Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

# Official Journal

### of the European Communities

###### Information and Notices

English edition

ISSN 0378-6986

#### C 257

Volume 38

2 October 1995

Notice No Contents Page

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

95 / C 257 / 01 E-2640 / 94 by Mary Banotti to the Commission
Subject : Television without frontiers Directive ( Supplementary answer ) 1

95 / C 257 / 02 E-55 / 95 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Community aid for the Second Community Support Framework ( 1994 —1999 ) during

1994 1

95 / C 257 / 03 E-l 10 / 95 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Council
Subject : Assessing the agreement on nuclear activity in North Korea 2

95 / C 257 / 04 E-l 3 1 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Community legislation and a ban on leaving Greece because of debts to the State ... 3

95 / C 257 / 05 E-273 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Delays in the approval of payments by the Commission services 4

95 / C 257 / 06 P-3 16 / 95 by Peter Truscott to the Council
Subject : Veal crates and the export of livestock 4

95 / C 257 / 07 P-522 / 95 by Peter Truscott to the Council
Subject : Veal crates and the export of livestock 4

95 / C 257 / 08 E-524 / 95 by Christine Barthet-Mayer to the Council
Subject : Intensive battery production of farm animals for slaughter 4

Joint answer to Written Questions P-3 16 / 95, P-522 / 95 and E-524 / 95 5

###### EN

Price : ECU 18 ( Continued overleaf )

Notice No

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###### EN

Contents ( continued ) Page

E-326 / 95 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Allocation of the quota of 27 000 tonnes of plain bonito in the NAFO area 5

E-336 / 95 by Werner Langen to the Council
Subject : Forced sale of property in Ireland 5

E-403 / 95 by Edward Newman to the Commission
Subject : Abolition of frontier controls 6

E-419 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Expenditure on patent applications and disputes within the context of R&D budgets 7

E-504 / 95 by Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Council
Subject : Situation of managerial staff in European Community 8

E-5 19 / 95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Council
Subject : UN expert in El Salvador 8

E-526 / 95 by Georges Berthu to the Council
Subject : Human rights violations in Romania 9

E-539 / 95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : ' Television without frontiers ' Directive 9

E-587 / 95 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : The profession of auditor in Greece — violation of Article 90 of the Treaty on European
Union in association with Articles 96 and 52 10

E-594 / 95 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission
Subject : Failure by Member States to honour agreed Union rules on the harmonization of
qualifications 11

E-622 / 95 by Ilona Graenitz to the Council
Subject : Standards for EU projects with non-member countries 11

E-626 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : EU information technology expenditure and procurement policy ( Supplementary
answer ) 11

E-649 / 95 by Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Flooding 12

E-746 / 95 by Celia Villalobos Talero to the Commission
Subject : Aids to tourism — projects in Malaga 12

E-8 17 / 95 by Philippe - Armand Martin to the Commission
Subject : Wine and excise duties 13

E-837 / 95 by Glyn Ford to the Council
Subject : Proposed detention of Munir Ceylan 13

E-861 / 95 by Dagmar Roth-Behrendt to the Commission
Subject : Aid for Berlin ( Supplementary answer ) 14

E-925 / 95 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Council
Subject : Export of equipment for the purpose of torture 14

E-971 / 95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Competition 15

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

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E-986 / 95 by Maria Izquierdo Rojo to the Council
Subject : EU response to the violence in Algeria 15

E-987 / 95 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor to the Commission
Subject : Community initiatives to prevent the mental ageing of older people 16

E-992 / 95 by Paul Lannoye to the Commission
Subject : Emission limit values for dioxins from municipal waste incineration plants 16

E-10 59 / 95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission
Subject : Health problems linked to migration and tourism in - the European Union 17

95 / C 257 / 32 E - 1068 / 95 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission

Subject : Tourism and the environment 17

95 / C 257 / 33

95 / C 257 / 34

95 / C 257 / 35

E - 1073 / 95 by Michel Rocard to the Commission
Subject : Reduction and re-organization of working time 18

E-1091 / 95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Council
Subject : The right of foreign nationals to vote at municipal elections 18

E-l 109 / 95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Distribution of pharmaceuticals 19

95 / C 257 / 36 E-1113 / 95 by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens to the Commission
Subject : Esperanto pilot schemes 19

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###### EN

E-l 121 / 95 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission
Subject : Entry of EU citizens on the electoral register 20

E-1214 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Council
Subject : Sustainability and oceans 20

E-1215 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Agriculture and the environment 21

E-1216 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Convention on climate change and Agenda 21 21

E-1218 / 95 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

Subject : Konver aid 22

E-l 23 8 / 95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Socio-economic aspects of the environment 22

P-1244 / 95 by Daniel Cohn-Bendit to the Commission
Subject : Promoting the dissemination of independent information in former Yugoslavia 23

E-l 245 / 95 by Ralf Walter to the Commission
Subject : Insolvency risk cover for youth organizations 24

E-124 9 / 95 by James Provan to the Commission
Subject : Tonnage of fishing fleets in the European Union 25

E-1261 / 95 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : The wetlands of Schinia in the municipality of Marathon 26

E-1289 / 95 by Christine Oddy to the Council

Subject : Human rights in Pakistan 26

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No

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###### EN

Contents ( continued ) Page

E-1305 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Human capital and mobility

E - 1308 / 95 by Wim van Velzen to the Commission
Subject : Diabetes research

E-1317 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Incorporation of Directive 91 / 676 / EEC into Greek law

E-1334 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Action against fraud

E-134 9 / 95 by Allan Macartney to the Council
Subject : Bosnia / Serbia

E - 1350 / 95 by Allan Macartney to the Commission
Subject : ERDF : Textiles closures — Tayside Region, Scotland

E-1352 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Contraband cigarettes

E-1472 / 95 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Commission
Subject : Tobacco theft

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1352 / 95 and E-1472 / 95

E - 136 1 / 95 by Luigi Moretti to the Commission
Subject : Textile and clothing industry and customs union with Turkey

E-1364 / 95 by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens to the Commission
Subject : Community measures in support of home care

P - 1367 / 95 by Concepció Ferrer to the Council
Subject : Comple ban on anti-personnel mines

E - 13 84 / 95 by Concepció Ferrer to the Commission

Subject : Complete ban on anti-personnel mines

E-1385 / 95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Route of the A73 and the Habitats directive

E-l 393 / 95 by Peter Skinner to the Commission
Subject : Funding of the Channel Tunnel rail link and EC competition policy

E-l 402 / 95 by Alexander Langer to the Commission
Subject : Unauthorized building at Is Arenas ( Sardinia )

E-1418 / 95 by Ingo Friedrich to the Commission
Subject : Implementation of a European postal services policy

E-1448 / 95 by Christine Oddy to the Commission
Subject : Community policy for postal services

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1418 / 95 and E-1448 / 95

27

27

28

28

29

29

30

30

30

31

31

32

32

33

33

34

35

35

35

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

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###### EN

E-1420 / 95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission
Subject : Rape seed under the CAP 36

E-1421 / 95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission
Subject : Fruit and vegetable producer groups 36

E-1423 / 95 by Glyn Ford to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear energy 37

E-1428 / 95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Dangers inherent in ' over the counter ' sales of the contraceptive pill in the
Netherlands 37

E-1429 / 95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Advertising of contraceptive pills in the Netherlands 38

E-1430 / 95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : ' Over the counter ' sales of the contraceptive pill in the Netherlands in violation of efforts at
harmonization 38

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1428 / 95 to E-1430 / 95 38

E-14 39 / 95 by Klaus Rehder to the Commission
Subject : True cost of transport 39

E - 1445 / 95 by Christine Oddy to the Commission
Subject : Financial support for the European film industry 40

E-1447 / 95 by Christine Oddy to the Commission

Subject : EU sugar regime 40

E-1459 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Universal and reservable services 41

E-1463 / 95 by James Moorhouse to the Commission
Subject : Deaths due to blocked chimneys and flues 41

E-1473 / 95 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso and Ana Miranda de Lage to the Commission
Subject : Development and poverty in the former Soviet Union 42

E-1474 / 95 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso and Ana Miranda de Lage to the Commission
Subject : The Copenhagen summit and the European Union 42

E-1475 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : EU aid to Guatemala 43

E-1478 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : The ' information society ' and social change 44

E-147 9 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : Support for Nicaragua 44

E-1481 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : Poverty and racism 45

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

95 / C 257 / 82 E-1482 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : Poverty in the European Union 45

95 / C 257 / 83 E-1484 / 95 by Fausto Bertinotti to the Commission
Subject : Construction of a power line in the Verbano Cusio Ossola area and compliance with
Community legislation 46

95 / C 257 / 84 E-1487 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Council
Subject : Schengen Agreement 46

95 / C 257 / 85 E-1494 / 95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission
Subject : Benefits to the Netherlands from the Community ' Konver ' initiative 47

95 / C 257 / 86 E-1496 / 95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission
Subject : Assistance for the return of Eritrean refugees 47

95 / C 257 / 87 E-1512 / 95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission
Subject : World Trade Organization ( WTO ) and animal protection 48

95 / C 257 / 88 E-151 6 / 95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission
Subject : Standards for animal trapping 48

95 / C 257 / 89 E-1540 / 95 by Fernand Herman to the Commission
Subject : Application of the Regulation prohibiting the use of leg-hold traps and the introduction
into the Community of pelts of wild animals 48

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1512 / 95, E-1516 / 95 and E-1540 / 95 49

95 / C 257 / 90 E-1518 / 95 by Nuala Ahern to the Commission
Subject : Garching Research Reactor 49

95 / C 257 / 91 E-1520 / 95 by Nuala Ahern to the Commission
Subject : Final disposal site for nuclear waste in Japan 49

95 / C 257 / 92 E-1523 / 95 by Nuala Ahern to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear transport to Japan 50

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1520 / 95 and E-1523 / 95 50

95 / C 257 / 93 E-1528 / 95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Handbooks on the integration of women in the development process 50

95 / C 257 / 94 E-1530 / 95 by Graham Mather to the Commission
Subject : Agriculture : IACS regulations 51

95 / C 257 / 95 E-1531 / 95 by Peter Skinner to the Commission
Subject : Safety standards for heavy goods vehicles and other vehicles circulating within the EU 5 1

95 / C 257 / 96 E-1534 / 95 by David Martin to the Commission
Subject : Commission at voting procedure in Council 52

95 / C 257 / 97 E-1538 / 95 by Veronica Hardstaff to the Commission
Subject : Public 's freedom of access to information 52

95 / C 257 / 98 P-1546 / 95 by Antonio Tajani to the Council
Subject : Infringement of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms 53

###### EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

95 / C 257 / 99 P-187 9 / 95 by Antonio Tajani to the Council
Subject : Violation of the European Convention on Fundamental Rights and Freedoms 53

Joint answer to Written Questions P-154 6 / 95 and P-1879 / 95 53

95 / C 257 / 100 E-1547 / 95 by Patricia McKenna to the Commission
Subject : Approval of water for bathing 53

95 / C 257 / 101 E-1551 / 95 by Barbara Dührkop Dührkop to the Commission
Subject : Cooperation with third countries ( budgetary heading B3-1007 ) 54

95 / C 257 / 102 E-1555 / 95 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Splitting the Institute for Advanced Materials between Petten and Ispra 55

95 / C 257 / 103 E-1559 / 95 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Commission
Subject : Funding for projects relating to health at work 56

95 / C 257 / 104 E-1561 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : Imports of pine nuts from China 56

95 / C 257 / 105 E-1567 / 95 by Renate Heinisch to the Commission
Subject : Directive on infant formulae and follow-on formulae 56

95 / C 257 / 106 E-1576 / 95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Large-scale timber-felling in Suriname 57

95 / C 257 / 107 E-1600 / 95 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission
Subject : Financial aid to Kenya 57

95 / C 257 / 108 E-1603 / 95 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Deaths caused by smog 58

95 / C 257 / 109 E-1604 / 95 by Cristina Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Detention of HIV-positive individuals in Sweden 58

95 / C 257 / 110 E - 1605 / 95 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : New European agencies 59

95 / C 257 / 111 E-1611 / 95 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission
Subject : Italian appointment to the CID ! 59

95 / C 257 / 112 P - 16 12 / 95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's opinion on the A 20 in Germany 60

95 / C 257 / 113 P-1613 / 95 by Fausto Bertinotti to the Commission
Subject : Further failure by Italy to transpose Directive 91 / 271 / EEC concerning urban waste-water
treatment into national law 60

95 / C 257 / 114 E-1615 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Statistics for animal testing in the European Union 61

95 / C 257 / 115 E-1627 / 95 by Bartho Pronk to the Commission
Subject : Home care in Europe 61

95 / C 257 / 116 P-1628 / 95 by Jean-Pierre Cot to the Commission
Subject : Respect for the fundamental rights of the European Union by France 62

###### EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No

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95 / C 257 / 135

###### EN

Contents ( continued ) Page

E-1638 / 95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Community regional planning 62

E-l 642 / 95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases 63

E-l 648 / 95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Sheepmeat and goatmeat 63

E-l 656 / 95 by Wolfgang NuEbaumer to the Commission
Subject : Countries of central and eastern Europe — convergence criteria 64

E-l 657 / 95 by Wolfgang NuEbaumer to the Commission
Subject : Alteration of current antidumping instruments as soon as the rules on competition and
state aids are implemented by the countries of central and eastern Europe 65

E-1658 / 95 by Wolfgang NulSbaumer to the Commission
Subject : Transeuropean transport networks — financing in the countries of central and eastern
Europe 65

E-l 664 / 95 by Mark Killilea to the Commission

Subject : Destruction of the Aral Sea 66

E-l 686 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : ESF 66

E-1687 / 95 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Tuberculosis 67

E-1691 / 95 by Jose Barros Moura to the Commission
Subject : Use of Community funds in an agricultural hydraulics project in the Vale do Lis,
Leiria 67

P - 1693 / 95 by Frederic Striby to the Commission
Subject : Recognition of the interim licensing of new vehicles by Member States : Franco-German
case 68

E-l 703 / 95 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission
Subject : European Social Fund assistance to Portugal 68

E-1712 / 95 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : First CSF for Greece - 69

E-l 71 8 / 95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission
Subject : Risks to public safety from mobile hand-held telephones 70

E-l 724 / 95 by Fausto Bertinotti to the Commission
Subject : Definition of ' significant effects on the environment ' for the purposes on environmental
impact assessments Directive 85 / 337 / EEC 70

E-l 725 / 95 by Pervenche Beres to the Commission
Subject : Confidentiality of studies carried out by the Commission 71

P - 1728 / 95 by Bernie Malone to the Commission
Subject : Bhutanese refugees in Nepal 72

E-l 733 / 95 by Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Alternatives to nuclear re-processing 72

E-l 734 / 95 by Graham Watson to the Commission
Subject : Commission criteria for cofinancing development projects 73

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

95 / C 257 / 136 E - 1736 / 95 by Pervenche Berès to the Commission
Subject : Social security insurance and free movement 73

95 / C 257 / 137 P - 1742 / 95 by Roy Perry to the Commission

Subject : Application of GSP rules 74

95 / C 257 / 138 E-1746 / 95 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : Denied-boarding compensation system 75

95 / C 257 / 139 E-l 755 / 95 by David Bowe to the Commission

Subject : Novel foods Directive 75

95 / C 257 / 140

95 / C 257 / 141

95 / C 257 / 142

95 / C 257 / 143

95 / C 257 / 144

95 / C 257 / 145

95 / C 257 / 146

95 / C 257 / 147

95 / C 257 / 148

95 / C 257 / 149

E-l 765 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Access for ready-made clothing to the Community market 76

E-1771 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Re-cycling in the steel industry 76

E-1784 / 95 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear power station in Turkey 77

E-178 9 / 95 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Disbursement of funds under the Fourth Framework Programme 77

E-1790 / 95 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Prices for the ' Panorama of EU Industry ' 78

E-1791 / 95 by Philippe De Coene to the Commission
Subject : Implementation of Article 40 of the Fourth ACP-EEC Lomé Convention 78

E-l 807 / 95 by Leen van der " Waal to the Commission
Subject : Controls on road transport in the Member States 78

E-l 8 13 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : SCF in the area of baby and infant feeding 79

E-1815 / 95 by Eryl McNally to the Commission
Subject : Panam integrated rural development project in Tibet 80

E-l 820 / 95 by Sylviane Ainardi to the Commission
Subject : The human rights situation in Syria 80

95 / C 257 / 150 E-l 827 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : A uniform approach to social policy 81

95 / C 257 / 151

E-l 846 / 95 by Fausto Bertinotti to the Commission
Subject : Significant delays in publication of the Commission 's twelfth report on monitoring of the
implementation of Community law in the Member States 81

95 / C 257 / 152 P-l 864 / 95 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission

Subject : Interim Review of the implementation of the Fifth Environmental Action Programme 81

95 / C 257 / 153

###### EN

E-1867 / 95 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission
Subject : Japanese-USA negotiations in the automobile sector 82

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

95 / C 257 / 154 E-l 869 / 95 by Fausto Bertinotti to the Commission
Subject : Derogations until 2006 from the Directive on the incineration of hazardous waste and
compliance with environmental targets for the reduction of dioxin emissions 82

95 / C 257 / 155 P-1881 / 95 by Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Redundancy programme for Cedefop 83

95 / C 257 / 156 E-1893 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Transposition of Community Directives in Spain 84

95 / C 257 / 157 E-1905 / 95 by Bill Miller to the Commission
Subject : Intergovernmental Conference 84

95 / C 257 / 158 E-1906 / 95 by Bill Miller to the Commission
Subject : Intergovernmental Conference 84

95 / C 257 / 159 E-1962 / 95 by Concepció Ferrer to the Commission
Subject : The European glass industry 85

95 / C 257 / 160 P-1988 / 95 by Eryl McNally to the Commission
Subject : CCGT 85

95 / C 257 / 161 E-2001 / 95 by Mair Morgan to the Commission
Subject : Greyhound farming in Ireland 86

95 / C 257 / 162 P-2022 / 95 by Bengt Hurtig to the Commission
Subject : The environment 86

95 / C 257 / 163 E-2054 / 95 by Imelda Read to the Commission
Subject : Commission 's plans on sects 86

95 / C 257 / 164 P-2068 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Research or technological development projects outside the EU 87

95 / C 257 / 165 P-20 99 / 95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : Processing of plutonium from Russian nuclear missiles to manufacture MOX fuel in
Hanau 87

EN

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2640 / 94

by Mary Banotti ( PPE )

to the Commission

(8 December 1994 )

( 95 / C 257 / 01 )

Subject : Television without frontiers Directive

Could the Commission inform us of the most recent

developments of the television without frontiers
Directive ?

Are the new investment quotas for European programmes
part of the revised text ?

What is the situation with new services such as

video-on-demand and pay-per-view television ? How will
they be covered in the revision ?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Oreja

on behalf of the Commission

Union ') ( ), was considered in depth by the parties
concerned, in particular at the European Conference in July

1994 .

The Commission felt that the scope of the Directive should
remain unchanged ; the Directive continues to apply to
' point-to-multipoint ' services including pay-per-view,
near-video-on-demand and home shopping . The new
' point-to-point ' services will be studied in a Green Paper on
the new audio-visual services to be presented by the
Commission at the end of 1995 .

(') OJ No L 298, 17 . 10 . 1989 .

( 2 ) COM(95 ) 86 final .
(') COMÍ94 ) 96 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-55 / 95

by José Apolinârio ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 30 June 1995 ) ( 30 January 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 02

Article 26 of the television without frontiers Directive

( 89 / 552 / EEC ) ( J ) requires the Commission to report on the
application of the Directive and, if necessary, make further
proposals to adapt it to developments in the field of
television broadcasting . On 22 March 1995, the
Commission adopted a revised proposal ( 2 ) amending the
measures on European promotion along the lines referred to
by the Honourable Member .

The Commission would emphasize that the aim is to help
mobilize the European programmes industry and enable it
to become competitive on the European and world markets .
The question of the obligation to invest in European works,
raised in the Green Paper on audio-visual policy (' Strategy
options to strengthen the European programme industry in
the context of the audio-visual policy of the European

Subject : Community aid for the Second Community
Support Framework ( 1994 — 1999 ) during 1994

On 19 December 1994 I received the Commission 's answer
to my Written Question E-2472 / 94 ('), which stated that by

15 November 1994 the Portuguese Government had
received approximately Esc 200 billion in Community aid
for 1994 ( II CSF ).

The Portuguese Government, however, maintains that by
the end of 1 994 it will have received as part of the II CSF Esc
290 billion which is equivalent to approximately 80 % of
the various Operational Programmes ( first and second
instalments of 1994 ).

No C 257 / 2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

In view of the above, will the Commission say precisely ESF
when it transferred this balance, and in particular whether it ( in ECU )
did so after 15 November 1994, ( indicating the amounts
and the Operational Programme concerned ) and also state received Date credited Date Sum
when the request was submitted by the Member State in
question ? Technical assistance 29 12 94 4 300 000

ESF

Date

received

Date
Sum
credited

Technical assistance Decision

20 . 12 . 94

29 . 12 . 94 4 300 000

(') OJ No C 81, 3 . 4 . 1995, p . 36 .

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 March 1995 )

The sums transferred to Portugal under the 1994 — 1999
Community support framework between 16 November

1994 and 31 December 1994 are set out below . The figures
for the FIFG are given in the answer to Written Question
54 / 95 from the Honourable Member (').

EAGGF

Date

received

( in ECU )

Date
credited Sum

Re-imbursement of

1993 expenditure
under Regulation

( EEC ) No 1035 / 72

3 . 6 . 94 23 . 11 . 94 53 796

( 1 ) OJ No C 139, 5 . 6 . 1995 . WRITTEN QUESTION E - 11 0 / 95

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Council

ERDF

Operational

programmes

Infrastructure Support
and Development

Modernization of

Economic Fabric

Health and Social

Integration

Date

received

(3 February 1995 )
( in ECU )

( 95 / C 257 / 03 )

Date
Sum
credited

8 . 11 . 94 23 . 11 . 94 97 083 000

15 . 11 . 94 2 . 12 . 94 9Γ S' SO 100

8 . 12 . 94 30 . 12 . 94 26 979 500 ( 1 )

North region 17 . 11 . 94 2 . 12 . 94 14 430 000

North region 16 . 12 . 94 29 . 12 . 94 32 050 000 ( ] )

Centre region 24 . 10 . 94 22 . 11 . 94 8 299 200

Centre region 21 . 12 . 94 30 . 12 . 94 19 174 000 C )

Lisbon and Tagus
Valley

13 . 12 . 94 30 . 12 . 94 9 167 400

Alentejo 6 . 12 . 94 30 . 12 . 94 6 27 6 900

Azores 26 . 10 . 94 22 . 11 . 94 15 397 800

Azores 8 . 12 . 94 30 . 12 . 94 26 684 000 (')

Madeira 23 . 11 . 94 19 . 12 . 94 14 126 700

Technical assistance Decision

20 . 12 . 94

30 . 12 . 94 4 500 000

Prinest 14 . 11 . 94 19 . 12 . 94 2 295 900

Prinest 14 . 11 . 94 19 . 12 . 94 3 664 000 (')

Subject : Assessing the agreement on nuclear activity in .

North Korea

Given that three months have now elapsed since the USA,
Japan and North Korea signed agreements on nuclear

matters with North Korea, can the Council say how it
assesses these agreements, which affect western and
therefore European Union security ? Does it believe, for
example, that there are grounds for the fears privately
expressed by various officials of the International Atomic
Energy Agency as to possible dangers if North Korea 's
atomic arsenal remains uninspected over a lengthy period of
time ? As the EU was not a party to these agreements, is there
any possibility that European technology and Europe 's civil
nuclear industry might be involved in supply North Korea
with two new electro-nuclear power stations ?

Answer

(4 August 1995 )

Resider II Decision

20 . 12 . 94

30 . 12 . 94 1 280 100

20 . 12 . 94 The United States did not inform or consult the European

Union during the negotiation and before the conclusion of
i 1 ) First advance on 1995 tranche . the Agreed Framework with the Democratic People 's

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 3

Republic of Korea ( DPRK ). In the context of political
dialogue Council representatives did however receive some
information and explanations as to the tenor of the
agreement after it had been signed .

Are there similar provisions in other Member States ?

Will it take steps to introduce special Community provisions

agreement after it had been signed . to deal with such issues can be dealt with under which will

ensure that taxes and other debts are collected without

prejudice to the rights of individuals ?
As to the fears mentioned in the Honourable Member 's

question, although the deferral of full application of the
safeguards agreement linking the DPRK to the IAEA is its
least encouraging aspect, the Council considers that the
agreement concluded between the United States and the Answer given by Mr Monti

on behalf of the Commission

DPRK is likely to contribute to calming a region in which
tension has been high and that it may prove satisfactory if it ( 23 May 199 5 )
is implemented in good faith by all parties .

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 May 199 5 )

Although the Member States of the Union are not parties to
the agreement, the Council will do everything in its powex to
see that implementation of the agreement contributes to the
security of the Pacific region and to that of the West .

The organization which will supply the two reactors has
given the main responsibility to the three founding States :
the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan . Some
Member States of the Union have decided to participate and
to contribute financially .

The Council will continue to follow the situation .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-131 / 95

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(8 February 199 S )

( 95 / C 257 / 04 )

Subject : Community legislation and a ban on leaving

Greece because of debts to the State

State Council Decision No 3502 / 94 decrees that the present
provisions under Greek law prohibiting persons from
leaving the country if they have debts to the State is contrary
to Community law and, therefore, that the restrictions
imposed under Greek law on the freedom to travel out of the
country are no longer admissible . 

Does the Commission consider that the ban on persons
leaving a Member State because of debts to the State is
contrary to the Maastricht T reaty provisions on the freedom

of movement of persons ?

The new Article 8a of the EC Treaty establishes the right of
every citizen of the Union to move and reside freely within
the territory of the Member States, although it specifies that
this applies ' subject to the limitations and conditions laid
down in this Treaty and by the measures adopted to give it
effect '.

Those limitations include the option open to Member States
of restricting the free movement of persons on grounds of
public policy . For example, it is possible to withdraw the
right to leave the territory of a Member State, which is laid
down in Article 2 ( 1 ) of Council Directive 68 / 360 / EEC of

15 October 1968 on the abolition of restrictions on

movement and residence within the Community for
workers of Member States and their families (*) in the case
of employed persons and in Article 2 ( 1 ) of Directive
73 / 148 / EEC of 21 May 1973 on the abolition of restrictions
on movement and residence within the Community for
nationals of Member States with regard to establishment
and the provision of services ( 2 ), in the case of self-employed
persons . In so doing, Member States must comply with the
provisions of Directive 64 / 22 1 / EEC of 25 February 1964 on
the coordination of special measures concerning the
movement and residence of foreign nationals which are
justified on grounds of public policy, public security or
public health ( 3 ), as interpreted by the Court of Justice . It is
pointed out in this respect that recourse to a public policy
measure must be based solely on the personal conduct of the
individual concerned and presupposes 'a genuine and
sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental
interests of society ' ( 4 ).

In view of the serious breach of the basic right of free
movement that it represents, the ban on leaving the country
must, in any event, respect the principle of proportionality ;
whether or not this is the case must be judged, among other
things, in the light of the size of the debts involved, the
administrative or legal procedures under way and the
possibility of having recourse to other means of recovering
the amounts due .

(') OJ No L 257, 19 . 10 . 1968 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 172, 28 . 6 . 1973 .

( 3 ) OJ No 56, 4 . 4 . 1964 .

( 4 ) Judgment of 27 October 1977 in Case 30 / 77 Regina v. Pierre

Bouchereau .

No C 257 / 4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-273 / 95 as well as an audit, which evidently causes delays in the
by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) payment procedure . Nevertheless, the Commission is

to the Commission continuously trying to reduce delays in payment .

(9 February 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 05 )

Subject : Delays in the approval of payments by the
Commission services

The Greek company Hitec has drawn my attention to the
plight of companies, like itself, which have concluded
contracts with the European Union for the provision of
R&D services and submitted the supporting documents in
good time, but have faced serious delays as regards the
approval and payment of the relevant invoices . In some
cases these delays have exceeded two years . The above
company has written to apprise Commissioner Bangemann
of this matter .

Will the Commission say :

1 . Does it consider that the Commission services are not

implementing contracts rapidly enough ?

2 . Which companies, broken down by country, have faced

delays as regards payments in excess of six months
during 1994, after submitting the necessary supporting
documents ?

3 . Why have there been delays in the payment of invoices

to the Hitec company going back to 1992 ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

(3 April 1995 )

1 . It is normal practice to execute contracts following the
time-table agreed under the contract .

2 . There is no evidence that there were in 1994 delays in
payments in excess of six months, after submission of
complete supporting documents and approval of all

necessary reports .

3 . In all the contracts in which Hitec is a partner all
payments have been made as soon as possible after receipt of
the supplementary information required to make the
payments . In particular for Esprit project EP 2469

( Tempora ) the Commission only received the necessary
documentation on the last payment period, which ended on
30 June 1993, on 8 September 1994, and the payment has
been processed .

It should be noted that for the cost statements in a number of
contracts with Hitec, additional information was requested

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3 16 / 95

by Peter Truscott ( PSE )

to the Council

( 31 January 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 06 )

Subject : Veal crates and the export of livestock

Will the Council ban the barbaric use of veal crates in the

European Union and are there any plans to ban the export of
live farm animals from the UK ?

WRITTEN QUESTION P-522 / 95

by Peter Truscott ( PSE )

to the Council

( 16 February 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 07 )

Subject : Veal crates and the export of livestock

Could the Council give an indication of when it will ban the
barbaric use of veal crates in the European Union ? Are there
any plans to ban the export of live farm animals from the
UK ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-524 / 95

by Christine Barthet-Mayer ( ARE )

to the Council

(3 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 08 )

Subject : Intensive battery production of farm animals for

slaughter

Following the discussions by the Council of Ministers for
Agriculture in January 1995 on the need to safeguard the
welfare of livestock and particularly of battery-reared farm
animals, can the Council say what practical steps it intends
to take as a result of those discussions ?

Does the Council intend to phase out intensive battery
production ?

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 5

Joint answer
to Written Questions P-3 16 / 95, P-522 / 95 and E-524 / 95

( 3 August 1995 )

1 . On 19 November 1991 the Council adopted Directive
91 / 629 / EEC laying down minimum standards for the
protection of calves confined for rearing and fattening .

Article 6 of the Directive stipulates that :

' No later than 1 October 1997, the Commission shall
submit to the Council a report, drawn up on the basis of
an opinion from the Scientific Veterinary Committee, on
the intensive farming system(s ) which comply with the
requirements of the well-being of calves from the
pathological, zootechnical, physiological and
behavioural point of view, as well as the socio-economic
implications of different systems, together with
proposals relevant to the report 's conclusions .'

At its meeting on 23 January 1995 the Council took note of
the Commission 's intention to submit the report ( due for

1 October 1997 ) at the earliest opportunity, and in any
event by the end of 1995 .

Once it receives the said report, together with any relevant
proposals, the Council will examine the issue at an early
date .

2 . As regards the eventuality of a ban on the export of live
animals from the United Kingdom, it is for the Commission,
if need be, to evaluate whether such a ban is compatible with
the rules laid down in the Treaty .

31 January, allocating to the Community 12,59% of the
TAC ( total allowable catches ) of this species for 1995 is not
acceptable to the Commission . It is in total contradiction to
the fishing pattern in recent years, the Community share
being almost 80% .

Since this decision does not take into account historic

catches, it is not in conformity with NAFO practices . The
acceptance of the allocation key for Greenland halibut
established in this way by contracting parties would
constitute a dangerous precedent for the future .

The arguments put forward by Canada in favour of the
allocation makes reference to coastal State preference
( Canada ). This is not in accordance with international rules
and practices .

For that reason, in view of this disquieting situation, in
which the Canadian authorities are undermining sound and
helpful regional cooperation on fisheries matters, the
Commission made a proposal to apply the objection
procedure, which was approved by the Council on
28 February 1995 .

Following the seizure by the Canadian authorities of a vessel
from a Member State on 8 March 1995, negotiations are
continuing with Canada with a view to reaching a
satisfactory agreement on the definitive allocation of the
Greenland halibut quota .

It is therefore premature in the present circumstances to
consider how the quota should be allocated among the
Member States .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-326 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-336 / 95
by José Apolinârio ( PSE )

by Werner Langen ( PPE )
to the Commission

to the Council

( 13 February 1995 )

( 16 February 1995 )
( 95 / C 257 / 09 )

( 95 / C 257 / 10 )

Subject : Allocation of the quota of 27 000 tonnes of plain

bonito in the NAFO area

What criteria will the Commission use to distribute the

quota of 27 000 tonnes of plain bonito allocated to the
European Union in the NAFO area for 1995 ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino

on behalf of the Commission

(5 April 1995 )

The decision adopted by NAFO, at the recent meeting of the
Fisheries Commission which took place in Brussels on

Subject : Forced sale of property in Ireland

Under Irish law, leases for land and farms normally last
three years . If the lease does not specifically mention the
three-year limit, it is automatically extended for a further
period of 35 years . It thus becomes a long-term lease, which
entitles the tenant to obtain a court order requiring the
owner to sell even against his will . As demand for land well
exceeds supply in Ireland, this policy is supported by the
Irish Land Commission, a state authority which is
responsible for compulsory acquisition of land for
agricultural use .

1 . Is the Council aware of this practice of compulsory sale
in Ireland ?

No C 257 / 6 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

2 . If so, what action does the Council intend to take, in
particular with regard to the situation of foreign
property owners affected by this state of affairs ?

3 . What possibilities are open to EU citizens to safeguard

their right to property and land ownership, in
Ireland ?

Answer

(3 August 1995 )

Article 222 of the EC Treaty stipulates that ' This Treaty
shall in no way prejudice the rules in Member States
governing the system of property ownership '. However, it is
pointed out that the Court of Justice of the European
Communities ruled in the Robert Fearon v. the Irish Land
Commission case ( ] ) that ' Although Article 222 of the
Treaty does not call in question the Member States ' right to
establish a system of compulsory acquisition by public
bodies, such a system remains subject to the fundamental
rule of non-discrimination which underlies the chapter of
the Treaty relating to the right of establishment .'

(') Ref .: CJEC, 6 November 1984, Robert Fearon v. The Irish Land

Commission, 182 / 83, ECR 1984, p. 3677 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-403 / 95

by Edward Newman ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 15 February 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 11 )

Subject : Abolition of frontier controls

In its conclusions on ' Visas and Control of External Borders

of the Member States ' issued on 8 December 1 994, the Select
Committee of the House of Lords on the European
Communities reaffirmed ' the option that the Single
European Act does not impose a legal obligation on Member
States to abolish controls on people at internal Community
borders '.

Will the Commission make a clear and unambiguous
statement on this issue to include inter alia -.

1 . The question of whether Article 7a of the Treaty on
European Union ( Article 8a of the EEC Treaty ) refers
only to EU nationals or to all nationals residing legally,
permanently or temporarily, in a Member State of the
Union .

2 . The issue of the draft Convention on the Crossing of
External Borders which is supposed to be the only
remaining obstacle to the suppressing of checks at
external borders .

3 . The position of the UK, which affects the position of
Ireland, that there is no legal obligation on the Member
States to suppress checks at the internal Community
borders ; if the UK stands firm on this position, then even
if the Convention on the Crossing of External Borders
were to come into effect tomorrow, travellers from
another Member State directly to the UK would still be
checked .

4 . The problem of administrative fines or penalties
imposed on carriers — it would be quite meaningless to
suppress checks by immigration officers or police if such
checks are to be maintained by the staff of transport
companies or private security firms acting on their
behalf .

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 20 April 1995 )

1 . In its communication of 8 May 1992 to the Council
and Parliament on the abolition of border controls ( } ), the
Commission explained that ' Article 7 a ( formerly Article 8a )
imposes on the Community, and therefore also on the
Member States, an obligation to produce results ' and that
' that obligation can be met only if all controls at internal
frontiers are abolished '. As regards individuals, any
interpretation of Article 7a of the EC Treaty which resulted
in its effects being confined to Community nationals would
render Article 8a ineffective .

2 . In December 1992 the Edinburgh European Council
took the view that the draft Convention on the crossing of
the external frontiers was one of the three instruments

which had to be adopted if internal frontiers were to be
abolished . At their meeting on 1 and 2 June 1993 in
Copenhagen, the ministers responsible for immigration,
while observing that the Convention had still not been
signed on account of the continuing bilateral disagreement
over its territorial application to Gibraltar, stressed the
importance of the work that had already been carried out
and their intention not to sacrifice what had been achieved

politically . However, the entry into force of the Treaty on
European Union and of the Agreement on the European
Economic Area meant that the Convention would have to be

amended, the changes being strictly limited to these two

aspects .

It was for this reason that the Commission, exercising the
right of initiative conferred on it by Article K.3 ( 2 ) of the
Treaty on European Union, sent the Council on
13 December 1993 a recast version of the draft
Convention ( 2 ). Pursuant to Article K.6, the Presidency
followed the Commission 's recommendation that it should

consult Parliament on this legislative initiative, and
Parliament gave its opinion on 19 April 1994 ( see the
Beazley Report ( doc . PE 208.169 final ) of 29 March 1994,
which was adopted by the Committee on Civil

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 7

Liberties and Internal Affairs on 29 March 1994 and

debated in plenary session on 19 April, and the resolution of
21 April 1994 ) ( 3 ).

The work carried out in 1994 has made for progress on the
technical questions, which the French Presidency hopes to
be able to settle between now and the end of the first half of

1995 . There are two political questions still outstanding,
however : the bilateral dispute over Gibraltar, and the
possible granting of powers to the Court of Justice as
proposed by the Commission in accordance with the last
part of the third sentence of Article K.3 ( 2 ) ( c ).

3 . The Member States consider that the implementation
of all these essential accompanying measures, including the
Convention referred to in point 2, is a necessary preliminary
to the abolition of checks on individuals at internal borders .
Thus, the implementation of just one of the said
accompanying measures will not mean that such checks
have been abolished .

For reasons of legal certainty and clarity, the Commission
announced in its work programme for 1995 that a
legislative proposal would be put forward giving practical
shape to the principle of the abolition of controls on
individuals at internal borders, taking account of the
adoption of all the accompanying measures and, of course,
containing further information as to the date of entry into
force .

4 . The Honourable Member is referred to the answer

given by the Commission to Oral Question No H-800 / 94 by
Mrs Pollack at question time during Parliament 's
part-session of January 1995 ( 4 ).

(') SEC(92 ) 877 final .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 684 final — OJ No C 11, 15 . 1 . 1994 .

( 3 ) OJ No C 128, 9 . 5 . 1994 .

( 4 ) Debates of the European Parliament ( January 1995 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4 19 / 95

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission

( 17 February 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 12 )

Subject : Expenditure on patent applications and disputes

within the context of R&D budgets

1 . Does the Commission have any documentation
showing the amounts spent on matters relating to patents
within the research and development budgets in

( a ) the EU,

( b ) the individual Member States and

( c ) the USA ?

2 . What are these amounts and what percentage do they
represent of the total R&D budget ?

3 . How do these amounts break down as between public
and private research ?

4 . How does the Commission view this in the context of

the award of research projects ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 May 1995 )

Recent research by the European patent organization
estimates that industry in the organization 's 17 Member
States ( ] ) in 1992 / 93 spent about ECU 2 650 million
annually on patent protection ( excluding expenditures
related to litigation procedures for which no data exist ).
Comparable figures for the USA and Japan are not
available .

Eurostat 's statistics indicate that in 1991 over ECU 102 000

million were spent on R&D in the Community . By far the
largest share, almost two-thirds, came from the business
sector, followed by the government and the
higher-education sectors, with a little over one-sixth
each .

Although directly comparable figures are not available, the
above data indicate that the expenditures for patent
protection are some 2 — 3 % of the R&D expenditures .

The Commission budget allocated to patent protection is in
the region of 500 000 ECU per annum . It is, for the most
part, spent on protecting inventions from the joint research
centre . The reason is that intellectual property resulting
from direct actions or from actions, the cost of which is
wholly supported by the Community, is, in principle, the
property of the Community, whereas intellectual property
resulting from work under shared cost contracts is the
property of the contractors .

The budget of the joint research centre for R&D activities,
excluding the scientific and technical support to the
Commission, amounts to approximately ECU 150
million .

The expenditures for protecting inventions from the joint
research centre 's R&D activities amount to 0,3 % of its
R&D expenditures or about one-tenth of the proportion
spent in industry . This may be attributed to the fact that the
research carried out by the joint research centre can be
characterized as fundamental or basic, therefore requiring
less patent protection, then research carried out by industry
which is often more of an applied nature .

No C 257 / 8 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

The objective of the Community 's policy in this area is to
develop awareness, disseminate information, organize
training activities and to provide specialized support to
contractors, in parallel with their own patenting activities . It
is the contractors themselves who are responsible for the
protection of the knowledge resulting from their
participation in Community R&D projects .

(' Leonardo programme ', 1 January 1995 to 31 December
1999 ), the Council re-iterated this principle, laying down in
that Decision a common framework of objectives, one of the
essential points of which was to promote life-long training .
The amount deemed necessary to implement the Leonardo
programme is ECU 620 million .

(') OJ No L 181, 23 . 7 . 1993, p . 37 .

0 ) EC-12, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco and ( 2 ) OJ No L 340, 29 . 12 . 1994, p . 8 .
Sweden .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-504 / 95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-5 19 / 95
by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE ) by Johanna Maii-Weggen ( PPE )

to the Council

( 27 February 1995 )

to the Council

( 27 February 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 13 ( 95 / C 257 / 14 )

Subject : Situation of managerial staff in European Subject : UN expert in El Salvador
Community

In its resolution A3-1 96 / 93 ( ] ) on the situation of
managerial staff in the European Community, Parliament
called on the Council to ' adopt without delay the
Community instruments proposed by the Commission and
Parliament on access to initial and continuing vocational
training for people of all ages and to make more funds
available .'

Can the Council tell this Assembly what instruments it has
adopted in this respect and what has been the actual increase
in the relevant financial provision ?

(>) OJ No C 194, 19 . 7 . 1993, p . 405 .

Item 19 on the agenda at the meeting of the United Nations
Commission on Human Rights that began on 29 January
1995 was the UN report on El Salvador .

Will the Ministers concerned state their joint political
position on the report ?

Do the Ministers share the view of UN expert Pedro Nikken
that, as the army, police and judicial reforms have not yet
been fully implemented, the mandate of the independent UN
expert must be extended another year, especially as the
Onusal mandate expires definitively on 30 April 1995 ?

Answer

Answer (4 August 1995 )

(3 August 1995 )

The Council attaches particular priority to vocational
training, including continuing vocational training .

In its recommendation of 30 June 1993 on access to
continuing vocational training ( J ), the Council
recommended that Member States, subject to certain
conditions, gear their vocational training policies to
ensuring that every worker of the Community must be able
to have access to continuing vocational training without any
form of discrimination and to benefit therefrom throughout
his or her working life .

In its Decision 94 / 819 / EC of 6 December 1994 establishing
an action programme for the implementation of an
European Community vocational training policy ( 2 )

In its resolution 1995 / 63 on advisory services in the human
rights field in El Salvador, the Commission on Human
Rights terminated the mandate of the independent expert as
well as examination of the question within the Commission
on Human Rights, while welcoming the proposal from
independent expert that a technical cooperation agreement
be established between the Salvadorian Government and the

Centre for Human Rights and calling for immediate
conclusion of such an agreement .

The European Union, which was anxious that the human
rights reforms undertaken by El Salvador should be
followed up, supported that resolution adopted by

consensus .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 9

WRITTEN QUESTION E-526 / 95

by Georges Berthu ( EDN )

to the Council

(3 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 15 )

Subject : Human rights violations in Romania

Despite the undertakings to respect human rights given by
Romania, both before the Council of Europe and the
European Union, persistent violations have been recorded,
especially against the Greco-Catholic Church . According to
reports we have received, harassment is an everyday
occurrence, a derisory number of places of worship ( less
than 3 % ) have been restored, and acts of physical violence
are common . No action is taken on most complaints, the
perpetrators being classified as ' unknown '.

The Europe Agreement concluded with Romania, scheduled
to enter into force in February 1995 ( replacing the current
interim agreement ), links the tariff and trade concessions
granted by the Union to the partner country 's respect for
democratic freedoms and human rights . How will the
Council react to this violation of commitments undertaken

vis-a-vis the Union ?

Church commenced proceedings in the Romanian courts
after 1989 against the Orthodox Church, which is currently
in possession of the places of worship . For the most part, this
action has nof yet brought results . The Greek Catholic
Church has been able to recover only a very few buildings .
At the present time one cathedral, at Logoj, and two
churches, at Bucharest and Timisoara, have been returned to
the Greek Catholic Church .

The European Union notes that, following the accession of
Romania to the Council of Europe, that country is subject to
compliance with the regulations and standards in force
within that body, compliance which can be sanctioned by
the implementation of the control mechanisms provided for .
With regard to the European Commission and Court of
Human Rights, it is for the victims of the violations
concerned, once all internal means of redress have been
exhausted, to refer individual appeals to the implementing
bodies of the European Convention on Human Rights . Such
a procedure has not yet been undertaken in the case of
Romania .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-539 / 95

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

(1 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 16 )

Answer

(4 August 1995 ) Subject : ' Television without frontiers ' Directive

Support for the establishment of the rule of law in Romania
is one of the objectives of the European Union 's policy
vis-a-vis that country . The European Union is carefully
monitoring the progress of the democratic transition
process and the human rights situation . It will continue to
encourage the Romanian authorities to maintain their
efforts in the area of human rights, and notes the progress
made during the post-Communist period .

The Association Agreement ( Europe Agreement ) which
entered into force on 1 February between the Community
and Romania stipulates, like the other agreements
concluded since 1992, that respect for human rights
constitutes an essential part of the Association . The
assessment of the domestic situation in Romania was one of

the matters discussed by the Association Council held on 10
and 11 April 1995 on the occasion of the General Affairs
Council .

The material difficulties experienced by the Greek Catholic
community, banned and expropriated by decree in 1948,
are well known to the Member States, which are kept
informed by their Embassies in Bucharest . In 1989 the
Romanian authorities repealed the confiscatory provisions
adopted in 1948 . The representatives of the Greek Catholic

In the ' Television without frontiers ' Directive, the principle
of maintaining programming quotas and the option
( applicable only to thematic channels and not to general
channels ) of applying such quotas to programming budgets
undermines the European broadcasting quota
requirement .

Will the Commission reconsider this provision, the effect of
which would be to impair the basic broadcasting quota
requirement and ultimately vitiate the Directive itself ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja
on behalf of the Commission

( 13 June 1995 )

Article 26 of the television without frontiers Directive

( 89 / 552 / EEC (')) requires the Commission to report on the
application of the Directive and, if necessary, make further
proposals to adapt it to developments in the field of
television broadcasting . On 22 March 1995, the
Commission adopted a revised proposal amending the
measures on European promotion along the lines referred to
by the Honourable Member .

No C 257 / 10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

The Commission wishes to emphasize that the aim is to help
mobilize the European programmes industry and enable it
to become competitive on the European and world markets .
The question of the obligation to invest in European works,
raised in the Green Paper on audiovisual policy ' Strategy
options to strengthen the European programme industry in
the context of the audiovisual policy of the European
Union ' ( 2 ), was considered in depth by the circles concerned,
in particular at the European Conference in July 1994 .

(') OJ No L 298, 17 . 10 . 1989 .

( 2 ) COM(94 ) 96 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-5 87 / 95

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(6 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 17 )

Subject : The profession of auditor in Greece — violation of

Article 90 of the Treaty on European Union in
association with Articles 86 and 52

In 1991 / 92, following consultation of the relevant
Commission services ( DG XV ) and the adoption of
Article 75 of Law 1969 / 91, Article 32 of Law 2076 / 92 and
Presidential Decrees 226 / 92 and 121 / 93, Greece undertook
a reform of the provisions governing the profession of
auditor so as to bring its legislation fully into line with the
provisions of the Eighth Directive, Directive 89 / 48 / EEC (')
and recommendation 89 / 49 / EEC ( 2 ), and to bring the legal
framework governing the profession into line with that in
force in all the other Member States of the Union .

However, this legal framework was subsequently amended
by Article 18 of Law 2231 / 94 and Article 3 of Law 2257 / 94
and this process of deharmonization is about to be
completed with the enactment of a presidential decree
whose basic objective is to grant monopoly privileges to a
particular firm of auditors .

As this represents a clear breach of Article 90 of the Treaty
on European Union, in association with Articles 86, 52 and
59, by involving the pursuit of objectives diametrically

opposed to those of the Union, will the Commission say
what urgent measures it intends to take in order to prevent
the introduction of the new legal framework for the
profession of auditor in Greece and thereby prevent a
decline in the quality of the services provided by auditors,
the incalculable damage that will be done to auditing firms
operating legally in Greece and the creation of a monopoly
both within the Union and at international level to the

benefit of a single firm of auditors ?

(') OJ No L 19, 24 . 1 . 1989, p . 16 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 19, 24 . 1 . 1989, p . 24 .

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 May 1995 )

The Commission would thank the Honourable Member for

the information provided in his written question .

It will scrutinize the wording of the Greek legislation in
question, viz . Laws 2231 / 94 and 2257 / 94, and any
subsequent regulatory measures governing the practice in
Greece of the profession of auditor in order to verify
whether any special or exclusive rights are conferred on
national practitioners .

According to the case-law of the Court of Justice, the
compatibility of special or exclusive rights with the Treaty
must be appraised in the light of the various rules referred to
in Article 90 ( 1 ), read in conjunction with Article 86 .

In the case in point, the Commission will examine the
aforementioned national provisions in the light of Article 52
of the EC Treaty, which provides for the abolition of
restrictions on freedom of establishment and, by prohibiting
any discrimination based on nationality, guarantees
complete equality of treatment as between practitioners
from other Member States and all those in the Member State

in question as regards access to and exercise of
self-employed activities .

It will also examine that legislation in the light of Article 59
of the Treaty, which sets out the principle of freedom to
provide services .

Once its examination has been concluded, the Commission
reserves the right, where appropriate, to institute the
procedure under Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 11

WRITTEN QUESTION E-594 / 95

by Hugh McMahon ( PSE )

to the Commission

(6 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 18 )

Subject : Failure by Member States to honour agreed Union

rules on the harmonization of qualifications

lay down specific provisions with regard to the
environmental aspect of cooperation .

Moreover, the Council has adopted specific standards for
each sector concerned, since the standards depend on the
nature of the projects . Thus, for example, the import of
waste for recovery operations is governed by the provisions
of Title VI of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 259 / 93 ^); the
Lome Convention also lays down rules banning the export
of waste to ACP countries .

In view of numerous complaints by members of the teaching
and legal professions about the failure of certain Member Comparable provisions exist for substances that deplete the
States, particularly Germany, Italy and France, to honour ozone layer ( Regulation ( EEC ) No 594 / 91 ), trade in
agreed Union legislation, will the Commission publish a list protected species ( Regulation under discussion ) and in
of the number of cases in each sector it is currently many other sectors .
investigating and say how many cases have been taken
before the European Court of Justice ? (') OJ No L . 30, 6 . 2 . 1993 .

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 May 1995 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

annual report to Parliament on monitoring the application
of Community Law — 1994 ( ] ). This report is in the course
of adoption, and a copy will be sent directly to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of the

Parliament .

(') COM(95 ) 500 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-626 / 95

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 20

Subject : EU information technology expenditure and
procurement policy

1 . What was the EU 's total expenditure, by institution,
on information technology ( IT ) in 1992, 1993 and 1994

on :

WRITTEN QUESTION E-622 / 95

by Ilona Graenitz ( PSE )

to the Council

( 10 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 19 )

( a ) hardware,

( b ) software,

( c ) professional services,

( d ) hardware maintenance,

Subject : Standards for EU projects with non-member

countries ( e ) training ?

Which Community environmental and safety standards
does the President of the Council of the Council of Ministers

for the Environment consider essential for projects
undertaken jointly by the EU and non-member
countries ?

Answer

(3 August 1995 )

2 . Which companies were the main IT suppliers to the
EU, and what percentage of the expenditure did each of
them receive, by institution, in 1992, 1993 and 1994 for :

( a ) hardware,

( b ) software,

( c ) professional services,

( d ) hardware maintenance,

Cooperation agreements concluded between the
Community and third countries or groups of third countries ( e ) training ?

No C 257 / 12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Supplementary answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

1 . As regards the Commission, data-processing
expenditure is apportioned to administrative
appropriations as follows :

( a ) hardware ECU 37,5 million,

( b ) software : ECU 10,7 million,

( c ) professional services : ECU 34,6 million,

( d ) hardware maintenance : ECU 7,7 million,

( e ) training : ECU 1,6 million .

2 . The Commission is sending the reply to the second
question direct to the Honourable Member and the
Secretariat-General of the Parliament .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-649 / 95

by Raymonde Dury ( PSE )

to the Commission

reinsurance markets . The degree to which the Member
States are confronted with the various risks regarded as
natural disasters would also be borne in mind .

With regard to a coordinated pan-European approach to
regional planning, the Commission is considering proposals
which would give an European planning policy legal form in
the EC Treaty .

As part of the reflections sparked off by the communication
' Europe 2000 +: Cooperation for European territorial
development ', which it approved in July 1994 i 1 ), the
Commission has stressed the need to improve cross-border
cooperation over river basins which belong to a number of
Member States in order to deal with questions of planning,
environmental protection and economic development
affecting more than one country .

The Commission will therefore consider whether it can

participate in cross-border pilot projects which will permit
the coordination of planning measures to help prevent
floods . The Commission will also consider whether flood

prevention can be supported through a Community
initiative, either specifically for that purpose or including
other objectives .

Other measures, concerning for example, drought, could be
dealt with in the same way .

( 10 March 1995 ) (') COM(94 ) 354 .
( 95 / C 257 / 21 )

Subject : Flooding

At the January 1994 part-session, in a resolution on
flooding in Europe, and especially Belgium, the European
Parliament called on the Commission to come forward with

proposals for the harmonization of insurance policies, so
that flood damage would be covered by private insurance
policies, and for the creation of a legal basis enabling the
Union to coordinate a pan-European approach to regional
planning .

What action has the Commission taken on these

requests ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 May 1995 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-746 / 95

by Celia Villalobos Talero ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 15 March 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 22 )

Subject : Aids to tourism — projects in Malaga

Can the Commission tell me what projects have been
decided on for Malaga in the tourist sector, specifying the
size of the Community contribution, the dates on which the
projects were approved and the project-type ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission monitors carefully the measures taken by
the Member States to deal with the problems of damage ( 12 May 1995 )
caused by natural disasters .

If, with due regard to the principle of subsidiarity, action at
Community level appeared necessary, the Commission
would consider the measures to be taken, in the light of the
technical and financial problems related to insurance
against the various types of risk regarded as natural disasters
and the restricted capacity of the world insurance and

Community regional aid for tourism in Andalusia will be
mainly funded through the Community support framework

( CSF ).

On 9 December 1994 the Commission approved the

1994 — 1999 operational programme for Andalusia . The

2 . 10 . 95 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 13

programme includes aid schemes for tourism whereby all
enterprises in the region can have access to aid in accordance
with the selection criteria established for the schemes in

question, and without a predetermined allocation by
locality .

The Honourable Member is asked to refer also to the answer
given to Written Question E - 730195 ( 1 ).

principle of fair competition taking into consideration the
size of businesses is being breached ?

Could operators in the wine-producing sector, in cases of
small-scale intra-Community trade ( up to the level of the
exemption provided for in the ' movement ' Directive

( 92 / 12 / EEC ), not be dispensed from the compulsory use of
tax representatives, who often charge for their services at a
flat rate ?

(') OJ No C 222, 28 . 8 . 1995, p . 13 .
(') OJ No L 76, 23 . 3 . 1992, p . 1 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992, p . 21 .
(•') OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992, p . 29 .

Answer given by Mr Monti
WRITTEN QUESTION E-8 17 / 95 on behalf of the Commission

by Philippe      - Armand Martin ( EDN ) ( 12 May 1995 )

to the Commission

( 24 March 1995 )

{9 SIC 257 / 23 )

Subject : Wine and excise duties

Excise duties are governed by three different Directives :

— Council Directive 92 / 12 / EEC of 25 February 1992 on

the general arrangement for products subject to excise
duty and on the holding, movement and monitoring of
such products ('), which lays down the rules for
intra-Community trade in products subject to excise
duty ;

— Council Directive 92 / 83 / EEC of 19 October 1992 on the

harmonization of the structure of excise duties on
alcohol and alcoholic beverages ( 2 ), which sets out
product categories and the taxation system ;

— Council Directive 92 / 84 / EEC of 18 October 1992 on the

approximation of the rates of excise duty on alcohol and
alcoholic beverages ( 3 ), which lays down rules for
determining the level of taxation .

The main argument put forward in favour of raising the
minimum rate of excise duty ( currently 0 ) is not, as one
might imagine, the difficulty of checking and monitoring
products subject to excise duty ( in this case, wine ), but the
fact that rates are not harmonized, which is an obstacle to
the completion of the single market .

Would it not be possible, in view of the administrative
difficulties encountered by wine producers when trading
within the Community with consumers and non-registered
traders, to modify the ' movement ' Directive

( 92 / 12 / EEC ))?

Since the vast majority of traders and cooperatives, as well
as small wine producers, do not have subsidiaries in other
Member States, does the Commission not consider that the

The Commission is aware of the problems faced by small
wine producers in exporting to other Member States, and is
keeping the matter under review . The root of the difficulties
indicated by the Honourable Member, however, is to be
found in the lack of harmonization of excise duty rates, as a
result of which higher taxing Member States need to take
action to protect their revenue .

Thus, for example, correct allocation of the revenue on
' distance sales ' of excisable products normally relies on an
element of self-policing, in that refund of excise duty in the
Member State of despatch is conditional upon proof of
payment of duty in the Member State of destination .
However, in the case of wine, producing Member States
charge no duty at all on the product — while consuming
Member States charge high rates — and control problems
therefore arise since there is no duty to be reclaimed in the
Member State of despatch .

In these circumstances, it would be difficult for the
Commission to propose a relaxation of procedures along
the line proposed by the Honourable Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-837 / 95

by Glyn Ford ( PSE )

to the Council

( 27 March 1995 )

{9 SIC 257 / 24 )

Subject : Proposed detention of Munir Ceylan

What representations has the Council made to the Turkish

Government regarding the proposed detention of Munir
Ceylan, the President of a petroleum workers ' trade union,
for publishing an article calling for workers to express their

( non-violent ) opposition to the rising wave human rights
violations in south east Turkey ?

No C 257 / 14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Answer

(4 August 1995 )

The Honourable Member refers to allegations concerning
the export of certain types of equipment that have been
diverted to uses infringing human rights and, accordingly,
the European Parliament 's resolution of 19 January 1995 .
The Council is aware of these allegations and has held an
exchange of information on the subject .

From this consultation it emerged that the items of
equipment in question, which are not technically regarded
as materials of war, do not appear on the list of dual-use
goods that are regulated at European level .

The exchange of information on export controls, which is
intended to continue, has also helped to identify the legal
means available to the Member States for introducing
controls on the export of such goods .

Supplementary answer given by Mr Santer

on behalf of the Commission

( 16 August 1 995 )

Because of the length of the answer, which includes a
number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the
Honourable Member and to Parliament 's Secretariat .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-925 / 95

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark ( PPE )

to the Council

(3 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 26 )

Subject : Export of equipment for the purpose of torture

There have been allegations that companies within the
European Union are continuing to promote and sell
equipment to security forces which are used for torture .
Equipment includes leg irons and electric-shock batons .

Can the Council confirm, or otherwise, whether this is the
case and if so, what measures it intends to take to put an end
WRITTEN QUESTION E-861 / 95 to this trade ?

by Dagmar Roth-Behrendt ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 25 )

Subject : Aid for Berlin

How much funding, and for what purposes, was made
available by the Community to Berlin in the years 1993 and

1994 from :

1 . the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ).

2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee
Fund ( EAGGF ).

3 . the European Social Fund ( ESF ).

4 . Community research programmes .

5 . Community programmes in the energy sector .

6 . Community programmes in the environmental sector .

7 . other Community programmes ?

Answer

(4 August 1995 )

As the Honourable Member knows, the European Union,
while constantly affirming its commitment to Turkey 's
territorial integrity and its condemnation of terrorism, has
never failed to voice its concern at the human rights
situation in that country .

The European Union wants to see a stable and democratic
Turkey . It is convinced that anchoring the country into
Europe will help it along this road . The Turkish authorities
are well aware of what is at stake . They have pledged
themselves — in particular to the Troika on 23 March this
year — to implementing the various draft laws on
democratization and human rights by the summer . These
measures, which include the amendment of the anti-terrorist
law, will permit the release of a great many writers,
journalists and politicians who were arrested for expressing
anti-government views .

According to the Council 's information, Mr Munir Ceylan
has been released from prison, where he was being held on
account of his writings . Mr Ceylan is at liberty and there are
no charges against him .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 15

WRITTEN QUESTION E-971 / 95

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

( 31 March 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 27 )

Subject : Competition

The Commission needs to ensure that the policy on the
control of concentrations between undertakings is applied
uniformly .

Can the Commission envisage drawing up a Directive to
enlarge the scope of Community powers and action in this
sphere when reviewing Regulation ( EEC ) No 4064 / 89 ('),
which is currently in force ?

(') OI No L 395, 30 . 12 . 1989, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1995 )

One of the principal objectives of the merger Regulation is
to subject mergers of a Community dimension to a single
standard of regulatory control, thereby ensuring a level
playing field for companies throughout the Community .
This is achieved through the one-stop shop principle
provided in the Regulation, whereby mergers fulfilling the
threshold criteria for establishing a Community dimension
fall under the exclusive competence of the Commission . The
dominance test set out in the Regulation determines the
compatibility of those mergers with Community law . By
contrast, mergers falling below the thresholds are covered
by national legislation in the Member States . This is
essentially an application of the principle of subsidiarity,
which the Commission fully supports . However, for the
principle of subsidiarity to be properly applied it is also
essential to set at the appropriate level the thresholds for
determining which mergers are of a Community
dimension .

With regard to the level of the thresholds set out in the
merger regulation, the Honourable Member is undoubtedly
aware that the Commission conducted in 1993 a thorough
review of the situation since the Regulation had been in
effect . The result of this analysis was a report to the Council
on the implementation of the merger Regulation ( July
1993 ) ( 2 ), in which the Commission concluded that there
were strong economic arguments in favour of a reduction in
the thresholds determining the Community dimension of
concentrations . However, in the light of circumstances at
the time the Commission thought that it would be prudent
to gain further experience of the operation of the existing
regulation before making any proposal for revision . It
proposed therefore to re-examine the thresholds at the latest

by the end of 1996 . These conclusions were endorsed by the
Council in September 1993 .

It is appropriate to start the merger review sooner rather
than later, and the Commission has already begun this
exercise . The aim is to complete fact finding before the
summer-break, then to submit a discussion paper for
comment to Member States, the Parliament, the Economic
and Social Committee, and other parties in the autumn . It is
hoped that the Commission will be in a position to examine
these comments and finalize its proposal to the Council at
the end of this year .

During the fact-finding stage and prior to formal
consultation, the Commission intends to contact Member
States, other Community institutions, companies, industry
associations and other parties . In this context, the dialogue
with the Parliament will be very important for the success of
the exercise . The Parliament was one of the most active

supporters of a threshold reduction in 1993 and its
endorsement will be essential .

0 ) COM(93 ) 385 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-986 / 95

by María Izquierdo Rojo ( PSE )

to the Council

(7 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 28 )

Subject : EU response to the violence in Algeria

Is the EU planning some kind of response to the escalating
violence and appalling bloodshed in Algeria ?

Answer

(4 August 1995 )

The European Union continues to be extremely concerned
at the situation in Algeria . As the Honourable Member will
know, the Union has asserted several times that it is for the
Algerians, and for them alone, to find a peaceful solution to
the crisis, a solution that will have to be based on
reconciliation .

While observing the principle of non-interference, the
European Union is encouraging any initiatives that will
revitalize the dialogue . Accordingly, it has welcomed the
recent initiatives to encourage all the players involved in the
political life of Algeria to agree on ways and means of
ensuring a peaceful future for the country .

No C 257 / 16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

The Union has condemned in the strongest terms and with
unwavering determination the use of violence in Algeria,
from whatever quarter . It reaffirms its deep commitment to
respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
regardless of the political convictions or religios beliefs of
individuals and political forces .

The European Union reaffirms its desire to continue
working for a policy of democratic development and
economic restructuring in Algeria .

The recent Commission proposal for future actions (*)
envisages the development of this work, with greater
concentration on specific areas of interest . These include
initiatives which encourage the transfer of good practice and
innovation in the promotion of activity in old age and
prevention of dependence .

In the context of follow-up to the 1993 European year, the
Commission is supporting a network of ' reminiscence
projects ' which aim to use the life experiences of older
people and their memories as a means of expression,
communication and therapy . This network promotes
contact and understanding between the generations whilst
also promoting mental stimulation and communication
amongst dependent older people .

(>) COM(95 ) 53 final .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-987 / 95

by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE )

to the Commission

(6 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 29 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-992 / 95

by Paul Lannoye ( V )

Subject : Community initiatives to prevent the mental

ageing of older people

General forecasts indicate that by the year 2000, the
European Union is expected to have 100 million inhabitants
over the age of 65 .

Amongst the problems most affecting this population group
is that of mental ageing, which leads to the weakening and
progressive loss of mental faculties, particularly intelligence
and memory . For that reason, the relevant groups wish to
see special centres set up to research and study ways of
preventing the mental ageing of older people .

Can the Commission tell me whether the Community has
called for or taken an initiative with regard to setting up
centres engaged in research into preventing mental ageing
and re-constructing the brains of older people so as to
improve the quality of their mental activity ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 May 1995 )

The main response at European level to the ageing of our
societies has taken the form of the Community actions for
older people 1991 — 1993 and the European year of older
people and solidarity between the generations, 1993 . These
actions have promoted and supported the exchange of
innovation and experience in the field of ageing,
concentrating in particular on improving the situation of
Europe 's senior citizens and changing attitudes towards
ageing .

to the Commission

(6 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 30 )

Subject : Emission limit values for dioxins from municipal

waste incineration plants

In November 1990 I asked the Commission the following
question ( Written Question No 2743 / 90 ) (*):

' While the Commission has adopted the principle of
minimizing dioxin emissions, which must be " as low as
possible ", as a basis for formulating the operating
conditions for incinerators ( Directives 89 / 369 / EEC ( 2 )
and 89 / 429 / EEC ( 3 ), it has not yet fixed the limit values
for such emissions . When will the Commission be able to

propose these limit values ?'

On 23 January 1991 the Commission replied that a group of
experts had been established with the objective of reviewing
the problematic nature of dioxin emissions from municipal
waste incineration plants ( the review was also meant to
cover the consequences on dioxin emissions of the
provisions in the two directives on ' incineration '). At the
same time, the Commission indicated that proposals on
limiting dioxin emissions were not expected before the end
of 1991 .

Four years later, the limit values have still not been set for
these emissions .

1 . Who are the members of the group of experts referred to
above ?

2 . At what stage is the work of this group of experts ? Can
the Commission provide copies of the reports on the
work of this group ?

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 17

3 . When will the Commission be in a position to propose a

limit value for dioxin emissions from municipal waste
incinerators ?

2 . Will it state whether immigrants and / or asylum seekers
receive health checks in the individual Member States

and what the results of such checks are ?

3 . To what extent does it support measures in this

(>) OJ Nf - C 141, 30 . 5 . 1991, p . 18 . .
field ?

( 2 ) OJ No L 163, 14 . 6 . 1989, p . 32 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 203, 15 . 7 . 1989, p . 50 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission ( 30 May 1995 )
( 12 May 1995 )

1 . The Commission is not in a position to communicate
the composition of this expert group, since Member States
decided who represented them at each meeting .

2 . The work of the expert group has finished . The results
of the work of this group were published in a report on the
measurement and control of dioxins in November 1991

which included :

— a description of the dioxin problem ;

— the sources of the dioxin emissions, including municipal

waste incinerators ;

— measurement methods for dioxins ;

— technologies to reduce dioxin emissions, and

— recommendations for the future .

The Commission is aware of the fact that the entry into
Community territory of nationals of non-member countries
with unsatisfactory levels of health protection is likely to
present public health problems . However, it does not have
precise epidemiological data available on the state of health
of migrants, asylum-seekers and tourists, as it does not have
competence in this matter, which lies with the Member
States . With regard to health matters, immigrants and
asylum-seekers, on the assumption that they are nationals of
non-member countries, are not beneficiaries of Community
law as laid down by Article 56 of the EC Treaty and Council
Directive 64 / 22 1 / EEC of 25 February 1964 ( 1 ). As a result,
the medical examinations they are called upon to undergo,
either on entry into the territory of the Community or
during the course of their stay, fall within the competence of
the Member State concerned . In the context of its activities,
the Commission has at various times been prevailed upon to
support action by non-governmental organizations working
for migrants, particularly in the health field and more
especially with regard to educational, health and social
guidance .

3 . For the time being the Commission is working on
( ] ) OJ No 56, 4 . 4 . 1964 .
provisions to introduce additional standards for municipal
waste incineration plants . An emission limit value for
dioxins is part of these provisions .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 068 / 95

by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1059 / 95

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )

to the Commission

(7 April 1995 )

to the Commission ( 95 / C 257 / 32 )

(7 April 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 31 ) Subject : Tourism and the environment

Subject : Health problems linked to migration and tourism

in the European Union

The ever-increasing enthusiasm for travel on the part of the
citizens of the European Union and the continuing
attraction of the European Union for immigrants, who now
make up 10% of the EU 's population, may give rise to
potential health problems .

1 . Can the Commission provide an overview of the
diseases associated with such groups of people

( immigrants, asylum seekers and tourists )?

Can the Commission indicate what projects it has under
way for integrating tourism and the environment ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

(2 lune 1995 )

The Commission sponsored 23 projects on tourism and the
environment in 1992 under a call for proposals ( ] ). Details
of 17 of these projects are contained in the publication

No C 257 / 18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

entitled ' Tourism and the environment in Europe ' a copy of
a which is sent to the Honourable Member and to the

Secretariat-General of the Parliament .

A further call for proposals has been published ( 2 ) which
will develop demonstration projects in the field of visitor
and traffic management and establish a network to enable
greater collaborative actions between the sectors and
interests involved .

(') OJ No C 51, 26 . 2 . 1992 .

( 2 ) O J No C 106, 27 . 4 . 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 073 / 95

by Michel Rocard ( PSE )

to the Commission

(7 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 33 )

Subject : Reduction and re-organization of working time

What is the Commission 's opinion on the reasons for which
no decision has to date been taken on the draft

recommendation on reduction and re-organization of
working time ('), which it presented to the Council on
23 September 1983, supported by the European Parliament
resolution adopted on 18 November 1983 and published in
the Official Journal of the European Communities ( 2 ), and
also supported by the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee ( 84 / C 23 / 19 ) adopted on 23 and 24 November

1983 and published in the Official Journal ('), has to date
not received a decision ?

Does the Commission intend to bring this Directive before
the Council again ?

(') COM(83 ) 543 final .

( 2 ) OJ No C 342, 19 . 12 . 1983, p . 147 .
(') O J No C 23, 30 . 1 . 1984 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 May 1995 )

The draft recommendation on the reduction and

re-organization of working time was the subject of lengthy
discussions at the Council in 1983 and 1984 . At its meeting
on 8 December 1983, the Council ( on employment and
social affairs ) held a detailed exploratory debate on the
proposal, at the end of which it asked Coreper to continue
the work with a view to, and in the hope of, reaching an
agreement . This work duly took place during the first half of

1984 .

Although a large number of preparatory meetings were held,
the Council ( on employment and social affairs ) had to
acknowledge, at its meeting on 7 June 1984, that unanimous
agreement on a compromise text could not be achieved . One
of the delegations had serious doubts as to whether a
reduction in working time could improve the employment
situation . Its position could not be reconciled with the
Commission 's proposal, even though most of the other
delegations were willing to find a compromise solution . In
the years that followed, there was no prospect of a change
occurring .

Meanwhile, the Commission has taken a number of other
initiatives in this field . In legislative terms, the most
significant result has been Council Directive 93 / 104 / EEC
concerning certain aspects of the organization of working
time ('), which was adopted ( by a qualified majority ) on
23 November 1993 . As the Member States have to comply
with this Directive by 23 November 1996, the effects of its
implementation will not become apparent for another two
years . In the Commission 's reply to Written Question
No 429 / 95 ( 2 ) on the same subject, reference is made to
other recent Commission initiatives aimed at encouraging
the Member States to remove obstacles to a better

distribution and organization of working time . The
Commission also continues to support initiatives taken by
the social partners in this area .

(') OJ No L 307, 13 . 12 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 145, 12 . 6 . 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 109 1 / 95

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V )

to the Council

( 13 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 34 )

Subject : The right of foreign nationals to vote at municipal

elections

Article 8b(l ) of the Maastricht Treaty lays down that every
citizen of the Union shall have the right to vote and to stand
as a candidate at municipal elections in the Member State in
which he resides . On 19 December 1994 the Council
adopted a Directive (') which defines this right more
precisely and, in part, restricts it again .

Both the Maastricht Treaty and the Council Directive
explicitly stipulate that only nationals of EU Member States
have the right to participate in municipal elections in the
country of residence . However, there are also millions of
citizens in the EU who are not nationals of an EU Member

State : ' third-country nationals '. It is intended that these
citizens, some of whom have been legally resident in the
Community for decades and have put down firm roots in
their town or municipality ( and — in countries like
Germany, where the ' jus sanguinis ' applies — even children
born to immigrants in the country concerned ), should
continue to be denied all right to participate in municipal
elections .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 19

Is the Council aware of any initiatives from the Member
States which have the aim of granting ' third-country
nationals ' the right to vote in municipal elections ?

Does the Council consider it appropriate not only ( as stated
in its Directive ) ' to enable citizens of the Union to integrate
better in their host country ' but also to extend this
opportunity to people from non-EU Member States who
have lived in our countries for years ?

Would it be in favour of a separate citizenship of the Union,
independent of citizenship of a Member State, which would
confer the right to vote at municipal elections on
third-country nationals who were born in the European
Union or have resided there legally for five or 10 years ?

(') O J No L 368, 31 . 12 . 1994, p . 38 .

Answer

(3 August 1995 )

Article 8 of the Treaty establishing the European
Community ( EC ) lays down that : ' Every person holding the
nationality of a Member State shall be a citizen of the
Union '.

According to the Treaty, therefore, only Member States '
nationals can enjoy the rights of citizenship of the Union
established by the Treaty on European Union — in this case
the right to vote and to stand as a candidate at municipal
elections ( provided for in Article 8b(l ) of the EC Treaty ) —
which is one of the constitutive elements of citizenship .

As it stands, therefore, the Treaty does not allow for the
harmonization between Member States of the electoral

rights which could be granted to third country nationals .

It is therefore for each Member State alone to decide

whether or not to grant the right to stand for election and / or
the right to vote to foreign residents who are not nationals of
a Member State and therefore not citizens of the Union .

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1 109 / 95

by José Val verde Lopez ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 12 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 35 )

Subject : Distribution of pharmaceuticals

The Court of Justice has examined the problem of national

laws creating distribution monopolies for pharmaceuticals

( judgments of 21 March 1991 in Cases C-369 / 88 ( Delattre )
and C-60 / 89 ( Monteil and Samanni )). Has the Commission
thought fit to take practical steps in keeping with the above
rulings ? Could the rulings have implications for Directive

92 / 25 / EEC on the wholesale distribution of medicinal

products (')?

(') OJ No L 113, 30 . 4 . 1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 May 1995 )

The case law referred to by the Honourable Member was
known to the Council, Parliament and the Commission
when the Directive in question was adopted .

At the time it did not seem expedient to seek to harmonize
national regulations on the establishment or
non-establishment of a distribution monopoly for
pharmaceuticals .

In the absence of any problems or intra-Community trade
barriers linked to disparities between the relevant national
laws, the Commission does not intend to put forward a
proposal to amend the Directive .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1113 / 95

by Marie-Paule Kesteliin-Sierens ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 12 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 361

Subject : Esperanto pilot schemes

Those who advocate Esperanto as a world language and first

second language foresee increasing opportunities for its use
as a working language in the Union . With a potential
expansion from fifteen to possibly thirty countries the
problem of official languages and working languages will be
intensified .

Esperanto is a language that can be learnt in a very short
time .

Experience has shown that children who learn Esperanto
have an advantage over other children of the same age in
their general development and in their ability to learn
foreign languages .

Would it not be beneficial to develop Esperanto pilot
schemes ( cf . the Funda-Pax Project in conjunction with

No C 257 / 20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Unesco ) in a number of schools in the Member States with a
view to a careful, in-depth assessment afterwards ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 May 1995 )

Community competence in the area of education is
determined by Article 126 EC Treaty . This states explicitly
that the Community shall contribute to the development of
quality education ' while fully respecting the responsibility of
the Member States for the content of teaching and the
organization of education systems and their cultural and
linguistic diversity '.

The Commission supports the teaching and learning of the
languages and cultures of the Member States . Socrates, the
action programme for education, adopted on 14 March

1995 ( Decision EEC / 819 / 95 ( ] ) by Council and the
Parliament ), envisages explicity the support of initiatives
that contribute towards the knowledge of the languages of
the Member States .

The Community attaches great importance to the richness
and diversity of its cultural heritage, which is reflected in its
languages . A language like Esperanto does not have the
cultural and historical richness of a natural language . The
promotion of Esperanto is not among the Commission 's
tasks .

(') OJ No L 87, 20 . 4 . 1995 .

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

(7 June 1995 )

Council Directive 94 / 80 / EEC ( ) lays down detailed
arrangements for the exercise of local voting rights by
non-national Union citizens in their Member State of

residence . Article 7 ( 1 ) of that Directive stipulates that
Union citizens exercise their voting rights if they have
' expressed their wish to do so '. The condition of a request
for entry on the electoral roll seeks to preserve the freedom
of choice for the Union voter whether or not to vote in

municipal elections in the Member State of residence . The
importance of this provision is due above all to the fact that
voting is compulsory in a number of Member States .
However, Article 7 ( 3 ) of Council Directive 94 / 80 / EEC
leaves Member States with the faculty of operating a system
of automatic entry on the electoral roll if such system is also
operated with regard to national voters .

In conclusion, a Member State can therefore establish either
a system of entry on the electoral roll of Union citizens upon
request, or, if such system also exists for national citizens, a
system of automatic entry on the electoral roll . Neither
option can be considered to fall foul of Articles 8B and 6 of
the EC Treaty .

(') OJ No L 368, 31 . 12 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1214 / 95

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Council

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 121 / 95 (8 May 1995 )

by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) 95 / C 257 / 38 )

to the Commission

( 20 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 37 )

Subject : Entry of EU citizens on the electoral register

In view of the new rights of EU citizens concerning
municipal elections, does the Commission consider
permissible the procedure followed by the Bavarian state
government whereby non-German EU citizens are only
entered on the electoral register for municipal elections
upon request ?

If so, why ?

Does not the Commission consider that this practice violates
the prohibition of discrimination under Articles 6 and 8b ( 1 )
of the Treaty on European Union ?

If not, why not ?

Subject : Sustainability and oceans

Has the Council held any discussions about promoting the
establishment of an Inter-governmental Panel on the Oceans
similar to the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate
Change ?

Answer

(3 August 1995 )

Protection of the oceans and all the seas is expressly
mentioned in Unced 's Agenda 21 ( see Chapter 17 thereof ).
The Third Conference on Sustainable Development, held in
New York in April 1995, instructed an Intersessional Group
to examine these problems . That Group will be submitting
its report at the Fourth Conference on Sustainable
Development, due to be held in 1996 .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 21

In view of the importance which it attaches to problems
relating to the oceans, the European Community welcomed
the brief issued to the Intersessional Group, and will be
playing an active part in the discussions at the Fourth
Conference on Sustainable Development on this
question .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1215 / 95

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

In the context of the review process the Commission is
studying measures like agri-environmental indicators,
voluntary agreements and eco-certification of product
life-cycle with the aim of promoting a holistic approach to
sustainable agriculture and rural development .

(') COM / 94 ) 453 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-12 16 / 95

( 28 April 1995 ) by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

( 95 / C 257 / 39 ) to the Commission

( 28 April 1995 )

Subject : Agriculture and the environment ( 95 / C 257 / 40 )

Is the Commission satisfied with the application of the Fifth
Environmental Action Programme to the CAP and will it list
steps it feels still need to be taken to improve application of
this policy to EU agriculture ?

Subject : Convention on climate change and Agenda 21

Will the Commission list all projects with their funding
amounts, which have been undertaken by the EU to date as
part of the Rio commitments to promote, facilitate and
Answer given by Mr Fischler finance access to and transfer of environmentally sound
on behalf of the Commission technologies and know-how to third countries ?

( 16 June 1995 )

Agriculture was selected as one of the target sectors of the
Fifth Environmental Action Programme due to its
significant inter-dependence with environment . The fifth
programme stressed the double role of the farmers as
producers of agricultural goods and stewards of the
environment . It built on the proposals for the reform of the
common agricultural policy ( CAP ) aiming at both the
economic objective of reducing over-production and the
environmental objective of lowering intensity of land use .
The key elements of the reform are a drastic reduction of
price support for cereals, oilseeds, protein crops and ( to a
lesser extent ) for beef, in combination with a switch to
decoupled income support and accompanying measures
promoting afforestation of agricultural land and
environment friendly agricultural practices .

As the 1994 interim review of implementation of the fifth
programme (*) made clear, agri-environmental measures
constitute a first and very positive step towards full
integration of environmental consideration into agricultural
policy . However, the pace and extent of integration must be
strengthened in future adjustments of the CAP .

By the end of 1995 the Commission will publish a review of
the policy and strategy set out in the fifth programme . This
review will also take into account the first results of the CAP

reform and especially those of the agri-environmental
programmes which are currently under evaluation .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 July 1995 )

The Commission has made a great effort to implement the
Rio commitments . The second report from the Community
to the Commission on sustainable development ( CSD ) on
prQgress towards implementation of Agenda 21 (') was
discussed at the third session of the CSD, which took place
in April 1995 .

In the framework of the Convention on climate change, the
Community has to report on its activities to combat climate
change . An overview of its activities, including the
cooperation with third countries, was sent in March 1 995 to
the secretariat of the Convention ( 2 ). This report covers the
promotion and financing of access to and transfer of
environmentally sound technologies and know-how to third
countries .

At this stage the Commission is not in a position to list all the
projects financed since the Rio Conference with funding for
technology transfer . It would be difficult to identify
amongst all environmental and energy projects those with
an exclusive transfer of technology component .

No C 257 / 22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Technology transfer is often only a part of a project that
may also involve other infrastructural or institutional

components .

Roeselare losses since 1 January 1990 480

losses publicly announced 105

Oostende losses since 1 January 1990 63

(') SEC(94 ) 2172 . losses publicly announced 69

( 2 ) SEC(95 ) 451 .

The Belgian authorities have not provided any details on the third
criterion .

(') OJ No C 180, 1 . 7 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-12 18 / 95

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE )

to the Commission

( 28 April 1995 )

(9 SIC 257 / 41 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1238 / 95

by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE )

to the Commission

Subject : Konver aid ( 28 April 2 995 ;

( 95 / C 257 / 42 )
West Flanders Regional Development Corporation,
Belgium, proposed three areas for aid under the Community
programme Konver . Subject : Socio-economic aspects of the environment

Of these three areas ( Bruges, Roulers and Ostend ), the
Commission accepted only Bruges .

What were the reasons for the Commission 's decision ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 May 1995 )

In the Commission 's Notice to Member States laying down
guidelines for operational programmes or global grants
under the Community Initiative Konver ('), Article 5.1
states that to be eligible under Konver, areas should meet the
following criteria :

— they must have lost at least 1 000 jobs in defence
activities since 1 January 1990 ;

— the total number of jobs lost in defence activities since

that date and future job losses publicly announced must
equal or exceed 1 000 jobs ;

— the total number of jobs lost in defence activities since

1 January 1 990 and the number of such jobs at risk must
equal or exceed 1 000 ;

In view of the above criteria, the areas Roeselare and
Oostende proposed by the Belgian authorities could not be
included in the list of eligible areas under Konver at the time
of adoption by the Commission .

The figures given for these two areas are as follows :

The four-year programme ( concluding in 1992 ) of the
European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and
Working Conditions focused inter alia on the dissemination
of the results of research into health and safety,
environmental protection, etc . One of the objectives of the
new 1993 — 1996 programme is to support progress
towards the sustainable, integrated development of the
socio-economic and environmental aspects of living and
working conditions .

Could the Commission provide information on the studies
and reports which have been drawn up and which are
available in these fields ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 June 1995 )

The socio-economic aspects of the environment and

sustainable development policies has been a special chapter
in the Foundation 's work programmes since 1993 . It has
included the following projects :

— The firm and the environment — regional and local

cooperation initiatives in the southern Member States . A
synthesis report based on the findings of all studies is
being prepared ;

— employment and sustainability . This project brings

together research to establish the costs and benefits, the
conditions and transitional measures needed to realise

the employment potential of initiatives in relation to
market-based instruments, radical changes in sectors
and business practices, and the role of local communities

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 23

and the individual to achieve success . A report on the
potential for employment opportunities from pursuing
sustainable development is available ;

— training in environmental management ( industry
and sustainability ). The first report on corporate
environmental and resource management and
educational requirements is available ;

— innovations for the improvement of the urban
environment . An overview in twelve Member States of

urban innovative projects contributing to sustainability
has been followed up by four main axes of research .
Publication and reports available include twelve
working papers ( national reports ) on urban innovations
in Member States ' Innovation for the improvement of
the urban environment — a European overview ', and
cover European conference on urban innovations,
Seville, 6 — 8 October 1993, and urban innovation and
employment generation ;

— medium-sized cities and the socio-economic and

environmental developments at the regional level . The
project is based on case studies on selected European
medium-sized towns ( mostly from peripheral regions )
highlighting opportunities, problems ' and perspectives
and exploring instruments and action required for local
development . A set of sustainability indicators has been
developed for each town . Publications available include
' Visions and actions for medium-sized cities '

( background paper for a workshop in Volos ),
' sustainability indicators for medium-sized cities '

( background paper for a workshop in Oviedo ), and

' '
visions and actions for medium-sized cities — reports
for the European workshops of Alicante, Volos and
Oviedo ;

— European workshops on eco-products . These
workshops, to be held 1 to 9 November 1995, will test
the design methodologies identified and developed as
part of research on the link between health and safety at
the workplace and the external environment in relation
to the design, manufacture and consumption of
products living up to the requirements of sustainable
development . A publication available is ' new materials
for environmental design ';

— the cooperation of the social partners in the
environment . Based on a number of case studies, a
consolidated report on industrial relations and the
environment has been prepared . Publications available
are ' industrial relations and the environment in the

Community ' and ' industrial relations and the
environment : ten countries under the microscope,
Volume 1 and II ';

— European round table on the cooperation and role

of the social partners in the environment held
21 — 22 September 1994 ;

— environmental perspectives and the quality of life 2010 .

A report based on national studies and other material
will be published later .

WRITTEN QUESTION P    - 1244 / 95

by Daniel Cohn-Bendit ( V )

to the Commission

( 20 April 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 43 )

Subject : Promoting the dissemination of independent
information in former Yugoslavia

Since the beginning of the conflicts in former Yugoslavia,
the Commission has supported various independent
newspapers, television and radio stations and other
initiatives to disseminate independent information . This
policy is vital with a view to defusing the conflict .

Can the Commission provide a full list of the activities
undertaken and the subsidies it has granted for them since

1992 ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 May 1995 )

Acting on a Commission proposal, the budgetary authority
last year set up a new budget heading, B7-5201, for
Community measures to help democracy and support the
peace process in the Republics formerly part of
Yugoslavia .

In line with the criteria endorsed by Parliament, money from
the 1994 budget has gone to the independent media ( press,
radio and Television ) as follows :

1 . Coordination Centre of the International Federation

of Journalists ( IFJ ) and the International Federation of
Newspaper Publishers ( IFNP ) — Ljubljana .
Emergency funds for media and consultancy services :
ECU 250 000

2 . Support for the AIM network of independent
journalists in former Yugoslavia : ECU 90 000

3 . Support for NTV ( administered by Unesco ) —
Bosnia-Herzegovina : ECU 80 000

No C 257 / 24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

4 . Radio Tuzla ( administered by the Maison
Internationale de Rennes ) — Bosnia-Herzegovina : ECU
38 000

5 . Vecernje Novine ( newspaper ) — Bosnia-Herzegovina :

ECU 40 000

The Commission intends to grant over half this year 's
appropriations from heading B7-5201 to the independent
media .

6 . Dani ( newspaper ) — Bosnia-Herzegovina : ECU
35 000 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1245 / 95

by Ralf Walter ( PSE )

to the Commission
7 . Radio Ozalj — Croatia : ECU 15 000

( 28 April 1995 )

8 . Feral Publishing House ( administered by Press Now — ( 951 C 257 / 44 )

Stichting Recht van Spreken ) — Croatia : ECU
30 000

Subject : Insolvency risk cover for youth organizations

9 . Arkzin ( newspaper ) — Croatia : ECU 30 000

10 . Labin Art Express — Radio station — Croatia : ECU

16 000

11 . Borba ( newspaper ) — Serbia : ECU 60 000

12 . Svetlost ( news magazine ) — Serbia : ECU 25 000

13 . Vreme ( news magazine ) — Serbia : ECU 20 000

14 . Association of independent electronic media, ANEM —

Serbia : ECU 90 000

15 . Beta News Agency — Serbia : ECU 20 000

1 . Can the Commission establish whether the Member

States of the Union have satisfactorily transposed the EU
Directives covering the risk of insolvency of tour
operators ?

2 . What is the Commission 's response to the fact that in
Germany, for example, transposition has meant that
non-commercial suppliers — in particular voluntary
organizations to assist young people — are forced to incur
considerable costs in providing cover against the virtually
non-existent risk of insolvency ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino

on behalf of the Commission

7 June 1995 )
16 . TV Studio B — Serbia : ECU 25 000

17 . Koha ( weekly magazine ) — Kosovo : ECU 33 000

18 . Zeri ( newspaper ) — Kosovo : ECU 25 000

19 . Monitor ( weekly news magazine ) — Montenegro : ECU

25 000

20 . Aniz ( newspaper ) — Niksic Onogost Standard —
Montenegro : ECU 12 000

21 . Independent Association of Journalists of Vojvodina,

Nezavisni — Vojvodina ECU 20 000

22 . Radio Libertas — Fyrom ECU 20 000

The Commission would point out that a report on the grants
awarded last year will shortly be sent to Parliament .

In the first three months of 1995, the Commission granted
an extra ECU 105 500 to the newspaper, Borba, and a
further ECU 278 000 for the media coordination centre in

Ljubljana and an emergency aid fund for media overseen by
the IFJ and IFNP .

With regard to covering the risk of insolvency of tour

operators, the relevant legislation is Council Directive
90 / 314 / EEC of 13 June 1990 ( ] ) on package tours . Article 7
of this Directive provides that the organizer or retailer who
is a party to a contract must provide evidence of security for
the refund of money paid over and for the repatriation of the
consumer in the event of insolvency . The purpose of this
Article is to oblige tour operators or retailers to provide
evidence of security in case they become insolvent or go
bankrupt . The Member States are free to decide how to
transpose this obligation into national law .

On the basis of a brief examination of the legal instruments
sent by the Member States which have already transposed
the Directive, the Commission was able to establish that
these instruments basically comply with Community law as
regards covering the risk of insolvency . The Commission is
at present engaged in a detailed examination of the
individual transposition measures already notified .
Furthermore, infringement proceedings are pending against
three Member States ( Greece, Spain and Ireland ) because of
their failure to give notification of national transposition

measures .

As regards the question of non-commercial suppliers being
covered by the Directive, it should be pointed out that its

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 25

scope is basically determined in Article 2 and its legal
definitions of the contracting parties and the object of the
contracts falling under the Directive . Accordingly, an
' organizer ' within the meaning of the Directive is a person
who, other than occasionally, organizes packages and sells
or offers them for sale either directly or through a retailer .
' Retailer ' is defined as the person who sells or offers for sale
the package put together by the organizer . The other
Contracting Party within the meaning of the Directive is the
' consumer ', i.e. the person who takes or agrees to take the
package (' the principal contractor '), or any person on whose
behalf the principal contractor agrees to purchase the
package (' the other beneficiaries '), or any person to whom
the principal contractor or any of the other beneficiaries
transfers the package (' the transferee '). The object of the
contract is a package tour, i.e. the pre-arranged combination
of not fewer than two of the following when sold or offered
for sale at an inclusive price and when the service covers a
period of more than 24 hours or includes overnight
accommodation :

— transport,

— accommodation,

— other tourist services not ancillary to transport or

accommodation and accounting for a significant
proportion of the package .

If a Member State complies with these requirements when
transposing the package tours Directive into national law,
then it is acting in accordance with Community law .
Moreover, under Article 8 of the Directive, a Member State
may adopt or retain more stringent provisions in the field

covered by the Directive in order to protect the

consumer .

(') OJ No L 158, 23 . 6 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1249 / 95

by James Provan ( PPE )

to the Commission

(5 May 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 45

Subject : Tonnage of fishing fleets in the European Union

Will the Commission provide figures for the number of
boats and the gross registered tonnage of the fishing fleets in
the following countries : United Kingdom, Ireland,
Denmark, The Netherlands, France, Spain and Portugal in

1973, 1983 and 1993 ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino

on behalf of the Commission

( 16 June 1995 )

In 1973 the statistics on the fishing fleets were kept by
national authorities and based on criteria completely
different from those used by the Commission . The table
accordingly shows only comparable data, for 1983 and

1993, and also 1987 to include Portugal and Spain after
accession .

Fishing fleet ( MGP I ) Fishing ( MGP fleet II ) Fishing fleet register

Member State Situation on 31 December 1983 1 January 1987 Situation on 31 December 1993

Vessels Gross registered

tonnage

Gross registered Vessels TON14 (')

tonnage

Denmark 3 320 120 298 136 680 3 303 96 242

Spain N / A ( 2 ) N / A ( 2 ) 631 838 19 013 570 913

France 9 312 192 807 209 560 7 021 187 667

Ireland 576 32 000 58 845 1 435 55 259

Netherlands ( 3 ) 1 041 131 000 128 728 538 142 282

Portugal N / A ( 2 ) N / A ( 2 ) 208 670 13 131 147 425

United Kingdom 7 012 178 184 206 934 11 055 249 574

Total 21 261 654 289 1 581 255 55 496 1 449 362

( ] ) TON14 is the tonnage of London if defined, or if not, the tonnage under Oslo convention, of if neither of these, a national

tonnage .
( 2 ) N / A Data not available ( before accession ).

( 3 ) The Dutch authorities have started to ' clean - their fleet register and have eliminated some 1 000 vessels which were pleasure

boats .

No C 257 / 26 ' EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1261 / 95

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(5 May 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 46 )

Subject : The wetlands of Schinia in the municipality of

Marathon

Local organizations in Schinia, in the municipality of .
Marathon, allege that steps are being taken to convert the
wetlands of Schinia into building plots to be sold for the
construction of holiday homes . It should be pointed out that
the coastal area of Eastern Attica has seen large-scale
violations of building and regional planning laws and that
the wetlands of Schinia constitute practically the only
remaining environmental site in the region with
irreplaceable ecological resources .

In view of the fact that : under the terms of the Commission 's

Fifth Action Plan for the environment, coastal zones in
which the terrestrial and maritime environments meet are

especially sensitive ; in March 1994 the Council of
Environmental Ministers asked the Commission to propose
a general Community strategy for the integrated
management of coastal zones to provide a consistent
environmental framework for integrated forms of
development, in accordance with the principle of
sustainability ; the ' development ' outlook provided for in the
plans for the region of Schinia would cause considerable
damage to the site and clearly fails to respect all the existing
guidelines for the protection of the environment in the
European Union .

Will the Commission say :

1 . Whether it intends to request information from the
competent Greek authorities and ask them to explain to
what extent these arrangements are compatible with the
resolution adopted by the Council of Environmental
Ministers on the integrated management of coastal

zones ;

2 . Whether it can confirm that it intends to intervene with

the Greek Government with a view to preventing these
projects going ahead, and

3 . Whether it considers it advisable, if requested, to
provide financial aid from the Structural funds to ensure
that the strategy for the integrated management of
coastal zones can be effectively implemented specifically
in the region of Schinia ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1995 )

environmental protection under the Community 's Corine
programme . The Corine Biotopes inventory, which dates
froml989, is being updated as part of an assessment of
Greece 's ecological resources ( supported by the Life
Programme ).

The Greek authorities will use the resulting data to compile a
national list of sites which include the types of natural
habitats listed in Annex I and the species listed in Annex II to
Directive 92 / 43 / EEC (') on the conservation of habitats,
fauna and flora . Between 1995 and 1998 the Commission

and the Member States will set up the Natura 2000 network
of special areas of conservation based on these national lists,
which may be supplemented as necessary .

Dialogue with the authorities will take place within the
above framework . The Council resolution on coastal zones

does not give the Commission a mandate to intervene in this
regard .

A number of Community instruments can be used to
support projects for the integrated development of coastal
zones . However, as regards the Structural Funds, financial
aid is given to operational programmes which include
specific measures to deal with each region 's development
priorities rather than to individual projects . Member States
must therefore select those projects which they wish to
finance in the context of each measure contained in these

programmes .

In the case in hand, neither the Greek environment
programme nor the Attic regional programme include
measures for the management of coastal zones which could
provide a platform for funding such a project .

(') OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1289 / 95

by Christine Oddy ( PSE )

to the Council

( 10 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 47 )

Subject : Human rights in Pakistan

According to the US State Department 's Annual Report

1994 on human rights in Pakistan, political and other
extrajudicial killings continue to be a serious problem ; there
continued to be credible evidence that police tortured and
otherwise mistreated detainees, and that mass arrests are
used to quell civil unrest .

The wetlands area of Schinias near the town of Marathon What steps will the Council take to ensure that respect for
has been identified as an important biotope for human rights is observed in Pakistan ?

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 27

Answer

(4 August 1995 )

The European Union is closely monitoring developments in
the human rights situation in Pakistan . The European
Union 's concern in this respect has repeatedly been the
subject of demarches — some of which were at the highest
level — and of declarations .

The European Union is actively encouraging the Pakistani
Government 's efforts to improve the legislative framework
and to set up the legal apparatus to provide better
guarantees of respect for human rights than at present . The
EU statement of 28 February welcoming the acquittal of the
Massih brothers is to be viewed as part of these efforts . The
European Union has frequently stated its support for the
repeal or substantial amendment of the ' blasphemy law '
which in the past has been the instrument of certain partisan
abuses, particularly against religious minorities .

The deterioration of public security, particularly in Karachi
and its province, has also been the subject of repeated
demarches on the part of the EU . Over and above these
isolated cases, the EU continues to be extremely critical of
any violation noted, and is using all the channels of political
dialogue available to it to voice its concern .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 305 / 95

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(5 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 48 )

Subject : Human capital and mobility

The ' specific research and technological development
programme in the field of human capital and mobility '

( 92 / 21 7 / EEC ) ( 1 ) provides for young researchers to develop
a research activity in a team or laboratory situated in
another Member State . There are in fact already researchers
from Member States such as Greece, who have studied in
another Member State and are now working there .

Could these researchers be included in the programme at the
invitation of Greece given that they are carrying out their
research in another EU country ? Does the Commission
agree that this possibility is of particular importance for
countries which are less advanced in the field of research,
many of whose best scientists are permanently based in
other EU countries where research and technological
development is at a high level, and that contact through the

' human capital and mobility ' programme could be of great
benefit to both parties, and particularly for research in the
less-developed Member States ?

(') OJ No L 107, 24 . 4 . 1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

One of the conditions imposed on the nationals of Member
States under the specific programme in the field of human
capital and mobility is that they should carry out their
research project in a laboratory situated in a Member State
other than the one of which they are a national or in a third
country associated with the programme . In addition,
candidates must not have carried out their usual activity in
their host country for more than two years preceding the
date on which they made their application . These
cumulative conditions make it possible to ensure that one of
the main objectives of the programme, the principle of the
mobility of researchers throughout Europe, is respected

( Council Decision No 92 / 217 / EEC and the measures
introduced by the Commission to implement this Decision,
after appropriate assent by the Programme Committee ).

In order to enable fellowship recipients from the
less-favoured regions of the Community return home,
additional grants may be given under the human capital and
mobility programme to young researchers who have
benefited from a research training grant ( of post-doctoral
level ) in a country other than their own and who wish to
return and work in their region of origin . These return
grants, are valid for a year, and enable young researchers to
participate in research activity in their region of origin .

Measures to promote research in the less-favoured regions
of the Community have been stepped up under the new
programme ' Training and mobility of researchers '

( 1994—1998 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1308 / 95

by Wim van Velzen ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 49 )

Subject : Diabetes research

How does the Commission explain the fact that diabetes
mellitus is not included under the heading of urgent medical

No C 257 / 28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

research in the fourth framework programme for research,
technological development and demonstration activities ?

Is the Commission planning to take measures of a different
nature to combat this disease ?

Does the Commission feel compelled to do so in view of the
St Vincent Declaration adopted by the World Health
Organization in 1992 ?

1 . Whether an assessment has been made of the gravity of
soil pollution caused by agriculture in Greece ? How
serious is the problem ?

2 . how Greece justifies its failure to implement the
directive within the prescribed period of time ?

3 . how it proposes to ensure that Greek legislation
is harmonized with Community Directive
92 / 43 / EEC ( 2 )?

(') OJ No L 375, 31 . 12 . 1991, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Cresson ( 2 ) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992, p . 7 .

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 July 1995 )

The fourth framework programme includes diabetes as one
of the research topics under Area 4 ' research into illnesses
with a major socio-economic impact ' in the programme of
health and biomedicine research Biomed 2 .

The Commission is aware of the recommendations

contained in the St Vincent declaration on diabetes .

As regards preventive measures, Community support can be
provided through a number of actions and programmes,
including those concerning the elderly and the disabled, and
in particular on health promotion, information, education
and training on which a common position was adopted by
the Council on 2 June 1995, pursuant to Article 129 of the
EC Treaty, following proposals by the Commission
submitted in June 1994 ( ] ). Under this programme, the
adoption of lifestyles conducive to health is to be
encouraged, and preventive actions particularly related to
nutritional requirements and obesity, which are important
factors in the management of diabetes, will be amongst
those eligible for support .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 July 1995 )

The Commission has no knowledge of the severity of the
problem of soil pollution as a result of farming activities of
whatever kind in Greece .

Under the provisions laid down by Directive 91 / 676 / EEC
concerning the protection of waters against pollution
caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, Greece has
drawn up a code of good agricultural practice . This code
takes the form of a guide to be used by farmers and aims to
promote the proper application of fertilizers and lifestock

manure .

, Greece has not communicated national measures for
nutritional requirements and obesity, which are important transposing Directives 91 / 676 / EEC and 92 / 43 / EEC ( on the
factors in the management of diabetes, will be amongst conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
those eligible for support . flora ). The infringement proceedings initiated to this end by

the Commission are following their normal course .
(') OJ No C 252, 9 . 9 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1317 / 95

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1334 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )
to the Commission

to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )

( 12 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 50 ( 95 / C 257 / 51 )

Subject : Incorporation of Directive 91 / 676 / EEC into Greek

law Subject : Action against fraud

Directive 91 / 676 / EEC ( ] ) concerning the protection of
waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural
sources has not to date been transposed into Greek law,
although the deadline for implementation was 31 December

1993 . Given that enforcement of the Directive can only be
monitored after its transposition into national law and that
almost one-and-a-half years of valuable time has already
elapsed, will the Commission say :

The Commission has just adopted the annual report for

1994 of its unit for the coordination of action against fraud

( UCLAF ). This report reaches a series of conclusions, of
which the following are the most important :

— in 1994, the Member States and the Commission

detected 4264 cases of irregularities, i.e. a two-thirds
increase on 1993 ;

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 29

— the total amount involved in these fraudulent operations

( ECU 1 032,7 million ) was twice as great as in 1993 ;

— despite the increase in the number of cases detected, the

proportion of funds recovered amounted to no more
than 4% .

In view of the crucial role of action to combat fraud against
the Community budget, can the Commission answer the
following questions :

1 . What are the main causes of the increase in the number

of cases detected ?

2 . As the Member States are primarily responsible for
recovering the funds diverted, how does the
Commission monitor their actions ?

3 . Given that the aim must be to recover the funds

concerned in their entirety, what new provisions does
the Commission intend to introduce to this end with

respect to the recovery procedures ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin

on behalf of the Commission

does ensure a financial follow-up . The current
methodology of the Commission is outlined in chapter 6
of the annual report cited above .

3 . This report as well as the Commission 's work
programme for 1995 ( 2 ) highlight proposals from the
Commission, such as, for own resources, the
amendment of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1552 / 89, and, for
different areas of expenditure, the possibility of
introducing the principle of separate accounts for
amounts established but not yet recovered . Moreover,
the Commission will study the replies of the Member
States to a questionnaire it sent out in 1994 on their
practical problems . The national reports requested by
the Essen European Council ( concerning Article 209 a of
the Treaty ) willl also be examined . The Commission will
then determine whether further proposals for
improvements are appropriate .

(') COM(95 ) 98 final .

I 2 ) COM ( 95 ) 23 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 349 / 95

by Allan Macartney ( ARE )
( 28 June 1995 )
to the Council

( 17 May 1995 )

The Honourable Member correctly states the figures
relating to the cases of fraud (4 264 ) and to the amounts
concerned ( ECU 1 033 million ) contained in the annual
report of the Commission concerning the fight against
fraud ( J ).

This report contains, however, higher percentages as
regards recovery than those to which the Honourable
Member refers ( 17% for the European Agricultural
Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( Guarantee Section ) and 6 %
for own resources ).

The Commission would make the following comments :

1 . These figures are provisional ( in particular for the own
resources with an extrapolation based on the first
six-month period ). For the first time, these figures
include cases investigated by the Commission and not
yet communicated by the Member States ( 99 cases for an
amount of ECU 218 million, i.e. more than 21 % of the
total amount ). The increase in the cases of fraud and in
the amounts concerned is especially significant in the
field of traditional own resources ( 1994 : 2 545 cases for
ECU 508 million ; 1993 : 1 254 cases for ECU 181
million ). In particular, the cases handled under the
arrangements for mutual assistance had a more
important financial impact in 1994 than in 1993 ( ECU

181 million against ECU 53 million ). Cigarette
smuggling is in large measure the explanation for this .
This increase could reflect an increase in fraud cases as

well as the result of additional efforts to detect the fraud

cases .

2 . If it falls to the Member States to recover the unduly paid
funds and to recover the evaded duties, the Commission

( 95 / C 257 / 52 )

Subject : Bosnia / Serbia

Can the Council confirm that there are secret pontoon
bridges across the Drina and Sava Rivers between Serbia and
Bosnia and that there are also pipes under these rivers
carrying fuel from Serbia ?

Answer

(4 August 1995 )

The Council has no information regarding the subject of the
Honourable Member 's question .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1350 / 95

by Allan Macartney ( ARE )

to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 53 )

Subject : ERDF : Textiles closures — Tayside Region,
Scotland

1 . What has been spent in the last three years from the
ERDF on the textiles closure project in the Tayside
Region ?

No C 257 / 30 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

2 . What projects have been funded from these
monies ?

3 . Is the Controller satisfied that the full amount of

available resources has been spent on qualifying projects ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1352 / 95

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 54 )'

Subject : Contraband cigarettes

on behalf of the Commission What steps is the Commission taking to curb the increasing
( 27 lune 1995 ) trade in contraband cigarettes throughout the EU ?

1 . and 2 . Tayside region has benefited from a series of
programmes intended to help overcome its economic
problems, including those caused by the rundown of the
textiles industry . There have been two initiatives specifically
targeted at textiles closures :

WRITTEN QUESTION E - 14 72 / 95

by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 55 )
Textiles non-quota programme ( 1984 - — 1989 ) — This
national programme covered, amongst other areas, parts of
Tayside region . The programme ended in 1989, and
expenditure was completed two years later . European
regional development fund grants totalling approximately Subject : Tobacco theft
£ 2 650 000 were awarded to 19 projects located in
Tayside .

Community initiative — Retex A one-year national
programme was approved for 1993, with the aim of
reducing regional dependence on the textiles industry . An
indicative allocation ranging from £ 681 000 to £ 961 000
was made for Scotland as a whole, and out of this two
projects concerning Tayside were approved :

— export trade and company development ( Scottish
enterprise Tayside ): £ 100 962

— Dundee / Arbróath product development ( Tayside
regional Council ): £ 150 750

3 . The projects are selected in the context of partnership
and on the basis of selection criteria managed at national
level . These procedures should guarantee that resources are
spent on the best qualifying projects . Moreover, under the
relevant Regulations the Member States are required to take
the necessary measures to verify that the operations

financed by the Community are carried out properly .

Can the Commission state how many cases it has detected of
theft in respect of manufactured tobacco, especially
cigarettes, under the different transit regimes since 1992 ?

Can the Commission state in which Member States these

instances have been detected ?

Can the Commission specify the negative impact of these
cases on Community funds ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-1352 / 95 and E-1472 / 95

given by Mrs Gradin
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 June 1995 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

the reply it gave to the oral question H-39 / 95 by Mr Jose
Valverde Lopez during question time of the session of
March 1995 (') of Parliament, as well as to the

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 31

communication of the Commission on fraud in the transit

procedure, solutions foreseen and perspectives for the
future ( 2 ).

Under the mutual assistance communications ( Regulation

( EEC ) No 1468 / 81 ) ( 3 ), the Commission has been informed
since 1992 of some 20 cases of diversion of cigarettes from
transit regimes . Although the Commission does not always
receive, with these communications, the exact amounts
concerned, it estimates the loss in terms of customs duties at
approximately ECU 144 million out of a total loss including
national sources of income of ECU 578 million .

(') Debates of European Parliament ( March 1995 ).

(■M COM ( 90 ) 108, 29 . 3 . 1995 .
(-') OJ No L 144, 2 . 6 . 1981 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1361 / 95

by Luigi Moretti ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 56 )

Subject : Textile and clothing industry and customs union

with Turkey

Within the framework of the negotiations on a customs
union between the EU and Turkey, the Greek authorities are
making the adoption of a more conciliatory attitude
towards Turkey conditional upon the Community
committing itself to substantial subsidies for the textile and
clothing industry . Although it is important for the
negotiations to reach a successful conclusion, the disastrous
impact adoption of the Greek proposal could have on the
Italian and European textile industries by penalizing over
720 000 workers in Italy ( which accounts for 30 % of the
EU 's textile and clothing industry ) is a matter of great
concern . Subsidies restricted to Greece alone would distort

competition between industries operating within the single
market and would have a negative impact on jobs . Given
that both the Commission and the Council ( Coreper
minutes of 14 February 1995 ) have yet to give a clear
indication of the position they intend to adopt, does the
Commission know how the Council intends to overcome

the difficulties arising from the new competitive
environment on international markets, with particular
reference to the stance adopted by Greece, and what steps
does it intend to take to ensure that the EU does not

introduce measures which clearly conflict with Community
employment and competition policy ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 199.5 )

The Commission is closely monitoring the changes in the
textile and clothing industry within the Community and, in
particular, the impact on that industry of the new
competition situations in international and
Community-market terms arising, more especially, from the
entry into force of the Uruguay-Round agreements, the
prospect of customs union with Turkey, the operation of the
preferential agreements and the potential accession of China
to the World Trade Organization .

In view of the changes in the international environment and
of the Community textile and clothing industry 's difficult
situation the Council called upon the Member States and the
Commission, in April 1 994, to support that industry 's effort
to adapt in a spirit of community solidarity .

In the joint declaration concerning the negotiations on
customs union with Turkey the Council and the
Commission undertook to examine the problems caused in
Greece by the new international trade situation and, where
appropriate, to draw up any proposals considered necessary
in order to deal with the situation .

In addition the Commission explicitly stated that its
proposals would take account of the problems and interests
of the Community textile and clothing industry .

This being the case and if the Commission were to conclude
that there was a need to put forward further proposals on
the situation in this sector throughout the Member States, it
would not fail to provide the essential coherence of those
proposals with the Community 's policies on jobs and
competition .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1364 / 95

by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 57 )

Subject : Community measures in support of home care

As our population ages, so there will be an increasing
number of people in the European Union in need of care .
Effective home care responds to very many needs of the
rapidly increasing number of elderly people in Europe
requiring care . At the same time, in certain instances it is a
valid alternative to hospital and can lead to a reduction in
the costs of hospital treatment .

No C 257 / 32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

1 . Does the Commission have any information on the role
of home care in the public health policy of the Member
States of the European Union ? If not, will it seek to
collect information on this matter ?

2 . Is the Commission considering including in its policy on
the elderly, or in its health policy in general, measures
specifically aimed at promoting home care in the
Member States of the European Union, for example in
respect of the education and training of home carers or
in respect of an exchange of information and experience
on home care between the Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 July 1995 )

As follow-up to the European year of older people and
solidarity between the generations 1993 and in line with the
Commission 's proposal for Community support for actions
in favour of older people, the Commission has recognised
the importance of the issue of home care arrangements for
older people through supporting exchanges of good practice
and innovative projects on this issue .

Together with the European foundation in Dublin, the
Observatory on ageing and the University of Louvain, the
Commission has supported the production of reports on
various aspects of this question . These reports, which have
been published in French and in English, are available on

request .

In 1995, the Commission is supporting the exchange of
good practice in the area of Alzheimer 's disease . Whilst the
majority of the funding decisions have yet to be taken in this
area, it is likely that support will be given to, amongst others,
initiatives which promote the advantages of small scale
housing and care for Alzheimer 's disease sufferers and the
exchange of innovation in the creation of training modules
for volunteers and professionals working in this field .

whereas the devastating effect they have on agriculture, their
terrible impact on the environment and their harmful effect
on rural development are some of the factors which hold
back development in many developing countries, does the
Council not think that the European Union should impose a
complete ban on the production, sale and use of such
weapons ?

Answer

(4 August 1995 )

The Honourable Member 's concern is matched by that of
the Council . In a Decision of 12 May 1995 the Council
adopted a joint action on anti-personnel mines .

The decision to resort to joint action reflects the Council 's
resolve to take practical action on a wide scale in response to
the problem posed by the use of such mines . That action,
which involves both humanitarian and disarmament

aspects, falls into three parts :

— a common moratorium on exports of such
anti-personnel mines ;

— diplomatic activity by the Union in preparation for the

1980 Convention Review Conference, particularly as
regards the strengthening of Protocol No 2 covering
mines ;

— practical action on mine clearance, involving a Union

contribution to the United Nations mine clearance fund
and establishing a framework for specific mine clearance
operations by the Union .

The Council will monitor the implementation of such action
and will consider any other measures which might appear
appropriate in order to outlaw the indiscriminate use of
these weapons .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1384 / 95

by Concepcio Ferrer ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )
WRITTEN QUESTION P-l 367 / 95

by Concepció Ferrer ( PPE )

to the Council

( 95 / C 257 / 59 )

Subject : Complete ban on anti-personnel mines
(4 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 58 )

Subject : Complete ban on anti-personnel mines

In view of the fact that the existence of approximtely 150
million live anti-personnel mines represents a threat to a
large proportion of the world 's civilian population, and

In view of the fact that the existence of approximately 150
million live anti-personnel mines represents a threat to a
large proportion of the world 's civilian population,

Whereas the devastating effect they have on agriculture,
their terrible impact on the environment and their harmful
effect on rural development are among the factors holding
back development in many developing countries,

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 33

Does the Commission not believe that the Council should be

asked to adopt the necessary measures to help clear mines
from developing countries and ban the production and
export of mines ?

If not, why not ? Would the Commission be prepared to
carry out an enquiry now that the Netherlands has again
opted for the eastern alternative instead of the more
environmentally friendly ( and cheaper ) western
alternative ?

(!) OJ No C 36, 13 . 2 . 1995, p . 3 .

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek ( 2 ) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992, p . 7 .

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 June 1995 )

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission is very conscious of the suffering caused in
many parts of the world by the indiscriminate and (6 July 1995 )
irresponsible use of anti-personnel landmines ( APM ), and
has responded directly by sponsorship of mine-clearance
actions in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Mozambique and With regard to the project location,

draw the Honourable Member 's

Somalia, as part of its humanitarian aid and development
cooperation programmes . In the last three years, over ECU Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (*) does not
21 million has been expended by the Commission on such legally in the choice of route adopted
actions . a project has undergone

Further to this, the Commission has been working closely
with the Council in developing the joint action on APM,
which was adopted on 12 May 1995, and which includes
not only a common moratorium on exports of certain
categories of APM and active prepartion for the 1980
Convention review conference, but also specific and
significant contributions to the international mine-clearance
effort . The Commission, meanwhile, will be pursuing both
its mine-clearance operations and its research activity
related to mine-clearance .

The Commission supports further measures for the
curtailment of the availability and use of APM, through
multilateral action, with an effective regime of control and
verification, and with the ultimate goal of eliminating such

weapons .

With regard to the project location, the Commission would
draw the Honourable Member 's attention to the fact that

Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (*) does not allow it to intervene
legally in the choice of route adopted by Member States once
a project has undergone environmental impact assessment
and where measures are planned to avoid, reduce and, if
possible, remedy any major adverse effects .

Regarding the possibility of recourse to Directive
92 / 43 / EEC to protect the threatened biotope, the
Commission would point out that the badger does not
appear on the list of protected species in that Directive .

Nonetheless, the Dutch authorities have informed the
Commission that they will send it information on the
potential impact of the project on the badger population as
soon as possible .

( ] ) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 393 / 95

by Peter Skinner ( PSE )

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1385 / 95
( 12 May 1995 )

by Nel van Dijk ( V ) ( 95 / C 257 / 61 )
to the Commission

( 12 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 60 )

Subject : Route of the A73 and the Habitats directive

Following its answer to my Written Question E - 1677 / 94 (*),
has the Commission examined whether construction of the

A73 between Venlo ans Maasbracht on the east bank of the

River Maas contravenes Directive 92 / 43 / EEC ( 2 ) in view of
the radical change to the habitat of the badger which the
projected route will involve ?

Subject : Funding of the Channel Tunnel rail link and EC

competition policy

Can the Commission please inform Parliament of :

— the compatibility with EC competition rules of the

complex funding regime which will be applied by the
British Government, involving the private sector, to
provide the fund for the construction of the Channel
Tunnel rail link ;

— the EC rules on the potential return to the European

budget of European funds / loans used in the
If so, with what result ? development and / or construction of trans-European

No C 257 / 34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

networks where the TEN network is either partly or
wholly owned by the state and is either sold to the
private sector at a later date or where the company, body
or holding building the TEN is partly or wholly owned
by the state and will be operating the network as a
private-sector profit-making organization or benefiting
financially, or in an equivalent measure, from its use,

— the EC rules on the conditions to be met by
private-sector companies receiving national and / or EU
funds / loans ( including EIB loans, etc .) in order to
develop or construct TENs ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 July 1995 )

The Channel tunnel rail link ( CTRL ) is to be funded by
soliciting bids for :

( a ) the European passenger services ( EPS ) through the
Channel tunnel, using initially the existing railway lines
through Kent, and which provide a stream of revenue .
The debt associated with EPS is being written off by the
British Government ;

( b ) the assets ( land, etc . . .) and rights associated with
Union railways, the promoting body for the CTRL ;

( c ) the concession to build the CTRL itself within a given
time period .

There is also some indirect funding through track charges
paid by domestic services operated in the public interest
under agreement with the Office of Passenger Rail
Franchising .

The bidding process is designed to ensure that the maximum
value is put on the assets transferred from the government .
There is no evidence at this stage of conflict with
Community competition rules or with public procurement
rules . The compatibility of the aids to be paid to EPS is
presently being examined by the Commission .

As far as the CTRL is concerned, the Community has
contributed some ECU 45 million towards evaluation

studies since 1991 . No other Community funding has been
provided, and there is as yet no question of recovery in the
case of a possible privatisation .

The proposed Financial Regulation for trans-European
networks (') will provide the legal basis for granting
Community financial aid in the field of trans-European
networks involving public and private financing . According
to the project selection criteria, the decision to grant

Community assistance should also take account of the
stimulative effect of Community Intervention on public and
private finance .

European Investment Bank ( EIB ) and European Investment
Fund participation requires that projects be technically and
financially feasible and economically rational . In the case of
the EIB, first class guarantees are also required .

In general, however there is no distinction in the treatment
of public and private sector companies .

(>) COM(94 ) 62 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1402 / 95

by Alexander Langer ( V )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 62 )

Subject : Unauthorized building at Is Arenas ( Sardinia )

Starting in 1952, an artificial pine forest covering 800
hectares and sheltering a range of flora and fauna was
developed with public funds on sand dunes along the central
western coast of Sardinia in an area known as Is Arenas, in
the districts of Narbolia and San Vero Milis ( Oristano
Province ).

The area is protected by various Italian national laws . It was
apparently purchased in 1962 by Is Arenas srl . This
company has put forward plans for construction work
consisting of 450 000 m 3 of concrete . While the company
claims that 30 % of the project will be earmarked for second
homes, estimates by environmental groups give a figure of
70% . Since 1976 various independent bodies have sought
total protection for the area, together with an explicit ban
on building : the Venice University Institute of Architecture

( 1976 ), the Oristano XVIth planning district ( 1985 ) and the
team led by Professor Alberto La Cava, who was
commissioned by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia to
draw up the management plan for this protected area . In
addition, no assessment has so far been made of the
environmental impact of the planned work .

1 . Is the Commission aware of these facts ?

2 . Does it consider that this scheme should have required
an environmental impact assessment and, if so, does it
plan to approach the appropriate Italian authorities ?

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 35

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 July 1995 )

The Commission was not previously seised of this

matter .

The information available to the Commission indicates that

at least part of the area in question is important because of
the presence of a priority habitat type as listed in Annex I of
Directive 92 / 43 / EEC (') ( i.e. fixed dunes with herbaceous
vegetation — grey dunes 16.221 to 16.227 ). It is not clear
whether this part of the area will be included in the list of
candidate sites as future special conservation areas
according to Directive 92 / 43 / EEC, a list that should be
submitted to the Commission by June 1995 .

Such a project falls under Annex II of Directive
85 / 337 / EEC ( 2 ) and an assessment of its effects is foreseen if
it is likely to have significant effects on the environment by
virtue inter alia of its nature, size or location .

In view of the potential risks arising from the activities
mentioned, the Commission has asked the Italian
authorities for more details concerning this project and
whether it will be subject to an environmental impact

assessment .

(') OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1418 / 95

by Ingo Friedrich ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 May ' 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 63 )

Subject : Implementation of a European postal services

policy

1 . When will the Commission comply with the call by the
Council in its resolution of 7 February 1994 ( ] ) to propose
to the Council, before 1 July 1994, the necessary measures
for an early implementation of a European postal services
policy ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that because of this delay,
citizens and businesses in the European Union are denied a
free choice between different providers of cross-border
postal services within the Union ?

3 . Is the Commission also aware that because of this

delay, citizens and businesses in the European Union are
denied the benefit of more efficient postal services ?

4 . What will the Commission do to remedy the above
deficiencies ?

(') OJ No C 48, 16 . 2 . 1994, p . 3 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1448 / 95

by Christine Oddy ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 64 )

Subject : Community policy for postal services

The Council of Postal and Ministers in the EU adopted a
resolution in December 1993 requesting the Commission to
establish a Community policy for postal services before

1 July 1994 .

What steps is the Commission taking to establish a policy
and what are its reasons for the delay ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-1418 / 95 and E-1448 / 95

by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 July 1995 )

After the submission of the green paper on postal services an
extensive consultation with all interested parties was
undertaken . The Commission then began the preparation of
concrete proposals . However, the sensitivity of the subject
and the complexity of the problem requires a thorough
assessment of a large range of legal, competition,
employment and economic aspects which did not allow the
conclusion of the Commission 's work in 1994 . The Council

resolution of 7 February 1994 invited the Commission to
present a policy for postal services before 1 July 1994 .

The establishment of a regulatory framework for postal
services is to be found in the Commission 's work
programme for 1995 ( ] ). Recently, the Commission has
been preparing draft proposals for the development of
Community postal services as required by the Parliament
and the Council . The Commission is still examining several
options for the necessary harmonization and liberalization
of postal services but will come forward with appropriate
proposals before the end of July .

(') COM(95 ) 26 final .

No C 257 / 36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1420 / 95

by Mathias Reichhold ( NI )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 65 )

Subject : Rape seed under the CAP

Austria has four cooperative-type alternative fuel and
heating production plants started by farmers . In accordance
with Commission Regulations ( EEC ) No 334 / 93 (') and

( EEC ) No 608 / 94 ( 2 ), cooperatives were required by the
AMA ( Austrian Agricultural Market ) to contract to grow
and supply rape seed ( 00-1995 crop ).

However, as these cooperatives only process rape seed
grown by members in possession of a share certificate, who
take up equal quantities of produce, the obligations laid
down in the Regulations notably the need for a collector,
and a bank guarantee for aid allocated to the land
concerned, threaten the very livelihood of cooperatives
alternative units .

However, Regulation ( EEC ) No 334 / 93 states : ' Whereas the
role of the collector may be omitted during the initial stages
of the scheme for control reasons ; whereas this omission
must be limited to the shortest possible period in order to
ensure a harmonized development of the scheme within the
Community ' and in order to preclude speculation, it is
necessary to set up a control system requiring the collector
or the first processor to lodge a guarantee, the rate of which
shall be related to the volume of aid allocated to the land

concerned '. Cooperative farmers are not speculators . Do
Regulations ( EEC ) No 334 / 93 and ( EEC ) No 608 / 94 make a
collector and bank guarantee mandatory ?

Are there special exemptions from such obligations for small
farming cooperatives ?

Are there similar units in other EU States where producers,
processers and consumers comprise the same group ?

What sort of negotiations were held with Austria on this
subject ? What agreements were concluded in other EU
States in similar cases ?

Why does the AMA require compliance with these
obligations ?

(') OJ No L 38, 16 . 2 . 1993, p . 12 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 77, 19 . 3 . 1994, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

products not primarily intended for human or animal
consumption, provided that effective control systems are
applied '.

The basis of the control required by the Council is a contract
concluded between the farmer who grows the raw material
and a party which guarantees that such raw material is used
appropriately, according to the provisions of Commission
Regulation ( EEC ) No 334 / 93 . This party, defined either as a
collector or a first processor, is obliged to lodge a guarantee
which is released when the authority with which it is lodged
has evidence that the raw material has indeed been

processed primarily into an end product other than for
human or animal consumption . This basic principle has to
be respeced by all operators, whether cooperatives or not .
The security is a means to ensure compliance .

The Commission legislation therefore makes mandatory the
lodging of a guarantee by the non-farming signatory of the
contract — there are no derogations from this rule for small
farming cooperatives . It is for this reason that AMA requires
compliance with this obligation .

The Commission has not been informed of cooperative
structures involving farmers and consumers in other
Member States, although it is understood that cooperative
structures involving farmers and collectors exist in France
and, to a lesser extent, Germany .

During the accession discussions, the Austrian authorities
were given ample opportunity to discuss the implications of
the ' non-food ' set-aside scheme with the Commission . No

specific agreements were concluded in other Member States
in respect of similar cases .

(') OJ No L 181, 1 . 7 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1421 / 95

by Mathias Reichhold ( NI )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 66 )

Subject : Fruit and vegetable producer groups

What conditions must fruit and vegetable producer groups
or cooperatives fulfil in order to receive assistance from the
European Union ?

( 23 lune 1995 ) on Answer behalf given of the by Commission Mr Fischler

( 26 June 1995 )
The legal basis for the ' non-food ' set-aside scheme

( Article 7 ( 4 ) of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1765 / 92 ('))
allows set-aside land to be used ' for the provision of
materials for the manufacture within the Community of

The principal condition which has to be fulfilled by
producer organizations ( PO ) or cooperatives in order to

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 37

receive Community assistance is that of being recognized by
the authorities of the Member State in question . The
granting and maintaining of recognition is based on a
number of criteria, relating both to the establishment and
running of a PO, and which are laid out in Community
law, specifically in Regulation ( EEC ) No 1035 / 72,
Article 13 ( ] ).

More specific criteria are set out in Article 13b of the
Regulation for those POs with a main economic interest
centered around citrus fruit .

The respect of these conditions qualifies the PO for various
types of assistance relating to both the establishment of
a PO ( Regulation ( EEC ) No 2118 / 78 ( 2 ) and operational
assistance . This assistance varies in form and is related to the

type of activity undertaken by the PO ( such as improvement
of marketing, and intervention ) and the products which are
marketed . The conditions for obtaining this assistance are
laid out in the relevant Community Regulation .

document, which is still in the preparatory stage . The
Commission will look into the possibilities for including
contributions from other sources in the preparatory
discussions .

Article 40 provides that the opinion of the Economic and
Social Committee, on which the various categories of
economic and social life are represented, must be sought
prior to publication of the programme .

With regard to the broader consultation of citizens through
their representatives, and in the spirit of openness which
guides its activities in the nuclear field, the Commission will
not fail to provide Parliament with all the information
necessary in due course .

(!) OJ No L 118, 20 . 5 . 1972 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-1428 / 95

( 2 ) OJ No L 246, 8 . 9 . 1978 .

by Nel van Dijk ( V )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 68

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1423 / 95

by Glyn Ford ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 67 )

Subject : Nuclear energy

It has been brought to my attention that only those persons
with a vested interest in nuclear energy were consulted with
regards to the document, The future of nuclear energy in the
European Union . The illustrative nuclear programme under
Article 40 of the Euratom Treaty : transparency and public
involvement ( PINC ).

Would the Commission please comment as to why this is so,
given that I was under the impression that a democratic
government is supposed to express the interests of its
citizens and not those of specific industries ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1995 )

The Commission is currently preparing the illustrative
nuclear programme under Article 40 of the Euratom Treaty .
It is correct that those circles with a direct interest in nuclear

energy have contributed to the preparation of the draft

Subject : Dangers inherent in ' over the counter ' sales of the

contraceptive pill in the Netherlands

The government of the Netherlands intends to remove the
contraceptive pill from the services covered by medical
insurance and no longer to make it available on prescription
only . If the Minister of Health 's plans go ahead, the pill will
be available over the counter at pharmacies and chemist 's
from 1 January 1996 .

Does the availability of the pill ( according to Article 1 ( 2 ) of
Directive 65 / 65 / EEC the pill is classified as a medicinal
product (')) without a prescription contravene Directive
92 / 26 / EEC concerning the classification for the supply of
medicinal products for human use ( 2 ), given that
Article 3 ( 1 ) of that Directive says : ' Medicinal products shall
be subject to medical prescription where they : . . . are likely
to present a danger either directly or indirectly, even when
used correctly, if utilized without medical supervision,
or . . . contain substances . . . the activity and / or side effects
of which require further investigation '?

Does the Commission believe that the Netherlands

Government has given due consideration to the absolute
contra-indications of the pill, such as heart and vascular
vessels ( in particular, thrombosis ), breast cancer and
diseases of the liver ?

Does the Commission believe that the Netherlands

Government has given sufficient consideration to the
scientific uncertainties concerning the possible harmful

No C 257 / 38 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

effects of long-term use of the pill and hormones ? Is . the
Commission familiar with publications indicating a high
risk, for certain groups of women, of breast cancer, heart
and vascular diseases and ME ?

In the Commission 's opinion, is the Netherlands
Government giving due consideration to the risks — mainly
for young and / or new users — of inexpert use of the pill,
experimenting with it, confusion of brand names, lack of
expertise amongst chemists, taking the pill in combination
with other medicines, the fact that the packaging leaflet is
usually consulted only after purchase, and the fact that some
women will opt for the cheapest, rather than the most
suitable, pill if the pill is no longer covered by medicinal
insurance ?

(') OJ No 22, 9 . 2 . 1965, p . 369 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 113, 30 . 4 . 1992, p . 5 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1429 / 95

by Nel van Dijk ( V )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 69

Subject : Advertising of contraceptive pills in the
Netherlands

The government of the Netherlands intends to remove the
contraceptive pill from the services covered by medical
insurance and no longer to make it available on prescription
only . If the Minister of Health 's plans go ahead, the pill will
be available over the counter at pharmacists and chemists
from 1 January 1996 .

If a prescription is no longer needed for the pill and if it is no
longer reimbursed by medical insurance, is the Netherlands
Government then allowed or obliged to permit commercial
advertising for the pill pursuant to Directive 92 / 28 / EEC ( ] )
on the advertising of medicinal products for human use ?

Does the Commission believe that direct public advertising
of the pill by producers or distributors is desirable ?

Given that Directive 89 / 552 / EEC ( 2 ) prohibits television
advertising for medicinal products available only on
prescription in the Member State within whose jurisdiction
the broadcaster falls, is it to be concluded that advertising
for the pill is permitted in the Netherlands but that the same
advertising is prohibited for commercial TV stations
broadcasting to the Netherlands from other Member States
such as Luxembourg ?

(') OJ No L 113, 30 . 4 . 1992, p . 13 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 298, 17 . 10 . 1989, p . 23 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1430 / 95

by Nel van Dijk ( V )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 70 )

Subject : ' Over the counter ' sales of the contraceptive pill in

the Netherlands in violation of efforts at

harmonization

The government of the Netherlands intends to remove the
contraceptive pill from the services covered by medical
insurance and no longer to make it available on prescription
only . If the Minister of Health 's plans go ahead, the pill will
be available over the counter at pharmacies and chemists
from 1 January 1996 .

Is the pill available ' over the counter ' in any other Member
State of the Union ?

If not, how do the plans of the Netherlands Government tie
in with the free movement of goods between the Member
States and, in this connection, the recital contained in
Directive 92 / 26 / EEC to the effect that ' it is important ... to
harmonize the conditions governing the supply of medicinal
products to the public '?

Should the pill no longer be subject to prescription in all the
Member States, is the Commission prepared to exercise its
powers pursuant to Article 12 of Directive 92 / 27 / EEC i 1 ) to
draw up guidelines for the packaging and package leaflets
for oral contraceptives in respect of the formulation of
warnings, information for self-medication and legibility ?

(') OJ No L 113, 30 . 4 . 1992, p . 8 .

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-1428 / 95 to E-1430 / 95

given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 July 1995 )

Council Directive 92 / 26 / EEC concerning the classification
for the supply of medicinal products for human use
represents the first stage in the harmonization of this field at
Community level . It fixes firstly the supply categories that
the Member States establish and secondly the criteria that
they apply to classify medicinal products into these
categories . Consequently, a Member State may neither
establish categories other than those that the Directive lays
down nor impose criteria which differ from those laid down
by the Directive . The fact that a specific product or specific
category of product is the subject of a different classification
in the Member States does not in itself constitute an

infringement of the Directive .

According to the information at the Commission 's disposal,
the Dutch authorities no longer intend to make the

2 . 10 . 95 LM Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 39

contraceptive pill available without a prescription . Be that
as it may, it is not for the Commission to give an opinion on
whether specific decisions taken by the Member States
pursuant to the classification criteria laid down by Directive
92 / 26 / EEC are justified .

The decision on whether or not a specific medicinal product
or category of medicinal products such as contraceptive pills
should be covered by the sickness insurance scheme is a
matter for the national authorities alone, provided that such
a decision is taken on the basis of objective and verifiable
criteria, regardless of the origin of the products concerned

( see judgment of the Court of Justice of 7 February 1984 in
Case 238 / 82 Duphar [ 1984 ] ECR 523 and Council
Directive 89 / 105 / EEC ) I 1 ).

Council Directive 92 / 28 / EEC of 31 March 1992 on the

advertising of medicinal products for human use requires
Member States to prohibit the advertising to the general
public of medicinal products which are available on
medicinal prescription only and also permits them to ban
the advertising of medicinal products which, although
available without prescription, may nevertheless be
reimbursed . Conversely, the Directive does not require
Member States to authorize the advertising of medicinal
products which are available without a medicinal
prescription . It is not for the Commission to decide whether
or not the advertising of such products to the general public
should be authorized .

Article 14 of Directive 89 / 552 / EEC prohibits advertising for
medicinal products available only on prescription in the
Member States within whose jurisdiction the broadcaster
falls . Medicinal products available over the counter are not,
then, affected by this restriction . Under Article 3 of this same
Directive, Member States may also require broadcasters
under their jurisdiction to observe more detailed or stricter
rules in the areas covered by the Directive . Member States
may therefore have developed different approaches of
varying strictness with regard to their own broadcasters in
order to take account, among other things, of national
characteristics . By contrast, Member States may not restrict
freedom of reception and retransmission of broadcasts from
other Member States ( Article 2 ), with the sole exception of
the procedure provided for in Article 4 ( 2 ) ( infringement of
Article 22 on the protection of minors ). Finally, to take the
example raised by the Honourable Member, the fact that it
is received in the Netherlands does not authorize a

broadcaster under the jurisdiction of another Member State
to broadcast advertising for the contraceptive pill if the law
to which it is subject ( in this case, Luxembourg law )
prohibits such advertising .

According to the information at the Commission 's disposal,
no other Member State has made the contraceptive pill
available over the counter . The fact that certain medicinal

products can be obtained without any medical prescription
in one Member State and not in another does not in itself

constitute an obstacle to the free movement of goods in so
far as national and imported products are subject to the
same rules in the Member State in question . Moreover, such
a situation is still very frequent, notwithstanding the effect
of Directive 92 / 26 / EEC . Article 6 ( 3 ) of that Directive states

that the Commission will submit a report to the Council on
its application by 31 March 1996 . An assessment will have
to be made at that time as to whether the adoption and
implementation of Directive 92 / 26 / EEC have produced a
sufficient degree of convergence of national decisions on
classification . If not, the Commission would doubtless feel
bound to propose greater harmonization in this area .

So far, the need to adopt guidelines concerning the
formulation of warnings and information relating to
self-medication on the labelling and package leaflet of
medicinal products for human use, as provided for in
Article 12 of Council Directive 92 / 27 / EEC has not become

apparent . The Commission does not consider that a possible
change in the classification of the contraceptive pill is likely
to alter this assessment . The Commission is however

planning to adopt guidelines on the legibility of package
leaflets, as also provided for by Article 12 of Directive
92 / 27 / EEC, although this has nothing to do with the
proposed decision .

(!) OJ No L 40, 11 . 2 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 439 / 95

by Klaus Rehder ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 71 )

Subject : True cost of transport

Some time ago, the European Parliament pressed for the
' true costs ' of each transport mode to be determined, taking
account in particular of the environmental damage they

cause .

What progress has the Commission made to date with this
urgently required calculation of the ' true costs ' in every field
of transport ? What results are available ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 July 1995 )

As already announced to Parliament, the Commission is
hoping to submit a communication at the end of 1 995 on the
costs of infrastructures and the external costs of the various

modes of transport . Preparations are in progress .

In this context, the Commission has arranged for a
comparative study to be carried out on a number of recent
publications concerning the internalization of the external
costs of transport . A copy of this study will be sent directly
to the Honourable Member and to Parliament 's

Secretariat .

No C 257 / 40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1445 / 95

by Christine Oddy ( PSE )

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission 8 June 1995 )

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 72

Subject : Financial support for the European film
industry

What steps will the Commission take to support the
European film industry ?

Will it extend the scope of the European Investment Fund to
cover the needs of the audio-visual industry ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 June 1995 )

On 8 February 1995, the Commission adopted two
proposals for Council Decisions on a Media II programme
covering the period 1 996 to 2000 ( 1 ) . The Decisions concern
training for professionals in the audio-visual programme
industry and promotion of the development and
distribution of European audio-visual works .

They are currently being examined by Parliament, the
Council and the Economic and Social Committee .

In accordance with the conclusions of the European
Audio-visual Conference ( Brussels, 30 June to 2 July 1994 ),
the Commission has embarked on a study and consultations
with the industry to assess the feasibility of using financial
instruments to attract private investments to the
audio-visual programmes industry .

(!) COM(94 ) 523 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1447 / 95

by Christine Oddy ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 73 )

Subject : EU sugar regime

Under the measures adopted in Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1101 / 95 laying down the production and other
arrangements to apply in the Community 's sugar sector
after 1 July 1995 ( 1 ), the existing levels of the production
quotas applicable in this sector will be continued unchanged
for the next six marketing years 1995 / 96 to 2000 / 01 . At the
same time, however, a new mechanism has been put in place
for carrying out a possible reduction of the levels of
production guaranteed by the quotas if this proves to be
necessary for one or more of these marketing years to ensure
compliance with the Community 's obligations under the
agreement on agriculture resulting from the Uruguay Round
of multilateral trade negotiations .

The new mechanism will function through the application
of fixed coefficients which predetermine the distribution of
any future reduction in a balanced way between products

( sugar, isoglucose and inulin syrup ), between producing
regions and between individual A and B quotas . These
coefficients have been established on the basis of the existing
marketing guarantees provided to producers under the
quotas . They take account, therefore, of specific market
supply situations such as that in the United Kingdom which
has historically been dependent for a significant part of its
sugar supplies on the refining of imported raw cane sugars
originating mainly from ACP countries under preferential
import arrangements, currently those laid down in the
relevant protocol appearing in the fourth Lome
Convention .

The need for implementation of the new mechanism will be
examined in good time before 1 October of each marketing
year on the basis of the market data indicated on the
Community 's balance sheet for sugar and the average loss
foreseen under the self-financing system particular to the
sugar sector . The examination will take place in close
cooperation with the authorities of the Member States in the
management committee for sguar . If a reduction is indeed
found to be necessary, this will be applicable to all producers
under the quotas, including those in the United Kingdom,
through the use of the abovementioned coefficients .

The Commission would however like to stress that the

timing and size of any reduction will depend upon
developments in the many variable and unpredictable
factors which directly influence the level and cost of sugar
sector exports covered by the agreement on agriculture .
They will furthermore reflect the results of other
management instrumens and measures that will be
implemented in the sugar sector over the coming six
marketing years .

P ) OJ No L 110, 17 . 5 . 1995 .
What moves is the Commission to take to ensure that the UK

quotas on sugar production are maintained and not cut,
bearing in mind that the UK is a net importer of sugar ?

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 41

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1459 / 95

by Alexandres Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 74 )

Subject : Universal and reservable services

On 7 February 1994 the Council of Ministers adopted a
resolution (') inviting the Commission to propose to the
Council, as a matter of urgency, before 1 July 1994
measures on, in particular, defining a universal service,
ensuring the viability of the provision of the services by
defining ' reservable ' services etc . Even though that Council
Resolution was adopted a year ago and the time-limit it laid
down expired six months ago, the Commission has not
submitted proposals and has not explained its position .

1 . What is the reason for this inexcusable delay, and when

is it going to submit its proposals ?

2 . Will the Commission propose measures on universal

services and reservable services in the same directive ?

3 . Does it agree that the proposal for a Directive should be
based on Article 100a, as requested by the European
Parliament ?

4 . Will it include among the measures in the Directive the

European Parliament 's proposals on protected services,
and in particular the cross-border post-office and items
with multiple addressees, in order to ensure the
economic viablity of the supplier of universal
services ?

(') OJ No C 48, 16 . 2 . 1994, p . 3 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 July 1995 )

After the Council resolution of 7 February 1994, an
extensive consultation with all interested parties was
undertaken . The Commission then began the preparation of
concrete proposals . However, the complexity of the
problem requires a thorough assessment of a large range of
legal, competition and economic aspects which did not
allow the conclusion of the Commission 's work in 1994 .

The establishment of a regulatory framework for postal
services is to be found in the Commission 's work
programme for 1995 ( ] ). During the last months the
Commission has worked on draft proposals for the
development of Community postal services as required by
the Parliament and the Council . The Commission is still

examining several options for the necessary harmonization
and liberalisation of postal services but will come forward in
the very near future with appropriate proposals .

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

the reply it gave to oral question H-389 / 95 by Mr Crowley
during question time at Parliament 's June 1995 part
session ( 2 ).

(') COM(95 ) 26 .

( 2 ) Debates of the Parliament ( June 1995 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1 463 / 95

by James Moorhouse ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 75 )

Subject : Deaths due to blocked chimneys and flues

Is the Commission aware that many deaths from carbon
monoxide poisoning occur as a result of flues or chimneys
which may be blocked for a number of reasons ?

Does the Commission have any plans, such as compulsory
annual chimney sweeps, to rectify this ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 June 1995 )

The Commission is aware of the potential risks from carbon
monoxide, which can come from many sources such as a
blocked flue or chimney, inadequate ventilation in a room,
poor positioning of the chimney or flue outlet or poor
maintenance of appliances themselves .

The Community has taken a number of initiatives to help to
rectify the situation, albeit at the level of individual
products . There is Directive 90 / 396 / EEC of 29 June 1990 in
the approximation of the laws of Member States relating to
applicances burning gaseous fuels ( J ), Directive 92 / 42 / EEC
of 21 May 1992 on efficiency requirements for new
hot-water boilers fired with liquid or gaseous fuels ( 2 ) and
Directive 89 / 106 / EEC of 21 December 1988 on the

approximation of laws, regulations and administrative
provisions of the Member States relating to construction
products ( 3 ) which covers aspects of the design of
chimneys .

The Commission is of the opinion that the operation and
maintenance of buildings is the competence of individual
Member States, especially regional and local authorities .
Provisions for sweeping or other maintenance of chimneys

No C 257 / 42 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

is, therefore, best left to Member States which can take the
most appropriate action based on their local conditions .

(') OJ No L 196, 26 . 7 . 1990 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 167, 22 . 6 . 1992 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 40, 11 . 2 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1473 / 95
by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Ana Miranda de Lage

( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 76

Subject : Development and poverty in the former Soviet

Union

The economic improvements observed in some of the
countries of Central Europe have not reached the former
Soviet Union .

The ILO has drawn attention to the decline in living
standards in, for instance, Russia and Ukraine, and
considers that there are genuine risks of social unrest and
breakdown of the social fabric in those former Soviet

republics .

Does the Commission possess the necessary indicators to
confirm these opinions ?

What are the links between this deterioration and increased

migration, intolerance and rising crime ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 June 1995 )

1994 saw the depression continue, with GDP falling by
around 17% in Russia and 22% in Ukraine . The sharp
decline in industrial output ( 50 % of its 1990 level in Russia
and 61 % in Ukraine ) has led to a rise in unemployment,
which remains largely concealed . In Russia, official
unemployment stands at 4 % of the working population .
The International Labour Office puts it at 9 % . If concealed
and official unemployment are added together, the figure is
38 % . In Ukraine it would be 40 % .

Rising unemployment, coupled with an expansion in service
activities, has gone hand in hand with burgeoning
inequalities . This is because just a few sectors of the
economy and speculative activities account for a large part

of the value added produced at national level . In Russia the
gap be ween the highest and lowest deciles rose from 8,4 to

14,5 between March 1993 and June 1994 . At the same time,
birth and death rate figures bear witness to a general
impoverishment of the population . Life expectancy, which
stood in 1990 at 64 years for men and 74,4 years for women,
has dropped to 58 and 68 years respectively . There has also
been a huge growth in the unofficial economy, which
accounts for 60 % of GDP according to some sources .

The two governments have responded differently to these
difficult circumstances . In Ukraine, social, education and
health services are deteriorating ( there was a cholera
epidemic in 1 994 ), but since the miners ' strike in the summer
of 1993, the population has remained calm as survival is the
prime concern of most . Since 1991 the Russian Government
has been reforming the country 's social security system,
notably by bringing in unemployment benefits and
developing social welfare provision, but owing to difficulties
with the collection of contributions it has been relying on
action by the regions, thus accentuating the inequalities
between citizens of the various parts of the Federation .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1474 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Ana Miranda de Lage ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 77 )

Subject : The Copenhagen summit and the European
Union

The international summit on social development held in

Copenhagen has heightened awareness that the great
challenge and crucial goal of the developed countries must
be the eradication of poverty .

What are the present or future contributions of the
European Union to the objectives set at the Copenhagen
summit ?

What action does the Commission intend to take in the light
of the summit conclusions ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 July 1995 )

The world summit for social development, held in
Copenhagen in March 1995, resulted in the formulation of a

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 43

commonly agreed and comprehensive view of social
development . The political declaration, as well as the action
programme, particularly stress the importance of
eradicating poverty worldwide . The Community, which
actively participated in the summit, is committed to
following up its conclusions, both within the Community
and in its cooperation with developing countries .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1475 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Juan Colino Salamanca

( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 78 )

The Community played a substantial role in the outcome of Subject : EU aid to Guatemala
the summit . Various existing internal and external
Community policies contributed to the objective defined in What concrete actions have been taken this year by the
Copenhagen . As regards the fight against poverty, various Commission to support the peace and normalization
Community actions can be noted . process in Guatemala ?

What material support has been provided by the
The United Nations has declared 1996 the international Commission to the Guatemalan communities displaced by
year for the eradication of poverty . In its medium-term the war and thrown on to society at large ?
social action programme, the Commission states that

' 1996 will be dedicated to the opening up of a Answer given by Mr Marin
European-wide debate on poverty and social exclusion on behalf of the Commission
as the basis for identifying the scope for concerted (7 July 1995 )
action .'

The Commission plans, in 1996, to hold the first meeting of
the European social policy forum, in order to launch a
comprehensive debate on matters of social exclusion,
integration, racism, and fundamental citizens ' rights .

For a long period Community aid was limited to
humanitarian action but increased significantly from 1986
with the undramatic return of democratic government in
Guatemala . It was in 1986 that cooperation between the
Community and Guatemala began to assume significant
proportions . Since then the total amount of grant aid has
been ECU 181 million ( US$ 217 million ).

Since 1975, the Commission has already been implementing
pilot action programmes to combat poverty and social The bulk of Community aid in 1994 was spent on :
exclusion . A Commission proposal for a further, somewhat
broader, programme to combat social exclusion and to — financial and technical cooperation : ECU
promote solidarity (') ( planned to run from 1994 to 1999 ) million
was submitted to the Council in September 1993 . It has not
yet been adopted by the Council . — aid for the expelled : ECU 8,77 million

— financial and technical cooperation : ECU 33,89
million

— aid for the expelled : ECU 8,77 million

— humanitarian aid : ECU 0,83 million

Eradicating poverty is one of the four main objectives of — food aid : ECU 4,9 million
Community cooperation policy, as stated in the Treaty on
European Union . In December 1993, the Council adopted a — aid channelled through
resolution on this issue, on the basis of a Commission
proposal ( 2 ). One of the objectives is to increase the

The chief sectors of

efficiency of the co-operation policies of the Community in
this field by means of increased coordination .

— aid channelled through NGOs : ECU 2,54 million .

The chief sectors of Community action at present are :

As regards the specific follow-up of the Copenhagen
summit, the Commission intends to prepare an appropriate
strategy, taking into account Community competence and
the subsidiarity principle .

(') COM(93 ) 435 final .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 518 .

— development or, in many cases, pre-development, of

marginalized rural areas by means of rural and
production-support micro-projects ;

— support for land reform similar to that in the other

countries of the region ;

— support for the informal sector, which affects a high

proportion of the population, with some 800 000 jobs,
chiefly in towns, and accounts for 20%of GDP ;

— support for democracy and human rights ;

— support for refugees and the strengthening of
institutions .

No C 257 / 44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Community aid for displaced persons and returnees in
Guatemala in 1994 took the practical form of financing 17
projects at a total cost of ECU 9,6 million . Most of these ( i.e.

15, totalling ECU 8,77 million ) were aimed at the social and
economic re-integration of expelled persons through
projects for restarting production and re-habilitating
infrastructure and basic social services .

Concurrently with this type of action to assist the
self-sufficiency of expellees, the Commission carried out
two ' humanitarian aid ' projects ( totalling ECU 830 000 )
one for displaced persons, the other in support of the return
to home areas . All these projects in aid of displaced persons
and returnees have helped improve the climate for, and
enhance the process of, dialogue, joint consultation and
peace in the country .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1478 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 79 )

Subject : The ' information society ' and social change

The developed societies are now facing the challenge of the
new technologies, which are likely to bring about profound
changes in society and the world of work .

In what ways does the Commission consider it possible to
correct or neutralize the effects of the ' information society '
in terms of the undermining of the social fabric and the
possible ' unravelling and breakdown of internal cohesion in
our societies ?

which resemble face-to-face contacts ( unlike the traditional
media, such as the telephone, writing, radio or television ).
Since they facilitate the simultaneous exchange of the
spoken word, text and image, they can contribute to
strengthening the social fabric and to reinforcing civic
values . Services geared to the interests of the public ( health,
education and training, and especially the social services )
will be able to use these systems, not just to improve the way
they operate but also to get closer to the citizens they serve .
Since these technologies are dedicated to interpersonal
exchanges and to the sharing of information, they constitute
a precious instrument for strengthening social and
democratic links .

As always happens, technological innovations spark off
discussions and arouse fears . They are, however, merely a
means, and must be made widely available, culturally and
socially . The Commission recognizes the vital priority which
this new challenge represents . It will present a Green Paper
on the social and societal impact of the information society
in the second half of 1996 . It is being assisted in this task by a
group of experts which met for the first time on 18 May

1995 . In addition, since the Commission wishes to widen
the debate as much as possible, it has decided, among other
things, to set up an information Society Forum,
preparations for which will begin in July 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1479 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 80 )

Subject : Support for Nicaragua

What support has the Commission given to the endeavours
of the Government of Nicaragua to set up a national
Answer given by Mr Bangemann attorney-general 's office for human rights ?

on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1995 )

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

The information society will need to make the most of the
potential economic as well as social advantages of the new ( 17 July 1995 )
information and communication systems . These systems
foster economic competitiveness and simultaneously offer
new opportunities for social and cultural exchanges . The The possible creation in Nicaragua
effect on jobs illustrates this ambivalence . Technological protection of human rights is one of
progress and increased competition mean that people are under discussion in that country
obliged to have higher occupational qualifications . governing its establishment is being
Information and communication technologies are providing
new tools for education and training .

The possible creation in Nicaragua of an authority for the
protection of human rights is one of the matters currently
under discussion in that country and the legislation
governing its establishment is being studied .

Interactive multimedia communication systems afford
human beings opportunities for meaningful exchanges

The Commission considers that this approach to the
protection of human rights is of fundamental importance
throughout Latin America and support for such an
institution is, accordingly, one of the priorities of the

2 . 10 . 95 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 45

Community 's cooperation policy in regard to
democratization and human rights . The Commission has
therefore been giving financial support since 1991 to
various projects for the benefit of national
attorney-general 's offices for human rights in Latin
America .

As far as Nicaragua is concerned, should such an institution
finally be established, the Commission would be perfectly
willing to consider and accede to any request for financing
on the part of the institution, in line with its approach in
other Latin American countries, in order that it may carry
out efficiently the responsibilities conferred on it by law .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1481 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 81 )

Subject : Poverty and racism

According to ILO estimates, at the end of 1994 there were
some 1 300 million people worldwide living in conditions of

poverty .

In the developed countries, the most vulnerable groups
include certain minorities, migrants, refugees and others .

Does the Commission not consider that there is a clear need

to combat poverty as a cause of racism in the Union ?

Does the Commission not consider that there should be a

programme specifically targeting the link between racism
and poverty ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(4 July 1995 )

Since the adaption, in June 1986, of the Joint Declaration by
the European Parliament, the Council, the representatives of
the Member States meeting within the Council and the
Commission, the European Council has issued several
declarations on the fight against racism and xenophobia,
asserting its strong determination to combat intolerance and
racism by all available means, and calling on the Member
States and the Commission to reinforce the legal protection
of third country nationals in the Member States .

As regards the fight against poverty in the Community, the
Commission has implemented multi-annual action
programmes since 1975 . The most recent of these, covering

the period 1994 — 1999, was forwarded to the Council in
September 1993 but has not yet been adopted .

However, the Commission 's Medium-Term Social Action
Programme ( 1995 — 1997 ) stresses the need for continued
efforts to combat exclusion and for concerted action to fight
racism, xenophobia, and anti-semitism in our societies . The
Commission undertakes to submit an action plan to combat
racism before the end of this year . This plan will take into
account the conclusions drawn by the European Council
from the contributions it requested at the Corfu meeting,
and the recommendations of the Consultative Commission

on the fight against racism and xenophobia .

Finally, in March 1996, the Commission will organise the
first meeting of the European Forum on Social Policy, with
the aim of launching wide-ranging debate on social
exclusion, racism and the fundamental social rights of
citizens . The Commission, in conjunction with the
Parliament, also intends to organise a public hearing on the
revision of the 1989 Charter on the Fundamental Social

rights of Workers, possibly with a view to extending it to all
citizens .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1482 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 82 )

Subject : Poverty in the European Union

Despite the established welfare systems in force, the
countries of western Europe have not been spared by the
spread of poverty and social exclusion .

The EU 's economically strongest Member States exhibit
alarmingly high levels of homelessness .

It must be asked why the Council is continuing to block
certain Community actions against poverty .

Can the Commission state what alternative actions it could

propose in order to cooperate in remedying this grave state
of affairs ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 July 1995 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Members ' concern

at the increasing gravity of poverty in the European Union .
Since 1975, the Community has been implementing a series

No C 257 / 46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

of action programmes to combat poverty and social
exclusion . The third and most recent of these programmes,
the programme for the social and economic integration of
the last-privileged groups ( Poverty 3 ( Council Decision
89 / 457 / EEC ) ( J ) ran from 1989 to 1994 .

In September 1993, the Commission presented a proposal
for a further, somewhat broader, programme

( Medium-term action programme to combat exclusion and
promote solidarity — a new programme to support and
stimulate innovation ( 1994 — 1999 ) ( 2 ) intending that this
should follow its predecessor without delay . The Council
has not yet adopted this programme .

(■) OJ No L 224, 2 . 8 . 1989 .

( 2 ) COMÍ93 ) 435 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1484 / 95

by Fausto Bertinotti ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 83 )

Subject : Construction of a power line in the Verbano Cusio

Ossola area and compliance with Community
legislation

Italy 's national electricity authority, ENEL, is planning to
build a new power line between the San Giacomo Pass in Val
Formazza and Turbigo .

The Piedmont Reginoal Government took a favourable view
of the environmental impact of the project in its decision of
28 February 1994, in which it took account solely of the
power line 's direct effects on human beings .

The environmental impact assessment for the power line
should have taken into account direct and indirect effects on

human beings, as provided for in Article 3 of Directive
85 / 337 / EEC (').

It is now recognized that high-tension power lines may cause
serious damage to health .

1 . Does not the Commission consider that it should initiate

proceedings under Article 169 of the Treaty against the
Italian State for failure to comply with Article 3 of
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ?

2 . Does it not consider it necessary to bring forward a
proposal for a Directive laying down standards for
protection against exposure to magnetic fields ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 July 1995 )

1 . The project referred to by the Honourable Member is
a type listed in Annex 11(b ) to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on
environmental impact assessment . Before consent is given,
such projects must be assessed where they are likely to have
significant effects by virtue inter alia of their nature, size or
location ( Article 2 ).

This type of project is not subject to environmental
assessment in Italy, which has still not transposed the
Directive in respect of the majority of Annex II projects . The
Commission has accordingly instituted infringement
proceedings against Italy, which have now reached the
reasoned opinion stage .

2 . The Commission would refer the Honourable
Member to its answers to oral question H-660 / 94 ( 1 ) by Mr
Smith, Written Questions No 2606 / 94 ( 2 ) by Mrs Kinnock
and No 2156 / 94 ( 3 ) by Mr Hughes and No 757 / 93 ( 4 ) by Mr
Bird and petitions 751 / 94, 676 / 94 and 471 / 90, all dealing
with the effects of high-tension lines on health .

The amended proposal for a Council Directive on the
minimum Health and Safety requirements regarding the
exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical
agents ( 5 ) includes provisions to protect workers from
non-ionising electro-magnetic fields and radiation .

( 1 ) Debates of the European Parliament ( December 1994 ).

( 2 ) OJ No C 103, 24 . 4 . 1995 .

( 3 ) OJ No C 88, 10 . 4 . 1995 .

( 4 ) OJ No C 332, 28 . 11 . 1994 .

( s ) OJ No C 230, 19 . 8 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1487 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Council

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 84 )

Subject : Schengen Agreement

exposure Now that the Schengen Agreement concluded between the

governments of seven Member States of the European
(M OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 . Union has entered into force, does the Council have any

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 47

indications or information as to when the remaining
Member States might be expected to join ?

Answer

(3 August 1995 )

The Schengen Agreement is an inter-governmental
agreement concluded in a different institutional and legal
framework distinct from that of the European Union .

The information which the Council of the European Union
has on this matter is purely unofficial . Consequently, the
Council cannot pass it on to the Honourable Member .

The Commission then gave different weightings to the job
losses in the defence industry and on military bases to reflect
the differing impacts at regional level of the job losses in
these different categories . On this basis, the appropriations
were then allocated between the Member States . The table

below shows the result of this allocation . The share of the

Netherlands is proportional to the scale of its job losses in
the Community context .

In the case of the new Member States, only Sweden will
receive an allocation under the Konver Initiative . The

amount given below was the subject of a separate decision
by the Commission and cannot therefore be counted in the
total amount provided for originally for the twelve Member
States .

KONVER

Allocation between Member States 1994 — 97
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1494 / 95

by Johanna Maii-Weggen ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 85 )

Subject : Benefits to the Netherlands from the Community

' Konver ' initiative

1 . Can the Commission confirm that the Netherlands has

received only NLG 25 million from the Community
' Konver ' programme ?

2 . Can the Commission confirm that the Netherlands

requested ECU 25 million, a modest amount considering the
total programme endowment of over NLG 1 billion ?

3 . Why is it that, despite having requested a very modest
amount, the Netherlands received only NLG 25 million,
that is to say approximately half the sum requested ?

4 . What amounts have been requested and received by
the other EU Member States from the same programme ?

5 . What are the criteria on the basis of which funds from

the ' Konver ' programme may be requested, and how are
these criteria being applied by each Member State ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 June 1995 )

The procedure for allocating the Konver appropriations
among the Member States was not based on applications
from them for predetermined amounts . The Commission
asked each Member State to send it, before the end of
August 1994, the figures for job losses in military and
defence activities which had been recorded / were forecast in

the Member State concerned between 1990 and 1997 .

The Commission had these figures analysed by an
independent and recognized institute .

Allocation
Member State

in %

Allocation in

million ECU

1994 prices

Belgium 2,29 11,45

Denmark 0,47 2,35

Germany 43,88 219,40

Greece 2,55 12,75

Spain 4,66 23,30

France 14,03 70,15

Italy 9,06 45,30

Luxembourg 0,07 0,35

Netherlands 2,29 11,45

Portugal 1,56 7,80

United Kingdom 19,14 95,70

Sweden 3,26

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1496 / 95

by Johanna Maii-Weggen ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 86 )

Subject : Assistance for the return of Eritrean refugees

1 . What steps is the Commission taking to encourage the
return of refugees to Eritrea ?

2 . What contribution is being made by each of the EU
Member States to solve this problem ?

3 . Are efforts by the EU and its Member States being
coordinated to any extent ?

No C 257 / 48 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 June 1995 )

1 . Commission activities to stimulate or encourage the
return of refugees to Eritrea are supported through :

— the ECU 20 million short term programme to aid

reconstruction and recovery, in particular :

— the education component of the social infrastructure

project,

— water wells project ;

— the malaria control programme in the Western
Lowlands ( ECU 740 000 );

— the five projects of a total value of ECU 3,4 million under

the re-habilitation initiative in the Gash / Setit and Barka

region ( B7-5076 ).

2 . Member States try to stimulate and encourage the
return of refugees, as the Commission does, by improving all
aspects of infrastructure ( including social infrastructure ) in
the areas which will be most affected by the returnees, and
this was the subject of a Proferi ( programme for the
rehabilitation of resettlement areas in Eritrea ) workshop
meeting in Asmara on 17 — 20 May 1995 .

3 . The only Member State represented in Eritrea is Italy .
Germany is expected to open an embassy in July 1995 . The
Commission 's delegation was opened in Asmara on 22 May

1995, hence coordination with Member States on the
ground is now starting . Coordination between donors in
general has naturally taken place before and during Proferi
workshops in Eritrea and Geneva . Coordination with
Member States and international organisations will
certainly be strengthened as more open offices in Eritrea .

— the countries which export the fur of the animal

species concerned to the EU have introduced
legislation banning the use of leg-hold traps,

— sufficient progress has been made in the
establishment of international humane standards as

an alternative to leg-hold traps ?

2 . What was the outcome of the recent discussions with

Canada and the United States on this resolution,
particularly as regards the possibility that a WTO
member country might protest against this
Regulation ?

3 . Does the Commission intend to amend the Regulation
or to delay its implementation, and, if so, for what
reason ? Can the Commission confirm that Parliament

will not be deprived of its co-decision rights by merely
basing the Regulation on Article 113 rather than on
Articles 113 and 130s ?

(') OJ No C 55, 6 . 3 . 1995, p . 50 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 308, 9 . 11 . 1991, p . 1 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-15 16 / 95

by Stephen Hughes ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 88 )

Subject : Standards for animal trapping

The European Community agreed a Regulation in 1991
which bans the import into Europe of fur from animals
caught ' in a country where the leg-hold trap is still used or
where trapping methods do not meet internationally agreed
humane trapping standards '. This ban should have come
into force by January 1995, but has been postponed for one

year .

Are negotiations under way with the North Americans on
WRITTEN QUESTION E-15 12 / 95 their progress towards meeting humane trapping
standards ?

by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 87 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1540 / 95

by Fernand Herman ( PPE )

to the Commission

Subject : World Trade Organization ( WTO ) and animal
protection

With reference to my earlier question E-2302 / 94 ( ] ) and to
the current discussions between Canada, the United States
and the Commission, can the Commission quickly say :

1 . What progress has been made with regard to the

implementation of Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254 / 91 ( 2 )
which is to come into force on 1 January 1996 ? In
particular, can the Commission say whether :

(1 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 89 )

Subject : Application of the Regulation prohibiting the use

of leg-hold traps and the introduction into the
Community of pelts of wild animals

The Commission has yielded to pressure from the USA and
Canada and postponed the entry into force of Regulation

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 49

( EEC ) No 3254 / 91 until 1 January 1996 with regard to pelt
imports .

It now appears that the international standardization
organization is incapable of establishing standards for
trapping without cruelty, since at its Ottawa meeting, it
definitively decided to exclude the words ' without cruelty '
from its standards . The entry into force of the Regulation on
pelt imports on 1 January 1996 therefore becomes
inevitable .

But in the ' American Trapper ' magazine of March / April

1995, reference is made to a meeting between Sir Leon
Brittan and Alaska 's Senator Murkowski, during which the
Commissioner ' told Murkowski he would be willing, under
some conditions, to support a delay in executing a
controversial European Regulation that would halt imports
of 14 species of fur from countries that have not banned
leghold traps '.

Can the Commission confirm that the Regulation in
question will definitely come into force on 1 January 1996 ?
If not, what is it waiting for before it advises Parliament
accordingly and explains itself ?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-15 12 / 95, E-15 16 / 95 and E-1540 / 95

given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

( 20 June 1995 )

An exact picture of third countries ' legislation concerning
the ban on the use of leg-hold traps will not be available
before the end of June .

The International Standards Organization process to adopt
internationally agreed humane trapping standards has been
delayed mainly because of the controversy over the
definition of the term ' humane ' in that context . The

Commission is therefore exploring ways for a more rapid
adoption of standards through direct negotiation with the
most important fur exporting countries, i.e. USA and
Canada . Talks on this are in an initial phase .

As far as a World Trade Organisation challenge of the
regulation is concerned, the Commission would not expect
such action to be initiated as long as the issue is being
discussed with the third countries concerned .

There is currently no scope for a further postponement of
the implementation of the Regulation or amendments to it .
If proposals to that effect were to be made, the Commission
would of course keep the Parliament duly informed .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1518 / 95

by Nuala Ahern ( V )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 90

Subject : Garching Research Reactor

Further to the reply to Written Question E-2650 / 94 by Mrs
Breyer I 1 ) on the Garching Research Reactor, will the
Commission now approach the owners of the reactor in
question and ask them to give permission for the
information requested in points 1 — 3 of the original
question to be released by the Commission ?

H OJ No C 88, 10 . 4 . 1995, p . 30 .

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 July 1995 )

In accordance with various provisions in this area ( including
Article 194 of the Euratom Treaty, in some cases Regulation
No 3 of 1958 ( J ), Article 3 of Council Regulation ( EEC,
Euratom ) No 354 / 83 ( 2 ) and Article XV of the Agency 's
statute ( 3 ), neither the Agency nor the Commission is at
liberty to divulge information relating to confidential
aspects of commercial transactions which is the property of
the operators of Member States concerned .

As the Commission does not have the authority to act as the
Honourable Member would have it, the Commission feels,
in line with its decision of 8 February 1994 on public access
to Commission documents ( 4 ), that it would be wiser to
request the information directly from the operator
concerned .

(') OJ No 17, 6 . 10 . 1958 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 43, 15 . 2 . 1983 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 27, 6 . 12 . 1958 .

( 4 ) OJ No L 46, 18 . 2 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1520 / 95

by Nuala Ahern ( V )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 91 )

Subject : Final disposal site for nuclear waste in Japan

In the light of the admission by the Japanese nuclear
authorities that no final disposal site exists in Japan for the
burial of high-level nuclear waste, will the Commission
ensure no further shipments of high-level waste are returned

No C 257 / 50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

to Japan following the reprocessing of Japanese spent fuel in
EU re-processing plants, at least until suitable long-term
storage or disposal facilities are available in Japan ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 523 / 95

by Nuala Ahem ( V )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 92 )

Subject : Nuclear transport to Japan

When the Pacific Pintail nuclear transport ship arrived in the
port of Mitsu Ogawara at Rokkasho in Japan on 26 April

1995 with its cargo of high-level nuclear waste from the La
Hague re-processing plant in France, it caused a sizeable
demonstration over safety .

What information is held by the Commission on the specific
objections made to this shipment — and future shipments
like it — by :

1 . countries on or close to its transport route,

authorities of the Member States and does not involve the

Commission . However, every two years the Member States
are required to furnish the Commission with reports on the
implementation of the Directive and the Commission, on
the basis of these reports, prepares a summary report for the
Parliament, the Council and the Economic and social
committee . The first of these summary reports, covering the
period up to autumn 1994 was recently approved by the
Commission ( 3 ).

As regards the representations received on the subject, the
Commission makes it a rule not to make public its
correspondence .

The Commission considers that shipments of radioactive
waste authorized following the procedure laid down in the
abovementioned Directive and carried out in conformity
with the applicable international agreements on transport of
dangerous goods ( which include radioactive substances )
respect the necessary safety requirements .

(') OJ No L 35, 12 . 2 . 1992 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 268, 29 . 10 . 1993 .
(•') COM(95 ) 192 .

2 . concerned citizens, WRITTEN QUESTION E-1528 / 95

by Nel van Dijk ( V )

3 . environmentalists non-government organizations,

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

and what response has been made to each of these
representations by the Commission ? 95 / C 257 / 93 )

Subject : Handbooks on the integration of women in the

development process
Joint answer to Written Questions

E-l 520 / 95 and E-1523 / 95

given by Ritt Bjerregaard
on behalf of the Commission

(7 July 1995 )

Shipments of radioactive waste are regulated by Council
Directive 92 / 3 / Euratom on the supervision and control of
shipments of radioactive waste between Member States and
into and out of the Community ('). The Directive is
complemented by Commission Decision 93 / 552 /
Euratom ( 2 ) establishing the standard document for the
supervision and control of shipments of radioactive waste
referred to in Council Directive 92 / 3 / Euratom .

The Directive requires the authorities of the Member State
where the shipment begins to authorize it only when all the
Member States or third countries involved in the shipment,
including transit Member States or third countries, have
given their prior informed consent to the shipment .

The procedure laid down by the Directive for implementing
this principle foresees a number of obligations for the

In the context of the growing awareness of the part played
by women in the development process, the Commission has
produced handbooks on awareness of gender-related issues
in the assessment and implementation of projects, in 1991
for EU development policy towards the ACP States

( L'intégration des femmes dans le développement .
Pourquoi, Quand et Comment prendre en compte les
relations socio-economiques entre hommes et femmes dans
les projets et programmes de Lomé IV ( Manuel )) and in

1993 towards the countries of Asia, Latin America and the
Mediterranean ( Femmes et développement . Coopération
avec les pays d'Amérique Latine, d'Asie et du Bassin
Méditerranéen . Gestion du cycle de projet ). The aim is the
integration of women in the development process

( IGD / IFD ).

Can the Commission say :

— what percentage of EU officials engaged in development

projects uses these handbooks when preparing and
evaluating projects ?

— what percentage of projects is assessed in the way

proposed in the handbooks ?

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 51

— how many of the attached evaluation forms on the

IGD / IFD level of awareness of women 's integration in
development are returned ?

— what percentage of projects is judged satisfactory when

evaluated according to the criteria given in the
handbooks ?

regulations, how many Member States have found
themselves being legally challenged with regard to the
implementing of the IACS penalties, by producers who have
lost some or all of their support payments for the 1994
scheme year ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro ( 27 June 1995 )

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 I uly 1995 ) The Commission does not share the view that the penalties
provided in the integrated administration and control
system ( IACS ) are unduly harsh, given the importance of

Since the matter raised by the question is the joint set-aside in the context of the arable crops regime, in
competence of Vice President Mari'n and Commissioner particular, and the need to combat fraud generally in the
Pinheiro, the following answer is given by the two members agricultural sector .
on behalf of the Commission .

The handbooks have been distributed to all Commission

staff dealing with development cooperation, both at
headquarters and in delegations, and additional copies are
made available to external consultants . The demand for the

handbooks has been high and reprinting was necessary .

It is too early to assess the results of the new procedures and
most of the current projects were designed before their
adoption . It is difficult to get satisfactory results if gender
issues are ' added in ' to projects not designed and budgeted
with them in mind .

A useful tool for monitoring on this issue will be the form for
reporting on women in development issues which has been
adopted only recently as mandatory in the Commission .
Some first results will be available at the end of 1995 . 

It is likewise too early to assess the impact of the new
procedures on project implementation . An evaluation will
not be useful until projects identified and designed under
these procedures have acquired some degree of
implementation on the ground, and this will take at least
three years from the identification stage .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 530 / 95

by Graham Mather ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

To the Commission 's knowledge only the United Kingdom
has been legally challenged with regard to the application of
penalties in IACS by producers who have lost some or all of
their support payments for 1994 . According to figures
received from Member States the percentage of claimants in
the United Kingdom who suffered penalties was however
below the Community average .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1531 / 95

by Peter Skinner ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 95 )

- Subject : Safety standards for heavy goods vehicles and

other vehicles circulating within the EU

What guidelines or standards exist at European level to
ensure that both EU and non-EU heavy goods vehicles and
any other vehicles circulating within the European Union
are not overloaded and are totally roadworthy ?

What guidelines / legislation exist in Member States to ensure
that these Community standards are applied ? In addition,
are these inspection systems more stringent in the United
Kingdom than in the rest of the EU, particularly for heavy
goods vehicles ?

( 95 / C 257 / 94 )
Answer given by Mr Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Agriculture : IACS regulations ( 13 July 1995 )

With regard to the harsh penalty system which exists within Directive 85 / 3 / EEC ( ) sets the maximum weights and
the Integrated Administration and Control System dimensions for heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches that

No C 257 / 52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

are engaged in intra-Community transport . It does not yet WRITTEN QUESTION
apply to vehicles solely engaged in national transport . by David Martin ( PSE )
However, a Commission proposal ( 2 ) which is on the table

to the Commission

of the Council aims at an amendment of Directive 85 / 3 / EEC
in order to achieve harmonisation of the maximum weights ( 31 May 1995 )
and dimensions for national as well as intra-Community ( 95 / C 257 / 96 )
transport .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1534 / 95

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 96 )

Member States ' national standards are generally less
restrictive than those provided by Directive 85 / 3 / EEC .
However, several Member States authorize higher weights
and greater dimensions than those laid down by the
Directive for vehicles registered or put into circulation in
that Member State when used in domestic traffic . Yes, the
provisions of the Directive do still apply to vehicles coming
from another Member State . The Community regime on
weights and dimensions of vehicles set out by the Directive
has to be complied with also by vehicles coming from third
countries .

Subject : Commission at voting procedure in Council

Under the provisions of the Treaty ( Article 189 ), the Council
may only amend a Commission proposal by unanimity, but
may adopt it by a qualified majority . According to the
Financial Times (6 December 1994, page 3 ), the abolition of
the ' switchover ' mechanism in the CAP was passed against
the view of the Commission and the UK Government,
which, with Denmark, voted against the package .

Can the Commission please explain how this was
possible ?

Individual Member States ensure the compliance of vehicles
with the weights and dimensions limits provided by the
Directive . Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 June 1995 )
Directive 77 / 143 / EEC ( ) is concerned with the
roadworthiness of vehicles including cars and ambulances
as well as commercial vehicles . Trucks have to be inspected The Commission initial proposal on the unit of account and
each year . The components and systems that need the conversion rates to be applied for the purposes of the
inspection are itemised in the Directive and there are common agricultural policy ( ] ) formed the subject of a
separate amending directives concerning the detailed political orientation of the Council on the basis of a
inspection and testing of brakes and emission systems . compromise solution .

The Commission has not made a systematic comparative
study of the roadworthiness schemes set up by the Member
States . It does not have only evidence that any system is
significantly more stringent than others .

The Commission accepted this compromise solution and
amended its initial proposal correspondingly, which
enabled a qualified majority decision to be taken . The
amended proposal has been finally adopted by qualified
majority .

(') COM(94 ) 498 final .
From bilateral discussions with Eastern countries, it is clear
that some form of roadworthiness checking exists, at least
for commercial vehicles engaged in international transport .
The sophistication of the checks varies as does the
frequency . Nevertheless, there is a general willingness to
approximate national laws to those of the Community .
Those countries that are signatories to the United Nations ' WRITTEN
economic commission for Europe ( UNECE ) 1958

by

agreement on vehicle standards are proposing to

to

recommend an UNECE regulation based on the
Community 's Directives so they may be signatories to an
international standard on roadworthiness .

(1 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 97 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1538 / 95

by Veronica Hardstaff ( PSE )

to the Commission

(') OJ No L 2, 3 . 1 . 1985 .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 679 — OJ No C 38, 8 . 2 . 1994 .
P ) OJ No L 47, 18 . 2 . 1977 .

Subject : Public 's freedom of access to information

In the light of Declaration ( No 17 ) ( J ) on the right of access
to information adopted at the time of signature of the
Maastricht Treaty, which recognizes that ' Transparency of
the decisions-making process strengthens the democratic

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 53

nature of the institution and the public 's confidence in the
administration . The Conference accordingly recommends
that the Commission submit to the Council no later than

1993 a report on measures designed to improve public
access to the information available to the institutions . Does

the Commission accept that if any reduction in the
European information provision for the public arises as a
result of the abolition of Humberside County Council it will
be against the spirit of this Declaration ? What action will the
Commission take to ensure that the public 's access to
information on Europe and the European decision-making
process is maintained in individual Member States ?

for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms, and if so what measures does the Council it
intend to take to ensure that Italy does not rank together
with those countries where basic citizens ' rights are not
respected ?

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1879 / 95

by Antonio Tajani ( UPE )

to the Council

( 15 June 1995 )
0 ) OJ No C 191, 29 . 7 . 1992, p . 101 . ( 95 / C 257 / 99

Answer given by Mr Oreja
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 July 1995 )

The decision to abolish Humberside County Council lies
outside the Commission 's jurisdiction .

With respect to openness and access to information, the

Commission has introduced several instruments since 1992

to increase openness and thereby bring European
integration closer to the people of Europe .

These include more systematic preparation of its proposals
and decisions ( with the publication of green and white
papers ), publication of the Commission work programme
and legislative programme in the Official Journal of the
European Communities and increased public access to
documents .

Public access to information has been extended both by the
activities of the Commission 's offices in the Community and
those of the various relays and networks, whose aim it is to
bring sources of Community information closer to the
people of Europe .

Subject : Violation of the European Convention on
Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

Does the Council not agree that the arrest of Marcello
Dell'Utri, chairman and managing director of Publitalia,
constitutes a violation of the European Convention on
Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, and serious interference
in the referendum campaign which ended on 11 June when
the Italians voted ? If so, does the Council not consider that
steps should be taken to guarantee respect in Italy for the
most elementary of citizens ' rights ?

Joint answer
to Written Questions P-1546 / 95 and P-1879 / 95

(3 August 1995 )

It is not for the Council to - give an opinion on matters which
are not within its sphere of competence .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 547 / 95

by Patricia McKenna ( V )

to the Commission

(1 June 1995 )
WRITTEN QUESTION P-l 546 / 95

by Antonio Taiani ( UPE )

to the Council

( 30 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 98 )

Subject : Infringement of the European Convention for the

Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms

Do not the facts disclosed by Italian Justice Minister
Mancuso on the activities of the Milan ' pool ' of public
prosecutors constitute a breach of the European Convention

( 95 / C 257 / 100 )

Subject : Approval of water for bathing

Can a local community apply for a stretch of coastal water
to be approved as suitable for bathing, under Directive
76 / 160 / EEC (*), or is it necessary for a national government
to seek such approval ?

What steps, if any, does the Commission take to monitor the
quality of water that has been designated suitable for
bathing, in order to allay any fears which tourists and
recreational swimmers may have ?

No C 257 / 54 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Are steps undertaken to ensure balance in the designation of Answer given by Mrs Cresson
approved bathing areas, to guard against allegations that on behalf of the Commission
certain electoral areas are faring better than others ? (U July 1995 )

C ) OJ No L 31, 5 . 2 . 1976, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 July 1995 )

Bathing water is, according to Article (2 a ) of Directive
76 / 160 / EEC of 8 December 1975 concerning the quality of
bathing water, all fresh or sea water in which :

— bathing is explicitly authorized by the authorities of each

Member State, or

— bathing is not prohibited and is traditionally practised

by a large number of bathers .

The Member States inform the Commission of the number

of bathing areas identified and monitored . The results of this
monitoring ( according to the Annex to the Directive ) are
sent every year to the Commission . The Commission
publishes an annual report on the basis of this information
at the beginning of the bathing season .

Identification of areas covered by the Directive is carried out
in the first instance by the Member State concerned . Where
the Commission considers that insufficient designations
have been made it raises the question with the Member
State . This has led in certain instances to Member States

making further designations .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1551 / 95

by Barbara Diihrkop Diihrkop ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 June 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 101

Subject : Cooperation with third countries ( budgetary
heading B3-1007 )

Can the Commission provide detailed information, stating
figures and project types, on the definition of funding under
budgetary heading B3-1007, cooperation with third
countries, with regard to education and vocational training
in recent budgetary years ?

On what criteria are the cooperating countries elected ?

Is any attempt made to achieve any sort of geographical
balance, and on what criteria ?

Budgetary heading B3-1007 covers cooperation with third
countries in education and training . However, in 1993 it
was limited to cooperation with the United States . The
origin of this cooperation is found in the transatlantic
declarations of November 1 990 with the United States and

Canada, which stipulate that the partnership must be
founded on constant efforts to reinforce mutual

cooperation in [. . .| the fields of education and culture,
including university exchanges and exchanges of young
people .

1993 : Together with the US authorities, 23 partnerships
representing 134 European universities throughout the
Member States were selected during the preparatory phase .
One establishment was made responsible for each
partnership, and a list of these establishments is being sent
directly to the Honourable Member and to the
Secretariat-General of Parliament . Funding amounted to
ECU 739 954 .

The sum of ECU 50 000 was also allocated to help finance
the European dimension of the Fulbright Programme .

1994 : The last year of the preparatory phase was funded to
the amount of ECU 896 1 00, with the Fulbright Programme
receiving ECU 60 000 . The Commission was involved in
financing travel and subsistence costs to enable
representatives of the Latin American countries to
participate in the joint Community-United States
conference on vocational training . This was the first step in
cooperation with those countries .

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

detailed information on selection criteria and a list of

projects financed in 1993 and 1994, together with forecasts
for the distribution of the 1995 budget .

In addition to measures undertaken together with developed
countries ( United States, Canada ) where funding is provided
on a cost-sharing basis, the Commission is attempting to
encourage new forms of cooperation with certain
less-developed countries, on the basis of Member States '
opinions and political requirements expressed by
Parliament and the Council .

The limited funds available under this budgetary heading
rule out large-scale cooperation programmes . The heading
is seen rather as playing a catalytic role by providing input
from its own programmes and by financing strategic studies
in the field of education and training in the countries
concerned .

2 . 10 . 95 f EN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 55

These countries have been selected in conjunction with
broader cooperation activities, first of all the transatlantic
declarations with the United States and Canada . In the

general political climate, the Community is endeavouring to
improve relations with the Mediterranean countries, Latin
America and South Africa . The measures to be financed

under budgetary heading B3-1007 supplement those
implemented under the budgetary headings directly
concerned with those groups of countries .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 555 / 95

by Elly Plooi j      - van Gorsel ( ELDR )

to the Commission

(1 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 1 02

Subject : Splitting the Institute for Advanced Materials

between Petten and Ispra

On 24 March 1995 I tabled a question ( E-822 / 95 ( 1 )) on
whether having two locations for the Institute for Advanced
Materials ( Petten and Ispra ) was a cause of duplication of
research facilities, management structures and staff . The
reply was that having two locations does not result in a
duplication of equipment or staff . The reply is
unsatisfactory ; hence the following five questions .

1 . Does a glance at the annual report and the establishment
plan of the Institute for Advanced Materials show that
there is duplication in implementing specific
programmes concerning high-temperature corrosion
and surface treatment in Petten and Ispra ?

2 . Could the research facilities ( with the exception of the
cyclotron ) and the staff at Ispra be simple transferred to
Petten ?

The Commission has still not replied to my questions about
extra costs caused by having two locations and about
possible impediments to scientific cooperation ( Amico ). I
should therefore be grateful if the Commission would now
reply to these questions which I raised on 24 March

19 95 :

3 . Does the Institute 's split site seriously impede
consultation and cooperation between scientific staff ?

4 . What extra costs does the Institute 's split site entail per

annum ?

5 . On the basis of the foregoing, are there any grounds for
merging the two parts of the Institute ?

(') OJ No C 165, 10 . 7 . 1995, p . 57 .

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 July 1995 )

1 . An initial analysis of the reports and programmes of
the Institute for Advanced Materials ( IAM ) of the Joint
Research Centre ( JRC ) does not give a clear enough insight
into the fruitful and profound complementarity of the
cooperative activities of the two sites : more detailed study is
required .

For example, surface treatment carried out at the Ispra site
has the object of modifying surfaces in order to prevent wear
and corrosion . This approach has been a constant source of
information and knowledge that have been useful for the
coating work being carried out at the Petten site . There has
also been a continuous flow of knowledge in the other
direction, from Petten to Ispra .

In the field of high-temperature corrosion, the Ispra site is
studying short-term homogeneous corrosion, while Petten is
examining hot-salt electrochemical corrosion on the same
materials .

To sum up, the activities at the two sites are complementary

and there is no duplication of effort ; it is this
complementarity that supplies the added value .

2 . Two of the IAM 's installations at the Ispra site cannot
be transferred ; in the case of one, the Cyclotron, it is
technically impossible, while the other, the Surface
Modification Laboratory, could technically be dismantled
and transferred but only at considerable cost . Furthermore,
the useful synergy with the other activities at the Ispra site in
the fusion field would be lost . The question of costs and the
loss of synergy with the activities of the other institutes at
Ispra is also the key factor in any consideration of possible
transfer of the institute 's other minor installations to

Petten .

Transferring to Petten the 79 people working for the IAM
on the Ispra site could in theory be considered if necessary in
the interest of the service, but would present enormous
human and practical difficulties for the officials
concerned .

3 . Dividing up the IAM between two different sites is no
obstacle to collaboration among science staff . Scientific
meetings are held regularly under the name of Amico

( Advanced Materials Institute Cohesion ) to provide for
concertation and cooperation between the different units of
Petten and Ispra . These meetings make it possible for the
activities at the two sites always to be complementary while
avoiding duplication of effort .

4 . The additional cost of having the Institute split
between two sites is marginal and in fact consists only of the
mission expenses for staff taking part in the meetings
referred to in point 3 . These meetings alternate between
Ispra and Petten and are held in general once every two
months with between five and 15 officials attending .

No C 257 / 56 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

5 . In the light of the above, the Commission at present
sees no justification for merging the two sites of the
Institute .

These imports have led to a fall in prices and the risk of
company failures, economic losses, and job cuts .

What steps has the Commission taken or will it take in the
light of this situation ?

Does is not believe that the market and imports from third
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1559 / 95 countries should be regulated ?

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 103 ) on Answer behalf given of the by Commission Mr Fischler

( 26 June 1995 )
Subject : Funding for projects relating to health at work

What sums does the Commission intend to use to finance or

provide contributions for projects relating to health and
safety at work ?

What priorities will be set when the projects eligible for
funding or contributions are selected ?

Statistics on the imports of pine seeds from China into the
Commission have only been separately recorded since 1993 .
An examination of the figures available ( see below ) shows
that the quantities imported in 1994 were almost identical
to the quantities imported in 1993 . Consequently the
Commission sees no cause for alarm and will continue to

monitor the market .

Answer given by Mr Flynn Imports of pine seeds into the Community
on behalf of the Commission
( Tonnes )
( 29 June 1995 )

1993 1994

The general budget of the Community for the financial year

1995, authorizes a total commitment appropriation of ECU
4,4 million for projects in the field of health and safety at
work under budget lines B3-4310 and B3-4313 .

Priority is given to projects which demonstrate Community
added value, and are intended to improve safety and health
at work, in particular in small and medium sized
enterprises .

In addition, other budget lines, such as research, may be
used to finance projects which may contain components
relating to health and safety at the workplace .

China 1 225 1 280

Turkey 203 69

Pakistan 88 81

Morocco 68 10

Albania 59 —

Hong Kong 20 56

Argentina 19 17

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1567 / 95

by Renate Heinisch ( PPE )

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 561 / 95 (7 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 105 )
by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 104

Subject : Imports of pine nuts from China

Pine nut growing in Catalonia, Castile-Leon, and Andalusia
( Spain ) has been severely hit in the last marketing year by
duty-free imports from China .

Subject : Directive on infant formulae and follow-on
formulae

Does the Commission plan to bring the compositional
criteria for infant formulae warranting a corresponding
claim into line with the latest scientific research ?

If so, would the label be permitted to bear claims with regard
to new scientific discoveries, as is already allowed under

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 57

German legislation in its transposition of Directive Answer given by Mr Pinheiro
91 / 321 / EEC ( J )? on behalf of the Commission

Is the current wording of the Directive compatible with the
promotion of research in Europe ?

(') OJ No L 175, 4 . 7 . 1991, p . 35 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1995 )

The Commission is conscious that the current list of

permitted claims for infant formulae is short and may be
considered unnecessarily strict . The Commission is
currently considering the matter and will consult with
Member States and interested parties as to whether it would
be opportune to revise relevant Community legislation on
the matter and if so what would be the most appropriate
way of effecting such revision .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1576 / 95

(6 July 1995 )

The Commission is informed about the draft contracts

negotiated between the government of Suriname and three
Asian consortia on the exploitation of forests in
Suriname .

In view of the insufficient capacity of the national forest
services to control such large scale forest exploitation
contracts, the Commission has, upon request from the
government, financed a study on the institutional
requirements for efficient control .

The Commission is certainly prepared to assist Suriname in
investigating alternatives to large scale logging operations
which are ecologically, economically and socially acceptable
if the government introduces a request to that effect, as
required for all cooperation actions within the framework
of the Lome Convention .

As regards the Commission 's involvement with the issue of
logging in Suriname, the Commission would refer the
Honourable Member to its answer to Written Questions
No 1469 / 95 and No 1495 / 95 by Mrs Taubira-Delannon
and Mrs Maii-Weggen (').

by Nel van Dijk ( V )
(') OJ No C 230, 4 . 9 . 1995, p . 42 .
to the Commission

(7 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 106 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1600 / 95

Subject : Large-scale timber-felling in Suriname

Under a draft agreement with the government of Suriname,
3 million of the country 's 16,4 million hectares of tropical
rain-forest are to be made available for felling to three Asian
consortia at a cost of only Hfl 25 million per year . The
Suriname Government is considering extending these felling
concessions at a later stage to cover 40% of the country 's
rain-forest f 1 ).

Is the Commission aware of the report by the World
Resources Institute ( USA ) entitled ' Back to the wall in
Suriname ', which maintains that the ' selling-off ' of the
rain-forest is a result of the economic crisis in Suriname, that
the National Forest Management Agency is not capable of
ensuring responsible felling and that contracts should
therefore be suspended ?

Is the Commission prepared, in the context of the Lome
Convention, to work together with the Government of
Suriname and the representatives of the people of the
rain-forest to seek for environmentally, economically and
socially acceptable alternatives to large-scale
timber-felling ?

(') NRC Handelsblad, 30 March 1995 ; De Volkskrant, 12 May

1995 ; answer given by Mr Pronk, Netherlands [ Development
Cooperation ] Minister, to parliamentary questions by Mr
Sipkes, Proceedings of the Netherlands Parliament ( Second
Chamber ), parliamentary year 1994 — 95, p. 1501 .

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 107 )

Subject : Financial aid to Kenya

In the light of continued degradation of democracy and
human rights standards in Kenya, what strategy does the
Commission intend to pursue with regard to the allocation
of financial assistance under the Lome IV Convention to

that country ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

(5 July 1995 )

The Commission follows closely the human rights situation
in Kenya, in the context of its overall cooperation with that
country . In 1991 budgetary support to Kenya was
suspended in reaction to a deteriorating situation in the
political, human rights and economic fields, and has not
been resumed since .

The Commission, in close coordination with Member
States, is actively pursuing all opportunities to convey its

No C 257 / 58 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

concerns to the Kenyan Government about recent
developments in the political and human rights fields . The
calling of a meeting of the consultative group in July 1995

should be considered a clear signal to the government of
Kenya that donors are not satisfied with political
developments . This, together with the strong donor
statements duringh the last consultative group meeting in
December 1994, can leave the Kenyan authorities in no
doubt about the importance the Commission attaches to
human rights in Kenya .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1603 / 95

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 108 )

Subject : Deaths caused by smog

Major epidemiological studies in Italy show a correlation
between urban atmospheric pollution and deaths or
hospital admissions . The statistics show that the death rate
went up by 10 % in the 1980s when smog particles totalled

100 micrograms / m 3 and by 12% when sulphur dioxide
reached the same level . In cities such as Milan and Rome,
these concentrations of particles have not only been reached
but have also been exceeded by a large margin .

1 . Can the Commission comment on the results of the

studies which reveal a new and alarming development,
namely, that even low concentrations of smog particles
can affect people 's health and that it is not possible to
identify a minimal threshold below which human health
is not affected ?

2 . Does the Commission not consider that there should be

stricter regulations governing minimum smog particle
concentrations, given that studies show that such
particles are largely responsible for everyday mortality

( especially deaths caused by respiratory problems ) and
hospital admissions for cardio-respiratory illnesses ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 July 1995 )

The Commission is aware of epidemiological studies on the
effects of small particles carried out in both Europe and the
United States with similar results to those obtained in the

Italian studies and is working with the World Health
Organisation ( WHO ) on this important issue .

A draft proposal for a Council Directive on ambient air
quality assessment and management is currently being
discussed in the Council and Parliament . This will provide a
framework for the development of future daughter
legislation, including limit values and alert thresholds, on
individual pollutants including black smoke and suspended
particulate matter . Under the draft Directive, the
Commission is required to propose the daughter legislation
on black smoke and particulates by the end of 1996 .

As part of the process of developing the daughter legislation,
the Commission is working with the WHO in revising and
updating its air quality guidelines for Europe . The revised
WHO air quality guidelines will form the major part of the
input on effects on human health in the development of new
limit values in the daughter legislation described above .
Particulate matter is among the air pollutants being
considered by WHO and epidemiological studies
associating effects on human morbidity and mortality are
being fully evaluated in this process by a working group of
internationally-recognized expert scientists .

The Commission is currently in the process of preparing
legislation on measures to reduce vehicle emissions for the
year 2000 . In the preparation of this legislation the
Commission is currently assessing the cost-effectiveness of
various measures to reduce vehicle emissions . Among the
measures under consideration are improved vehicle
technology and fuel quality . While the Commission is still
awaiting the detailed results of the analysis, it is nevertheless
clear that the package of measures finally chosen for their
cost-effectiveness will have considerable effects on the

reduction of particulates .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1604 / 95

by Cristina Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 109 )

Subject : Detention of HIV-positive individuals in Sweden

As part of measures to prevent the spread of AIDS, the
Swedish Government is invoking a nineteenth-century law
which, although amended to include special provisions in

1968 and 1985, provides for those infected by illnesses
which constitute a danger to society to be forcibly isolated .
The application of this law entails internment for life on the

basis of arbitrary decisions, without a proper trial .

1 . Can the Commission hold an inquiry into the conditions
of detention of HIV-positive persons in these penal
institutions, which have prompted the Council of

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 59

Committee on Torture to issue a for Drugs in Lisbon, the European Agency for the
of Sweden ? Evaluation of Medicinal Products in London, the European

Environment Agency in Copenhagen and the Office for

Commission not consider it a serious matter Harmonization in the Internal Market ( trade marks, designs
is the only European Union Member State and models ) in Alicante . Can the Commission carry out a
not signed Recommendation 89 on ethical study to ascertain whether the regulations applicable to
connection with infections caused by the officials and other servants of the European institutions
? were complied with during the procedures for selecting and

recruiting the staff for these agencies and whether the posts
were advertised in such a way as to give citizens the
opportunity of applying for them ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

Europe 's Committee on Torture to issue a
condemnation of Sweden ?

2 . Does the Commission not consider it a serious matter

that Sweden is the only European Union Member State
which has not signed Recommendation 89 on ethical
matters in connection with infections caused by the
AIDS virus ?

(7 July 1995 )

In the framework of the proposal for a Decision of the
Parliament and the Council ( COM(94 ) 413 final ) f 1 ) on the
extension of the Europe against Aids programme, the
Commission supports projects concerning the examination
and exchange of information on the regimes in the
Community for people with HIV and Aids in prisons and
detention centres, and the analysis at Community level and
in cooperation with Member States, of discriminatory
situations in the Member States, notably in the fields of
employment, insurance, housing and education and the
health care system .

The Commission encourages the study of the
implementation in Member States of the provisions against
discrimination contained in the resolution of the Council

and the ministers for health of the Member States meeting
within the Council of 22 December 1989 ( 2 ), and the
measures taken in the Member States to avoid

discrimination . The accession of Sweden implies the
acceptance of the Community ' acquis '.

It is outside the Commission 's competence to control the
implementation of Recommendation No 89 of the Council
of Europe concerning the ethical matters related to the
infections caused by the HIV virus .

(') OJ No C 333, 29 . 11 . 1994 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 10, 16 . 1 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1605 / 95

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 110 )

Subject : New European agencies

The Maastricht T reaty provided for the setting up of various
European agencies such as the European Monitoring Centre

Answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 July 1995 )

In the case of the agencies, the appointing authority consists
of the management board and director of the agency
concerned .

Responsibility for overseeing proper compliance with the
procedures referred to by the Honourable Member thus lies
with the said authority .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1611 / 95

by Roberta Angelilli ( NI )

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 111 )

Subject : Italian appointment to the CID

On 28 April 1995, at the request of the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Dr Ferruccio Sarti was appointed as the Italian
representative to serve on the Executive Board of the Centre
for Industrial Development ( CID ), a Brussels-based
Community body which acts as a bridge between
Community companies and the developing countries party
to the Convention of Lome .

Dr Sarti was formerly a director of the ICE ( External Trade
Institute ) under the presidency of Dr Marcello Inghilesi —
Dr Inghilesi 's term came to an end when he was arrested for
a series of offences connected with the exercise of his

powers . The Rome Public Prosecutor 's Office has sent
notice to Dr Sarti to the effect that he is under investigation
in advance of possible legal proceedings .

Can the Commission ascertain the legal position as far as Dr
Sarti is concerned and remove him from his CID office while

accusations are still outstanding against him ?

No C 257 / 60 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

(7 July 1995 )

The Commission is unable to supply any information on this
matter as it was not involved in the appointment in
question .

Mr Sarti was appointed by Council Decision 95 / 3 / EEC of
28 April 1995 under a procedure whereby the Member
States nominate oen of their own nationals, the successful
candidate then being selected by a vote among the Member
States ' representatives . The Commission has no part in the

matter .

principle only invoke considerations of human health or
public safety or, further to an opinion from the
Commission, other imperative reasons of overriding public
interest .

The Commission has examined very carefully the
implications of the A20 motorway for the two areas
concerned ( the Peene valley and the Recknitz-Trebel valley ).
It has based its opinion on a number of scientific studies,
including detailed traffic analyses and possible alternative

routes .

The route first planned through the Peene valley was
abandoned in favour of another solution which caused less

harm to the environment . As for the Recknitz-Trebel valley,
the Commission has confirmed that there is no alternative to

the chosen route .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1612 / 95

by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 112 )

Subject : The Commission 's opinion on the A 20 in
Germany

In an opinion on the German Baltic Sea A 20 motorway
project the Commission recently advocated that the road
should pass through a protected European area in the
Recknitz-Trebeltal region . In its comments the Commission
discusses Directive 79 / 409 / EEC on the conservation of wild

birds ( ] ) and Directive 92 / 43 / EEC on the conservation of
natural habitats of wild fauna and flora ( 2 ).

1 . What view does the Commission take of the law,
especially with regard to Article 6(4 ) of Directive
92 / 43 / EEC ?

2 . Are there really no alternatives to the route referred to
above ?

3 . How was this absence of alternatives proved by the
Federal Transport Ministry ?

(') OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979, p . 1 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1995 )

Article 6 of Directive 92 / 43 / EEC stipulates that Member
States must avoid the deterioration of natural habitats in

protected areas . Article 6(4 ) allows certain exemptions from
this requirement, stating that a plan or project with adverse
implications for a site may be authorized by the national
authorities for reasons of over-riding public interest and in
the absence of alternative solutions .

Where the site concerned hosts a priority habitat or species it
enjoys greater protection . National authorities may in

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1613 / 95

by Fausto Bertinotti ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 113 )

Subject : Further failure by Italy to transpose Directive

91 / 271 / EEC concerning urban waste-water
treatment into national law

The Italian Parliament adopted Decree-Law No 79 on

17 March 1995, which was converted into Law No 172 of
17 May 1995, on changes to the rules governing discharges
from public sewerage systems and discharges from civilian
establishments which are not collected in public sewers .

The text that was adopted not only fails to transpose
Directive 91 / 271 / EEC i 1 ) on urban waste-water treatment
fully and properly into national law but also postpones
implementation of the Directive indefinitely .

Directive 91 / 271 / EEC should have been transposed into
Italian national law no later than 30 June 1993 .

The Italian state should have identified ' sensitive areas ' and

' less-sensitive areas ' by 31 December 1993, ensured that the
discharge of industrial waste-water was subject to
regulations and / or authorizations in accordance with Annex
I C of the Directive, established a programme for the
implementation of the Directive and provided the
Commission with information thereon by 30 June 1994 .

The Italian State has not complied with any of the above
provisions .

2 . 10 . 95 I b-N | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 61

Does the Commission not consider that it should initiate

infringement proceedings against the Italian State, pursuant
to Article 169 of the Treaty, for incorrect and incomplete
transposition of Directive 91 / 271 / EEC ?

(') OJ No L 135, 30 . 5 . 1991, p . 40 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 July 1995 )

The Commission has instituted infringement proceedings
against Italy for failure to communicate its measures
transposing Directive 91 / 271 / EEC . The proceedings have
now reached the reasoned opinion stage .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1615 / 95

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 114 )

Subject : Statistics for animal testing in the European

Union

Can the Commission list numbers of animals used in testing
for cosmetics in each of the Member States for the years

1992, 1993 and 1994 ?

for experimental and other scientific purposes ( ). The
information provided relates to 1991 .

The actual collection of statistical data met with a

considerable number of difficulties . Firstly, it was an activity
which was new to some Member States . For this reason,
some of them were unable to provide the requested
information, and others provided information that was
incomplete . Secondly, there were difficulties or
misinterpretations on the part of some laboratories .

Nevertheless, the experience gained in the course of this first
exercise will enable data-collection in the Member States to

be better organised and the statistics to be improved .

In Germany, statistics on animals used for toxicological or
other non-toxicity tests have been combined to give a single
figure for all animals used in industry, for domestic
purposes, or in connection with cosmetic products and food
additives .

There is a particular problem concerning cosmetic products,
and a more detailed study of the relevant statistics is in
progress . The figures for animals used in the cosmetics
industry, which is mentioned in the first statistical report,
concern tests relating to finished cosmetic products as well
as to constituent substances . It should be recalled that under
Directive 76 / 76 8 / EEC ( 3 ) on cosmetic products, only
constituent substances are referred to in the Annexes to the

Directive, these being subjected to toxicological assessment
before inclusion . These various parameters will be
highlighted in subsequent collections of data .

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

( 2 ) COM(94 ) 195 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 262, 27 . 9 . 1976 .

Is the Commission satisfied with the information it receives

from Member States about animal testing for cosmetic
products ? Where, if any, are there gaps and is it true that
figures are not being adequately supplied or that in the case
of Germany, for instance, the statistics do not include
animals tested in private industry ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-1627 / 95

by Bartho Pronk ( PPE )

to the Commission

Answer given by Mrs Bonino ( 12 June 1995 )

on behalf of the Commission
95 / C 257 / 115 )
( 11 July 1995 )

Directive 86 / 609 / EEC on the protection of animals used for Subject : Home care in Europe
experimental and other scientific purposes ( ] ) stipulates in
Article 13 that the authority in each Member State shall The programme of Community action on health promotion,
collect statistical information on the use of animals in information, education and training within the framework
experiments . for action in the field of public health devotes no attention to

home care .

Furthermore, in accordance with Article 26 of the same
Directive, which states that the Commission shall at regular
intervals prepare a report on the basis of information
collected by the Member States, the Commission has
published its first report to the Council and the European
Parliament on the statistics on the number of animals used

1 . Does this mean that the Commission does not assign
priority to home care in Europe ?

2 . If so, is it not aware of the important role played by
home care in the Union ?

No C 257 / 62 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

3 . If not, will it carry out additional research to ascertain
the role of home care in the various health care systems
in the Union, possibilities of exchanging expertise and
the consequences which EU measures relating to this
sector may have, such as secondment, competition rules
and the price of medicines ?

heard in all proceedings in which sanctions . . . may he
imposed ' ( ECJ, 13 February 1979 ).

Does the Commission consider the circular letter of

,, 1 1 February 1960 from the French Prime Minister — which
of medicines ?

removes this protection if a French civil servant resigns from
his post — to be compatible with Article F of the Maastricht
Treaty, in particular in the case of a university teacher forced
to leave his teaching post because of repeated threats of
violence and abuse ?
Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 July 1995 )

The Commission is quite aware of the importance of
home-care as an aspect of overall public health care .
However, home-care as such does not fall within the ambit
of Community competence . Article 129 of the EC Treaty
sets out the constraints within which Community action
may be pursued . In accordance with this Article, the
programme of Community action on health promotion,
information and training to which the Honourable Member
refers is geared towards prevention of disease .

However, recognising the particular importance of
home-care for dependent older people, it has been included
as a priority theme in the Commission 's proposal for a
Council Decision on Community support for actions in
favour of older people .

With regard to the question of research, important work on
home-care has, indeed, already been published at European
level, both by the Commission in its 1993 ' Observatory '
report, and by the Dublin Foundation for the Improvement
of Living and Working Conditions, especially in its report
on family care of dependent older people, published in

1993 . In addition, there are several proposals on home-care
in the Biomed 2 programme for research on public
health .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1628 / 95

by Jean-Pierre Cot ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 31 May 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 116 )

Subject : Respect for the fundamental rights of the
European Union by France

The European Union has committed itself in Article F of the
Maastricht Treaty to respecting fundamental rights, in
particular those guaranteed by the Rome Convention of
4 November 1950 . Foremost among these is the ' right to be

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1995 )

The problem raised does not fall within the powers of the

Community or the European Union since it does not spring
from a Community or Union instrument . Article F of the
Treaty on European Union does not apply .

If human rights are at issue, the matter lies with the national
courts in the first instance and then with the European
Commission and Court of Human Rights .

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 163 8 / 95

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 117 )

Subject : Community regional planning

In ' Europe 2000 — Outlook for the development of the
Community 's territory ' the Commission points to the need
for detailed guidelines on cooperation at various levels and
in may areas of regional planning, and acknowledges the
urgent need to formulate a European Union policy in this

area .

Would the Commission not agree that it is vital to establish a
timetable for implementation of the development plan for
the Community 's territory ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

At their meeting in Strasbourg on 30 and 31 March 1995,
the Ministers responsible for spatial planning and regional

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 63

policies discussed the drafting of the European Spatial
Development Perspective and reviewed the work already
accomplished by the Committee on Spatial Development .
They also discussed the next stages of the work .

It was agreed that an initial draft of the ESDP would be
submitted to the Ministers during the Italian Presidency and
that a progress report would be presented on 30 November
and 1 December in Madrid during the Spanish
Presidency .

Community action aims to encourage cooperation between
Member States and lend support to their action in
cooperation with international organizations working in
the field of public health . Priority actions will be based on
the needs in the Member States for which activity at
Community level is useful .

The Community measures for communicable diseases will
therefore include activity related to vaccination, the
development of networks in order to improve the quality of
surveillance systems in Member States, and diffusion of
epidemiological information .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1642 / 95 ( ] ) COM(94 ) 413 final — OJ No C 333, 29 . 11 . 1994 .

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

( 15 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 118 )

Subject : Prevention of AIDS and certain other
communicable diseases

The proposal for a European Parliament and Council
decision adopting a programme of Community action on
the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases
within the framework for action in the field of public
health (') represents the continuation, extension and
consolidation of Community action to combat AIDS, and
extends its scope to cover a number of other communicable
diseases .

Can the Commission say whether it would not be better to
maintain the proper distinctions between action on AIDS,
where the Community already has consolidated experience
as a basis for further activity and where there are specific
features in view of the non-existence of vaccines and the

problems of confidentiality connected with screening, and
other infectious diseases, in respect of which steps have
already been taken to ensure Europe-wide coordination,
which the new programme should enhance and develop,
identifying centres of excellence which can carry out tasks
similar to what is done in the case of AIDS by the Paris
Epidemiological Centre ?

(') Doc . C 4-215 / 94 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 July 1995 )

As stated in the Commission 's communication about a

programme to prevent Aids and other communicable
diseases in the framework for action in the field of public
health ( Proposal for a Parliament and Council Decision
adopting a programme of Community action on the
prevention of Aids and certain other communicable diseases
within the framework for action in the field of public
health ( ] ), Community action against communicable
diseases is relatively recent .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1648 / 95

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

( 15 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 119 )

Subject : Sheepmeat and goatmeat

The ' proposal for a Council Regulation amending Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3013 / 89 ( ! ) on the common
organization of the market in sheepmeat and goatmeat ' ( 2 ),
lays down the individual limit on the basis of the total
amount of premiums granted for the 1991 marketing year
for each producer .

Since the 1991 marketing year was a transition between two
different systems, some producers in Italy and Greece were
unable to submit the relevant application .

Hence, it proved desirable to create special reserves for Italy
and Greece corresponding to the estimated maximum
potential number of rights which the producers would have
been able to claim . The competent authorities of those two
Member States will be able, therefore, to grant new rights up
to the limit of the special reserve referred to above and then
their national reserves will be increased with effect from the

1995 marketing year .

Will the Commission assess the desirability of increasing the

quotas to deal with legitimate applications from new
applicants and producers who carried out investment plans
before the introduction of quotas in 1993 ? The regulation
clearly specifies that applications from such producers must
be met out of the reserve .

(!) OJ No L 289, 7 . 10 . 1989, p . 1 .
( 2 ) COM(94 ) 643 ( OJ No C 382, 31 . 12 . 1994, p . 37 ).

No C 257 / 64 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 1995 )

The Commission does not believe the conference should

deal with EMU, the detailed arrangements for which were
laid down in the Union Treaty, ratified by all Member
States .

The measure covered by the Commission proposal to which
the Honourable Member refers has just been adopted by the 2 . In line with the pre-accession strategy adopted by the
Council . It clearly states that only producers affected by the Essen European Council last December, the Commission is
fact that in Italy 1991 was a year of transition towards the engaged in ongoing, structured dialogue on the integration
system currently in force can qualify for additional rights of the central and eastern European countries ( CEEC ) into
under the special reserve . Accordingly the Commission the internal market and the macro-economic relations
cannot make provision for the granting of additional rights between them and the EU .
to other categories of producers, such as those who
submitted development plans prior to 1993 . It is for the
Italian authorities to consider whether such producers can
be helped from the existing national reserve . On 3 May, the Commission adopted a white paper on
preparing the associated CEEC for their eventual
integration into the single market . It aims to help them by
identifying the key internal market legislative measures, the
technical and administrative mechanisms needed to

implement them and the way that EU technical assistance
can be adapted .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1656 / 95

by Wolfgang NulSbaumer ( NI )

to the Commission 3 . In addition, macro-economic issues will also be
discussed at the planned twice-yearly Ecofin council

( 15 June 1995 )

meetings with the ministers of the six associated countries

( 95 / C 257 / 120 ) and the Baltic States .

Subject : Countries of central and eastern Europe —

convergence criteria

At the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference, in addition to
the eastward enlargement of the European Union, the issue
of monetary union is to be discussed . Given that the
countries of central and eastern Europe already need to
make a major financial effort to comply with the objectives
laid down in the Commission White Paper on preparing the
associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe ( CCEE )
for the internal market, it would appear impossible for the
CCEE to comply with the Maastricht criteria in the
foreseeable future .

Does the Commission intend to make participation in the
single market by the CCEE subject to submission by these
countries of convergence plans ?

The aim of these meetings is to provide a more structured
and better-prepared platform for the discussions . The
meeting on 22 May, for example, dealt with the white paper
and the macro-economic framework . The reports drafted by
each of the partner countries and the economic forecasts for
them prepared by the Commission provided a basis for
discussion . This autumn 's meeting should focus more on
structural aspects, for which the Commission will draft a
summary note in conjunction with the countries
themselves .

4 . The Commission feels that the moves to gradually
align the CEEC with the internal market cannot be divorced
from the wider strategy to build healthy national economies .
The applicants for EU membership are not being formally
bound by the rules for EMU or the convergence criteria .

by Mr Van den Broek Nevertheless, continued discussions on economic

the Commission convergence will certainly help the transition of these

economies so that when the CEEC do eventually join, they
(7 July 1995 ) will be better able to fulfil the EMU conditions in the

Treaty .

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

1 . The 1996 Intergovernmental Conference will focus on
institutional reform of the Union to accommodate future

new members, particularly from central and eastern
Europe .

2 . 10 . 95 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 65

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1657 / 95

by Wolfgang NufSbaumer ( NI )

to the Commission

( 15 June 199 5 )

( 95 / C 257 / 121 )

Subject : Alteration of current antidumping instruments as

soon as the rules on competition and state aids are
implemented by the countries of central and
eastern Europe

On a proposal by Commissioners Van den Broek ( relations
with the countries of central and eastern Europe — CCEE )
and Mario Monti ( internal market ), the Commission
published a White Paper on preparing the associated
countries of central and eastern Europe for the internal
market . The second part of this document has now been
published with annexes containing a comprehensive
description of the acquis communautaire which the CCEE
must incorporate in their economies and national legislation
so that the internal market can function smoothly .

Commissioners Van den Broek and Monti have announced

in this connection that, as soon as the rules on competition
and state aids are actually implemented by the CCEE, the
EU 's antidumping instruments in their present form will no
longer be required and will therefore need to be
amended .

What measures does the Commission envisage to ensure
that, if the present antidumping instruments are altered, the
new rules on competition are observed in the CCEE ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 July 1995 )

In May 1995 the Commission stated in the white paper on
the preparation of the associated countries of central and
eastern Europe ( CEECs ) for the integration into the internal
market of the Union, that '( A ) satisfactory implementation
of competition and state aid policies ( by the associated
countries ) has been achieved, together with the application
of other parts of Community law linked to the wider market

. . . the Union could decide to reduce progressively the
application of commercial defence instruments for
industrial products from the countries concerned '.

In the light of the above it has to be clarified that the
precondition for a change in the application of the
commercial defense instruments, including the
anti-dumping instrument is therefore not only the
implementation and application of competition and state
aid rules but also the implementation and application of the
other rules making up the internal market . The rationale of

this approach is that in such a situation 'a guarantee against
unfair competition comparable to that existing inside the
internal market ' would be provided .

An illustration of this approach can be found in the rules
envisaged as an implementation of the Europe agreements in
the field of state aids, where under such rules State aids
granted by the associated country concerned and jointly
analysed with the Community would be found to be
compatible with Community law, the Community could
agree not to take anti-subsidy measures with respect to such
aids . Indeed, the application of such measures would appear
to be inappropriate as the economic operators in the
Community would, unter these conditions, benefit from a
level of protection against the distorting effects of subsidies
comparable to that inside the Community .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1658 / 95

by Wolfgang NulSbaumer ( NI )

to the Commission

( 15 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 122 )

Subject : Transeuropean transport networks — financing in

the countries of central and eastern Europe

In drawing up its plans for trans-European networks, the
Commission has expressly included the countries of central
and eastern Europe ( CCEE ) in the proposed transport
infrastructures : for example, the road and European
high-speed rail networks are to be linked up to Prague,
Budapest and Warsaw . According to Commission
estimates, ECU 220 billion will be needed up to 1999 alone
in order to build the trans-European networks .

1 . Does the Commission have a financial plan for the
construction of the trans-European transport networks
in the countries of central and eastern Europe

( CCEE )?

2 . If so, are there firm estimates of the amount of funds to
be provided by the Commission for transport networks
in the CCEE over the next five years ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

(7 July 1995 )

The European Council in Copenhagen in June 1993 agreed
that up to 15 % of the total Phare allocation could be used
for the co-financing of major infrastructure projects in
particular related to the development of trans-European
networks ( TEN ). The European Council in Essen

No C 257 / 66 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

emphasized the importance of TENs for the implementation
of the pre-accession strategy, and agreed to increase the
ceiling to 25 % .

The support is provided inside the Phare programme and
follows the normal programming procedures . Phare
financing of TEN projects takes place as co-financing with
one or more international financial institutions .

In addition to the Phare support the Commission supports
the mobilization of finanical resources from other sources

including private capital, especially for the implementation
of the nine multimodal transport corridors agreed at the
pan-European transport conference in Crete in 1994 .

In addition to the co-financing of major infrastructure
projects the Commission gives priority to the elimination of
the main international border-crossing bottlenecks .

With the current budget perspective this implies that in the

period 1995 to 19 99 more than ECU 1 200 million could be
made available for the co-financing of infrastructure
projects in the sectors of transport, energy, communications
and environment in central and eastern Europe . The budget
for this purpose in 1994 was approximately ECU 120
million .

It is envisaged that around ECU 90 million will be allocated
to the elimination of border-crossing bottlenecks in the
period 1995 to 1997 .

World Bank 's Aral Sea programme which has so far cost
ECU 30 million in its initial phase .

The T acis project started in January and its first phase covers
the setting up and organization of the executive committee
of the five countries concerned by the problems facing the
Aral Sea . It will enable coordination of the international aid

designed to tackle the whole gamut of problems stemming
from the dilapidation of the sea as well as planning of
priority measures .

The Commission expects to receive the first activity report
at the end of June .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1686 / 95

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

( IS June 1995 )

95 / C 257 / 124 )

Subject : ESF

How much of the ESF is devoted to training and retraining
schemes for ex-offenders ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1664 / 95

Answer given by Mr Flynn
by Mark Killilea ( UPE ) on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission

( 31 July 1995 )

( 15 June 199 S )

( 95 / C 257 / 123 )

Subject : Destruction of the Aral Sea

Have proposals for assistance been sought under the Tacis
programme to stem the untold devastation which has
resulted from the gradual drying up of the Aral Sea, once the
world 's fourth largest lake, which has brought about the
collapse of a former flourishing fishing industry and the
destruction of the surrounding lands from soil salinization
and threatens the existence of an entire nation of people ? If
not, does the Commission intend to take any action in this
regard ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Comrfiission

(7 July 1995 )

The Commission is financing, via the Tacis regional
programme for Central Asia, a special programme on water
resources management and agricultural production

( Warmap : ECU 4,7 million ). This project dovetails with the

The European social fund activity to reintegrate
ex-offenders is carried out under the policy aim of
combating exclusion from the labour market .

The Member States and the Commission identify in
partnership the particular groups which are exposed to
exclusion . These target groups can vary from region to
region reflecting the multifaceted nature of the phenomenon
of exclusion .

Most Member States have identified two broad categories of
groups exposed to exclusion : people with disabilities and
other people at a disadvantage in the labour market . Under
this broad category of other people at a disadvantage,
virtually every Member State makes some provision for the
reintegration of ex-offenders, and in some cases, such as
Ireland, for example, action is already targeted at prisoners
before their release .

Member States are following a pathways to integration
approach whereby a comprehensive package of measures
( including counselling, guidance, pre-training, advice to
broaden access to health, housing and education services,

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 67

help with literacy and numeracy, community work,
job-search and job placement as well as more traditional
vocational training and employment subsidies ) is available
and the actions are, as far as possible, tailored to the diverse
needs of the various groups and individuals at risk of
exclusion . This coordinated and integrated approach to
service provisions means that Member States rarely identify
a priori how much money will be spent on one excluded
group compared to another .

degree of caution is called for in interpreting these figures,
since the AIDS epidemic has led to a resurgence of interest in
tuberculosis and hence to greater vigilance in the
notification of new cases, and since the Member States do
not share a common case-definition for the disease .

a priori how much money will be spent on one excluded In its Communication of 9 November 1994 ( J ) concerning a
group compared to another . Community action programme on the prevention of AIDS

and certain other communicable diseases the Commission

identified tuberculosis surveillance as one of the priorities in

Overall, around ECU 5,5 billion { ] ) has been allocated to this area of public health . In a forthcoming communication
combating exclusion for all target groups for the period on communicable disease surveillance networks in Europe

1994—1999 . the Commission will set out specific action proposals in this

regard .
(') This figure does not include the three new Member States with

Overall, around ECU 5,5 billion { ] ) has been allocated to
combating exclusion for all target groups for the period

1994—1999 .

programmes still going through the process of approval .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1687 / 95

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 15 June 1995 )

(') COM(94 ) 413 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1691 / 95

by José Barros Moura ( PSE )

to the Commission
( 95 / C 257 / 125 )

( 15 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 126 )
Subject : Tuberculosis

Does the Commission have any comparable or other data on
the growth of tuberculosis in the Member States in recent
years, and has it any plans to gather further data on this
communicable disease ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1995 )

The Commission does not have any precise data on
tuberculosis in the Member States, since no structure exists
at present for the systematic collection, analysis and
dissemination of such data . However, the World Health
Organization intermittently produces a summary of the data
available, with the help of the International Union Against
Tuberculosis .

According to a retrospective study carried out in 1992 there
were 50 000 new cases of tuberculosis reported in the

Commission in 1991, i.e. half the number reported in 1974,
and the downward trend in new cases observed since then

has come to a halt in most Member States . A steady decline
in cases was observed in Germany, Belgium and France
between 1974 and 1991, while the situation stabilised in
Portugal and the United Kingdom, and increases were
reported in Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Italy and the
Netherlands . Since 1992, notifications have been rising by
5 % per year in France and the United Kingdom . However, a

Subject : Use of Community funds in an agricultural
hydraulics project in the Vale do Lis, Leiria

In a unanimous decision by acclamation, the ordinary
general meeting of the Vale do Lis Irrigationists ' and Users '
Association, held on 26 March 1995, adopted two motions
on the position as regards still-uncompleted works to
reclaim the boundaries of the irrigated area in the Vale do
Lis . The association was seeking answers to the questions
below :

1 . What use has been made by the Institute for Agricultural
Structures and Rural Development ( IEADR ), formerly
the Department of Hydraulics and Agricultural
Engineering ( DGHEA ), and the Portuguese Ministry of
Agriculture, of the PEDAP Community funds intended
to improve the boundaries of the irrigated area in the
Vale do Lis ? What amount did the Community
institutions agree to contribute to the Vale do Lis
agricultural hydraulics improvement project, bearing in
mind that after five years, none of the work planned has
been carried out, even though, initially ( in 1990 ),
various senior government officials maintained in
statements to the press that the sum of Esc 800 million
was available ?

2 . How much money has been provided by the Community

institutions to the Portuguese Government with a view
to financing the Vale do Lis agricultural hydraulics
improvement project ?

No C 257 / 68 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

3 . How much funding for the project has still to be
supplied to the Portuguese Government ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 28 July 1995 )

The Commission has asked the Member State concerned for

information regarding the facts referred to by the
Honourable Member . It will inform him of its findings .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1693 / 95

by Frédéric Striby ( EDN )

to the Commission

(1 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 127 )

Subject : Recognition of the interim licensing of new

vehicles by Member States : Franco-German case

France and Germany have managed to reach agreement,
through the trans-frontier cooperation agency
Infobest-Palmrain ( Haut-Rhin ), on the recognition of
provisional licence plates . These have hitherto not been
officially recognized by the Germans, causing problems in
the frontier region for people with new cars . According to a
German circular, French drivers with interim plates may
drive throughout Germany provided they have completed a
few administrative formalities .

Does the Commission propose to introduce this formula on
a general basis as part of the harmonization of driving
licences and vehicle inspections, thus making the ' free
movement ' of persons a reality ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

The Commission would first of all like to make it clear that

vehicle registration procedures, whether definitive or
provisional, are the responsibility of the Member States .

With regard to the specific question raised by the
Honourable Member, namely the recognition of licence
plates, the Commission would like to make the following
clarifications :

The international recognition of vehicle registration via
certificates of registration and licence plates is a matter of
traffic regulations which are based on international
agreements, the most recent of which, the Vienna
Convention, dates from 1968 .

In accordance with these conventions, the contracting
parties must allow vehicles registered abroad on to their
territory provided that they are covered by a valid certificate
of registration issued by a competent authority . Such a
certificate must, moreover, contain a minimum amount of
information regarding the owner and his vehicle .

As regards the particular case of provisional registrations,
they may be subject according to the arrangements in the
various contries, to restrictions on movement or may have
been issued in conditions which do not meet the minimum

requirements laid down by international traffic regulations

( on account of the absence, for example, of compulsory
particulars or because of the unofficial character of the
document issued ). It follows, that, in the light of principles
laid down by the international conventions, States are
entitled to refuse to allow vehicles which do not fulfil the

registration conditions stipulated to circulate on their
territory, unless a bilateral agreement exists between States
or transfrontier regions . The Franco-German transfrontier
agreement — of which the Commission was not aware — is
a significant example of such an agreement .

While the Commission is not currently planning any
Community action in this field, it remains attentive to the
problems which could arise as regards freedom of
movement and reserves the right to take appropriate steps
where necessary .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1703 / 95

by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 128 )

Subject : European Social Fund assistance to Portugal

The fact that vocational training constitutes a priority for
activities financed by the Community, in particular under
the European Social Fund, has been sta'ted time and time
again ; on the other hand, it is also part of declared policy to
devote special attention to small and medium-sized
undertakings, since it is recognized that they have a vital role
to play where the economic fabric and, above all,
unemployment are concerned .

The news that ESF aid for training in Portugal was used up
in the first quarter of the year is therefore something of a
surprise . What gives cause for a stronger reaction than
surprise, however, are the additional reports that the money
ran out because unduly large shares were allocated to big
companies such as the BCP and BCA banks, with the result

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 69

that SMU projects which, from the technical point of view,
would have deserved support, were starved of resources .

Does the Commission think it right that Community aid
should be employed in such a way ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 July 1995 )

One of the priorities of the European Social Fund is to
provide support for training measures in small and
medium-sized enterprises . Accordingly, the Community
support framework for Portugal for the period 1994 — 1999
provides for support measures in the area of staff training in
small and medium-sized enterprises facing increasing
difficulties as regards access to training .

In view of the articles that have appeared in the press
concerning the possible exhaustion of funds earmarked for
training, the Commission immediately called on the
Portuguese authorities to clarify the situation and to provide
information on the criteria used in selecting the projects that
are to receive assistance . These requests were repeated
during the meeting of the monitoring committee for the
' Occupational training and employment ' operational
programme, and the Commission is thus awaiting
clarification to be provided by the Portuguese authorities as
quickly as possible .

The Commission will be sure to inform the Honourable

Member about the outcome of its enquiries .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1712 / 95

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 129 )

Subject : First CSF for Greece

The report of the Court of Auditors of the European
Communities has noted a large number of irregularities in
the management of the first CSF for Greece during the

1989 — 1993 period . The most serious of these irregularities
concern the type of programmes selected for funding and
duplicate funding from Community sources .

In my previous questions ( Nos QE-997 / 93 ( ] ) and
E-390 / 94 ( 2 )) I drew attention to the sharp rise in the
number of seminars being held in Greece, and asked for an

evaluation of the results of the seminars in relation to the

declared objectives . Commissioner Flynn replied on 6 May

1994, inter alia, that

. . despite certain weaknesses which came to light in the
application of the first CSF, the fact is that the great bulk
of ESF resources have been channelled towards

objectives which are closely linked to the manifest needs
of the labour market '.

Since many of the beneficiaries were civil servants who had
nothing to fear from unemployment, since the ' certain
weaknesses ' referred to above will mean that Greece will

have to refund to the Community Dr 120 billion which have
been spent without justification and given the importance of
Social Fund investments in Greece, will the Commission say
whether, in the light of the report by the Court of Auditors,
it intends to revise its assessment of the programmes of the
first Community support framework, and to make more
determined efforts to ensure that the new CSF will achieve

better results ?

(') OJ No C 340, 5 . 12 . 1994, p . 5 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 362, 19 . 12 . 1994, p . 28 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 July 1995 )

The activities of the European Social Fund ( ESF ) in Greece
during the period 1989 — 1993 were designed to meet the
major objective of reducing the disparities between the
regions whose development is lagging behind and the
Community 's most highly developed regions . With this in
mind, the ESF 's activities in Greece were concentrated on the
development of vocational training and the promotion of
employment .

As regards the eligibility of certain operational programmes
to which the Honourable Member refers, quoting a report
of the Court of Auditors, the Commission can state that it
has taken into consideration Article 2 ( b ) of Regulation

( EEC ) No 4255 / 88 (*), which widens the scope of ESF
operations in Objective 1 regions, at the same time giving
preference to the ' curing of unemployment ' and ' investment
in human resources ' approaches and the provisions of the
said CSF, particularly Chapters 2 and 3 dealing with priority
No 5 ' Development of human resources ', which set out
guidelines for the OPs in question, the design and
introduction of which are based on an integrated
approach .

Consequently, those involved in measures under the OPs
referred to have benefited from ESF assistance, either as
young people seeking a job for which they could not be
taken on until they had completed initial recruitment
training, or as staff taking part in measures aimed at
restructuring their enterprise, or lastly under an integrated

No C 257 / 70 r EN I Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

approach in combination with the parallel development of
material investment .

Under the first CSF, the ESF granted some ECU 500 million
a year to Greece, covering various areas such as TEIs,
technical colleges or recruitment premiums . A relatively
modest part of this sum was intended for measures taken by
public enterprises . In any event, the Commission cannot
confirm the amounts mentioned by the Honourable
Member, since auditing is still in progress .

The Commission is aware of the risk of duplicate funding,
but no case of this type has been observed up to now in
Greece . However, the Commission undertakes to keep a
close watch on the auditing of all Community funding .

Having taken account of certain weaknesses which came to
light in the application of the first Greek CSF, the
Commission, in conjunction with the national authorities,
has devised a new approach to ESF operations which will
considerably improve both their quality and their
transparency . In this context, mention should be made of
the creation of the system of certification of vocational
training, the development of structures for identifying
labour market demand and the computerization of
administration .

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
protection recently recommended that the use of
radiotelephones be restricted to areas where such
interference effects are unlikely to occur ( e.g. well away
from hospital intensive care departments and similar
locations ). Manufacturers of electrical equipment are
encouraged to design and manufacture equipment that is
intensitive to radio-frequency interference .

The Commission forwarded in October 1993 to Cenelec

( Comite europeen de coordination des normes electriques ) a
standardization mandate concerning the drafting of a
European standard defining safety requirements to protect
human beings from hazardous thermal effects which may be
caused by the use of mobile communication equipment, in
the frequency range from 30 MHz to 6000 MHz in relation
to Directives 91 / 263 / EEC (') on the mutual recognition of
type approvals for telecommunication terminal equipment
and 73 / 23 / EEC ( 2 ) ( low-voltage Directive ) on safety aspects
of electrical equipment . Work under this mandate has to
take into account the essential requirements of Council
Directive 93 / 42 / EEC ( 3 ) concerning medical devices

( notably pace makers and hearing aids ) and of the relevant
standards, as they emerge, as a consequence of the
Commission 's proposal ( 4 ) under Article 118A EC
Treaty .

(>) OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1988 .
Moreover, the Commission as requested by the Parliament
and the Council, is giving urgent consideration to preparing
an action plan to investigate possible adverse effects on
health related to the use of mobile phones .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1718 / 95

by Stephen Hughes ( PSE )

(') OJ No L 128, 23 . 5 . 1991 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 77, 26 . 3 . 1973 .
(■') OJ No L 169, 12 . 7 . 1993 .

to the Commission ( 4 ) OJ No C 230, 19 . 8 . 1994 .

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 130 )

Subject : Risks to public safety from mobile hand-held

telephones

Can the Commission provide information on safety risks
posed by the use of hand-held mobile telephone
equipment ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E - 1724 / 95

by Fausto Bertinotti ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 131 )
Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 31 July 1995 )

Radio-frequency emissions from hand-held radiotelephones
can, under certain circumstances, cause interference with
some electrical and electronic equipment . Such interference
may have safety implications . Interference with
electromedical equipment, especially life support devices, is
of particular concern .

Subject : Definition of ' significant effects on the
environment ' for the purposes on environmental
impact assessments Directive 85 / 337 / EEC

Article 2(1 ) of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') requires an
environmental impact assessment for any project which is

' likely to have significant effects on the environment '.

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 71

However, neither the body of the Directive nor the annexes
actually define what constitute ' significant effects on the
environment ' and the absence of criteria defining this
concept gives rise to problems in the interpretation of the
Regulations .

1 . What criteria, if any, does the Commission use to

determine whether a project has significant effects on
the environment ?

2 . Does the Commission not feel that it should bring
forward a proposal to amend Directive 85 / 337 / EEC to
include criteria defining what is meant by significant
effects on the environment and ensuring that the
relevant legislation is interpreted in a uniform
manner ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1725 / 95

by Pervenche Beres ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 132 )

Subject : Confidentiality of studies carried out by the

Commission

When preparing Directives, Regulations or communications
the Commission frequently has recourse to outside
consultants to help further its thinking .

0 ) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 .
Such studies often receive wide coverage and circulation in
the European and international press, yet it is difficult for
MEPs who wish to do so to have access to this source of

information .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission cites the international nature of such
( 19 July 1995 )
documents as a reason for not releasing them .

1 . Article 2(1 ) of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC defines the
general obligation to subject projects likely to have
significant effects on the environment to the procedure for
assessing environmental impact laid down in the Directive .
It specifies which features of a project have to be singled its
nature, size or location .

In its role as guardian of Community law, the Commission
checks whether, when exercising their powers of appraisal
concerning the projects listed in Annex II, as is their right,
Member States have taken these features into consideration

to decide whether an individual project ought to be
subjected to an environmental impact assessment in
accordance with the directive .

2 . The Commission would like to draw the attention of

the Honourable Member to the fact that, within the
framework of the cooperation procedure, it has sent a
proposal (') to amend Directive 85 / 337 / EEC to Parliament
for its opinion, the aim of the proposal being to ensure
coordinated implementation of the Directive 's provisions,
especially those referring to the problem mentioned by the
Honourable Member . Parliament has not yet stated its
position on this proposal .

The Commission will not be able to consider the possibility
of changing its proposal unless and until amendments are
put forward by Parliament .

(>) COM(93 ) 575, OJ No C 130, 12 . 5 . 1994 .

Will the Commission respond to requests from MEPs when
they wish to obtain a study on the same basis as the
press ?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

( 13 July 1995 )

The Commission wishes to assure the Honourable Member

that it in no way uses the internal nature of documents as a
pretext for not releasing them .

Many of the studies carried out on behalf of the Commission
are published and distributed either free of charge or for a
fee by the Office for Official Publications of the European
Communities ( OPOCE ). These documents are therefore
accessible to all interested individuals, including obviously
the Members of Parliament . The OPOCE advertises these

works as it does its other publications .

Those studies which are not published are treated as internal
Commission documents and, as such, are subject to
Commission Decision 94 / 90 / ECSC, EC, Euratom of
8 February 1994 on public access to its documents ('). This
Decision, which lays down a common code of conduct for
the Commission and the Council, establishes the principle
that anyone, regardless of his personal or occupational

No C 257 / 72 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

status, shall enjoy the widest possible access to the WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 733 / 95
documents of the institution, on condition, obviously, that by Alex Smith ( PSE )
public and private interests are protected . to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )
(') OJ No L 46, 18 . 2 . 1994 .

( 95 / C 257 / 134 )

Subject : Alternatives to nuclear re-processing

WRITTEN QUESTION P-l 728 / 95

In written reply E-1895 / 94 ( ) of 15 December 1994, the

Malone ( PSE )

Commission suggests that the discussion of the issue raised

the Commission in Parliament 's report A3-220 / 93 ( 2 ), in particular

(7 June 1995 ) recommendation 8, should be postponed until all of the

( 95 / C 257 / 133 ) alternative options to nuclear re-processing are industrially
available .

by Bernie Malone ( PSE )

to the Commission

(7 June 1995 )

Subject : Bhutanese refugees in Nepal

In light of the movement of 100 000 Bhutanese refugees to
Nepal as a result of harassment by Bhutanese Government
troops, and of Parliament 's long-standing position on
human rights thoughout the world, what representations
has the Commission made to the King of Bhutan and the
Bhutanese Government to help bring an end to this
persecution ? What influence will this crisis have on its
attitude to the negotiation of future agreements with
Bhutan ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

In light of this conclusion, when does the Commission
expect each of the options for dealing with irradiated fuel to
be developed from the experimental to the industrial
implementation stage, and what criteria will it adopt to
make its judgements on the status of the management
options ?

i 1 ) OJ No C 55, 6 . 3 . 1995, p . 14 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 255, 20 . 9 . 1993, p . 255 .

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

30 June 1995 ) ( 25 July 1995 )

Most of the problems in the south of Bhutan are apparently
caused by illegal immigrants from Nepal into southern
Bhutan . The Bhutanese have tried at the same time to

integrate the earliest immigrants and to stop the recent
influx by sending back illegal immigrants who are now in
refugee camps in Nepal . The Commission is not aware of
any harassment by Bhutanese Government troops, but the
situation is continuously and carefully monitored .

In this context, the Commission has expressed its concern
about the refugee problem several times to both the
Bhutanese and Nepalese Governments and has invited them
to find a much needed rapid solution to this issue .

Negotiation of an agreement with Bhutan is not envisaged in
the near future since the Bhutanese Government has not yet
expressed any wish to enhance the level of its relations with
the Community .

Given that industrial and commercial processes for the
re-processing of irradiated fuel are available, the
Commission takes the view that there can be no useful

discussion of the points raised in resolution A3-220 / 93, in
particular recommendation 8, until the option of closing the
nuclear fuel cycle without re-processing moves on from the
experimental stage to the initial stage of industrial
implementation ( commissioning of a pilot facility for the
conditioning of irradiated fuel elements, setting up of an
industrial installation ).

The Commission will not be in a position to adopt criteria
on which to make judgements until the development
programmes currently in progress in the Community have
been completed, which is expected to be around the turn of
the century .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 73

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 734 / 95 award of a contract, a period which is spent examining the

by Graham Watson ( ELDR ) eligibility and quality of the project .

to the Commission

( 21 June 199S )

( 95 / C 257 / 135 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 736 / 95

by Pervenche Berès ( PSE )

Subject : Commission criteria for cofinancing development

projects

Development NGOs in my constituency have reported
lengthy delays and serious communication problems in their
dealings with DG VIII . Does the Commission publish its
guidelines for dealing with applications from NGOs for the
cofinancing of projects ? If not, will it undertake to make
these criteria known in future, so that NGOs seeking
funding for their projects may take them into account when
they plan their applications ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 July 1995 )

Since the matter raised by the question is the joint
competence of Vice President Marin and Commissioner
Pinheiro, the following answer is given by the two members
on behalf of the Commission .

The rules for the financing both of projects with NGOs in
developing countries and of awareness campaigns in the EU
have been in force since 1 January 1988 . They are well
known to UK NGOs, which are also frequently in touch
with the Commission .

to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 136 )

Subject : Social security insurance and free movement

In accordance with local legislation still in force in the
Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin and Moselle, employees in those
departments pay to the Social Security Department
contributions higher than those in the general scheme and,
in return, receive higher benefits ( 100% reimbursement in
the case of hospitalization and 90 % in the case of other
treatment ).

The Social Security Department is refusing to maintain the
scheme applied to employees if, on retirement, they no
longer live in those departments .

They are then no longer covered by the scheme, which is
much more advantageous than the general scheme .

The French courts have frequently upheld cases brought by
plaintiffs but the French Government categorically refuses
to give them satisfaction .

Can the Commission say whether the French Government
has infringed the Regulations on migrant workers which
stipulate that social security insurance is closely connected
with free movement ( Regulations ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 f 1 ) and

( EEC ) No 574 / 72 ( 2 ) — consolidated versions ) ( 3 )?

0 ) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7 . 1971, p . 2 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 74, 27 . 3 . 1972, p . 1 .

Moreover, each year the Commission publishes its ' Digest of ( 3 ) OJ No C 325, 10 . 12 . 1992, p. 1 . and p. 96 .
Community resources available for financing NGO
development activities ', which makes it easier for European
NGOs to apply for funding from other parts of the
Commission budget besides the NGO co-financing heading, Answer given by Mr Flynn

on behalf of the Commission

B7-5010 .

The Commission has co-financing relations with around

800 European NGOs . This allows it to show a human face
in its contacts with the representatives of civil society . The
NGOs generally appreciate this even though the
Commission lays down strict rules concerning the quality of
their work and their project dossiers .

As regards the time taken to deal with applications, it is
natural that there should be a gap of several months between
the submission of the co-financing application and the

(6 July 1995 )

The Commission would like to draw the Honourable

Member 's attention to the fact that Regulations ( EEC )
No 1408 / 71 and ( EEC ) No 574 / 72 referred to in their
question do not provide for a joint social-security scheme,
but rather allow separate national schemes to exist .

The Court of Justice has stated on several occasions ( ! ) that
Article 51 of the EC Treaty, which constitutes the legal basis
for the abovementioned Regulations, allows different
social-security schemes to exist in the Member States .

No C 257 / 74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

It should, however, be noted that Community law,
especially Articles 48 to 51 of the EC Treaty and Article 3 of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 do not allow direct or
indirect discrimination between workers from Community
Member States under national schemes ( 2 ).

Therefore, as long as the French scheme as described by the
Honourable Member does not discriminate between

workers from Community Member States, it cannot come
under Community law .

In addition, the Commission would like to point out that
Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 sets out similar provisions to
those under the French scheme described by the Honourable
Member in the event of workers changing their place of
residence to another Member State . Article 19(1 ) of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 stipulates that benefits in
kind shall be provided by the competent institution of the
place of residence of the worker concerned in accordance
with the legislation administered by that institution, even if
the worker is insured under the scheme of another Member

State .

(') See especially the judgment of 15 January 1986 in Case 41 / 84

Pinna 1 1 986 ] ECR 1, point 20, and the judgment of 7 February

1991 in Case C-227 [ 1989 ] ECR 1-323, point 12 .

( 2 ) See especially the judgment of 4 October 1991 in Case C-341

Parachi 1 1987 ] ECR 1-4501, point 16 .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-l 742 / 95

by Roy Perry ( PPE )

to the Commission

(8 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 137 )

Subject : Application of GSP rules

Can the Commission give its reasons for changing the GSP
rules governing the import of parquet flooring under tariff
code 4418 ?

In addition could the Commission give its reasons for failing
to allow for a period of consultation before implementing
the provisions of this change of rule ? Equally could the
Commission supply information on the remit and statute of
the ' Management Review Committee ' which is being set up
to review the workings of the changes ?

the previous situation of duty-free entry subject to possible
re-application of duty once imports had attained a certain
level, to a situation now, where these goods, under the GSP,
receive a preferential tariff amounting to 70 % of the normal
tariff, is a result of a major revision of the GSP as a whole . In
the process of arriving at the current situation, the interests
of Member States and economic operators within the
Community had also to be taken into account .

The GSP scheme for 1995 to 1998 for industrial products
was implemented on 1 January 1995 . This new scheme has
changed completely the operation of the previous schemes
to introduce more security, greater predictability and
simplicity in its operation . The principles regarding the new
scheme were announced by the Commission to the Council
and the Parliament in its communication, ' Integration of
developing countries in the international trading system,
role of the GSP, 1995 — 2004 (')'. These principles have
been fully respected in the GSP scheme now in
operation .

The Commission did not fail to consult with interested

parties before the implementation of the new GSP scheme .
Several information meetings were held on this subject with
the principal European associations, representing traders,
importers, industrialists as well as the beneficiary countries
themselves, throughout the whole adoption process of the
regulation .

Last but not least, the Parliament was consulted on several
occasions on the proposed GSP scheme ( 2 ), notably in the
development and external relations committees and the
proposal was the subject of a report from Mrs Maij-Wegen
which called for several amendments to be made . This was

noted by the Commission, which accepted several of the
proposed amendments when the Parliament adopted the
Maij-Wegen report on 18 November 1994 in Strasbourg .

A Committee made up of representatives of the Member
States chaired by the Commission under the title of the
Committee for the management of generalized preferences,
has been established as required by Article 17 of Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3281 / 94 of 19 December 1994 ( 3 ) to
manage the operation of the GSP . Articles 18 and 19 of the
same Regulation define the tasks of this committee . These
tasks are primarly of a consultative nature on questions like
safeguards or possible withdrawals of GSP treatment in case
of unacceptable practices, but the committee can also act as
regulatory committee under Article 19 on technical changes
to nomenclature or measures foreseen in Article 18

paragraphs 2 and 3 .

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission (') COM(94 ) 212 .

( 2 ) COM(94 ) 337 .

( 30 June 1995 ) (■') OJ No L 348, 31 . 12 . 1994 .

The change in the generalized system of preferences ( GSP )
rules relating to parquet flooring of tariff code 4418, from

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 75

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1755 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 746 / 95 WRITTEN QUESTION

by Thomas Megahy ( PSE ) by David Bowe ( PSE )

by Thomas Megahy ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 138 )

Subject : Denied-boarding compensation system

Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 295 / 91 (') of 4 February
1991 establishes common rules for a denied-boarding
compensation system in scheduled air transport .

Although this legislation may be in place in Member States it
has been brought to my attention that in the UK, at least, it is
not made easy for passengers to find out about the existence
of the compensation should the need arise .

Does the Commission not think that publicity for the
scheme should be enforced so that, for instance, airlines and
tour operators must include the information in their leaflets
and brochures ?

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 139 )

Subject : Novel foods Directive

Does the Commission think that the amendments proposed
by Parliament to the Directive on Novel Foods (') with
regard to labelling requirements of novel food are in any
way compatible with the publicized views of a panel of
ethical experts in Germany who have said that labels ' should
only state how such foods are produced if biotechnology has
led to " significant changes " in the product '?

(') COM(93 ) 631 — OJ No C 16, 19 . 1 . 1994, p . 10 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(') OJ No L 36, 8 . 2 . 1991, p . 5 . ( 12 July 1995 )

The Commission believes that the opinion issued on 5 May

1995 by the Commission 's group of advisors on the ethical

Answer given by Mr Kmnock implications of biotechnology, to which the Honourable

on behalf of the Commission

Member seems to be referring, is not incompatible with the
(7 July 1995 ) amendments proposed by the Parliament on first reading on
27 October 1993 .

Since April 1991, passengers have benefited from
Regulation ( EEC ) No 295 / 91 establishing common rules for
a denied-boarding compensation ( DBC ) system in
scheduled air transport . The Regulation covers all scheduled
flights departing from Community airports, of both
Community and non-Community carriers, and is directly
applicable in national law . Enforcement is, however, the
responsibility of Member States . Article 8 of the Regulation
requires air carriers to provide ' each passenger affected by
denied boarding with a form setting out the denied boarding
compensation rules '.

The Commission is aware, however, that it seems that not all
airlines comply fully with the Regulation . Therefore, the
Commission intends to examine the way in which the denied
boarding Regulation has been applied, and if necessary,
examine ways to improve it . At the same time the
Commission will take a closer look at the specific issue of
over-booking and other aspects of the contractual situation
of air passengers .

Like the Parliament, the group of advisors recommends in
certain defined cases process-specific labelling for foods
derived by modern biotechnology . The group of advisors
points to the need to allow consumers to make an informed
choice, by providing them with information which should
be enforceable, useful, adequate, informative, clear,
understandable and not misleading .

Hence the group of advisors states that, ' labelling will be
appropriate when modern biotechnology causes a
substantial change in composition, nutritional value or the
use for which the food is intended, not for only the new food
composition and characteristics but also, in this specific
case, for the process '.

In those cases where the food characteristics remain

unchanged the group does not consider it appropriate to
foresee any special labelling, since it would be neither
feasible nor enforceable .

No C 257 / 76 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1765 / 95 monitor the situation closely and will, if necessary, consider

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) placing the relevant products under surveillance .

to the Commission

( 21 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 140 )

Subject : Access for ready-made clothing to the Community

market

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 771 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

On 4 and 5 May, the Commission and the United Arab
Emirates held a meeting in Brussels with aim of reaching an ( 95 / C 257 / 141 )
agreement on regulating access for ready-made clothing to
the Community market, after it was discovered that there
was a danger of trade diversion which would infringe the Subject : Re-cycling in the steel
rules of origin .

Subject : Re-cycling in the steel industry

According to information I have received, the Commission
had already sent a fact-finding mission to the Emirate of
Dubai to check whether or not rules of origin were being
infringed . Can the Commission say what the findings of the
mission were and whether any measures have been
taken ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 July 1995 )

A second round of talks between the Community and the
United Arab Emirates on a bilateral textiles agreement was
held on 4 / 5 May . The aim was to arrange reciprocal
measures to monitor the growth in imports of a number of
textile and clothing products and to check that the origin of
goods was as stated .

The search for an agreement was prompted by two

investigations in the UAE — one in April 1994 under the
Textile Anti-fraud Initiative ( TAFI ) and the second
undertaken by a Community fact-finding mission last
January — which revealed a strong possibility of origin

fraud on what were thought to be large quantities of T - shirts
and pullovers .

One good point to emerge from the latest meeting is the UAE
delegation 's statement that its country had tightened up its
procedure for issuing certificates of origin .

The next round of talks are scheduled for September .
Meanwhile, the UAE has agreed to study a revised draft
agreement submitted by the Commission following the
meeting . For its part, the Commission will continue to

More than 200 representatives of 22 countries, several of
them from central and eastern Europe, took part in the
conference on re-cycling in the steel industry organized by
the UN 's Economic Commission for Europe, which was
held in Diisseldorf from 24 to 27 April . At the conference,
the huge re-cycling capacity in the steel industry was
emphasized . It was also pointed out that the existence of
differing standards from country to country was one of the
main causes of the distortion in the market in recycled
materials and was therefore incompatible with the smooth
functioning of the international market .

In view of the above, can the Commission say what
measures are being taken to harmonize the legislation
governing re-cycling in the steel sector ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 July 1995 )

Scrap metal, a product that is marketed internationally, is a
raw material that is very important for supplying the

Community 's iron and steel industry . Scrap re-cycling offers
economic advantages and helps to improve the environment
at the same time .

Large quantities of scrap iron are traded between the
Community and the countries of central and eastern
Europe . This trade is not regulated by specific Community
arrangements but simply treated as normal business . The
transactions are covered by a multitude of business
arrangements based more often than not on specifications
laid down by the industry itself . However, at the frequent
meetings with the central and eastern European countries in
the contact groups the Commission has discussed the
problems of scrap metal with a view to removing barriers to
free movement . The Commission is currently looking into
the need to harmonize such voluntary measures for scrap

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 77

metal in a general study of recycling as an industrial activity .
In this context the Commission is closely associated with the
work of the European Committee for Standardization,
which is currently studying the feasibility of European
standards in the re-cycling field .

general study of recycling as an industrial activity . meets safety requirements and carrying out strict controls in
the Commission is closely associated with the the planning and management of nuclear power stations .
European Committee for Standardization, Article 17 IV also requires the Contracting Parties to
currently studying the feasibility of European exchange information that will enable them to evaluate the
the re-cycling field . impact of other parties ' nuclear projects on their territory .

The convention has not yet entered into force as it has still to
be ratified by a sufficient number of signatory states . Turkey
has ratified the convention . The Community as such cannot
demand that this convention be applied before it enters into
force and before all Member States concerned have
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 784 / 95 completed the necessary ratification procedures ( Article 102

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) of the Euratom Treaty ).

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE )

to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 142 )

Subject : Nuclear power station in Turkey

Articles have appeared in the Greek and international press
concerning the construction of a nuclear power station in
Turkey on the coast directly opposite the island of Rhodes
and indeed only a few miles distant from it .

— In view of Parliament 's position that the use nuclear

energy should be restricted,

— given that the borders of Greece constitute the southern

borders of the European Union, and

— given also that this region of southern Turkey is an

earthquake zone,

will the Commission say whether it is aware of the
construction of this plant, whether the appropriate
environmental studies have been carried out and whether it

intends to make repesentations on this subject to the
Turkish Government ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1789 / 95

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 143 )

Subject : Disbursement of funds under the Fourth
Framework Programme

1 . How long does it take on average for funds to be
disbursed from the Fourth Framework Programme to
projects already approved ?

2 . The time limits within which the first payment is
required to be made out of appropriations under the
programme is 12 months . Is this time limit of 10 exceeded ?
If so, why ?

3 . Is it possible to guarantee speedier disbursement ?
Flow quickly ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek Answer given by Mrs Cresson
on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission

( 20 July 1995 ) ( 25 July 1995 )

The Commission is aware of the fact that the Turkish

authorities are currently examining the possibility of
starting a programme to build a nuclear power station . The
project is still only at a preliminary stage and a feasibility
study is being carried out by a foreign consultant . No
decision to build a nuclear power station has therefore been
taken as yet by the Turkish authorities and other ways of
meeting the country 's future energy needs are also being
taken into consideration . The Commission is therefore

waiting to see how this matter develops .

It should be noted, however, that Turkey has signed several
international conventions in the nuclear field, notably the

1994 Nuclear Safety Convention under the auspices of the
International Atomic Energy Agency . That convention
requires Contracting Parties to give priority to nuclear
safety, particularly by introducing appropriate legislation,
preparing for emergency situations, choosing a site that

The first calls for proposals for specific programmes under
the fourth framework programme were recently closed and
the projects are now being evaluated .

Article 21 of the Commission 's model contract, in use since
October 1988, states that the Commission will make an
advance payment to all the parties within two months
following the signing of the contract . In practice this
payment is made immediately after the contract is signed .
From then onwards the Commission pays the amounts due
after approving the detailed statements of account sent to it
in accordance with the timetable for each project .

The average time taken for payment of invoices is between
28 and 41 days . The Commission is continuing its efforts to
reduce this delay .

No C 257 / 78 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 790 / 95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-1791

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) by Philippe De Coene ( PSE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1791 / 95

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR )

to the Commission to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 ) ( 28 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 144 ) 95 / C 257 / 145 )

Subject : Prices for the ' Panorama of EU Industry '

The ' Panorama of EU Industry 1994 ' is obtainable both as a
book (1 370 pages ) for ECU 130, and in CD-ROM form

( production cost : less than ECU 1 ). However, the CD-ROM
version costs ECU 300, almost three times as much as the
printed version .

What is the reason for this enormous disparity in price,
particularly in view of the low production costs for a
CD-ROM of this type ?

Subject : Implementation of Article 40 of the Fourth

ACP-EEC Lome Convention

Should the Commission 's answer to my earlier Written
Question No 96 / 95 (*) on the same subject — an answer
which mentions only multilateral initiatives — be taken to
mean that no ACP state, relying explicitly on Article 40 of
Lome IV, has requested the Community on a bilateral basis
to provide technical information on specific pesticides or
other chemical products ?

If this is not the implication of the Commission 's answer, to
which individual ACP States has the Community provided
information pursuant to that Article, and concerning what
products ?

Is this how the Commission wishes to promote the
development of the information society in general and the
use of digital communications in particular ? (') OJ No C 139, 5 . 6 . 1995, p . 58 .

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission
Answer given by Mr Oreja
on behalf of the Commission ( 24 July 1995 )

( 24 July 1995 )

The paper and CD-ROM versions of the Panorama of EC
Industry, 1994 are not strictly comparable, as the CD-ROM
version :

— holds three language versions as opposed to one,

— contains two large databases which, with its specially

developed software, enables the customer to present,
manipulate and extract data to meet his individual
requirements,

— enables greatly superior searches than those possible

with the paper version .

It should be noted that these two latter points involve a
substantial increase in the costs of producing the original,
which have to be passed on to the copies .

The selling price of the CD-ROM version therefore reflects
these costs and, given current market rates, cannot, in the
Commission 's view, be considered an obstacle to the
development of the information society .

The Community has received no formal bilateral requests
from ACP States seeking information or technical assistance
to enable them to improve health and safety aspects of the
management of pesticides and other chemical products .

The activities listed in the Commission 's answer to Written

Question No 96 / 95 all stemmed from multilateral
Commission initiatives .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 807 / 95

by Leen van der Waal ( EDN )

to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 146 )

Subject : Controls on road transport in the Member
States

In its sixteenth report (*) of 15 October 1993, pursuant to
Article 16 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 3820 / 85 ( 2 ) the
Commission gives an account of the state of affairs with
regard to controls on road transport in the Member
States .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 79

This report showed that some Member States were not even
in a position to provide information on controls . All this
hinders the operation of the Internal Market .

1 . What measures has the Commission taken in this

connection ?

2 . Have these measures yet been effective ?

(') ( COM(93 ) 494 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 370, 31 . 12 . 1985, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

— organizing meetings with government experts and the

industry in order to achieve more uniform checks
throughout the Community .

(') OJ No L 325, 29 . 11.1988 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 72, 25 . 3 . 1993 .

( 3 ) OJ No C 243, 30 . 8 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1813 / 95

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

( 17 July 1995 ) to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

The Commission 's sixteenth report concerning the
implementation of social legislation relating to road
transport is atypical because it covers the period 1986 to

1990, which corresponds to the entry into force of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3820 / 85 and Directive ( EEC )
No 88 / 599 (^, the objective of which is to improve the
implementation of the social legislation, in particular by
obliging the Member States to carry out a minimum number
of checks as to its implementation .

The difficulties encountered by Member States in furnishing
the Commission with data concerning the implementation
of this legislation during the period in question can
consequently be accounted for by this state of affairs . For
their part, Spain and Portugal were faced with problems
arising from their accession, which also was taking effect
during this period .

The new provisions that have been instituted should
facilitate an improvement of this situation, particularly as —
in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation ( EEC )
No 3820 / 85 — the Commission has drawn up a standard
form with the aim of making the collection of data
homogeneous ( Decision of 22 February 1993 ( 2 )).

This measure has brought about a distinct improvement in
the collection of data needed to draw up the seventeenth
report on the implementation of social legislation relating to
road transport covering the period 1991 / 92 ( which is also
the first report devoted entirely to the implementation of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3820 / 85 ). The full effect of this
measure should be felt in the report covering the period

1993 / 94 .

The Commission has taken several steps to achieve more
effective checks and ensure that the social legislation
concerned is respected, notably by :

— submitting a proposal aimed at increasing the
effectiveness of the chronotachograph ( 3 );

— studying, with representatives of both sides of industry,

the question of working hours in the field of transport
and, secondly, promoting the initial and on-going
occupational training of drivers, and

( 95 / C 257 / 147 )

Subject : SCF in the area of baby and infant feeding

1 . Is it true that Professor Rey, member of the
Commission 's Scientific Committee for Food responsible
for baby and infant feeding, conducts studies for the
industry himself, or has them conducted by his institute ?

2 . Is it true that, in the SCF, he himself checks and
evaluates the studies conducted by him or his colleagues ?

3 . Is it true that Professor Ray ( France ) usually delivers a
negative assessment of studies and scientific findings on
baby and infant feeding which have not been conducted by
himself and his institute ?

4 . What is the Commission 's view of this conflict of

interest ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 July 1995 )

Professor Rey is appointed as a member of the Scientific
committee for food ( SCF ) in the capacity of an individual
scientific expert . The Commission considers his expertise in
the field of nutrition, particularly that of infants and young
children, to be an asset to the committee .

It is normal practice for professionally active scientists to
undertake work for their institution, for government and for
industry . It is by engaging in such activities that their
expertise is amassed, maintained and kept current . The
Commission considers their active participation in such
studies to be a positive factor in relation to their ability to
contribute to the work of the SCF . The Commission rejects
entirely any suggestion that such activities improperly

No C 257 / 80 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

influence Professor Rey 's judgement of matters before the
Scientific Committee for Food .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1815 / 95

by Eryl McNally ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 148

Subject : Panam integrated rural development project in

Tibet

Could the Commission confirm reports in the European
Journal that a £ 5,9 million deal has been approved for the

Panam integrated rural development project in Tibet and
that this was approved during a closed session in October

1994 ?

Is the Commission aware of the environmental tragedy that
may result from this decision and that the United Nations
suspended a similar scheme for ecological reasons ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 July 1995 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

answers to Written Questions No 94 / 95 by Mr
Vandemeulebroucke ( 1 ), No 276 / 95 by Mr Langer and Mrs
Aglietta (') and No 1054 / 95 by Mr Watson ( 2 ).

The project followed exactly the same procedure of
approval as other development projects financed by the
Community including bearing of experts in all the Member
States and was adopted by the Commission on
11 November 1994 following the opinion of the Asia-Latin
America Committee . The Commission always considers the
environmental impact of a development project before a
decision to proceed is taken .

So far the financing agreement, which would constitute the
official start of the project, has not been completed .

(') OJ No C 139, 5 . 6 . 1995 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 179, 13 . 7 . 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 820 / 95

by Sylviane Ainardi ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 149 )

Subject : The human rights situation in Syria

On 17 November 1994, Parliament adopted a resolution ( J )
on the Fourth Financial Protocol to the EU-Syria
Cooperation Agreement calling on the Commission to
submit to Parliament a report on developments in the
human rights situation in Syria .

Will the Commission state whether it has drawn up such a
report and give its assessment of developments in the human
rights situation in Syria ?

(!) OJ No C 341, 5 . 12.1994, p . 177 .

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 July 1995 )

In the resolution referred to by the Honourable Member,
adopted by the EC / Syria Cooperation Council, Parliament
reminded the Council of the request made to it when the
Third and Fourth Financial Protocols with Syria were
approved to provide Parliament each year with a report on
the human rights situation in that country . The Commission
is consequently of the opinion that Parliament should
address its inquiries about this report to the Council .

The Commission would assure the Honourable Member

that it keeps a watchful eye on the situation regarding
respect for human rights in Syria and takes every possible
opportunity to make clear to the Syrian authorities its
concern over this subject and the importance attached to it

by the Commission .

The Commission has observed improvements in this field
since 1993, in particular the freeing of some political
prisoners, the preparation of trials and permission for
humanitarian associations — namely Amnesty
International and Human Rights Watch — to hold an
inquiry in Syria and to meet responsible officials of that

country .

The Commission is aware, however, that the situation is far

from satisfactory and has made clear that respect for human

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 81

rights is a basic factor in improving of relations with
Syria .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 827 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 28 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 150 )

Subject : A uniform approach to social policy

In order correctly to assess the development of the Member
States ' social and employment policies, does the
Commission intend to submit a proposal which would
allow a uniform approach to be taken and homogeneous
statistics to be drawn up at Community level on questions
relating to social and employment policy such as ' y° un g
worker ', ' unemployed person ', ' flexibility ', ' active policies ',
etc ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 31 July 1995 )

In the follow-up to the Essen and Cannes European
Councils, a report is to be prepared annually which keeps
close track of employment trends, monitors the relevant
policies of Member States and reports on further progress in
the employment market . The report for 1995 will be
prepared on the basis of contributions from the Member
States . For subsequent years the Commission is discussing
with the Member States the use of a limited number of

quantitative and qualitative indicators which could be used
in a concerted manner to assess progress .

In order to provide for appropriate statistics for following
trends in the labour market ( employment, unemployment,
flexibility, etc .) at Community level, the Commission is in
the process of defining a target-structure for a revised labour
force survey . This target-structure, which is being defined in
collaboration with the national statistical institutes, will aim
to provide a labour force survey which is more comparable,
more frequent ( quarterly ) and with a greater number of
questions ( covering salaries for example ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 846 / 95

by Fausto Bertinotti ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(3 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 151 )

Subject : Significant delays in publication of the
Commission 's twelfth report on monitoring of the
implementation of Community law in the Member
States

The Commission adopted the twelfth report on the
implementation of Community law in the Member States
over five months ago . The report has not yet been published
in the form of a COM document, nor in the Official Journal
of the European Communities .

Will the Commission state when it intends to publish the
report and explain the reasons for this delay ?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

( 13 July 1995 )

Contrary to the assertion made by the Honourable Member,
the Commission adopted its twelfth report on monitoring
the application of Community law in the Member States
during the month of June ( ! ).

The French-language version of the report has already been
forwarded to Parliament . The other language versions will
follow as soon as they become available .

( 1 ) COM(95 ) 500 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-l 864 / 95

by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 16 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 152 )

Subject : Interim Review of the implementation of the Fifth

Environmental Action Programme

Can the Commission tell me first of all what importance it
attaches to the Interim Review of the implementation of the
Fifth Environmental Action Programme ('), and secondly,
to whom the communication in question is addressed ?

(!) COM(94 ) 453 final .

No C 257 / 82 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 July 1995 ) ( 17 July 1995 )

In adopting its resolution of 1 February 1993 on the Fifth
Action Programme on the environment, the Council invited
the Environmental policy review group ( EPRG ), set up
under the Fifth Programme, to keep the implementation of
the programme under review on the basis of regular reports
from the Commission .

The Commission considered that it would be appropriate,
half way through the period between approval of the
programme and the review due to take place before the end
of 1995, to make information on progress more widely
available .

The communication was therefore sent for information to

the Parliament and to the Council . The fifth programme
stresses the importance of working together at all levels of
administration and social and economic sectors in a spirit of
shared responsibility, transparency and partnership . The
communication was therefore also sent for information to

other organizations at Community, national, regional and
local level .

The Commission made clear that this was a preliminary
report assessing in a qualitative way the progress made . A
more comprehensive report on progress will be part of the
review process which will also include an updated state of
the environment report to be prepared by the European
environment agency .

It should be noted that the Community 's stated wish to be
involved in the consultations with the United States

requested by Japan was grounded in the procedures of the
World Trade Organization ( WTO ) covering the unilateral
trade sanctions announced by the United States and aimed
at imports of certain models of Japanese cars on the US
market .

These procedures provide that a third party, in this case the
Community, shall be admitted to the consultations ( in this
instance requested by Japan ) on condition that the
defending party ( in this case the United States ) recognizes
the existence of a ' substantial ' trade interest .

The Community had based its claim to have an interest in
the consultations on the principles bound up with
compliance by the United States with the WTO multilateral
provisions governing dispute settlement, including the
matter of retaliatory trade measures . The United States was
not prepared to accede to the Community request unless it
was reformulated to spell out the Community trade interest .
The Community declined to accept this response by the
United States .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 869 / 95

by Fausto Bertinotti ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E - 1 867 / 95 (3 July 1995 )

by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE ) 95 / C 257 / 154 )

to the Commission

(3 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 153 )

Subject : Japanese-USA negotiations in the automobile

sector

According to Agence Europe (8 June 1995 ), the USA has
refused the EU 's request for observer status in the
forthcoming negotiations between Japan and the USA on
the question of access to the Japanese market for American

cars .

This refusal apparently follows Japanese acceptance of the
request and statements by the Commission spokesman to
the effect that the EU has a ' substantial interest ' in this

matter and wishes to put forward its case as a ' third party ' in
accordance with WTO procedures .

What steps does the Commission intend to take following
this refusal ?

Subject : Derogations until 2006 from the Directive on the

incineration of hazardous waste and compliance
with environmental targets for the reduction of
dioxin emissions

Article 13 of Directive 94 / 67 / EEC (') on the incineration of
hazardous waste provides for derogations from the rules
applicable to existing incineration plants . Such derogations
may extend as far as 2006 .

The Fifth Action Programme on the environment and

sustainable development provides for a 90 % reduction in
dioxin levels, with regard to the 1985 figure, by 2005 .

1 . Will the Commission explain how it can meet the above

objective, given the derogations granted under
Article 13 of the Directive on the incineration of

hazardous waste ?

2 . Does the Commission not feel that, in order to meet the
objectives of the Fifth Action Programme on the

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 83

environment and sustainable development, the above
Directive will need to be reviewed ?

(') OJ No L 365, 31 . 12 . 1994, p . 34 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 July 1995 )

1 . The Commission is aware of the fact that a dioxin

emission limit value for the incineration of hazardous waste

only would not be sufficient to meet the target set in the Fifth
Environment Action Programme . So the Commission is
preparing a proposal for a Council Directive on the
incineration of waste other than hazardous, which is in fact
a much more important source of dioxins and furans .

2 . The Commission agrees that it is in fact necessary to
modify Council Directive 94 / 67 / EEC on incineration of
hazardous waste in line with Article 8 paragraph 3 to
complete the integrated approach .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1881 / 95

by Raymonde Dury ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 155 )

Subject : Redundancy programme for Cedefop

The relocation of the European Centre for the Development
of Vocational Training ( Cedefop ) from Berlin to Salonika,
scheduled for 1 September 1995, poses serious problems for
those staff who will not be moving with the Centre and have
not found a post elsewhere . 34 people are affected . Not
being recognized as European officials since the Centre is
not covered under Article 1 of the Regulations and Rules
applicable to officials and other servants of the European
Communities, they cannot benefit from Article 29, which
provides for transfer from one institution to another .
However, a framework agreement concluded between the
Director and the staff stipulated that a solution would be
found for each person . How does the Commission intend to
implement an acceptable redundancy programme ?

Answer given by Mrs Bresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 July 1995 )

The Commission wishes to draw the Honourable Member 's

attention to the fact that the European Centre for the

Development of Vocational Training ( Cedefop ) is a
decentralised Community body which is managed
independently of the Commission . Its four-party
Management Board is responsible for the staff 's terms and
conditions of employment . It is also responsible for
negotiating headquarters agreements with Greece, while the
Commission provides all the necessary technical
assistance .

In February 1994, the Commission presented to the
Council, Parliament and the Economic and Social
Committee the proposal for relocating the Centre, along
with an amendment to Article 1 3 of the Cedefop Regulation
designed to ensure that the staff are covered by the rules
applicable to other Community officials ( ] ). This
amendment makes it possible to resolve most of the
problems facing Cedefop staff affected by the move, which
was decided upon by the European Council in October

1993 ; it may also lead to the provision of compensation for
difficulties experienced by Cedefop staff . Taking its lead
from the Commission, the Council has adopted two
Regulations in this connection . Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1131 / 94 of 16 May 1994 establishing the Centre 's seat
in Thessaloniki ( 2 ) and Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 251 / 95 of 6 February 1995 bringing the rules applicable
to Cedefop staff into line with those adopted for other
recently created decentralized Community bodies ( 3 ).

As a result of a proposal put by the Commission to the
Management Board of Cedefop, a ' variable-geometry '
working party has been set up to look into the arrangements
for helping the staff . Various meetings involving Cedefop
and the Commission have been organized in 1994 and

1995 .

As matters stand, all members of Cedefop 's staff are covered
by the same rules which apply to other recently created
decentralised Community bodies . As a result of
competitions organized by Cedefop, they have all become
established officials of Cedefop, thereby fulfilling one of the
measures proposed in the framework agreement .

Consequently, in order to make the move as trouble-free as
possible, and in accordance with the principles laid down in
the framework agreement, the Director of Cedefop has
endeavoured to take the following steps, which derive from
the rules applicable to European officials and provide for
rapid mobility :

— placing of Cedefop officials ' at the disposal ' of national

public authorities, businesses, universities or large
colleges in Europe ;

— ' change of place of employment ' for working mainly

with the various institutions to carry out measures and
activities forming part of Cedefop 's work

programme .

Within its own sphere of competence, the Commission is in
the process of drawing up a Regulation concerning

No C 257 / 84 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

voluntary redundancy, which would be of relevance to a WRITTEN QUESTION E number of Cedefop officials over the age of 50 with more by Bill Miller ( PSE )
than 15 years of service or over the age of 55 with more than

WRITTEN QUESTION E - 1905 / 95

1 0 years of service . It is also drawing up a proposal to amend
certain Articles of the rules applicable to European officials,
with a view to facilitating mobility between the Community
institutions and other bodies .

to the Commission

(3 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 157 )

( 1 ) Regulations and Rules applicable to officials and other servants Subject : Intergovernmental Conference

of the European Communities .

( 2 ) OJ No L 127, 19 . 5 . 1994 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 30, 9 . 2 . 1995 .

Will the Commission publish the minutes and voting record
of each Commissioner in meetings of the Commission ?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

( 13 July 1995 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 893 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )

to the Commission

(3 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 156 )

Subject : Transposition of Community Directives in Spain

The Commission has submitted data on transposition into
the national law of 14 Member States ( all except Austria ) of
the 219 measures listed in the 1985 White Paper, for which
the deadline for application in national law has now passed .
The average transposition rate is 92,6 % . Six Member States

( Denmark, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Holland and
Sweden ) fell short of the 95 % threshold, while in three
Member States ( Germany, Greece and Finland ) the rate of
application is no higher than 90% .

Can the Commission provide information on the
following :

What are the measures which have not been transposed in

Spain, or have not been registered as such by the
Commission ?

Have any infringement proceedings been opened against
Spain for incorrect transposition ? If so, in which case(s ) and
for what reasons ?

The underlying principle of Commission policy regarding its
documents is that they should all be accessible, except where
disclosure could harm public or private interests or violate
the confidential nature of Commission deliberations .

Article 7 of the Commission 's Rules of Procedure

specifically refers to the confidentiality of discussions .

Therefore the Commission does not intend to publish the
minutes of its meetings nor the voting record of its
Members .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1906 / 95

by Bill Miller ( PSE )

to the Commission

(3 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 158 )

Subject : Intergovernmental Conference

In light of the undemocratic nature of the Economic and
Social Committee, would the Commission be prepared to
look at a possible merger with the Committee of the
Regions ?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission
on Answer behalf of given the by Commission Mr Santer ( 13 July 1995 )

( 14 July 1995 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

twelfth report on monitoring the application of Community
law ( M, which has been sent to Parliament .

The composition of the Economic and Social Committee

( representatives of the various categories of economic and
social activity ) is not the same as that of the Committee of
the Regions ( representatives of regional and local bodies ).
These advisory committees to the Commission and the

Council therefore express different viewpoints . The
Commission does not think it would be appropriate to
(') COM(95 ) 500 final .
merge them .

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 85

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 962 / 95

by Concepcio Ferrer ( PPE )

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1988 / 95

by Eryl McNally ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

(6 July 1995 ) ( 29 June 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 159 ) ( 95 / C 257 / 160 )

Subject : The European glass industry Subject : CCGT

Soda carbonate is one of the principal raw materials used in
the glass industry .

Disodium carbonate producers have asked the Commission
to establish anti-dumping duties on imports of this product
originating in the USA . The Commission 's services have
agreed to the request and have introduced provisional duties

( Regulation ( EEC ) No 823 / 95 ( x )).

Since the establishing of anti-dumping duties on imports of
US disodium carbonate constitutes a serious threat of loss of

competitiveness to the glass industry, and hence to jobs, can
the Commission tell me whether it intends to make the

provisional duties permanent ? If so, has it examined the
serious prejudicial effects which such a decision could have
on the European glass industry ?

(') OJ No L 83, 13 . 4 . 1995, p . 8 .

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

Arising from a visit I made to Rye House Combines Cycle
Power Station constructed by Siemens for PowerGen in the
UK it become obvious that the costs involved were

considerably less than figures given by the Commission
during the Mochovce debate in the EP on 16 February 1995
and the hearing held by the EP 's Energy Committee on

1 March 1995 . The cost of the CCGT given during this
debate were in the order of 1,28 times higher than that for
the nuclear alternative .

How would this factor be changed with station costs of only
ECU 300 million for completion of a CCGT station ?

How would this factor be changed if the cycle efficiency
used during the calculation had been closer to 60 % ( shortly
available ) and 55% ( now available )?

How would this factor be changed using current costs for
natural gas and not presumed future costs ?

on behalf of the Commission
Answer given by Mr de Silguy

( 26 July 1995 ) on behalf of the Commission

( 25 July 1995 )

The Commission is currently studying the comments made
by the parties concerned following the imposition of
provisional anti-dumping duties on 13 April .

All the arguments put forward are being considered
carefully and will be taken into account when the proposal
for a definitive Regulation is drawn up .

With particular reference to the glass industry, which is
playing an active part in the anti-dumping proceeding, a full
and exact assessment is currently being conducted of the
industry 's competitive position .

The conclusions of the investigation are due to be finalized
very shortly and will be presented to the Council for its
approval .

The cost of a CCGT ( Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine power
station ) referred to by the Commission during the
Parliamentary debate and the hearing held by the Energy
Committee was the figure established by an independent
consultant ( 1 ) . Following a survey of the three main builders
of CCGTs in eastern Europe ( GE, Siemens and ABB ), the
consultant established a cost figure of US $ 600 per kW,
with an additional 3 % to cover site preparation and project
management . This figure was also confirmed by the
European Investment Bank ( EIB ).

The cost figure for the Rye House CCGT is not
representative as that project benefited from special
conditions which would not exist in the case of

Mochovce .

As regards the other points raised by the Honourable
Member of Parliament, the Commission would like to
reiterate that it assesses the cost of a project on the basis of

No C 257 / 86 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

all the project documentation and does not feel obliged to
consider variations which are too hypothetical .

( 1 ) ' Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant Least Cost Analysis ', Putnam,

Haynes and Bartlett Ltd, 28 November 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2001 / 95

membership of the Union . Article 112(2 ) states that the
provisions shall be reviewed in accordance with EC
procedures . The reputed aim of the review is to bring EU
environment standards more closely into line with
Sweden 's . What initiatives has the Commission taken to

review the provisions pursuant to Article 112(2 )?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

by Mair Morgan ( PSE )

on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission

( 27 July 1995 )

(8 July 199 5 )

( 95 / C 257 / 161 )

Subject : Greyhound farming in Ireland

With EU funds being allocated to the farming of greyhounds
in Ireland, is the Commission aware that the majority of
young dogs from this source are sold for racing in the United
Kingdom and that large numbers of mature, healthy and
active dogs are routinely destroyed ( not always in a humane
manner ) because they have passed their peak of competitive
ability ?

How does the Commission intend to ensure that EU funds

will no longer be used to encourage the production of dogs
dedicated for a leisure industry in which they will have a
short life and the possibility of a painful death ?

Could the Commission confirm the amount of specific EU
funding allocated to the farming of greyhounds in
Ireland ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 1995 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

joint answer to Written Questions No 1248 / 95 and
No 1406 / 95 by Mrs Crawley and Mrs Pollack ( 1 ).

(') OJ No C 222, 28 . 8 . 1995, p . 60 .

The Commission is well aware of its role with regard to the
review of the relevant Community environmental legislation
as laid down as regards Sweden, in Article 112 and
Annex XII of the Accession Act . The Commission has

already undertaken a screening of the work involved, and its
implementation is being followed up systematically . In
carrying out this task, the Commission attaches the greatest
importance to the promotion of a high level of health, safety
and environmental protection .

In part, the modifications to be introduced in the Directives
referred to in the review clause of the Accession Act can be,
and are being dealt with by working groups responsible for
the adaptation to technical progress of these Directives . The
amendments being discussed at this level can be
subsequently adopted by a committee procedure . In
addition, for some other issues included in the review clause,
the obligation to put forward new proposals is already
enshrined in existing Directives .

Despite the fact that the Commission has already made an
important effort, it is still too early to give a detailed
timetable on the review of the relevant environmental

legislation . The Commission can assure the Honourable
Member that it is taking this matter very seriously and will
keep the Parliament informed of developments .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2054 / 95

by Imelda Read ( PSE )

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2022 / 95 to the Commission

by Bengt Hurtig ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(4 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 162 )

Subject : The environment

According to Article 112 of the Treaty of Accession with
Sweden, the provisions referred to in Annex XII shall not
apply fully in Sweden during the first four years of Sweden 's

( 12 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 163 )

Subject : Commission 's plans on sects

In view of the slow progress on the European Statute on
Associations, does the Commission have any plans to alert
Member States to the existence of dangerous or potentially
dangerous sects ?

2 . 10 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 257 / 87

Answer given by Mrs Gradin
on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 1995 )

Diversity governing the safe transfer, handling and use of
genetically modified organisms ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to on behalf of the Commission
the reply it gave to Oral Question H-280 / 95 by Me Crawley ( 28 July 1995 )
during question time at Parliament 's May 1995
part-session i 1 ).

(') Debates of the European Parliament ( May 1995 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2068 / 95

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission

(7 July 1995 )

{9 SIC 257 / 164 )

Subject : Research or technological development projects

outside the EU

What research or technological development projects
outside the EU have been or are being either wholly or in
part financially supported by the EU which involve
deliberate release into the environment of genetically
engineered organisms ( GEOs )?

For each project, please provide the following
information :

— country in which the release(s ) have taken place,

— recipient of funds,

— amount of EU funding,

— EU-based partner, if any,

— type of organism released ( parent organism and source

of the foreign genetic material ).

What research or commercial releases of GEOs in countries

outside the EU have been or are being financed by EU-based
private companies or research institutes ? For each case,
please provide the information requested above .

What is the position of the EU concerning ' need for a
modalities of a Protocol ' to the Convention on Biological

The Commission is not aware of any research or
technological development projects outside the Community
involving deliberate release of genetically modified
organisms ( GMOs ) which are financially supported by the
Community .

The Commission does not have detailed information on

research or commercial release of GMOs outside the

Community being financed by Community-based private
companies or research institutes .

A Commission proposal for a Community position
concerning the need for and modalities of a Protocol as
stipulated in Article 19 ( 3 ) of the Convention on biological
diversity is under discussion at the present time .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2099 / 95

by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V )

to the Commission

(7 July 1995 )

( 95 / C 257 / 165 )

Subject : Processing of plutonium from Russian nuclear

missiles to manufacture MOX fuel in Hanau

The German Federal Government is considering plans to
process plutonium from Russian nuclear missiles to
manufacture MOX fuel elements in the fuel element factory
in Hanau in Hessen that has not yet become operational .

1 . Is the Commission aware of these plans ?

2 . If so, how, and to what extent, is the
Commission / Euratom authority involved in these
plans ?

3 . Who is the owner of the plutonium to be processed

within the Community borders and the MOX fuel to be
manufactured from this plutonium ?

4 . Which governments / authorities / institutions a 're
involved in this project ?

5 . How much plutonium is involved in this project, and
how long is this plutonium processing scheduled to
take ?

No C 257 / 88 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 10 . 95

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 July 1995 )

1, 2 and 4 . The Commission has not been officially
informed of the existence of the plans mentioned by the
Honourable Member . It was, however, aware of them, on
the one hand from reading the press and on the other hand
following a denial by the Russian authorities .

3 . Until the details of the transaction are known, the
Commission is unable to comment on the applicability of
Chapter VIII of the Euratom Treaty .

It should be pointed out that in the territories of Member
States the materials concerned will in any event be subject to
the safeguards provided for in Chapter VII of the Euratom
Treaty .

5 . No figures have yet been received in connection with
these plans .