 91 by Mr Karl von Wogau to the Commission
Subject : Attracting investors to the new German Länder 2

93 / C 90 / 04 No 1955 / 91 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Working conditions of police officers 3

93 / C 90 / 05 No 2309 / 91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission
Subject : Charter laying down a European parks standard 3

93 / C 90 / 06 No 2439 / 91 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission
Subject : Protection of nature in southern Crete 4

93 / C 90 / 07 No 2826 / 91 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission
Subject : Development of the information technology sector in the Community 5

93 / C 90 / 08 No 39 / 92 by Mr Virginio Bettini to the Commission
Subject : Road link between the Sempione highway and the trunk road of the Antigorio and
Formezza Valleys in Piedmont ( Italy ) 6

93 / C 90 / 09 No 719 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection of the Greek shoreline from erosion 7

2 ( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

93 / C 90 / 10 No 794 / 92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission
Subject : Joint coastal management 7

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 7 1 9 / 92 and 794 / 92 7

93 / C 90 / 1 1 No 832 / 92 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission
Subject : Coal importation at Bootle Docks Merseyside 8

93 / C 90 / 1 2 No 1181 / 92 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission
Subject : Varieties of apple 8

93 / C 90 / 13 No 1198 / 92 by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz, Mrs Ursula Schleicher, Mrs Hedwig
Keppelhoff-Wiechert, Mr Honor Funck, Mr Ingo Friedrich, Mr Georg
Jarzembowski, Mr Reinhold Bocklet and Mrs Brigitte Langenhagen to the

Commission

Subject : Incorporation into meat products of starch or proteins of animal or vegetable origin
and the maximum permissible percentages from a technological viewpoint 8

93 / C 90 / 14 No 1335 / 92 by Mr Elmar Brok to the Commission
Subject : Structural Funds in the new German Lander 9

93 / C 90 / 15 No 1387 / 92 by Mr Fernando Suárez González to the Commission
Subject : Cooperation with Latin America 10

93 / C 90 / 16 No 1398 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Communication of the deaf with public services 10

93 / C 90 / 17 No 1413 / 92 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : Exports of fuel containing tetraethyllead ( TEL ) 12

93 / C 90 / 18 No 1420 / 92 by Mrs Carole Tongue to the Commission
Subject : Import of Japanese automotive components into the EC 13

93 / C 90 / 49 No 1436 / 92 by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz to the Commission
Subject : Containers of liquids for human consumption 13

93 / C 90 / 20 No 1715 / 92 by Mr Louis Lauga to the Commission
Subject : Harmonization of forestry policy in the Community countries and linking it to reform
of the CAP 14

93 / C 90 / 21 No 1775 / 92 by Mr Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission
Subject : Alcohol-based fuels 15

93 / C 90 / 22 No 1855 / 92 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission
Subject : Reduction of crews by the Danish Government 15

93 / C 90 / 23 No 1856 / 92 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission
Subject : Coal dust problem and extension of coal imports at Bootle Docks, Merseyside 16

93 / C 90 / 24 No 1857 / 92 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission
Subject : Powergen coal terminal at Bootle, Merseyside 16

93 / C 90 / 25 No 1858 / 92 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission
Subject : Powergen 's bulk terminal at Gladstone Dock, Bootle, Merseyside 17

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1 856 / 92, 1 857 / 92 and 1 858 / 92 17

Notice No

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Contents ( continued ) Page

No 1884 / 92 by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer, Mr Paul Lannoye, Mr Virginio Bettini and
Mrs Eva-Maria Quistorp to the Commission
Subject : Technical aid programme for the CIS 18

No 1895 / 92 by Mr Gerardo Gaibisso to the Commission
Subject : Bribes scandals in Italy : infringement of the rules on free competition ... : 19

No 1907 / 92 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Forestry — conservation of conifers 19

No 1916 / 92 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission
Subject : The Alqueva dam 20

No 1949 / 92 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Fish farming at Agios Nikolaos, Sithonia, Halkidiki ( Greece ) 20

No 1964 / 92 by Mrs Simone Veil to the Commission
Subject : Combating AIDS 21

No 1986 / 92 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject : Disgraceful behaviour at Rhodes airport 21

No 2006 / 92 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission

Subject : Environment and sustainable development 22

No 2060 / 92 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : New power stations in the Ukraine 22

No 2104 / 92 by Mr Peter Crampton to the Commission
Subject : Durum wheat in the UK under the new CAP proposals 23

No 2157 / 92 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Refinancing of the ' Ouverture programme ' 23

No 2248 / 92 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject : Confiscation of pension contributions 23

No 2254 / 92 by Mrs Marguerite-Marie Dinguirard to the Commission
Subject : Transport of fissile materials ( plutonium ) 24

No 2321 / 92 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission
Subject : Merchant shipping 25

No 2322 / 92 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission
Subject : Insurance in Europe . 25

No 2323 / 92 by Mr Michael Welsh to the Commission
Subject : Cereal stocks in intervention 26

No 2348 / 92 by Mr Friedrich Merz to the Commission
Subject : February 1992 edition of the Commission 's directory 27

( Continued overleaf )

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Contents ( continued ) Page

No 2371 / 92 by Mr John Tomlinson to the Commission
Subject : Common agricultural policy 27

No 2378 / 92 by Mr Rafael Calvo Ortega to the Commission
Subject : The state of the Spanish potato market 27

No 2387 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Community industrial policy 28

No 2397 / 92 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Unexpected imports of potatoes from third countries into the EC 28

No 2402 / 92 by Mr Carlo Casini to the Commission
Subject : Community Structural Funds — application and eligible areas . . 29

No 2419 / 92 by Mr Peter Crampton to the Commission
Subject : CAP reform — meat subsidies 29

No 2420 / 92 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Training of category A European officials in 1991 30

No 2435 / 92 by Mr Luigi Moretti to the Commission
Subject : Use of ERDF funds 31

No 2443 / 92 by Mr Francesco Speroni to the Commission
Subject : Community financing of projects incompatible with the Berne Convention on the
Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats 31

No 2446 / 92 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Accident at the Petrola plant 32

No 2448 / 92 by Mr John Cushnahan to the Commission
Subject : Compensation of customs clearance agents 32

No 2450 / 92 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject : Animals used for research 33

No 2464 / 92 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject : Cycle paths in the EC 33

No 2501 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Keratsini fish wharves 34

No 2554 / 92 by Mr Rogerio Brito to the Commission
Subject : Refusal to recognize ' Torres ' wine as a Portuguese quality wine 34

No 2559 / 92 by Mr Pierre Lataillade to the Commission
Subject : Participation in and preparation for the International Year of the Family in 1994 35

No 2564 / 92 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission
Subject : Transport, regional development and the environment 35

93 / C 90 / 60 No 2623 / 92 by Mr José Valverde López to the Commission
Subject : Investments in the Province of Granada ( Spain ) from the European Social Fund ...... 36

( Continued on inside back cover )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

93 / C 90 / 61 No 2647 / 92 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Community competition policy — control of national financial aid 36

93 / C 90 / 62 No 2715 / 92 by Mr James Moorhouse to the Commission
Subject : Net Book Agreement 36

93 / C 90 / 63 No 2770 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : ESF programmes 37

93 / C 90 / 64 No 2780 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Working conditions of sandblasters in Greece 37

93 / C 90 / 65 No 2820 / 92 by Mr Franco Borgo, Mr Giuseppe Mottola, Mr Giulio Fantuzzi,
Mr Mauro Chiabrando and Mr Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission

Subject : Implementation of Council Regulation ( EEC ) establishing a support system for
producers of certain arable crops under the CAP reform 38

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1589 / 91

by Mr Terence Wynn ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 24 July 1991 )

( 93 / C 90 / 01 )

Subject : Food aid

In the context of the EC Council of Ministers ' decision

that the 400 000 tonnes of additional food aid should be
mobilized for the African famine by the European
Commission and that 200 000 tonnes should be sent by
Member States from bilateral food aid, will the
Commission set out the pledges for food aid to Africa
made so far in 1991 by each of the Twelve and list the
minimum annual food aid commitments of each Member

State under the Food Aid Convention ?

o OJ No L 302, 31 . 10 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1599 / 91

by Mrs Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

Belgium 41 500 tonnes
Denmark 15 600 tonnes

Germany 193 500 tonnes
Greece 10 000 tonnes
Spain 20 000 tonnes
France 200 000 tonnes

Ireland 4 000 tonnes

Italy 95 400 tonnes
Luxembourg 1 400 tonnes
Netherlands 50 200 tonnes
Portugal
United Kingdom 110 700

41 500 tonnes

15 600 tonnes

193 500 tonnes

10 000 tonnes

20 000 tonnes

200 000 tonnes

4 000 tonnes

95 400 tonnes

1 400 tonnes

50 200 tonnes

Answer given by Mr Marin ( 24 July 1991 )
on behalf of the Commission ( 93 / C 90 / 02 )

(6 October 1992 )

Subject : Disposal of waste food

According to information received by the Commission,

during the period from November 1990 to November

1991, the Member States approved allocations worth a
total of ECU 200 million, comprising 460 162 tonnes of
foodstuffs ( approximately ECU 154 million ) and
logistical support operations ( ECU 46 million ).

These figures include allocations under the annual
programmes and special allocations to deal with the onset
of drought .

As for the Member States ' minimum annual allocations
under the Food Aid Convention, the following
breakdown of the total of 742 300 tonnes of cereals ('):

The means of disposing of waste food from mass catering
establishments, aircraft ect . currently differs widely from
one Member State to another and includes dumping,
composting, burning and biological recycling for animal
feed .

Under German legislation waste food from aircraft must
be burned and cannot be biologically recycled .

1 . Does the Commission agree that these regulations are
an obstacle to environmentally friendly and cheaper
methods of disposal ?

2 . What possibilities does the Commission see of
establishing national disposal undertakings for the

No C 90 / 2 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

biological recycling of waste food for animal feed
throughout Europe thereby ensuring that all waste
can be used ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 December 1992 )

On the basis of the information available the Commission
cannot propose one method rather than another in
relation to the disposal of the material mentioned by the
Honourable Member .

However Council Directive 90 / 667 / EEC of 27
November 1990 lays down the veterinary rules for the
disposal and processing of animal waste, for its placing on
the market and for the prevention of pathogens in
feedstuffs of animal and fish origin and amending
Directive 90 / 425 / EEC . For the purposes of the Directive
animal waste is defined as carcases or parts of animals or
fish, or products of animal origin not intended for direct
human consumption, with the exception of animal excreta
and catering waste .

The Directive does not affect national veterinary
legislation applicable to the eradication and control of
certain diseases and to the use of catering waste . The
Community leaves it to the Member States to apply a safe
method of disposal . Community Directives require that
Member States take the appropriate disposal measures
without prejudice to the environment or to national or
specific Community veterinary legislation applicable to
the eradication or control of certain diseases such as

African and Classical swine fever . However Article 1 of

Council Directive 72 / 462 / EEC of 12 December 1972 on
health and veterinary inspection problems upon
importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat
from third countries includes a provision that kitchen
waste unloaded from means of transport using
international routes must be destroyed .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1866 / 91

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

(1 September 1991 )

( 93 / C 90 / 03 )

Subject : Attracting investors to the new German Lander

1 . Does the Commission agree that investments from
other Community Member States have an important role

to play in bringing about economic prosperity in the new
German Federal Lander and that the Community should
provide financial assistance to promote such investments
in this Community region ?

2 . Is it true that the Commission, and notably DG
XXIII, has agreed to make available Community funds
for events to attract investors for economic activities in
the new Federal Lander only on condition that these
events take place on the territory of the former GDR ?

3 . Does the Commission not agree that such events
designed to provide information about economic
activities in the new Federal German Lander would,
perhaps, prove more effective if they were staged in the
places where potential investors are to be found ?

4 . Does the Commission intend to take measures to
this effect and to propose development programmes, if it
has not already done so ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 October 1 992 )

1 . The Commission agrees with the Honourable
Member that investment from other Member States in the
new Lander will be a major factor in the hoped-for
recovery in those areas and that it should be encouraged
by the Community .

Accordingly, it has taken practical measures, in both the
financial and information fields, to attract investors to the
new Lander .

2 . These measures are designed :

— either to underpin the development of local economic

activities in the new Lander, notably via support from
the Structural Funds, particularly the ERDF ( ECU
640 million in aid for productive investment and ECU
590 million to promote economic infrastructures
during the period 1991 — 93 ), EIB and ECSC loans,
and the setting-up of two Business Innovation Centres
( Frankfurt / Oder and Zwickau ) to provide the
information and advice necessary to start up
businesses ;

— or to facilitate the dissemination of information and

advice to firms concerning investment opportunities in
the new Lander, notably through participation by the
Treuhandanstalt in the BC-Net network, expansion of
the EIC network ( seven new Euro-Info-Centres ), and
the organization of events to strengthen cooperation

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 3

between firms in the new Lander and firms from
elsewhere in the Community ( increased participation
in the Interprise and Europartenariat schemes,
organization of a specific Europartenariat event in
Leipzig in December 1991 ).

3 . Through these practical measures, the Commission
has demonstrated that it intends not only to assist existing
businesses in the new Lander but also to promote
investment there, regardless of the country in which
potential investors are located .

4 . By mobilizing the whole range of instruments
available to it, the Commission intends to pursue and,
where necessary, step up its efforts to respond to the
recovery needs of the new Lander .

Council Directive concerning certain aspects of the
organization of working time with the aim of establishing
minimum Community rules on rest periods, holidays and
night work . Work is continuing with a view to adoption of
this proposal .

The Directive will probably not be applicable to police
work, not least if it is judged that the specific features of
such work constitute an insuperable obstacle .
Nevertheless, despite this exclusion, the Member States
must ensure that all possible protection is provided for the
health and safety of workers .

It should be added that in the course of the discussions

within the Council, some Member States put forward
proposals to enable them to make specific derogations
from the Directive .

The Commission is kept informed, by the Member States

or through specific studies, of developments in national
legislation in the social field ; it does not, however, intend
to ask for any particular information on the matter to
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1955 / 91 which the question refers .

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

( 15 September 1 991 )

( 93 / C 90 / 04 )

Subject : Working conditions of police officers

From hearing many accounts by those concerned and
conducting some personal research, I have discovered
that the working conditions of police officers in Greece
have worsened considerably . In many cases, for example
in Salonika, police officers work up to 52 hours a week
and, furthermore, their holidays are being whittled away .
Part of the holidays are being paid as overtime, while
another part is held to be ' owing ' to them so that it can be
alocated as holiday at a later stage . I know of a police
officer who has accumulated around 30 days ' extra
holiday in this way ; under present circumstances, he is
unlikely ever to be able to take these days as holiday, nor
will they be paid as overtime .

Can the Commission state whether, leaving aside the
question of public order, which is a strictly national
matter, it is aware of and is monitoring these
developments, given that they relate to working
conditions and the principles laid down in the Social
Charter, and whether it intends to ask the Greek
Government to provide an explanation ?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 December 1 991 )

In accordance with its action programme on the
implementation of the Community Charter of the
Fundamental Social Rights of workers, the Commission
presented to the Council a year ago a proposal for a

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2309 / 91

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

( 21 October 1991 )

( 93 / C 90 / 05 )

Subject : Charter laying down a European parks standard

The environment is an area in which the European
Community is frequently ahead of the Member States .
How does the Commission assess its progress with regard
to the protection of the environment and natural parks ? In
which geographical areas does the Commission consider
that Community measures have been exemplary ? Under
what Conditions would the Community be prepared to
participate in negotiations for the formulation of a
Charter laying down a European natural parks standard ?
In this connection would, the Commission be willing to
consider the possible implications of such a move for the
Marais Poitevin natural park ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 December 1 992 )

The Commission works in close collaboration with the
Member States on the application of Community
legislation .

In 1991 it published a report on the application of
Directive 79 / 409 / EEC (*) on the conservation of wild

No C 90 / 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

birds which contains a list of areas classified by the
Member States as special protection areas . A copy of this
document will be sent direct to the Honourable Member

and to Parliament 's Secretariat .

The ' labelling ' of natural parks is the responsibility of the

Member States . Community legislation in force does not
provide for this type of classification .

The Commission has already provided financial support
for three projects in the Poitevin marshes, within the
framework of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2242 / 87 on action
by the Community relating to the environment ( 2 ).

In addition, the Community action plan for tourism,
adopted by the Council on 13 July 1992, makes provision
for a number of measures to improve the management of
land as a tourist resource ( awarding a European prize,
supporting pilot schemes which combine tourism and
nature conservation, parks, natural reserves, etc .).

o OJN0LIO3, 25 . 4 . 1979 .
O OJ No L 207, 29 . 7 . 1987 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2439 / 91

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh ( S )
to the Commission of the European Co mm unities

( 30 October 1991 )

( 93 / C 90 / 06 )

Subject : Protection of nature in southern Crete

In southern Crete, between Preveli and Agia Galini, is
situated a relatively intact ecosystem consisting of
mountains and beaches frequented by a number of rare
and protected species of fauna, including the monk seal .
This area, including the Paximadia islands, should be

protected against further damage as a result of
development projects and increasingly intensive human
activities .

1 . What activities in this area are being supported by the

Commission from the Structural Funds or other

sources ? For what activities was an environmental
impact assessment carried out in accordance with
Council Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( l )?

2 . How can the Commission reconcile with its
environmental policy its subsidies for sheep breeding
in Crete, which are leading to serious overgrazing of
hills, where the land is suitable for extensive grazing
only ?

3 . In respect of Crete, is the Commission prepared to
subsidize activities which are environmentally friendly
and sustainable, rather than those which inflict further

damage on nature and the environment ? If so, how
will the Commission put such a policy into practice ?

4 . Have cases of wrongfully paid EC subsidies in Crete

arisen, for example, for olive-oil, sheep breeding and
agricultural buildings ? Is the Commission prepared to
investigate more closely the persistent rumours which
have been circulating in this regard ?  

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

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 5 January 1 993 )

1 . The activities jointly financed by the Structural
Funds in the Prevell-Aghia Galini region via the
Integrated Mediterranean Programme and the
Operational Multi-fund Programme for Crete are as
follows :

— restoration of the Prevell monastery,

— forestry operations such as reafforestation,

— building of a marina at Aghia Galini,

— road network within the prefecture

— small irrigation project at Kerames .

The building of the marina at Aghia Galini is covered by
an environmental impact assessment in accordance with
Directive 85 / 377 / EEC .

Two studies have been carried out on that region as part

of the Crete IMP . These concern the ' location and study
of biotopes ' and ' coastal protection '.

2 . The Council, in the recent reform of the sheep
sector, has introduced a limit on the number of ewes
and / or female goats per producer for the premium based
on the number of premia paid for the 1991 marketing
year . This limit, together with a technical change in the
definition of ewe and she goat eligible for the premium,
will, in effect, reduce the overall number of sheep and / or
goats required to enable " the producer to reach his
individual premium limit . As a result, no further increase
in sheep and goat numbers is likely in Crete and indeed
some producers may reduce overall numbers .

3 . The Commission always ensures that aid is granted
to actions which are compatible with the environment .
Often, structural assistance granted to the regions results
in direct or indirect benefits to the environment .

Aid for health protection and the genetic improvement of

livestock, including sheep, is granted under the IMPs as
part of the structural regional agricultural actions forming
part of the Greek CSF .

It is certainly clear that this aid is not intended to cause
any increase in the density of livestock . No measure is
currently in force in the olive-growing sector . However,

31.3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 5

the intention is to carry out, in particular in 1993, an
operational programme aimed at improving the quality of
olive oil by replacing certain varieties of olive tree . This
programme would concern the most important olive
growing areas in the whole of Greece, covering roughly
600 000 trees, or in other words 0,5 % of Greek olive
growing potential .

It is probable that certain areas of southern Crete will be
covered by this programme which, however, is not
intended to alter the type of crops grown or to change the
natural activities in those areas .

In addition, as part of ' LIFE ', the Commission is prepared
to examine any request from the Greek authorities that is
compatible with the aims of this financial instrument .

4 . Some of the irregularities recently brought to the
Commission 's attention by Greece under Community
regulations concern incorrect payments in the olive-oil
sector, more particularly in Crete, but their low number
does not enable the persistent rumours mentioned by the
Honourable Member to be confirmed . No instance

concerns the mutton and lamb sector .

In Crete as throughout Greece monitoring of the correct
implementation of Community regulations in the olive-oil
sector is conducted via a specific body, the Olive-oil
Inspection Agency, the activities of which are closely
scrutinized by the Commission . The inspections carried
out by the Agency do not reveal any noteworthy
difference between Crete and the other regions of the
country from the point of view of the number of
irregularities .

In these sectors, including that of mutton and lamb, the
Commission regularly examines the inspection
arrangements made by the Greek authorities and the
inspections are regularly carried out for that purpose
under the EAGGF Guarantee clearance of accounts

procedure .

In any case the Commission will be prepared to open a
special enquiry if specific information were brought to its
attention .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2826 / 91

by Mr Filippos Pierros ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 5 December 1 991 )

( 93 / C 90 / 07 )

Subject : Development of the information technology

sector in the Community

The European information technology sector is under
threat from fierce international competition, and, as a
result, 150 000 jobs may be lost . The losses of $ 12 billion
totalled by European companies in 1989 are

expected to rise to $ 17 billion in 1993, soaring to $ 70
billion in the year 2000 . Europe 's share of the world
market, which reached 12% between 1979 and 1989 is
expected to drop to 7% in 1995 as a result of such fierce
competition .

Between 1979 and 1995 the USA 's share of the world
market is expected to drop from 87 to 48 % while, over the
same period, Japanese sales are expected to rise from 6 to
45% . Even more worrying is the fact that European
companies are finding that their share of the domestic
market is dwindling from day to day .

What measures will the Commission take as an effective

response to this situation ?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi

on behalf of the Commission

( 23 December 1992 )

The period 1990 — 91 highlighted the grave difficulties

facing the electronics and information technology
industry worldwide, including the big firms in the United
States ( IBM, DEC, Wang ) and Japan ( Toshiba, Hitachi,
Sony ).

1991 will be remembered by many firms as the crisis year .
One of the main reasons for this was the growing
disparity between the pace of technological progress on
the one hand and the capacity of the markt to absorb new
products on the other . This increasing imbalance between
supply and demand was compounded by the greater
maturity of users and their raised expectations with
regard to compatibility of products and services .

Most of the 17 leading companies in the field of
information and communications technologies recorded a
drop in sales and, with few exceptions, ended 1991 with
losses or a drop in profits .

The situation in Europe must, however, be seen in
context, as the fall-off in performance is a worldwide
phenomenon . IBM, for example, recorded a loss in 1991
for the first time in its history, and has seen its share of the
world market shrink in 10 years from 36% to 23% . The
company has shed 50 000 jobs since 1986, and announced
a further 7 000 redundancies for 1992 .

As regards the future, the Honourable Member 's
estimates are based on extrapolations which assume that
past trends will continue and the present crisis persist . The
overall context of stiff competition and intense
restructuring makes it particularly difficult to predict the
future for businesses . The competition from the Japanese
is extremely tough . The Americans, aware of the danger
of losing their supremacy, are reacting by grouping into
consortia or concluding new cooperation agreements .
European firms are reacting in similar fashion, albeit from

No C 90 / 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

a weaker negotiating position, and are endeavouring to
reverse the current trend .

Community policy, first outlined in the Commission
communication adopted in April 1991 entitled ' The
European electronics and information technology
industry : state of play, issues at stake and proposals for
action ', and subsequently in the Council resolution of 18
November 1991 on electronics and information and
communications technologies, proposes action in five
main areas in order to help make the European
information technology and electronics industry more
competitive by creating a propitious climate .

The proposals are for measures relating to demand,

technology, training, external relations and the business
environment :

1 . Oh the demand side, the aim is to set up
trans-European networks incorporating harmonized
and compatible data communications services ( open
standards ), thus giving a major boost to the demand
for open systems in Europe .

2 . The Community plans to give priority to enabling

technologies in a bid to keep pace with the breakneck
speed of technological change in the field of
electronics and information technology, and maintain
an active role in the creation of a worldwide market . It

will take account of the balance which needs to be
struck between basic research, developing generic
technologies through major medium and long-term
projects, manufacturing science and market needs . In
addition to the traditional projects, priority
technology projects will be set up .

At the Research Council meeting held on 29 April

1992, the Commission tabled a communication
designed to re-orient R&TD policy in the field of
information and communications technology towards
  - strengthening industry ( Title XIII of the Maastricht

Treaty ) and making greater use of the synergy
between different R&TD activities, which will
henceforth all form part of the Framework
Programme ( Title XV of the Maastricht Treaty ).

In addition, at the conference held in Tampere
( Finland ) on 22 May 1992, the Commission proposed
strengthening the links between Eureka and the
Framework Programme by capitalizing on the synergy
between the strategic projects planned under the
Eureka medium-term programme and the priority
technology projects under the Fourth Framework
Programme .

3 . Multi-disciplinary training activities will need to be
introduced or stepped up . These will be aimed at
training staff, and at personnel in charge of
production and management in firms producing or
using data communications equipment and services .

4 . On the external relations front, trade policy will seek
to ensure comparable conditions of access to world

markets . Initiatives have already been taken, e.g. the
Europe / US bilateral cooperation agreement on
competition and the Commission communication on
the Community 's relations with Japan (').
Furthermore, at the request of the Council, the
Commission has set up a centralized information body
responsible for monitoring practices as regards trade,
market access and distribution in the world 's main
industrial regions . This body has started to collate
information, in order to prepare the ground for any
action to be taken by the competent departments of
the Commission within the appropriate forums or

vis-a-vis governments of non-Community countries,
with a view to ironing out existing distortions .

5 . Finally, other initiatives are in the pipeline designed to
create a favourable business environment ( improving
financing systems, speeding up standardization
procedures and the incorporation of standards into
products, improving coordination with structural
policies, etc .).

The Commission will do everything in its power to reverse
the present downward trend and make the entire
European electronics and information technology
industry more competitive in the medium term .

(') 'A consistent and global approach — A review of the
Community 's relations with Japan ' ( COM(92 ) 219 final ).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 39 / 92

by Mr Virginio Bettini ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(4 February 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 08 )

Subject : Road link between the Sempione highway and

the trunk road of the Antigorio and Formezza
Valleys in Piedmont ( Italy )

Whereas according to information form the WWF
( Verbania section ), ' Italia Nostra ' and the CAI ( Club
Alpino Italiano ), work has begun on a new road link in an
area described as ' the garden of the Val d'Ossola ';

Whereas this work is being carried out in derogation of
the rules on public contracts and without an
Environmental Impact Assessment ;

Whereas already on other occasions Italy has been called
on by the Community to comply with Community rules

on contracts ;

Whereas, since Italy has not fully incorporated Directive

85 / 337 / EEC (') on environmental impact assessment into
national law, the provisions of Article 5 to 10 of the
Directive . are difficult to apply ;

31 . 3 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 7

Does the Commission not intend to intervene to check
that the Italian authorities are acting within the law and, if
necessary ( as appears to be the case ), to begin proceedings
for non-fulfilment of obligations under Article 169 of the
EEC Treaty ?

conserving the European Community coastline ( 19 — 20
November 1991 ), the Council 's statement that a
Community policy is necessary in this area and the
Commission undertaking in the Fifth Environmental
Programme to protect coastlines, what specific measures
will the Commission take to limit erosion of the coastline

O OJ No L 175,5 . 7 . 1985, p. 40 . and ensure that it is preserved ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 9 December 1 992 )

In view of the information supplied by the Honourable
Member the building of the ' svincolo ' would not seem to
be subject, automatically, to an EIA procedure . The
Commission would again point out that motorways and
trunk roads are automatically subject to an EIA
procedure . In this instance no factor has emerged which
could indicate the existence of the type of road referred to
above .

Moreover, the EIA procedure could be required if the
civil engineering works had a significant impact on the
environment, on the basis of the combined provisions of
Articles 2 and 4 of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC as a result of

their nature, dimension or location . However, there is,
here also, no indication .

The Commission has introduced an infringement
procedure against Italy concerning the implementation of
Annex II to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC .

Since it is a matter here of complying with the provisions
on public contracts the Commission would request the
Honourable Member to provide it with closer details on
the facts set out and with the provisions of Community
law aipparently violated in order that it may conduct the
necessary searches in respect of that Member State and, if
appropriate, introduce the procedure provided for in
Article 169 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 719 / 92

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

(6 April 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 09 )

Subject : Protection of the Greek shoreline from erosion

The Greek shoreline has already undergone considerable
alteration as a result of erosion . According to studies by
the Athens University Geological Department, this is
being aggravated by port projects carried out without
proper preliminary studies, which modify sea currents,
and badly designed dams, which prevent alluvium from
reaching river deltas . In view of the Council resolution on

WRITTEN QUESTION No 794 / 92

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

(6 April 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 10 )

Subject : Joint coastal management

The Council of Ministers for the Environment meeting on

12 December 1991 adopted a resolution on coastal
protection and management requesting the Commission
to propose a Community strategy for joint coastal

management .

Coastal protection and management, which constitute
one of the environmental priorities of the Portuguese
presidency is for prime importance for maritime areas in
particular along the Atlantic Coast .

Can the Commission therefore say when it plans to take
specific measures in response to this request, what form
they will take and how it will use its structural instruments
to implement this strategy ?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 719 / 92 and 794 / 92

given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

( 8 December 1 992 )

Resolution 4372 / 92 of 25 February 1992 on the future
Community policy concerning the European coastal zone
was adopted on the initiative of the Dutch Presidency .

In keeping with this resolution, the Commission is
drawing up a Community strategy for the integrated
management of coastal zones geared to conservation and
sustainable use .

The final shape of this strategy has not yet been decided,
but the Commission intends to publish it before the end of
this year .

The Commission would remind the Honourable
Members that it supports measures designed to reduce

No C 90 / 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

pollution and improve planning in coastal zones,
particularly in the Mediterranean region, under the
Community Envireg initiative . The latter is scheduled to
receive a total of ECU 500 million spread over the period

1990—1993 from the Structural Funds .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 832 / 92

by Mr Kenneth Stewart ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 April 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 11 )

Subject : Coal importation at Bootle Docks Merseyside

Is the Commission aware that ' Powergen ' intends to
increase the importation of coal and products effecting
the environmental directives of the EEC at the Bootle
Dock Terminal by about six million tonnes per annum,
that the intention of ' Powergen ' is to build a purpose-built
storage centre to accommodate this extra tonnage and
that talks have taken place with residents of the nearby
housing estate, although there are many questions
unanswered ?

In view of the procrastinated activity surrounding this
issue, has the Commission been involved with the British
Government on these new measures affecting the
importation of coal at the Bootle Docks, Merseyside ?

If not, does it intend to ensure that the Directives on
environmental impact assessment and sulphur dioxide
suspended particulates ( Directives 85 / 337 / EEC (*) and

80 / 779 / EEC ( 2 )) will be fully complied with ?

Will the Commission investigate this new project to
determine its compatibility with the surrounding housing
estates, and possible effect on the health of the residents ?

o OJ No L 175,5.7 . 1985, p. 40 .
( 2 ) OJNoL229, 30 . 8 . 1980, p. 30 .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 8 December 1 992 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answer to his Written Questions Nos 1856 / 92,
1857 / 92 and 1858 / 92 ( x ).

(') See page 17 of this Official Journal .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1181 / 92

by Lord O'Hagan ( ED )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 15 May 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 12 )

Subject : Varieties of apple

It is widely rumoured in the United Kingdom that the
European Community plans to restrict the varieties of
apple available to the public to 12 .

Is this true ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 1 992 )

There is no proposal or intention to restrict to a specific
number the varieties of apple available to the public .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1198 / 92

by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz, Mrs Ursula Schleicher, Mrs
Hedwig Keppelhoff - Wiechert, Mr Honor Funck, Mr Ingo
Friedrich, Mr Georg Jarzembowski, Mr Reinhold Bocklet

and Mrs Brigitte Langenhagen ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 21 May 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 13 )

Subject : Incorporation into meat products of starch or

proteins of animal or vegetable origin and the
maximum permissible percentages from a
technological viewpoint

Article 15 of Directive 8 8 / 65 8 / EEC (') states that the

Council shall, acting on a proposal from the Commission,
take before 1 January 1991 a decision on the
incorporation into meat products of starch or proteins of
animal or vegetable origin and the maximum permissible
percentages from a technological viewpoint . The Council
has also laid down provisions according to which those
Member States which authorize the use of vegetable
proteins as a meat substitute must ensure that the label
does not contain any indication that could cause the
consumer to think that the meat product has been
produced either from or with meat .

The Commission has not yet fulfilled its obligation to
present a proposal to the Council before 1 January 1991 ;
furthermore, it has failed to include a provision in
Regulation COM(89 ) 669 final ( 2 ) on the lines of
Article 15 of Directive 77 / 99 / EEC ( 3 ), which is still in
force .

In its opinion Parliament called on the Commission to
insert a new Article 4a stating that a decision on the

31 . 3 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 9

admixture of starch and proteins of animal or vegetable
origin in meat products must be taken before 13
December 1991 .

Will the Commission submit, in the near future, a
proposal corresponding to the Council Decision of 1988
and Parliament 's opinion of 9 July 1991 ? Will it also state
what has so far prevented the submission of such a
proposal ?

(') OJNoL382, 31 . 12 . 1988, p . 15 .
O OJ No C 84, 2 . 4 . 1990, p . 89 .
O OJ No L 26, 31 . 1 . 1977, p . 85 .

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 December 1 992 )

Commission staff began work on the basis of Article 15 of
Directive 88 / 658 / EEC concerning the incorporation of
starch or proteins of animal or vegetable origin in meat
products . An initial draft Regulation was submitted to
representatives of the industry and the Member States for
their opinion in 1991 .

On 2 March 1992, however, appeared Council Directive
92 / 5 / EEC of 10 February 1992 amending and updating
Directive 77 / 99 / EEC on health problems affecting
intra-Community trade in meat products and amending
Directive 64 / 433 / EEC (').

Annex B, Chapter V of this Directive gives instructions on
the information which must appear on the labelling and
provides in particular that the protein and starch content
should be mentioned ' in connection ' with the sales

description .

The work begun by the Commission can therefore no

longer be pursued along the same lines because the main
problem, which concerned the labelling of foodstuffs, has
been dealth with in Directive 92 / 5 / EEC .

Moreover, as it set out in its White Paper on foodstuffs,
the Commission is essentially concerned to lay down rules
for the Community which are applicable across the board
to all foodstuffs and does not intend proposing provisions
which are applicable to one sector only unless these are
found to be . necessary for the implementation of other
Community policies .

In the light of the above, the Commission is considering
how to meet the obligation imposed by Article 21 of
Directive 92 / 5 / EEC which partly incorporates the
obligation previously set out in Article 15 of Directive
88 / 658 / EEC .

O OJ No L 57, 2 . 3 . 1992, p. 1 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1335 / 92

by Mr Elmar Brok ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(5 June 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 14 )

Subject : Structural Funds in the new German Lander

Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3575 / 90 (') of 4 December

1990 on the activities of the Structural Funds in the new
German Lander provides for a total of ECU 3 billion in
EC subsidies, broken down into ECU 0,9 billion for 1991,
ECU 1 billion for 1992 and ECU 1,1 billion for 1993 .

In the last financial year, however, payment
appropriations earmarked for the Structural Fund
operations in the new Lander were so low that it was not
possible to grant all applications for the second advance .
This year the situation is even worse . According to my
information, the estimated requirement is ECU 1,283
billion while only ECU 725 million have been entered in
payment appropriations in the Community budget . In the
case of the European Social Fund, compared with the
approximate ECU 370 million in payments due this year,
only ECU 217 million are available .

Can the Commission confirm these figures and what does
it intend to do to ensure that the requisite resources are
available for 1992, particularly as the Landers ' budgets
make no provision for any additional funds and the
Lander are in dire need of Community resources for
reasons of which the Commission will be aware ?

C ) OJ No L 353, 17 . 12 . 1990, p. 19 .

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 November 1 992 )

The Commission is aware of the shortfall to which the

Honourable Member refers .

When the payments appropriations entered in the 1992
budget were estimated, the Commission was guided by its
experience with other new programmes of the Structural
Funds . In view of the rapid implementation of the
measures in the new Lander, this estimate has proved too
conservative .

The Commission has already informed both arms of the
budgetary authority through the trialogue of the need to
increase payment appropriations to cover, among other
items, structural assistance in the new Lander .

No C 90 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

To this end, on 23 July 1992 the three institutions adopted

a decision to raise the ceiling on payment appropriations
in the financial perspectives by ECU 550 million .
Supplementary and amending budget No 3 / 92 provides
for an increase in the payment appropriations in Chapter
B2-19 . This involves ECU 560 million on the basis of the
preliminary draft budget and as confirmed by the
Council 's draft, which will bring total payment
appropriations available in 1992 to ECU 1 285 million .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1387 / 92

by Mr Fernando Suárez González ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(5 June 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 15 )

Subject : Cooperation with Latin America

In the context of regional integration ( budget Item
B7-3012 ) the Commission has allocated ECU 150 000 for
a study on regional integration in Central America, which
is to be carried out by the University of Miami . Does the
Commission take the view that there is no academic

institution in Central America which would be capable of
conducting this study ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 December 1 992 )

The study referred to does indeed deal with integration in
Central America and the benefits and difficulties
involved . It is being coordinated by the University of
Miami in close conjunction with the Facultad
Latinoamericana de Ciencias sociales ( FLACSO ), to
which two of the researchers working on the study
belong . As the Honourable Member is well aware,
FLACSO, which is based in San Jose, Costa Rica, enjoys
high international repute .

The study is being undertaken by a team of European and

Central American researchers, all of whom have
considerable experience of the social, political and
economic sciences .

A British economist, Mr Bulmer-Thomas, has been

appointed coordinator of the team because of his
international reputation as an expert on the economics of
Central America .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1398 / 92

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

(5 June 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 16 )

Subject : Communication of the deaf with public services

Modern technology has provided solutions to the
problems of people with hearing difficulties . The
authorities of some Community countries, however, such
as Greece, are ignoring their requirements . A typical
example are the special telephones now available on the
market which are effectively useless to them as they
cannot communicate with others and, in particular, with
public bodies ( first aid, emergency service, fire brigade,
etc .) in emergencies . The reason for this is that these
services do not have the same type of telephone and are
not making any effort to procure them and those that do
have them do not yet know how to use them, usually due
to a lack of interest . Public organizations, in Greece at
least, have been informed about these special telephones .
Will the Commission take steps to persuade all the

Member States to show an interest in helping people with
special needs such as the deaf ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 November 1 992 )

In none of the Member States of the European
Community does a comprehensive public telephone
service exist to meet the needs of deaf people .

Measures relating to people who are hard of hearing

There is considerable disparity between the Member
States concerning level of provision . In the United
Kingdom, Denmark, Germany and France, for example,
' induction coupling ' is installed in all telephones including
public phones, enabling people with hearing deficiencies
to communicate with the necessary services, whether
business or emergency . There is no statutory requirement
for this in other Member States .

Measures relating to profoundly deaf people

There is currently only one Member State, France, which

has a system ( Minitel ) which enables deaf people to
communicate with those in full possession of their
hearing . The minitel system is also available in some
public places, but it is not implemented in every part of

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 11

France, and is becoming less popular amongst the deaf
community, because of cost and technical problems .

In the United Kingdom, some emergency services have
access to a Minicom ( text telephone ). A relay system can
be used, whereby the deaf caller telephones a central
point, and a message is relayed to a person with full
hearing powers whether a professional, private or
emergency call . This is not particularly satisfactory
because of the cost, the time element, and the absence of
spontaneity between the callers .

Deaf people in other Member States, including Greece,
have access to text telephones ' but they are not freely
available to deaf people and high cost, because of the need
to input text, is always an obstacle . Italy has a well
developed network of text telephones, but does not
address the issue of emergency services, or indeed,
communication with hearing people without specialist
equipment .

There are several issues relating to widespread provision

of public text telephones for use by deaf people . High
installation cost is a significant factor . The systems are
usually prone to vandalism, and compatibility is also a
major issue, particularly when looking at international
communication .

Telefax, which is becoming more and more widespread,
could in fact replace text telephone and solve the
communication problems of deaf people . However,
although the telefax is extremely useful to deaf people, it
could never totally replace text telephones, because of the
subsequent loss of spontaneity .

Community action within the Helios framework

In the framework of the Helios Programme, the
Commission supports financially the annual programme
of the European Community Regional Secretariat of the
World Federation of the Deaf ( ECRS ) on the basis of
proposals submitted by their national member
associations . A consultative exercise conducted in 1988

revealed communications to be one of four major issues
on which ECRS should focus in the coming years . It is
planned that ECRS, with the support of the European
Commission, will organize a telecommunications
conference in October 1992, to address issues such as
access to emergency services and businesses . It is
anticipated that this conference will lead to the creation of
a formal telecommunications commission under the
auspices of ECRS, which will determine strategies to
inform and involve deaf people in achieving full access to
a telecommunications network equal to that currently
enjoyed by people with full hearing powers . The
commission will also develop a network of
telecommunication experts in each European country
who are themselves deaf or hard of hearing . A major
priority for this group will be to look at the
harmonization of the seven different text telephone

systems throughout the Member States, to enable
international communication between deaf people in the
Community .

The European Commission, through ECRS, also
supports the European Association for Multimedia
Research and Development for Deaf People,
Eurosurditec, which addresses all aspects of new
technology in relation to deaf people, including
telecommunications .

Other Commission activity in the field of telecommu ­
nications and deaf people

There has been considerable research undertaken in the

field of telecommunications generally for disabled people
within the EC Programme COST .

In the framework of Technology Initiative for Disabled
and Elderly People ( TIDE ), two projects out of the 21 of
its pilot phase are of particular relevance for people with
impaired hearing .

The first is Speech Analytic Hearing Aids for the

Profoundly Deaf in Europe ( Stride ), and is concerned
with the development of a wearable prototype aid,
providing optimal auditory support for lip-reading to the
many people in Europe with such profound impairment
that conventional aids are of little assistance . This new
approach is designed to provide clear speech contrastive
information in everyday conditions of noise and
reverberation, both of which cause particular problems in
the use of conventional hearing aids for this sector of the
population .

The second is Future Alarm and Awareness Services for
the Disabled and Elderly ( Fasde ), which will develop a
prototype of telecommunications based alarm and
awareness product for personal use . The prototype,
ultimately in the form of a wrist-watch, is intended for
those of impaired hearing, and deaf and / or blind people
who need to receive the alarm in the form of a visual

and / or tactile signal . The system can be used in different
environments, indoors and out of doors ( e.g. while
travelling or at the workplace ), public and private .

The work of the COST 219 project ' Future telecommu ­

nications and teleinformatics facilities for disabled

people ' is presented in the publication ' Issues in
telecommunications and disability ' (').

A further project under COST 220 dealing more
specifically with the needs of deaf people is documented
in the report ' If I call, who can answer ?', which examines
text telephone systems in Europe — 'A way forward to
compatibility ' ( 2 ).

No C 90 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

The video-phone is an innovation which could improve

significantly the situation of deaf people . Many problems,
both technical and financial, have to be resolved before
this system could become feasible . In the framework of
RACE, a Community pilot study is being undertaken,
with practical trials, for the deaf and hard of hearing in

Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden . And as a follow-on a
new advanced communication experiment has just started
in which the Royal National Institute for the Deaf in the
United Kingdom and the Institute for the Deaf St.
Michielsgestel in the Netherlands represent the users .

It is perhaps the issue of text telephone compatibility
throughout the Member States which is perceived as a
priority by auditory experts and organizations for the
deaf working at Community level, rather than access to
communication with people of full hearing or emergency
services, etc . Widespread introduction of the video
telephone would be a major breakthrough facilitating
communications for deaf people . However, this
innovation is still at a pilot stage and much developmental
work is needed before this becomes a feasible vehicle by
which deaf people in the Community can communicate
with each other, and with people without hearing

difficulties .

o EUR 13845 EN .

O EUR 13144 EN .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1413 / 92

by Mr Ernest Glinne ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 June 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 17 )

Subject : Exports of fuel containing tetraethyllead ( TEL )

The North American Ethyl Corporation, based in Sarnia,

Ontario, is apparently still producing up to 60 million
tonnes of TEL a year for exportation seventeen years
after the US and Canadian Governments ' discouraged '
the use of leaded petrol . The company Du Pont, in
association with the nationalized Mexican company
PEMEX (!?), is involved in producing the same substance
destined principally for the Latin American market . In the
Community, the British company OCTEL is also
producing and exporting the controversial additive,
whose harmfullness has been amply established after 70
years of expert opinions and counter-opinions .

Representations are currently being made to the Canadian
Government to have a ban imposed on exports of TEL,
while the Third World and Mexico are being warned

increasingly frequently . Mexico has, moreover, reduced
the proportion of TEL it uses .

Does the Commission not consider that fiscal incentives
must be accompanied by a powerful information
campaign on the serious dangers posed by leaded fuel,
that the permissible levels of TEL in petrol should be
further cut in Community countries and that TEL exports
should be banned, to avoid further straining North-South
relations by thus discriminating between the relatively
privileged inhabitants of the North and inhabitants of the

South who are left to their own devices ? What is the
proportion of TEL used today in the Community and
how much is produced, imported and exported ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 8 December 1 992 )

The main producers of the lead compounds used as petrol

additives are the Ethyl Corporation in the case of lead
tetraethyl and Octel in the case of lead tetramethyl .

As the Honourable Member points out, fiscal incentives
for unleaded fuel have increased demand . Information
compaigns have also been organized by the public
authorities and petrol companies . In 1991, sales of
unleaded petrol accounted for 38 % of total consumption,
with Germany leading at 79 % .

From 1 January 1993, all new cars registered in the
Community will have to be fitted with catalytic converters
and will therefore run on unleaded petrol only . Demand
for leaded fuel will therefore fall faster . As demand for
leaded fuel is gradually and relatively quickly being
phased out, the Commission does not have any plans to
propose reducing the lead content of petrol, which at the
moment is 0,15 g / 1 throughout the Community .

It is estimated that Community production of lead
compounds for petrol will be 30 000 tonnes in 1992,
production in 1991 having been about 40 000 tonnes . The
lead content of these compounds is about 40 % . Exports to
third countries totalled 14 300 tonnes in 1991 and imports
from these countries 8 400 tonnes . These figures are for
lead compounds and do not include trade in leaded petrol
as customs figures do not distinguish between leaded and
utileaded petrol .

The Commission does not have any production figures
for the Ethyl Corporation 's Sarnia plant but would put its
production closer to 25 to 35 000 tonnes / annum than to
60 million tonnes .

31 . 3 . 93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 13

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1420 / 92 from Japan during the period 1986 — 1992 and the final

by Mrs Carole Tongue ( S ) country and region of destination of these components ?
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 June 1 992 )

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
( 93 / C 90 / 18 )

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Import of Japanese automotive components into

the EC

Could the Commission give details of all automotive
components imported into the European Community

( 16 September 1 992 )

The Honourable Member will find below details of

automotive components imported into the European
Community from Japan during the period 1986 — 1991
and the final country of destination of these components .

Parts, accessories and engines for motor vehicles imported from Japan

( in ' 000 ECU )

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

EUR 12 910 876 1 162 184 1 337 805 1 489 820 1 259 338 1 336 571

France 35 292 38 904 47 166 43 389 40 383 45 802

Belgium /
Luxembourg 91 926 103 161 146 873 191 965 169 772 171 533

Netherlands 65 285 68 557 69 265 78 350 87 116 101 523

Germany 134 666 166 310 134 659 206 365 171 083 226 292

Italy 13 853 7 430 5 906 9 776 10 760 14 465

United Kingdom 314 169 423 105 513 685 531 573 375 064 390 357

Ireland 8 255 7 000 15 463 21 417 15 220 7 260

Denmark 13 989 16 438 12 963 12 581 12 145 6 419

Greece 59 158 62 560 62 763 59 062 68 265 58 424

Portugal 87 893 162 751 173 082 161 456 132 463 165 611

Spain 86 390 105 968 155 980 173 886 177 067 148 885

Source : Eurostat .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1436 / 92

by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 June 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 19 )

Subject /, Containers of liquids for human consumption

Directive 85 / 339 / EEC (') of 27 June 1985 on containers
of liquids for human consumption lays down that
Member States shall draw up programmes for reducing
the tonnage and / or volume of containers of liquids for
human consumption . What information does the
Commission have about this ? How, and with what
success, have Member States taken the required
measures ?

O OJ No L 176, 6 . 7 . 1985, p. 18 .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 7 December 1 992 )

Most Member States have transposed Directive
85 / 339 / EEC on containers of liquids for human
consumption although most of them with considerable
delays . The programmes have been notified accordingly .
A judgment of the European Court of Justice against

Luxembourg ( 25 July 1991 ) and against Spain ( 10
December 1991 ) has condemned both countries for
non-communication of the national measures of
transposing the Directive .

The following programmes were received :

Belgium ; Flemish region, Brussels — capital, Wallonia
programmes prepared in 1991 .

Denmark : the initial programme was updated in 1991 . On
3 April 1991 an agreement concerning use of PVC was
concluded .

No C 90 / 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3 . 93

Germany : the initial programme was published in the
Bundesanzeiger of 6 May 1989 . On 12 June 1991 the
ordinance on the Avoidance of Packaging Waste was
agreed .

Spain : no programme was received until now .

France : Voluntary agreements were concluded in May

1988 ( concerned : glass, steel, plastic, aluminium,
cardboard, glass with deposit ). On 1 April 1992, decree
92 / 377 concerning packaging waste was adopted .

Ireland : the initial programme of 1987 has not yet been
updated .

Italy : the programme is included in law No 475
of 9 November 1988, as updated with a decree of
28 June 1989 .

Luxembourg : a programme is being negotiated .

The Netherlands : have adopted

— Gemeenschappelijke Verklaring en Gedragscode van

Rijksoverheid en Bedrijfsorganisaties ;

— Rapport dat de afvalstroom drankenverpakkingen in

kaart brengt ( 1983 — 1984 );

— Indicatief Meerjaren programma Milieubeheer

1985—1989 ;

— Indicatief meerjarenprogramma milieubeheer
1986—1990 en 1987 — 1991 ;

— Gedragscode inzake PETP flessen ;

— Convenant verpakkingen . This last measure was only

adopted on 6 June 1991 .

Portugal : the programme of 1990 ran until the end of

1991 and has been updated in 1992 .

United Kingdom : the initial programme was
communicated to the Commission in 1987 .

Greece : no programme has been received .

Most Member States have used the method o.f voluntary
agreements between branches of the industry and the
Member State . This method of transposing is not entirely
satisfactory for the Commission if the voluntary
agreement is the only means of transposition, i.e.
voluntary agreements can only be acceptable if they are
concluded to implement the national or regional
programme as established by a competent authority . A
letter with the Commission 's interpretation of how the
Directive should be transposed into legal form and of the
programmes was sent to all Member States in March

1991 . Recent programmes received from the Member
States cover a wider area than just containers of liquids
for human consumption, e.g. Germany and the
Netherlands .

The success of the measures taken by the different
Member States could only be assessed through

comparative reports . The Member States have however
not communicated reports to the Commission except for
the United Kingdom, Denmark and France .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1715 / 92

by Mr Louis Lauga ( RDE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 20 )

Subject : Harmonization of forestry policy in the
Community countries and linking it to reform of
the CAP

The Community countries currently have their own

legislation to encourage reforestation . Regulatory,
technical and tax anomalies to be found in the present
systems are contrary to the objectives of the Single Act
and the deadline of 1993 .

Flow does the Commission intend to remedy the situation
and by what procedure ?

Is there any discussion on eventual coordination of
forestry policy and the common agricultural policy,
particularly after it has been reformed ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1992 )

The Commission is unaware of any legislation to
encourage reafforestation in Member States that is
contrary to the Single Act and the 1993 deadline .

Reafforestation is not usually financed by State aid . It is in
fact a normal stage in the process of the balanced
management of the forest and takes place when woods
that have reached maturity have been logged . In some
cases, however, specific aid measures are taken to finance
forestry practice which is generally favourable to the
environment or which increases biological diversity . This
may include the planting of particular species, mixing
species, forestry techniques that will create biotopes that
are favourable to fauna and flora and ensuring an even
age distribution in the woodlands . Aid is granted in this
sector to cover the extra costs of these environmental

measures .

It is therefore not necessary for the Commission to take
any action in this field .

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 15

As regards Community coordination of the forestry
sector, there is a Standing Forestry Committee which was
set up by Council Decision 89 / 367 / EEC (*) of 29 May

1989 and is responsible for ensuring the close and
constant cooperation between Member States and the
Commission . It meets regularly to help the Commission
to implement various forestry measures and is primarily
responsible for farmland reafforestation programmes
which have been initiated under the accompanying

measures of the CAP reform .

0 OJNoL 165, 15.6 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1775 / 92

by Mr Giuseppe Rauti ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(2 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 21 )

Subject : Alcohol-based fuels

Alcohol-based fuels have been the subject of recent

articles and conferences . What is the current situation in
the various Member States ? What practical results have
been achieved and what obstacles have arisen ?

Has the Commission taken any new measures in this field
or does it intend to do so ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 5 November 1 992 )

The Member States have taken a number of initiatives on

biofuels .

Under the first ( 1984 — 1988 ), second ( 1990 — 1994 ) and
third ( 1991 — 1994 ) agricultural and agro-industrial
research programmes ( CAMAR ), the Commission has
financed a number of studies and projects relating to
biomass . Pilot and demonstration projects have also
received financial support .

Market measures taken include the set-aside of cereals
land ( Regulations ( EEC ) No 2176 / 90 (*) and ( EEC )
No 3481 / 90 ( 2 )) and other farmland ( Regulation ( EEC )
No 2296 / 92 ( 3 )) and sales of wine alcohol in the
Community for use as motor fuel ( 4,8 million hi ) or for
industrial use .

In France, bioethanol mixed with petrol is subject to the
rate of excise duty applicable to diesel instead of that

applicable to petrol, and biofuels used in experimental
projects may be fully exempted from excise duties .

Local authorities in a number of Member States are
carrying out test programmes involving, fleets of buses,
police cars or council vehicles .

At Community level, the Commission has adopted a
proposal for a Directive aimed at reducing the rates of
excise duty levied on biofuels in all Member States ( 4 ).
The proposal would limit excise duties to 10% of the rate
applied to the refined fuel which the biofuel replaces
( petrol or diesel ) in all Member States from 1 January

1993 . The aim is to reduce the price of biofuels to a level
at which they are competitive with petroleum-based fuels .

The proposal for a Directive introducing a tax on carbon
dioxide emissions and energy ( 5 ) expressly provides for
products of agricultural or vegetable origin to be excluded
from the scope of the new tax .

The Commission is considering increasing the
percentages of bioethanol which may be . added to petrol,
currently 5 % by volume ( Council Directive
85 / 536 / EEC ( 6 )); it is also finalizing the technical
specifications for biodiesel .

o OJ No L 198, 28 . 7 . 1990 .
O OJ No L 336, 1 . 12 . 1990 .
O OJ No L 221, 6 . 8 . 1992 .
O COM(92 ) 36 final .
O COM(92 ) 226 final .
0 ) OJ No L 334, 12 . 12 . 1985 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1855 / 92

by Mr Kenneth Stewart ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 22 )

Subject : Reduction of crews by the Danish Government

The Commission will be aware that the Danish
Government has agreed to operate reefers with crews of
only eight members, despite the concern of the Danish
seafaring unions regarding reduced safety aspects, and
that four high-technology reefers, introduced by the
Lauritzen Group, have been designed to operate with
six-strong crews and with round-the-clock one-man
bridge watchkeeping .

The unions have claimed that seamen are working an
average of 300 hours a month and the heavy workload has
increased the risk of accident .

No C 90 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3 . 93

Will the Commission investigate this situation, as the
continual reduction of ships ' crews must lead to a
reduction of safety standards, and would not conform
with the spirit and intention of the Commission 's
proposals ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 8 December 1 992 )

This question falls into two separate issues : firstly, the

number of crew on board vessels and secondly, one-man
bridge watchkeeping .

Number of crew on board vessels

The issue of minimum crew has not yet been the subject of

any Community legislation . Therefore, Member States
have full responsibility under their national law to the
extent that the quantity and quality of the crew comply
with the ' manning document ' issued by the flag state . The
number of crew on board a vessel in most States,
including Denmark, is negotiated between the social
partners ( owners and unions ) and the Government .

The only supra-national guide is IMO Resolution A.481

( XII ) of 1981 entitled ' Principles of safe manning ' which
sets out general guidelines on the safe manning of vessels
but does not address the issue of crew numbers
specifically .

The Commission under the framework of European
Research in Transport ( EURET ) is promoting intensive
research and development in the area of high technology
bridge design and its relationship with human error .
Results are expected during the course of 1993 and 1994 .
The Commission will then consider, in keeping with the
subsidiarity principle, whether EC legislation would be
appropriate . At present however, it remains the
responsibility of Denmark to determine whether the four
high technology reefers introduced by the Lauritzen
Group in fact comply with the safety requirements and
may be granted authorization to sail .

One-man bridge watchkeeping on vessels

This experiment, undertaken by nations who are party to
the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978
( STCW ), was negotiated in the IMO and will be used in
negotiations with a view to amending the STCW .

The Commission will study the reports and make
proposals if required .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1856 / 92

by Mr Kenneth Stewart ( S ) '
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 23 )

Subject : Coal dust problem and extension of coal imports

at Bootle Docks, Merseyside

Is the Commission aware that two privatized companies,
Powergen and National Power, are planning to import
huge stocks of Orimulsion, a cheap mixture of tars and
heavy oils from Venezuela, to be stockpiled at Bootle for
burning in UK power stations ?

This fuel when burned produces sulphur dioxide, the gas
responsible for acid rain, and for pulmonary disease in
unfortunates who breathe air polluted with it .

Contracts have been signed to burn half a million tonnes
of this fuel a year . Powergen is burning it at Richborough
in Kent and Ince in Merseyside ; National Power at
Padiham in Lancashire and Pembroke in South Wales .

In the interests of the European environment will the
Commission investigate these plans ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1857 / 92

by Mr Kenneth Stewart ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 24 )

Subject : Powergen coal terminal at Bootle, Merseyside

The Commission will be aware that a system of spray
equipment will be used to dampen coal cargoes and
control dust emissions from this plant . As the plant is
situated in the docks area will the Commission investigate
and report on the following queries ?

1 . How many gallons of water will be wasted in an

attempt to dispose of the dust both at the plant and at
the power station due to open storage ?

2 . What will be the effect of the dust problems across

Liverpool and Cheshire as a result of dirty coal being
transported in open-topped hoppers, at at present to
Fiddlers Ferry power station, to be increased to

100 000 tonnes a week ?

3 . What will be the effects of the run of slurry on the

sewerage system and the new treatment plant at
Wellington Dock ?

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 17

4 . What will be the effects on the sewage dumping areas the environment and population of burning dirty coal in

in the Mersey Basin bearing in mind the millions of the power stations ?
pounds in European aid to clean up the Mersey Basin ?

5 . What will be the effects due to the extended
washing-down of the imported coal, in pollution of
the River Mersey, the river fronts and the beaches at
Crosby, Southport and Blackpool, iri view of the
Mersey clean-up campaign supported by the
Commission and the UK Government ? Joint answer to Written Questions
Nos 1856 / 92, 1857 / 92 and 1858 / 92

given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1992 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1858 / 92

by Mr Kenneth Stewart ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 25 )

Subject : Powergen 's bulk terminal at Gladstone Dock,

Bootle, Merseyside

The Commission is aware of the new bulk terminal
planned by Powergen and sited at Bootle, Merseyside,
that it is intended to handle five million tonnes of coal a
year and that grab unloaders will be used to discharge the
ships carrying about 70 000 tonnes on to two rows of
stockpiles .

It is also intended to transfer the coal to trains destined

for Fiddlers Ferry power station, approximately 50 miles
away, by moving 10 000 tonnes a week with trains
carrying up to 1 400 tonnes leaving the docks every two
hours, 24 hours a day .

Will the Commission investigate the effects on nearby

residents of coal dust pollution to their homes, the
disturbance through noise of trains etc . all through the
night ?

Will the Commission also investigate

1 . The disastrous effects on our own mining industry of

massive unemployment in the industry .

2 . The cost to the tax-payers of Europe of the attempted

rehabilitation of the mining areas and population ?

3 . The cost to the tax-payers of Europe, of long-term

unemployment benefits to redundant workers and
their families ?

What, with particular reference to sulphur dioxide

emissions from the power stations, will be the effects on

The Commission 's enquiries into coal importation at

Bootle Docks have been full, including personal
inspection by Commission officials of the housing estates
in question and the open-air storage and handling of coal
at Gladstone Dock . The same officials discussed the
matter with Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council and
with the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company . Further
to the visit of its officials, the Commission has sent
informal letters of enquiry to the United Kingdom
authorities . In the light of the replies to those letters, the
Commission is currently considering the most appropriate
next step to take in this matter .

The Commission is aware that coal handling at the docks
has increased in recent years, and of the possibility of
further development . The surface storage of fossil fuel is
listed in Annex II to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') on
environmental impact assessment . This means that
whether or not an environmental impact assessment is
required for particular projects is for the Member State to
determine taking into account the likelihood of
significant environmental effects arising from the project
by reason inter alia of its nature, size or location . These
are matters which the competent UK authorities will need
to consider in determining whether the terminal and
associated activities need an environmental impact
assessment . The same considerations also apply to plans
to store Orimulsion .

As to the burning of Orimulsion at sites away from Bootle
Docks, the Commission has received correspondence in
the past concerning the burning of this fuel in the United
Kingdom . It is continuing to consider the information it
has received and to observe developments in the United
Kingdom, in the light of Community Directives .

As to the burning of imported coal and Orimulsion at
power stations, sulphur dioxide and other emissions from
large combustion plant must comply with the provisions
of Directive 88 / 609 / EEC ( 2 ) on this subject . Imported
coal will, in some cases, have a lower sulphur content than
indigenous coal . For existing plant, sulphur dioxide
emissions must be reduced for the UK as a whole by 60 %

No C 90 / 18 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

by 2003 compared to 1980 . The way in which this target is
to be reached is left for the Member State to determine .

C ) qjNoL 175, 5 . 7 . 1985 .
O OJ No L 336, 7 . 12 . 1988 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1884 / 92
by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer, Mr Paul Lannoye, Mr Virginio

Bettini and Mrs Eva-Maria Quistorp ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 26 )

Subject : Technical aid programme for the CIS

1 . How does the Commission justify the expenditure
of ECU 53 million under the technical aid programme for
the former Soviet Union in respect of ' nuclear safety '?

2 . What reasons did the Commission have for deciding
to invest some ECU 30 million in projects relating to the
operating safety of RMBK reactors ( the Chernobyl type ) ?

3 . What were the Commission 's reasons for likewise
investing some ECU 30 million in operating safety
projects for WWER 440 / 230 type reactors ?

4 . What firms and institutions are conducting studies
and other work under the nuclear safety programmes in
the following fields : operating safety WWER 440 / 230 ;
operating safety RMBK ; operating safety — all reactors ;
operating safety — Centre for Training and
Management ; improving safety checks .

5 . What progress has been made in the plans for two or
three energy centres in the CIS, which are intended to
form part of technical aid in the field of energy ? For
which city and how was the pilot project which has been
announced for energy saving in a medium-sized city
( 250 000 inhabitants ) drawn up ? Energy saving projects
totalling ECU 6,8 million have been proposed to date ; are
there now any specific proposals going beyond that
figure ?

for nuclear safety with the approval of the Management
Committee for Assistance to the Soviet Union, in
accordance with Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2157 / 91
on technical assistance ( x ). This also reflected the wish
expressed by the Member States at the European Council
in December 1990 for the Commission to tackle the acute
problem of power plant safety in the former Soviet Union
under provisions for technical assistance :

— 63% of the 1991 budget for technical assistance with

nuclear safety was devoted to the safety of the various
types of reactors currently operated in the former
Soviet Union ;

— 25% of the budget went towards strengthening the

inspection authorities and public information ;

— 1 2 % went towards training power plant staff .

2 . Under the 1991 programme for Technical Assistance
to the Commonwealth of Independent States ( TACIS ),
ECU 8,6 million, not ECU 30 million, was allocated to
RBMK reactors, mainly to conduct an in-depth analysis
of their safety and to carry out industrial operations
designed to improve their operational safety .

3 . The Commission proposed investing ECU 23
million from TACIS 1991 in improving WER 230
reactors after international agreement was reached on the
need for urgent action on this type of reactor .

4 . Most of the contracts for carrying out nuclear safety
projects will be awarded via invitations to tender, which
have yet to be issued .

5 . The Commission decided on 5 December 1991 to
promote energy technologies under the Thermie
programme, in CIS countries, via Energy Centres in St
Petersburg, Moscow, Minsk and Kiev .

) drawn up ? Energy saving projects The centres are up and running for Thermie projects . In
6,8 million have been proposed to date ; are order to avoid duplicating them with similar centres under
specific proposals going beyond that the TACIS programme, there are plans to expand them,

using TACIS funds, to cover two parts of that
programme : acting as a base for Western experts, and
running energy efficiency campaigns . The Centres will
therefore be an integral part of both Community
programmes, TACIS and Thermie .
Answer given by Mr Andriessen

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1 992 )

1 . Under the technical assistance programme for the
former Soviet Union, ECU 53 million has been allocated

With regard to the group of specific energy-saving
projects referred to in the energy sector programme, the
projects are being finalized and the contracts will be
drawn up in the near future . In addition, under the TACIS

1992 programme, several other energy-saving projects

31.3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 19

have been identified in all republics of the CIS and they
will also be started soon .

O OJ No L 201, 24 . 7 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1895 / 92

by Mr Gerardo Gaibisso ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 27 )

Subject : Bribes scandals in Italy : infringement of the rules

on free competition

The major bribes scandal in Italy, in addition to the
criminal aspects concerning the national courts, has also
brought to light infringements of the principle of free
competition since bribes were paid to institutions and
political parties for the award of public contracts . The
European Court of Justice has condemned Italy for this
flagrant violation of free market principles . A law on
contracts passed in 1987 makes it compulsory for
undertakings awarded public works contracts to award 1 5
to 30% of the subcontracts to undertakings whose
headquarters are situated in the region where the works
are to be carried out . The same law states that if more
than 1 5 undertakings submit tenders preference should be
given to the associations or groups of undertakings whose
activities are mainly situated in the region in which the
work is to be carried out . Such a law appears to be
particularly likely to lead to irregularities . What specific
steps will the Commission take to ensure that the Italian
authorities comply with the rules and abolish legislation
so obviously contrary to Community rules ?

Does the Commission not consider that it should — in
addition to the criminal aspects for which the national
courts are competent — take steps to establish when and
how the use of bribes for the improper award of public
works contracts has led to infringement of the principle of
free competition and the extent of the damage caused
by dishonest undertakings including international
undertakings to capable and honest European
businessmen ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 1992 )

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the
Commission 's answer to Written Question No 1437 / 92
by Mr Linkohr ( ® ).

The Commission would point out that, according to the

information supplied by the Italian authorities, Italian
Law 80 / 87, which was the subject of a recent judgment by
the Court of Justice, is no longer in force .

As regards other Italian provisions incompatible with

Community legislation on public procurement, the
Commission has instituted infringement proceedings
under Article 169 in respect of the non-conformity of the
laws providing for regional preferences .

In addition, following contacts with the Commission
departments, the Italian authorities have rescinded with
effect from 1 January 1993 a provision stipulating that not
more than 40% of the value of a contract may be
subcontracted .

O OJN0C6, 11 . 1 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1907 / 92

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

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 28 )

Subject : Forestry — conservation of conifers

What steps is the Commission taking to encourage the

cultivation of endangered conifer species, in particular
slow-growing varieties which are not commercially
competitive ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 1 October 1 992 )

The Commission has no specific mechanism for
encouraging the cultivation of endangered conifer
species, whether slow-growing varieties or not .

It can, however, give financial support to national or
regional initiatives for this purpose included in regional
programmes falling within the scope of the reformed
structural Funds ( areas where development is lagging
behind and rural areas ). While the general objectives of
these programmes are defined in the Community rules
( Regulations ( EEC ) No 2052 / 88 ( ® ) and ( EEC )
No 4256 / 88 ( 2 )), it is up to the competent national
authorities to work out their priorities and programmes,
particularly where very specific choices such as that
mentioned by the Honourable Member are involved .

No C 90 / 20 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3 . 93

At the moment the Commission is also looking at the
possibility of specific measures on conservation of
agricultural and forest genetic resources .

O OJ No L 185, 15.7 . 1988 .
O OJ No L 374, 19 . 12 . 1988 .

Government to decide whether to proceed with the
investment .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1949 / 92

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

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1916 / 92 (1 September 1992 )

by Mr Sérgio Ribeiro ( CG ) ( 93 / C 90 / 30 )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 29 )

Subject : The Alqueva dam

The author feels it necessary, albeit reluctantly, to make
yet another contribution to the saga surrounding the
deliberations on the Alqueva dam . The Commission 's
reply of 26 March 1991 to a question of 17 December

1990 prompted a further question on 16 April 1991 to
which the Commission replied on 13 June 1991, stating
that it expected the study to be concluded by the end of

1991 thereby providing a decision-making basis for the
Portuguese Government .

Six months after the end of 1991 a number of rumours
have been circulating concerning the conclusion of the
study . Can the Commission say whether the study has, in
fact, been concluded ? Has the Portuguese Government
been informed of its conclusions ? What were these
conclusions ? When will the study, which was funded by
the Commission, be generally available ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 24 November 1992 )

The Commission 's reply of 13 June 1991 was based on the
receipt of tenders for the Alqueva dam study on 1 5 May .
At that time the Commission hoped it would be possible
to complete the study by the end of 1991 . In the event, the
complexity of the preliminary stages and the realization
that a separate environmental impact assessment was
needed meant that the study did not get under way until
the beginning of 1992 .

The bulk of the consultant 's draft report has recently been
received by the Commission and the final section is
expected shortly . The draft is being examined by the
Commission with a view to transmitting the final version
and the Commission 's comments to the Portuguese
authorities by the end of 1992 or early in 1993 . In the light
of the final report it will be a matter for the Portuguese

Subject : Fish farming at Agios Nikolaos, Sithonia,
Halkidiki ( Greece )

On 14 July 1991 the company ' Iehthiokalliergies
Halkidikis A.E. ' applied to set up a fish farm at Agios
Nikolaos, Sithonia, Halkidiki . Despite the adverse
opinion of the Regional Planning Department, the
Minister for the Environment, Regional Planning and
Public Works signed the prior authorization on 15
January 1992, and on 20 February 1992 the Prefect of

Halkidiki, in Decision No 139.191, without discussing
the matter in the Prefectural Council, assigned 16 000 m 2
of sea area on the Ritsos promontory, despite the
reservations expressed by the Halkidiki Fishing
Inspectorate concerning the operation of the fish farm .

1 . The Ritsos promontory is at the mouth of the

Dimitrakia and Panayias Bays, where the village 's
seaport of the same name is situated .

2 . The area, which is noted for its natural beauty, and

which is being carefully developed for tourism, will be
spoilt .

3 . A study undertaken by the University of Thessaloniki

( laboratory for monitoring environmental pollution )
shows that the sea area of these bays is fragile as far as
the degree of self-purification is concerned and the
sluggishness of the sea impedes this process still
further .

4 . Intensive fish farms are sources of pollution ( excreta,
left over food, pharmaceutical substances, etc .) which,
in environmentally fragile sea areas, will lead to a
deterioration in water quality and subsequently to
anaerobic biological decomposition, resulting in a foul
stench .

5 . The municipal council of Agios Nikolaos issued a

unanimous statement refusing its consent to the
setting up of the fish farm .

6 . A resolution has been passed by all the inhabitants

declaring their opposition to setting up fish farms .

7 . The fish farm will have an adverse effect on revenue
from traditional fishing activities .

In view of the above considerations, can the Commission
state whether it is aware of the project in question and its

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 21

entitlement to Community funding ( local producers have
spoken of Community support for the project of around
75% )?

Has an environmental impact assessment been carried out
and what are its findings ?

What action does the Commission intend to take to
ensure that an area of potential tourist development is not
spoilt and that another solution can be found in a more
suitable place ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 20 November 1 992 )

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member
that it has received no application for Community
financing from the company referred to in his question
and has no information on this case .

For this reason it is unable to reply to the other parts of
the Honourable Member 's question .

However, it would be pleased to receive any additional
information making it possible for it to check whether, in
this instance, Community law has been complied with .

It will, as requested, contact the Greek authorities and
pass on the information it receives to the Honourable
Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1964 / 92

by Mrs Simone Veil ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

regional funds covering all ACP countries . This meant
that only one financing proposal was needed for the
whole programme . Financing decisions for individual
projects were taken by the chief authorizing officer .

Initial emergency programmes have subsequently given
way to a consolidation phase during which the continuing
need for emergency schemes has been supplemented by
other programmes which are more structured, carefully
thought out and fully coordinated both nationally and
internationally .

This requires closer integration and coordination between

specific Commission-financed anti-Aids operations and
its development aid programmes, particularly those
involving health and supported under national or regional
indicative programmes or by targeting the counterpart
funds generated from adjustment programmes . There is
therefore a need for all these programmes to
accommodate this new aspect, which also requires
governments in ACP and other developing countries to
do the same and to muster their efforts in close
conjunction wherever possible with the bilateral or
multilateral operations of other donors .

The consolidation phase, comprising larger and longer
programmes, calls for more intensive preparation and
coordination, with the full participation of Commission
delegations and ACP governments .

For emergency schemes, under Lome IV there is an
expedited procedure covering projects under ECU 2
million whereby the EDF Committee is informed of the
financing decision taken by the chief authorizing officer .
Anti-Aids projects seldom exceed this sum .

( 1 September 1 992 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1986 / 92
( 93 / C 90 / 31 )

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

Subject : Combating AIDS
( 1 September 1 992 )

What Commission procedures would facilitate the
implementation of measures to combat AIDS in the
developing countries ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 December 1 992 )

The Commission is well aware that in implementing its
anti-Aids programme speed is of the essence and has been
since the spread of the disease gathered pace . At first
( under Lome II and III ) projects were financed from the

( 93 / C 90 / 32 )

Subject : Disgraceful behaviour at Rhodes airport

Constituents of mine were quite legitimately awaiting a
flight at Rhodes airport on 10 June 1992, when they were
rudely evicted by the police to make room for passengers
on a scheduled flight of Olympic Airways .

I am well aware that the Commission has no competence
to criticize police action as such . However, their action
must surely have been taken at the behest of the airport or
airline authorities .

No C 90 / 22 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

Is the Commission aware of such practices ? Is it prepared
to countenance citizens of the Community being removed
from an airport lounge to such crowded accommodation
that there was not even room to sit on the floor ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 December 1 992 )

The Commission is aware of incidents similar to the one
discribed by the Honourable Member .

Development and, thereby, have undertaken to work
actively for protection of the environment and the
promotion of sustainable development ; the
Community programme referred to by the
Honourable Member provides a comprehensive
framework, a strategic approach and the point of
departure for the practical implementation of
Agenda 21 within the Community and, for these
reasons, should be expected to proceed regardless of
any difficulties or delays encountered in the
ratification of the new Treaty .

However, the Commission is not in a position to intervene
in such matters, as they are within the competence solely
of the airport and / or airline authorities, and of the local
police . WRITTEN QUESTION No 2060 / 92

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 1 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 34 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2006 / 92

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

( 1 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 33 )

Subject : Environment and sustainable development

Will the uncertainties introduced by the Danish
referendum vote on the Maastricht Treaty affect the
Community 's capability to introduce in full the
Commission 's proposals on policy and action in support
of the environment and sustainable development (')?

Subject : New power stations in the Ukraine

Further to the Commission 's answer to my Written
Question No 2674 / 91 (*), is it aware that three nuclear
power stations have now been completed in the Ukraine,
the level of safety of which is similar to that of the most
modern Western power stations and which could usefully
replace the RBMK and VYER reactors currently
operating in this country but which have not been brought
on line because of the fear aroused by the Chernobyl
disaster ? If this is the case would the Commission be
prepared to use one of the means at its disposal to provide
the necessary assistance to bring these reactors on line ?

o COM(92 ) 23, Vol . II . O OJ No C 159, 25 . 6 . 1992, p. 37 .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1992 )

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1 992 )

For a number of complementary reasons there would not
appear to be a justification for drawing such a conclusion :

( a ) the European Council, at its meeting in Lisbon on
26 / 27 June, reaffirmed its intention to proceed
towards the ratification of the Treaty on European
Union which was signed in Maastricht on 7 February
last ;

( b ) the commitment of the Danish authorities on
protection of the environment and sustainable
patterns of activity and development is not in
question ; and

( c ) the Community and all its Member States have
endorsed ' Agenda 21 ' drawn up at the United
Nations Conference on Environment and

The Commission is aware of the situation as regards
nuclear power stations currently operating or under
construction in the Ukraine .

There are several almost completed nuclear power
stations in the Ukraine which, in terms of safety, could
usefully replace the RBMK units still operating at
Chernobyl . However, there are legal problems in this
respect as the Ukraine Parliament has, following the
Chernobyl accident, placed a moratorium on the
commissioning of the new units .

The Commission has already made available to the
Ukraine, in particular under the programme of assistance

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 23

to the CIS, a series of technical aid measures which are
being used to improve nuclear safety in that country . The
technical assistance given with regard to nuclear safety is
going to be increased substantially in the near future .
Furthermore, by way of action on the conclusions of the
Lisbon Council, the Commission recently sent the
Council a draft decision extending Euratom loans to the
Central and East European countries and the CIS
countries .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2104 / 92

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

( 1 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 35 )

Subject : Durum wheat in the UK under the new CAP

proposals

My understanding is that the CAP reforms will bring the
crop value of durum down from its current premium
levels of £50 over feed wheat to similar levels as wheat but
with a large area payment to underpin the market .

However, this payment is proposed for the traditional
durum-growing areas only, and not the UK, even though
many UK farmers have invested heavily in research and
development into durum wheat . Would the Commission
agree that this decision will affect UK durum wheat
growers badly, and amend this proposal ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1992 )

The Community produces more than double the amount

of durum wheat needed by the domestic market . This
surplus is attributable to the price support given to durum,
which has been especially high in both relative and
absolute terms . The Commission thinks that lowering it is
necessary, and entirely justifies reduced profitability of
growing durum wheat in non-traditional areas such as
Englan . In the traditional areas where durum wheat is the
main, if not only, arable crop produced, some
compensation in the form of increased aid is necessary,
but this is not, as the Honourable Member implies, a
market management measure .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2157 / 92

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 1 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 36 )

Subject : Refinancing of the ' Ouverture programme '

In view of the interest shown in this programme by
Eastern European countries and a large number of
businesses in the Community and the many Italian local
authorities ( particularly in the Piedmont region ) which
have shown great creativity in their proposals but are
unfortunately thwarted by limited Commission funding,
will the Commission consider refinancing the ' Ouverture
programme ', thereby supporting worthwhile projects and
utilizing funds which have not been spent elsewhere in the
Community ?

Answer given by Mr Mulan
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 November 1992 )

The purpose of the Ouverture programme, launched at
the end of 1990, is to encourage for a three-year period
inter-regional cooperation between the Community 's
local administrations, particularly in Objective 1 areas,
and those of eastern and central Europe .

Additional resources for a further three year period of
cooperation were granted by the Commission at the end
of 1991 to launch the Ecos programme whose purpose is
to encourage cooperation between the cities of the
Community and those of eastern Europe .

The Commission has also encouraged those responsible
for the two programmes to work together so that
cooperative action and economies of scale can be
achieved, thereby increasing the impact of the

programmes .

The Commission is currently considering the scope and

content of an eventual follow-up to Ouverture .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2248 / 92

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

( 9 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 37 )

Subject : Confiscation of pension contributions

A married couple living in my constituency, but citizens of
the Irish Republic, have asked me to appeal to the
Commission on their behalf .

No C 90 / 24 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

They lived and worked for a number of years during the

last decade in Switzerland and were required to
contribute to the Swiss Pension Fund . When they sought
exemption from contributions on the grounds that they
did not intend to retire in Switzerland, they were assured
that contributions would in that case be refundable .

In the event, they have been told that reimbursement of
any kind will not be allowed . Copies of the letters from
the Swiss authorities, which give full particulars, are
attaches .

Does the Commission agree that pension contributions
should not be treated as a form of government revenue ?

Bearing in mind hat Switzerland is a potential member
state of the EC, would the Commission be prepared to
raise this issue with the Swiss authorities ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 October 1992 )

Under EC law, in particular Regulation ( EEC ) No
1408 / 71 O, Member States ' social security systems are
coordinated with the aim of preventing loss of benefit
rights by employed and self-employed persons and
members of their families by reason of a move from one
Member State to another .

Under the coordination provisions, national systems
continue to operate in so far as they do not breach EC law
including provisions on equal treatment ; aggregation of
periods of insurance, employment or residence completed
in different Member States ; retention of acquired rights
and the export of certain benefits . Subject to these and
certain interpretative provisions, such as Article 10 ( 2 ) of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71, whether reimbursement
of contributions may be made depends on national
legislation .

In fact EC legislation enables a person who has worked in
more than one Member State to benefit from the social
security contributions he has paid in each State without
transferring them from one State to another . It provides,

as already mentioned, for the aggregation of periods of
insurance and for the payment of a pro-rata retirement
pension by each of the Member States under whose
legislation the person qualifies for such a pension .

The coordination provisions, in general terms, cover EC

nationals resident in a Member State . As Switzerland ist
not a Member State, the coordination provisions do not at
present cover EC nationals in respect of a period of
residence there . Subject to ratification of the agreement

creating a European Economic Area which was signed on
2 May 1992, from the date of coming into force of the
agreement the coordination provisions referred to above,
among them aggregation of insurance periods and
payment of pro-rata pensions, will, however, apply to EC
nationals resident in EFTA countries including
Switzerland . Agreements on social security currently exist
between individual Member States and Switzerland .

O OTNoLl49, 5.7 . 1971 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2254 / 92

by Mrs Marguerite-Marie Dinguirard ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 1 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 38 )

Subject : Transport of fissile materials ( plutonium ) 

A Japanese vessel is reported to be heading for Cherbourg
to take delivery in August or September of over one tonne
of plutonium from the reprocessing plant at La Hague .
Transport by sea of such a large quantity of fissile

materials constitutes an enormous risk ( criticality
accident, shipwreck, fire, terrorism, etc .)

— Is the Commission aware of this movement of fissile

materials ( plutonium )?

— What is the exact quantity being exported ?

— What specific safety measures would be genuinely

effective for the long-distance transport of such cargo
in this particular case and in general .

— Will this transaction be entered in the Special Fissile

Materials Financial Account ?

— Has any consideration been given at European and

international level to the disposal of plutonium
extracted at La Hague and Sellafield ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 December 1 992 )

The provisions of Commission Regulation ( Euratom ) No

3227 / 76 (') of 19 October 1976, concerning the
application of the provisions on Euratom safeguards

31.3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 25

provide for a declaration by the Commission of materials
movements including that referred to by the Honourable
Member .

The safety measures applying to the transport of
radioactive materials are in line with the standards laid

down by the IAEA which apply, in particular, to the
transport of plutonium by sea .

Moreover, in respect of safety aspects, the Community as
such and all of its Member States, and Japan, are parties to
the International Convention on the Physical Protection
of Nuclear Materials . Member States shall ensure that the
IAEA 's criteria for physical protection levels are met in
accordance with their exclusive responsibility .

The answer given to question H-01 18 / 88 ( 2 ) put by Mr

Ford remains valid for the ' Special fissile materials
financial account ' referred to in Article 88 of the Euratom

Treaty .

In its Illustrative Nuclear Programme ( INP ) the
Commission will, in pursuance of Article 40 of the
Euratom Treaty ( 3 ), accompanied by the Economic and
Social Committee opinion of 30 May 1985, state the
reasons for which it does not oppose the prospect of the
use of plutonium in breeder and light-water reactors .

O OJ No L 363, 31 . 12 . 1976 .
( 2 ) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2-367 ( July 1988 ).
O COM(85 ) 401 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2321 / 92

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 8 September 1 992 )

It is generally recognized that short-sea transport has
considerable growth potential because, inter alia, of the
number of advantages that this mode of transport offers
when compared to land transport . Shipping is cost
effective in terms of infrastructure requirements, is by far
the most environment-friendly mode in terms of noise,
pollution and land conservation and the most efficient in
terms of energy consumption per tonne / km carried . In
addition, it has a relatively good safety record and
potential for contributing to the development of the
peripheral parts of the Community .

In spite of these positive attributes, short-sea transport
has not developed as could be expected . With a view to
enhancing the role of this transport mode in the context
of the overall Community transport policy, the
Commission is conducting a study which will involve an
examination of the commodity flows and transport
relationships in eight major European transport
corridors . The objective is to identify the potential for
short-sea transport and the obstacles preventing this
potential from being realized .

The Commission 's proposal on the establishment of the

Community ship register, ' EUROS ' (*), which will
provide a number of positive measures to improve the
competitiveness of the Community fleet in general, also
covers coastal vessels of at least 650 GT . Community
coastal vessels in trade between Member States and in

trade within those Member States which do not have
cabotage restrictions are exposed to competition on
unequal terms with flag-of-convenience fleets and certain
non-member country fleets as well as Community
ocean-going vessels .

The lifting of cabotage restrictions in the southern

Member States in accordance with the timetable agreed by
the Council of Ministers in June of this year will provide
an additional economic stimulus and allow a rational
development of this sector through a proper functioning
of the single market .

( 93 / C 90 / 39 ) C ) OJ No C 19, 25 . 1 . 1992 .

Subject : Merchant shipping

What plans does the Commission have to help to restore
the fortunes of merchant shipping within the
Community ? What assistance will its plans to deregulate
cabotage have in this regard ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2322 / 92

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 8 September 1 992 )

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission ( 93 / C 90 / 40 )

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1 992 )

It is understood that the Honourable Member is referring
to so-called short-sea transport which involves merchant
shipping in Member States ' national cabotage trades and
trades between Member States, as opposed to merchant
shipping in ocean trades .

Subject : Insurance in Europe

What proposals does the Commission intend to bring
forward to strengthen and improve the European market
in insurance, with particular regard to the underwriting of
risks ?

No C 90 / 26 Official Journal of the European Communities 31.3.93

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1992 )

Within the internal market programme the Commission

has already brought forward a number of proposals for
Council Directives which will improve the European
insurance market . The Council has most recently adopted
both the Third Non-Life Insurance Directive and the
Third Life Insurance Directive which introduce the single
licence system with home country control for insurance,
offering consumers a wider choice of insurance products
at more competitive prices .

In December 1991, the Council adopted the Directive on
Insurance Accounts which will inter alia make it easier to
assess an insurance company 's financial position, and to
compare companies in different Member States . At the
same time the Council adopted a Directive on the setting
up of the Insurance Committee . The new Committee is
already serving to strengthen cooperation between
insurance supervisory authorities in the Community . The
Commission has also issued a recommendation on
insurance intermediaries inviting Member States to adopt
specific measures to ensure that insurance intermediaries
meet minimum professional standards, that they are
registered, and that a distinction is maintained between
dependent and independent intermediaries .

The Commission considers that, taken together, these

measures constitute the necessary legal framework for the

creation of an internal market for insurance which also
respects the need for effective protection of
policyholders ' interests .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2323 / 92

by Mr Michael Welsh ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 8 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 41 )

Subject : Cereal stocks in intervention

Would the Commission publish a table showing the
tonnage of cereals held in Community intervention stores
in each Member State on 31 July 1992, broken down by
type ? Would they add a table showing the current annual
consumption of cereals by Member State ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 December 1 992 )

The information requested is given in the following table
in thousands of tonnes :

Durum
Wheat wheat Barley Rye Maize

Belgium 1 660 65 860 28 825 consumption
79 0 162 0 0 stocks

Denmark 2 25 7 1 3 448 220 ' 106 consumption
292 0 251 278 0 stocks

Germany 12 342 487 11 831 2 501 2 981 consumption
4 762 0 3 383 3 097 38 stocks

Greece 1 360 530 645 34 1 790 consumption
4 611 3 0 0 stocks

Spain 5 216 296 8 279 245 4 391 consumption
5 476 1 198 28 168 stocks

France 13 577 620 4 617 197 4 828 consumption
5 603 256 933 7 300 stocks

Ireland 655 5 896 - 0 40 consumption
0 100 0 0 stocks

Italy 7 854 3 040 2 422 18 7 034 consumption
8 2 771 93 0 0 stocks

Luxembourg 74 1 39 1 3 consumption
3 0 0 0 0 stocks

Netherlands 1 976 2 928 63 1 418 consumption
0 0 0 0 0 stocks

Portugal 922 70 191 88 1 320 consumption
31 1 0 0 0 stocks

United Kingdom 10 585 61 5 692 57 1 510 consumption
13 0 695 0 0 stocks

31.3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 27

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2348 / 92 Community consumers is that supplies should be freely

by Mr Friedrich Merz ( PPE ) available at these supported levels ?
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 42 )

Subject : February 1992 edition of the Commission 's
directory

1 . How can the Commission account for the long delay
in publishing its ' latest ' directory ( February 1992 edition )?

2 . Is the Commission aware that French-language
copies took Weeks to obtain from the relevant bookshops
( Librairie Europeene, Moniteur Beige ), and that it is still
completely unavailable in German ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 November 1992 )

The Commission 's directory is only useful if the
information in it is up to date . The edition referred to by
the Honourable Member was delayed to take account of
reorganization underway which had still not been
finalized .

According to information available to the Commission,
the French version was delivered to the sales outlets
within ten days of printing . Owing to the unusual scale of
demand, stocks ran out which made a re-print necessary .
No doubt this is why the directory was no longer available
at the outlets referred to by the Honourable Member .

The German version of the directory is in print .

Measures have been taken to ensure regular publication
of the directory in all Community languages in future .

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1992 )

The main objectives of the common agricultural policy as
laid down in article 39 of the EEC Treaty include
ensuring a fair standard of living for the farming
community and assuring the availability of supplies at
reasonable prices for consumers .

Until very recently one of the major instruments to
achieve these objectives has been a support policy for
agricultural prices . Guaranteeing farmers a certain price
for their products served as an incentive to increase the
availability of food supplies and as a means to underpin
farm incomes .

Under the influence of its agricultural price support policy
the Community went from a situation of shortage for a
number of important commodities to a situation of
surplus . Reflecting the changed circumstances a major
reform of the CAP was agreed in May this year, shifting
the emphasis from price support to more direct forms of
farm support such as hectare and headage payments . The
consequence will be a significant drop in agricultural
prices which will translate into a decrease of prices of
certain foodstuffs .

The Commission therefore agrees with the Honourable

Member that in the past supplies were available to
Community consumers at the supported price level . In the
future price support will be reduced and supplies will be
available at a lower price level . As farmers will be
compensated for the price cuts part of the burden of farm
support will be shifted from the consumer to the budget .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2378 / 92

by Mr Rafael Calvo Ortega ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 September 1 992 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2371 / 92 ( 23 September 1

by Mr John Tomlinson ( S ) ( 93 / C 90 / 44 )

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

( 23 September 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 43 )

Subject : Common agricultural policy

Does the Commission agree that so long as Community
agricultural prices are supported, the quid pro quo for

Subject : The state of the Spanish potato market

The state of the Spanish potato market is very
disadvantageous to farmers, as the low price of the
product does not even cover the cost of harvesting it .

Various farming organizations have claimed that the

harvesting of French potatoes, large quantities of which

No C 90 / 28 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3 . 93

are imported into Spain, is subsidized by the French
Government .

Is the Commission aware of such a subsidy ?

If so, how large is it and what are the limits to which it is
subject ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 December 1 992 )

The Commission has no knowledge of subsidies having
been paid for exports of French potatoes to Spain .

The French authorities confirmed that an amount of FF

50 million was paid by the government several weeks ago
in order to take pressure off the market in early potatoes .

The funds were destined to compensate those growers
who agreed not to harvest part or all of their area under
early potatoes and who consequently suffered income
losses . No public funds were made available for
subsidizing the export of potatoes from France .

the growth of this sector . EC eco audit policies also
promote firms to incorporate environmental concerns in
all areas of their decision making, and EC labelling
policies help ensure that consumer preference may be
used constructively to achieve both economic growth and
environmental protection . A market orientated approach
together with the polluter pays principle is another policy
adopted in the 1990 industrial policy communication to
ensure that EC industrial policy covers all the necessary
elements which seek to achieve the goal of stable
economic development and environmental protection .

In conformity with its work programme, the Commission
is in the process of preparing a communication to the
Council concerning industrial competitiveness and
environmental protection . This communication integrates
the Fifth Environmental Programme 's requirement for
sustainable development in industrial policy .

0 COM(9Q ) 556 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2397 / 92

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

(6 October 1 992 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2387 / 92 ( 93 / C 90 / 46 )

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

(6 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 45 )

Subject : Community industrial policy

Having regard to the fifth environmental action
programme and the Treaty on European Union and in
particular Article 130 thereof, will the Commission tell
Parliament whether account is taken of all factors liable to
contribute to stable economic development while
protecting the environment in drawing up Community
environmental policy ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 November 1 992 )

The 1990 industrial policy communication O specifies the
necessary elements for stable economic development to be
obtained alongside environmental protection . Products
associated with high levels of environmental protection
may have a competitive advantage vis-a-vis
environmentally damaging products, and EC
standardization should enable this advantage to be
realized . Environmental protection services are a new
emerging industrial sector and EC industrial policy
should ensure that efforts are made to reduce barriers to

Subject : Unexpected imports of potatoes from third

countries into the EC

According to the Spanish agricultural associations ASAJA

and COAG, potato prices in Spain have slumped . The
average price is seven pesetas per kilo, whereas the cost to
the producer is between 15 and 17 pesetas . These
associations say the situation has been caused by imports
into Spain of potatoes from France, which benefit from
French Government subsidies, and by massive imports
from Community countries .

Could the Commission provide information on the
situation of potato imports from third countries, and on
the subsidies which have benefitted the French potato
growers ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 9 December 1 992 )

Imports of potatoes from third countries only play a role
as far as early potatoes are concerned . As regards ware
potatoes the Community is self-sufficient . High transport
costs together with a tariff duty of 1 8 % render imports of
these potatoes from third countries of little interest in
economic terms .

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 29

During the past three years an annual average of some
433 000 tonnes of potatoes was imported from third
countries of which 93% were early potatoes ( see table ).
Major suppliers are Egypt, Morocco and Cyprus . Early
potatoes originating from third countries are imported at
a time when no or insufficient Community production is
available .

interventions under Objectives 5b and 2 ; consequently,
they are also excluded from support under other
Community programmes, such as Retex or Envireg .

Import of potatoes from third countries into the

Community

1989 — 1991

at Given that support under the Integrated Mediterranean
is Progammes ( IMPs ) at present operative throughout the

regions of Tuscany, Umbria and the Marches will cease
on 31 December 1992, does the Commission intend to
take urgent steps to remedy this unfair situation of
exclusion and to redefine and extend the scope of
interventions under Objectives 5b and 2, so as to create
the conditions for the implementation of large-scale
( tonnes ) integrated development projects ?

1989 1990 1991 Average
1989—1991

Total 370 177 414 573 513 137 432 629

of which :

earlies 351 049 380 499 471 178 400 909

( % ) 95 92 92 93

other 19 128 34 074 41 959 31 720

Source : Comext .

The French Government paid an amount of FF 50 million
several weeks ago in order to take pressure off the markt
in early potatoes . On the one hand, these funds were
destined to compensate those growers who agreed not to
harvest part or all of their area under early potatoes and
who consequently suffered income losses . On the other
hand, they were used to contribute to the expenses of the
producer groups who paid a minimum price for their
members ' produce . No public funds were made available
for subsidizing the export of potatoes from France .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2402 / 92

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 9 December 1 992 )

The Commission decided on the lists of areas eligible
under Objectives 2 and 5(b ) for the period 1989 — 93 on
the basis of the Council Regulations concerning the
Structural Funds ('). These lists included parts of the
provinces of Florence, Pesaro-Urbino and Perugia, which
are also eligible for certain Community initiative

programmes .

I

Accordingly, these lists will be reviewed only for the

Community support operations to begin on or after 1
January 1994 .

In revising the 1988 Regulations on structural policies, the
Commission has no intention of amending the criteria
under which regions and areas are eligible for Objectives
2 and 5(b ).

However, acting on the basis of experience, it has already
stated in COM(92 ) 2 000 and COM(92 ) 84 that while
respecting the principle of concentration on the worst
affected areas, it will be more flexible in implementing
these regulations, particularly as far as Objectives 2 and
5(b ) and the Community initiative programmes are
concerned .

by Mr Carlo Casini ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 6 October 1 992 ) O OJ No L 185, 15 . 7 . 1988 ; OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1988 .

( 93 / C 90 / 47 )

Subject : Community Structural Funds — application and

eligible areas

As is well known, the Apennine area of central Italy —

especially the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pistoia,
Perugia, Forli and Pesaro — is characterized in
socio-economic terms by considerable depression and
specific disadvantages . 60 % of the territory concerned is
classified as mountainous, and per capita GDP is less than
75 % of the Community average .

The reform of the Structural Funds introduced in 1988

almost totally excluded these provinces from direct

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2419 / 92

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

(6 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 48 )

Subject : CAP reform — meat subsidies (

The reformed CAP offers subsidies for beef cattle and to

a lesser degree sheep . What effects do you see direct

No C 90 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3 . 93

intervention and subsidy on beef and sheep having on pigs
and poultry ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1 992 )

Sheep production is already supported primarily by direct
subsidies and this has not been changed by the reform of
the common agricultural policy . For beef, intervention
prices are to be reduced by 1 5 %, with compensation in the
form of direct subsidies, targeted primarily at the more
extensive producers . No new aids have been introduced
for pigs and poultry but these sectors should see their
costs reduced as cereals intervention prices are gradually
reduced from the current average buying in price of 150
ECU / tonne to a single intervention price of 100
ECU / tonne . The effect of these changes taken as a whole
should be to produce a better balance between all the
kinds of meat and lower prices for consumers, which
should improve demand .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2420 / 92

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

(6 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 49 )

Subject : Training of category A European officials in

1991

Mr Cardoso e Cunha 's reply on behalf of the Commission
to Written Question No 894 / 92 (') indicates that 2 214
category A officials received training in 1991 .

How many private organizations provided training to any
or all of these officials in that year, and where were the
organizations based ?

o OJ No C 285, 3 . 11 . 1992, p. 22 .

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

Training course Indivifluals responsible and for organizations training

Induction course lectures 1 Belgian expert

General introduction to

computing

2 French experts, 1 Belgian

expert

Computing GD XVI 1 Belgian firm

Intercultural seminar —

Communication in a

multicultural team

1 Belgian firm

Management seminars 1 Irish firm, 2 Belgian firms,
2 Belgian experts

1 French firm, 1 Italian firm

Preparation for retirement 3 Belgian experts, 1 French

expert

Staff development and
retraining

1 French expert, 1 Portuguese

expert

Danish course for translators 3 Danish teachers

Seminar course on archives 1 Belgian expert

Miscellaneous seminars 3 Belgian firms, 4 Belgian
experts, 1 French firm

1 Dutch expert, 1 British firm,
2 British experts

Training for selection board
for competition
COM / LA / 718

1 Belgian expert

Seminars on microeconomics 3 French experts, 1 British
firm, 1 British expert

1 German expert, 1 Italian
expert, 2 American experts

1 Belgian firm,

Seminars on communication 1 Belgian firm, 1 British firm

Foundation Training —
Management &
Modernization

1 British firm

PAP seminar 1 Belgian expert

Special training for reception
office ( bureau d' accueil )

1 Belgian firm

( 16 December 1992 )
The Commission would stress that it strives as far as
possible to use staff from its own departments as training
The following table lists the private organizations which officers .
provided training to category A officials during 1991 and
the countries in which they are based :

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 31

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2435 / 92

by Mr Luigi Moretti ( ARC )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(8 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 50 )

Subject : Use of ERDF funds

On 27 December 1990, a decision was taken to grant a
contribution of ECU 4,9 million to a two-year
operational programme to convert an industrial area in
decline in Sondrio province in Lombardy .

Can the Commission say :

1 . what are the operational programmes concerning

Sondrio province ?

2 . what industries, SMEs, associations and other bodies

have benefited from the assistance ?

3 . whether the operational programme also related to an

area in Bergamo province ( Alta Valle Brembana )?

4 . whether the region of Lombardy or any other

authority has submitted operational programmes for
Bergamo province in respect of the area hit by
flooding in 1987 ?

5 . what level of funding has been provided — in
accordance with the co-financing principle — by the
Italian Government ?

6 . whether checks have been carried out in the areas

concerned, by the Commission or any other body
responsible, and whether difficulties have been found ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 16 November 1 992 )

1 . The province of Sondrio is receiving assistance from
the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ) for
two programmes : an operational programme ( 1989 — 91 )
which covers only the Objective 2 area and an Interreg
programme ( Italian — Swiss border ) for 1991 — 93 . A new
programme for the Objective 2 area for 1992 — 93 is in
preparation .

2 . The names in question may be had from the
Ministry of Industry which has responsibility for the
measure concerning aid to investments in SMEs, and
from the Lombardy region, which is responsible for all
the other measures .

3 . No .

4 . No .

5 . Italy contributed 49,5% of total public expenditure
on the programme in question .

6 . No on-the-spot checks have been carried out as yet
by the Commission in the areas concerned .
Implementation of the programme is regularly assessed by
the monitoring committee for Objective 2 in Lombardy, a
body made up of representatives of local and regional
authorities, central government and the Commission . No
difficulties have been reported .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2443 / 92

by Mr Francesco Speroni ( ARC )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(8 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 51 )

Subject : Community financing of projects incompatible

with the Berne Convention on the Conservation

of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Does the Community intend to make a contribution from
the Structural Funds to the establishment of a visitors '
centre in the Burren National Park in Ireland, a project
which would appear to fly in the face of the provisions of
the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European
Wildlife and Natural Habitats ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 9 December 1 992 )

The Commission decided on 7 October 1992 that there

had not been an infringement of Community law in
respect of the visitors ' centre at Mullaghmore in the
Burren National Park .

Following the Commission decision, it was confirmed to
the Irish authorities that there was now no obstacle to
Structural Funds ' assistance for the project, although the
decision to proceed with the project remained a matter for
them .

Concerning the Berne Convention, the Honourable
Member is referred to the answer given to oral question
H - 105 1 / 92 by Mrs Banotti at the October part-session (')

(') Debates of the European Parliament, No 3 — 423, ( October

1992 )

No C 90 / 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2446 / 92

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

( 8 October 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 52 )

Subject : Accident at the Petrola plant

At 7.20 a.m . on 1 September 1992 an explosion took place

at the Petrola plant killing three people and injuring
scores of others . I have already tabled two questions ( in
April 1991 and February 1992 ) drawing attention to the
risks involved in expanding ^ the Petrola plant and
questioning whether certain provisions of Directive
82 / 501 / EEC O on the major-accident hazards of certain
industrial activities were being complied with . The
Commission replied that Greece had been found in
breach of this Directive and that it had initiated

proceedings against Greece concerning the Petrola plant
in Elefsina under Article 169 .

Since in the sphere of industrial safety, the Commission
monitors compliance by the Member States with the
provisions of Directive 82 / 501 / EEC, will it say :

1 . Since it had established that this Directive was not

being properly implemented and had initiated
proceedings against Greece under Article 169, why
had it not ordered operations in those parts of the
plant which were dangerous to be suspended until the
terms of the Directive were fully complied with ?

2 . Whether it intends to speed up proceedings against

Greece under Article 169 ?

3 . Whether it intends to refuse authorization for an
extension of the Petrola plant, and

4 . what other steps it intends to take to avoid similar

accidents in future ?

The Commission does not have the powers to order
operations to be suspended or to refuse authorization for
extensions as proposed by the Honourable Member, as
both such measures are the responsibility of the Member
States ' authorities .

Furthermore, in particular pursuant to Article 10 of
Directive 82 / 501 / EEC, it is up to the competent
authorities of the Member State in which the accident
occurred to take the necessary measures to ensure that a
major accident does not recur on its territory . In addition,
the body able to advise the competent authorities of the
other Member States which have to intervene in the event
of such an accident should have been designated by this
Member State pursuant to Article 1 1 of the Directive . In
keeping with the provisions of the above Directive, the
Commission 's role in such matters is limited to

subsequently making available to the other Member
States any useful information and analyses relating to the
accident in order to enable them to use this information
for preventive purposes .

In the case of the accident which occurred at the Petrola

refinery, the Commission will ensure that it receives from
the Greek authorities, within a reasonable time, all data
required pursuant to Article 1 1 of the Directive in order to
be able to perform this task under the best possible
conditions .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2448 / 92

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

( 8 October 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 53 )

Subject : Compensation of customs clearance agents

O OJ No L 230, 5 . 8 . 1982, p. 1 .

Will the Commission consider including measures to fund
redundancy compensation and early retirement as part of
its plans to help customs clearance agents, many of whom
will be made redundant at the end of this year ?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1 992 )

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission 's attention has been drawn on several

occasions to the shortcomings in the application in Greece
of Directive 82 / 501 / EEC, notably through the
Honourable Member 's written questions . As regards
application of the Directive to the Petrola refinery, which
was recently the scene of a serious accident, the
Commission deployed in full the powers conferred on it
by the Treaty to investigate implementation of
Community instruments by immediately opening
infringement proceedings against Greece in 1991 . This
procedure, conducted with all due attention, is currently
taking its course .

( 9 December 1 992 )

The measures referred to by the Honourable Member are

a matter for the Member States, which have in some cases
taken steps to assist customs agents . In other cases, moves
are being made by the profession itself to adjust to the
single market .

However, given the exceptional situation facing customs
agents, the Commission has been willing to make a
substantive contribution to national measures, and on 18

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 33

May it approved Community back-up measures for the should go beyond the use of anaesthetics to include the
profession ( see the Commission Communication to the relief of all avoidable distress ?
Council and Parliament ( 1 )).

It also intends to help finance specific schemes in support
of the European Social Fund and Interreg measures which
were the subject of its proposal for a Regulation,
submitted to the Council on 3 August ( 2 ). ECU 30 million
has been earmarked by the Commission under next year 's
draft budget for this purpose .

o SEC(92 ) 887 .
O COM(92 ) 328 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2450 / 92

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

(8 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 54 )

Subject : Animals used for research

The Community has progressed to the point where it no

longer countenances endangered species, including
certain primates, being caught in the wild for use in a
variety of experiments . Last year it encouraged alternative
methods of toxicity testing at the Research Centre at
Ispra . It has agreed that there is no justification for using
animals in cruel experiments for testing cosmetics .

Where the Community reluctantly agrees that some

animals are still needed for research into the potential
toxicity or carcinogenicity of medicines for human
medication, it should not only require that researchers
avoid causing unnecessary pain, but should also stipulate
that such creatures should not be deprived of the means to
satisfy the behavioural needs of the species concernedv
For instance monkeys suffer enormous deprivation by
virtue of being separated from their kind and kept in
solitary confinement — quite apart from the additional
stress occasioned by the experiment itself .

Even in the UK ( famed for its love of animals ), licensing
of establishments and of research staff has failed to
achieve any widespread betterment of living conditions
for experimental animals .

Would the Commission agree that the Community should

set an example to the rest of the world, by insisting that
within all Member States humane treatment of animals

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 December 1 992 )

The use of animals for experimental purposes is regulated

at Community level by Directive 86 / 609 / EEC (').

Article 5 of that Directive requires the Member States to
ensure that :

— any restriction on the extent to which an experimental

animal can satisfy its physiological and ethological
needs is limited to the absolute minimum ;

— the environmental conditions in which experimental

animals are bred, kept or used are checked daily ;

— arrangements are made to ensure that any defect or

suffering discovered is eliminated as quickly as
possible .

The Commission considers that if these provisions are

correctly applied the problems to which the Honourable
Member refers will be reduced to a minimum or

eliminated .

The principles embodied in this directive apply to any
experiments using animals, whether pharmaceuticals or
cosmetics are involved .

(') OJ No L 358, 18 . 12 . 1986 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2464 / 92

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

( 8 October 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 55 )

Subject : Cycle paths in the EC

Can the Commission state for each of the Member States
what percentage of road funding is spent on the provision

and maintenance of cycle paths ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1 992 )

The Community has no policy on the provision and

maintenance of cycle paths, which fall solely within the

No C 90 / 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3 . 93

jurisdiction of the individual Member States and local

government .

Consequently, the Commission is not in a position to
supply the Honourable Member with precise figures
concerning investment in cycle-path networks or the
percentage of overall road funding accounted for by such
projects .

In addition under Regulation ( EEC ) No 4028 / 86 the
Commission may grant Community aid for investments at
fishing ports which relate to back-up facilities for fishing
vessels as well as facilities to improve quality and hygiene
for handling and marketing fish .

It is for the Member State to submit to the Commission
applications for assistance with projects eligible under the
above regulations . If in this case an application is made
for assistance with improvements, the Commission will
give it full consideration .

O OJNo L 388, 30 . 12 . 1989 .
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2501 / 92 O OJNoL268, 24 . 9 . 1991 .

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

( 12 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 56 )

Subject : Keratsini fish wharves

The Keratsini fish wharves are polluting the municipality

and surrounding regions . As local authority
representatives have pointed out, despite increased
demand, ( two-thirds of fish catches from the whole of
Greece go through Keratsini ), processing operations here
are still very backward, giving rise to an unacceptable
situation : since there is no sewage pipeline fish remains
are still dumped without any controls into the sea, adding
to the pollution of an already polluted environment .
These fish wharves must be equipped with up-to-date,

closed facilities meeting all the necessary requirements .
Will the Commission say :

1 . whether it intends to finance projects in this area in

the interests of public health and the environment ?

2 . submit Community legislation with the aim of giving

fish wharves throughout the Community the
infrastructures they need ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 8 December 1 992 )

Under Regulation ( EEC ) No 4042 / 89 (') concerning the
improvement of conditions for which fishery and
aquaculture products are processed and marketed,
Community aid can be invested in buildings and
equipment as well as facilities to improve the quality and
hygiene of production and marketing conditions .

Two Council Directives 91 / 492 / EEC ( 2 ) and
91 / 493 / EEC ( 2 ) laying down the health conditions for the
production and the placing on the market of live bivalve
molluscs, and of fishery products respectively have been
adopted and require Member States to bring into force
the laws, regulations and administrative provisions
necessary to comply with these Directives before 1
January 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2554 / 92

by Mr Rogerio Brito ( CG )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 27 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 57 )

Subject : Refusal to recognize ' Torres ' wine as a
Portuguese quality wine

The Commission has refused to include ' Torres ' wine in
the list of Portuguese quality wines ( vqprd ), since it takes
the view that this would run counter to rules on the
geographical designation of a particular region . The
reasoning behind the Commission 's decision shows, at the
very least, a lack of logic or total ignorance of the facts
which would justify the inclusion of ' Torres ' among

Portuguese quality wines, since the appellation ' Torres '
has been used for over two centuries to refer to both the
region and the wine . ' Efa de Queiroz refers to ' Torres
wine '.' It is also referred to in the dictionary drawn up by
Mr Pinheiro Chagas ( member of the Academy of Science )
published in 1884 . In 1907 it was the subject of a royal
decree by the King Dom Carlos . It is referred to in
' Portugal and its Economic Activity ' published in 1932 by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . In the Ecological Map
published in 1952 by the Ministry for Economic Affairs,
' Torres ' is identified as a geographical unit . In 1963 in
' The Wines of Portugal ' by H. Warner Allen published by
McGraw-Hill Book Company Inc ., Ncti - - York, Toronto
and London, reference is made to the ' Torres ' wine
producing region and ' Torres ' wines . These are only a few
examples which demonstrate that the wine and the
wine-producing region concerned are known and
established domestically and internationally with the
' Torres ' appellation . In addition, its status ( wine
classification and designation of origin and region ) was
established by decree laws in 1907 and 1931 . In view of
this, can the Commission continue to withhold
recognition ? On what grounds ?

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 35

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1 992 )

The ' Torres ' label has not been published among the
Portuguese quality wines psr because the Commission
believes that it is not in conformity with the Community
rules and regulations in force and, more particularly with
Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2392 / 89 of 24 July 1989
laying down general rules for the description and
presentation of wines and grape musts ( ® ), as last amended
by Regulation ( EEC ) No 3897 / 91 ( 2 ), Article 40(1 ) of
which lays down that the geographical name designating a
particular region must be sufficiently precise and properly
linked to the production area so that, in view of the
conditions currently existing, confusion can be avoided .

As the geographical description ' Torres Vedras ' is more
distinctive, it would avoid confusion and would
accordingly be in conformity with the aforementioned
provision .

the people of the Community are forming nowadays and
how they regard the family ( life as a couple, divorce, role
of the father and the mother and education of the
children, reconciling family life and working life,
solidarity between generations ).

In the light of the findings of this survey, it will look into
the possibility of promoting a wide-ranging exchange of
information .

The Community has no specific powers where the family
is concerned, so it cannot legislate in this area . Family
affairs are primarily the responsibility of the Member
States . The Community can play its part only by
stimulating an ongoing exchange of experience and
information through conferences, studies, opinion polls
and the reports of the European observatory on national
family policies .

o OJNoL232, 9 . 8 . 1989 .
O OJ No L 368, 31 . 12 . 1991 . WRITTEN QUESTION No 2564 / 92

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin ( Y )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 27 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 59 )
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2559 / 92

by Mr Pierre Lataillade ( RDE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 27 October 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 58 )

Subject : Participation in and preparation for the
International Year of the Family in 1994

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 1994
the International Year of the Family .

What form will the Commission 's participation in the
Year of the Family take and will it closely involve the

European Parliament ?

In view of the new social and political situation in Europe
and the need to become closer to the European citizen,
will the Commission make progressive proposals for
families in order to strengthen and complete family
policies for which the Member States should assume full
responsibility ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1 992 )

A number of initiatives are planned in preparation for the

International Year of the Family .

The Commission is preparing a major opinion survey in
the 12 Member States to find out what kinds of families

Subject : Transport, regional development and the
environment

The Fifth Environmental Action Programme refers to the

need for improved land use and economic development
planning at local, regional, national and trans-national
levels to reduce the need for mobility and allow for the
development of alternatives to road transport .

How does the Commission intend to implement this
principle in the operation of the revised Structural Funds
after 1993 and the Cohesion Fund ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1992 )

When revising the 1988 Structural Fund regulations, the

Commission intends reaffirming the need for structural
measures to be compatible with other Community policies
and in particular environmental policy .

In its proposal to the Council on the Cohesion Fund ( ® ),
the Commission has included an Article providing that

' Projects financed by the Fund shall be in keeping with
the provisions of the Treaties, with the instruments
adopted pursuant thereto and with Community
policies, including those concerning environmental
protection, transport, competition and the award of
public contracts .'

No C 90 / 36 Official Journal of the European Communities 31.3.93

Nevertheless, under the Structural Funds and in WRITTEN QUESTION
accordance with the proposal on the Cohesion Fund, by Mr Yves Verwaerde
development measures part-financed by the Community

to the Commission of the

must be based on requests forwarded by the Member
States, which are to make the most judicious selection of ( 27 October 1
such measures, including those on modes of transport . ( 93 / C 90 / 61 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2647 / 92

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

( 27 October 1 992 )

O COM(92 ) 339 final .
Subject : Community competition policy — control of

national financial aid

Under Article 5 of Directive 80 / 723 / EEC (') of 25 June

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2623 / 92

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

( 27 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 60 )

1980 on the transparency of financial relations between
the Member States and public undertakings the
Commission has requested the Member States to forward
an annual declaration containing full details on their
financial relations with each public undertaking in the
manufacturing sector with a turnover exceeding ECU 250
million .

Have the French authorities forwarded the first
declaration for the 1991 financial year to the
Commission ?

Subject : Investments in the Province of Granada ( Spain ) o OJ No L 195, 29 . 7 . 1980, p. 35 .

from the European Social Fund

Can the Commission say what investments have actually
been made in the province of Granada from the European
Social Fund since Spain joined the EC, and what amounts
have been paid annually ?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1 992 )

The Commission 's statistics on ESF operations can only
be broken down by region, not by province .

ESF assistance for Andalusia has been as follows :

Central administration Region

Year

Amount Number Amount Number
ECU million of persons ECU million of persons

1986 63,4 88 809 9,4 12 700

1987 88,7 115 878 15,2 16 633

1988 91,7 82 704 24,7 25 165

1989 126,7 75 650 26,1 18 027

1990 27,8 17 420

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 November 1992 )

Paragraph 19 of the communication (') concerning the
application of Articles 92 and 93 EEC and of Article 5
of the Commission Directives 80 / 723 / EEC and
85 / 413 / EEC to public undertakings in the manufacturing
sector, requires Member States to submit certain financial
data in respect of their relevant undertakings within six
months of the end of their financial year . Moreover,
annual accounts are also to be provided within 10 months
of the relevant companies ' financial year ends . To date,
France has not provided any such information in respect
of 1991 .

O OJ No C 273, 18 . 10 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2715 / 92

by Mr James Moorhouse ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 October 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 62 )

Subject : Net Book Agreement

In the light of the July 1992 ruling by the Court of First
Instance ( Case T66 / 89 ) upholding Commission Decision
89 / 44 / EEC O that the UK Net Book Agreement
contravenes Article 85 ( 1 ) of the Treaty of Rome, and as
the operation of the NBA even just in the UK clearly

1991

604,6 00

31,1 19 200

—
1992 34,8 O 22 917

1993 38,3 O 25 512

(') At 1991 prices .
( 2 ) CSF forecasts .

31 . 3.93 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 90 / 37

affects inter-State trade, will the Commission give an
assurance that it will now enforce its decision on the

Publishers ' Association of the UK ?

O OJ No L 22, 26 . 1 . 1989, p. 12 .

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 7 December 1 992 )

In order to comply with the Commission 's Decision the
Publishers Association has submitted a proposal for
modification of the Net Book Agreement . This proposal
has been assessed by the Commission in the light of its

1988 Decision and the Court ruling .

It should be noted however that the Publishers
Association has decided to appeal the Court of First
Instance ruling of 9 July 1992 in Case T-66 / 89 to the
Court of Justice .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2770 / 92

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

( 16 November 1992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 63 )

Subject : ESF programmes

A survey of the current state of progress of European
Social Fund programmes by the committees monitoring
the Greek regional programmes has revealed that :

, 1 . Vocational training measures in most of the regional

programmes are fragmented ;

1 . Except in very few cases, there is no functional

connection between the proposed vocational training
measures and the development projects being
undertaken as part of the Regional Programmes and
financed by the Community 's other Structural Funds ;

3 . There are no regional selection criteria based on

established regional priorities as regards vocational
training measures ;

4 . A significant number of the proposed vocational

training measures concern cultural or leisure
activities ;

5 . In most cases there are no guarantees that the

companies undertaking projects are able satisfactorily
to carry out the training measures as part of the
programmes pursued by local government and
non-prof itmaking companies .

In view of the above, does the Commission intend to act
in the immediate future to improve the effectiveness of
ESF programmes ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1 992 )

The Honourable Member is referred to the
correspondence between the Commission and the Greek
authorities which forms part of the effort that both sides
are developing to improve the selection criteria and the
follow-up procedures for the programmes in question .

With this view in mind, the Commission began a series of

quality control visits in June 1992 . A large number of ESF
schemes at regional level have been visited . This work has
been carried out in close collaboration with the services of
the Greek Ministry of Labour responsible .

These control visits will be completed by the end of
November 1992 and the results will be used as a reference
for the improvement of the selection criteria and
follow-up procedures to be applied for 1993 . Ultimately,
this work will lead to an improvement in the overall
effectiveness of ESF programmes .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2780 / 92

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

( 16 November 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 64 )

Subject : Working conditions of sandblasters in Greece

Sandblasters, painters and cleaners employed in the
shipping repair sector have to work under extremely
hazardous and unhealthy conditions . Some years ago
there were still some 2 000 persons employed in this
sector, while the number today is a mere 1 000 and is
steadily declining . Over the last 40 years only one
sandblaster has managed to claim his old age pension ; all
the others have been prematurely pensioned off for health
reasons . In view of the above, does the Commission
intend to ask the Greek authorities to take additional
measures to improve the working conditions of
sandblasters employed in this sector ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1 992 )

The Commission is aware of the potentially dangerous

and unhealthy conditions that arise during sandblasting .
During recent years the Commission has proposed a

No C 90 / 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 3.93

series of Council Directives in the field of safety and
health at work most of which have already been adopted
by the Council . The first one, Council Directive of 12
June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage

improvements in the safety and health of workers at work
( 89 / 391 / EEC ) O lays down the general framework of
safety and health organization at work including the basic
principles of prevention and the responsibilities and
obligations of employers and workers .

Among the various individual Directives of the
( framework ) Council Directive 89 / 391 / EEC the
Directive of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health
and safety requirements for use by workers of personal
protective equipment at the workplace ( 89 / 656 / EEC ) (*)
also covers the case of sandblasters . These Directives shall
be brought into force by the Member States not later than

31 December 1992 . The Commission does not intend for
the moment to propose additional legislation on that
specific issue .

0 OJNoL 183, 29 . 6 . 1989 .
O OJNoL 393, 30 . 12 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2820 / 92
by Mr Franco Borgo, Mr Giuseppe Mottola ( PPE ),

Mr Giulio Fantuzzi ( GUE ), Mr Mauro Chiabrando

and Mr Ferruccio Pisoni ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 November 1 992 )

( 93 / C 90 / 65 )

Subject : Implementation of Council Regulation ( EEC )

establishing a support system for producers of
certain arable crops under the CAP reform

Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 3 of Regulation ( EEC ) No

1765 / 92 ('), require Member States to submit their
regionalization plans to the Commission by 1 August
1992 with regard to the delimitation of production zones,
areas under cultivation and unit yields for cereals, oil
seeds and protein plants for the purposes of calculating
compensatory payments to producers .

Under this Regulation and in accordance with the
Commission 's explanatory communication to the
Member States ( VI / 3257 of 9 July 1992 ), the
regionalization plans should be based on appropriate and
objective criteria and consistent with available historical
information ( statistics sent by the national officials
responsible to Eurostat ).

In view of this, can the Commission provide the following
information :

1 . Have all the Member States submitted their

     - regionalization plans on time ?

2 . Have the criteria specified in the directive, in
particular concerning the historical information, been
observed ?

3 . Have all the plans been examined to ensure that they

are compatible so that the support mechanism can be
rapidly implemented ?

4 . What steps will the Commission take with regard to

those Member States which have failed to comply with
the common provisions ?

(') OJNoL 181, 1.7 . 1992, p. 12 .

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1993 )

By 1 August 1992, the Commission had not received
regionalization plans, complete with the requisite
historical data, from all Member States .

The Commission has now received historical data to

support the Member States ' plans . This data is currently
being verified to ensure that Member States respected the
provisions of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1765 / 92 in drawing
up their plans .

Where verification of the data supplied leads to queries

about the nature of the regionalization plan or about the
completeness or accuracy of the information provided,
the Commission will approach the Member State for
clarification or if necessary amendment of the plan . The
verification of 12 plans and their supporting data is a
difficult and time consuming task and one which the
Commission has not yet completed .

The Council gave the Commission power to object to
plans which are not based on objective and appropriate
criteria or not consistent with historical information . This
means that whilst the Commission may comment if a plan
does not respect the provisions foreseen, it may not
comment if a plan does respect all the provisions .
Therefore, no explicit approval or authorization of a

Member State 's plan will issue from the Commission and
it is the responsibility of the Member State to implement
their plans independently . Hence, there should be no
undue delay in the implementation of the new system in
any Member State because of the Commission 's
verification procedure .