j^m^ /*/*• • "fl -f i ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal ci84 Volume 28 of the European Communities 24juiyi985
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions without answer:
85/C 184/01 No 255/85 by Mr John McCartin to the Commission Subject: European Social Fund — Irish allocations for 1983 and 1984 1
85/C 184/02 No 259/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: European participation in Expo '85 in Japan 1
85/C 184/03 No 260/85 by Mr Gerard Deprez to the Commission Subject: Pharmaceuticals containing phenacetin 1
85/C 184/04 No 262/85 by Mr Gerard Deprez to the Commission Subject: Measures to promote the sending abroad of European teachers 2
85/C 184/05 No 266/85 by Mr James Moorhouse to the Commission Subject: Air tickets 2
85/C 184/06 No 269/85 by Mr Raphael Chanterie and Mrs Rika De Backer-Van Ocken to the Commission Subject: Harmonization of measurement methods and strategies for dangerous substances at the workplace 2
85/C 184/07 No 272/85 by Ms Joyce Quin to the Commission Subject: Male unemployment rates in certain zones adversely affected by the restructuring of the shipbuilding industry mentioned in COM(84) 715 final 3
85/C 184/08 No 273/85 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: The European passport 3
85/C 184/09 No 275/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Environmental pollution caused by the Moneypoint coal-fired power station now under construction in Ireland 3
85/C 184/10 No 275/86 by Mrs Ien van den Heuvel to the Commission Subject: Equal treatment for men and women as regards unemployment benefits 3
85/C 184/11 No 277/85 by Mr Ernest Muhlen to the Commission Subject: Taxation of frontier-zone workers 4
85/C 184/12 No 278/85 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: VAT — revenue of Member States 4
1 (Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
85/C 184/13 No 279/85 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: VAT — Community revenue 4
85/C184/14 No 282/85 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: Competitiveness of the production of oil-seeds in ACP countries 5
85/C 184/15 No 283/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: Need for local hauliers to have international O licences 5
85/C 184/16 No 284/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: EEC starch regime 5
85/C 184/17 No 287/85 by Mr Daniel Ducarme to the Commission Subject: Education — staggering of holidays 6
85/C184/18 No 292/85 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Credit cards 6
85/C 184/19 No 293/85 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Government aids 6
85/C 184/20 No 295/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: National programmes to combat water pollution 7
85/C 184/21 No 296/85 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission Subject: Long-term policy planning for the Community 7
85/C 184/22 No 302/85 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Aid to Guadeloupe under Lome I and II 7
85/C 184/23 No 303/85 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: EAGGF appropriations for Guadeloupe 7
85/C 184/24 No 304/85 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Aid to Guadeloupe from the Social Fund 7
85/C 184/25 No 306/85 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission Subject: EC technical meetings timetable 8
85/C 184/26 No 307/85 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission Subject: Community action on drug abuse 8
85/C184/27 No 308/85 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission Subject: Protection of animals used for experimentation 8
85/C 184/28 No 310/85 by Mr Reinhold Bocklet to the Commission Subject: European Community youth exchange programme 8
85/C 184/29 No 311/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: EAGGF Guarantee Section expenditure 9
85/C 184/30 No 312/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: Dooge Committee — New legislative procedure 9
85/C 184/31 No 313/85 by Mr Michael Welsh to the Commission Subject: Commission practice in establishing normal value for the purpose of dumping investigations 9
85/C 184/32 No 314/85 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: EEC and the textile industry 10
85/C 184/33 No 315/85 by Mr John Taylor to the Commission Subject: EIB aid to northern Cyprus 10
85/C 184/34 No 316/85 by Mrs Caroline Jackson to the Commission Subject: Irradiation of foodstuffs 10 Notice No Contents (continued)
85/C 184/35 No 317/85 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Purchase and consumption of duty-free goods? 10
85/C 184/36 No 318/85 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Exemption from certain taxes on consumption and value-added tax in the Community 11
85/C 184/37 No 320/85 by Mr Vassilis Emphremidis, Mr Dimitrios Adamou and Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject: Fining of Olympic Airways by the Commission ; 11
85/C 184/38 No 321/85 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission Subject: The 'Europe 1990' document from Philips 11
85/C 184/39 No 322/85 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Dairy quotas 12
85/C 184/40 No 323/85 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Quarantine regulations affecting flower bulbs 12
85/C 184/41 No 324/85 by Mr Eisso Woltjer to the Commission Subject: Engine capacity of fishing vessels (cutters) 12
85/C184/42 No 325/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: Signature and ratification by the Member States of the Community of the UN Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women 13
85/C 184/43 No 328/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: Issue and cost of the European passport 13
85/C 184/44 No 329/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: Draft Directive on product liability 13
85/C 184/45 No 330/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen and Mrs Yvonne van Rooy to the Commission Subject: Pollution of the River Meuse 13
85/C 184/46 No 332/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject:'Simplified procedure for T2 and T2L forms — the authorized consignor procedure . . 14
85/C 184/47 No 334/85 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Japanese imports 14
85/C 184/48 No 335/85 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Cereal stocks in the West Midlands 14
85/C 184/49 No 336/85 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Consumer influence on the farm price review 15
85/C 184/50 No 338/85 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Import tariffs, levies and restrictions on food imports from third countries 15
85/C 184/51 No 340/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Labelling of non-polluting products 15
85/C 184/52 No 341/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Plastic waste 15
85/C 184/53 No 342/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Refuse incineration 15
85/C 184/54 No 343/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Measures designed to promote greater durability of products 16
(Continued overleaf), Notice No Contents (continued)
85/C 184/55 No 344/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Controls on the export of waste to third countries 16
85/C184/56 No 346/85 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: Airport formalities in Greece 16
85/C 184/57 No 347/85 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: Integrated Mediterranean programmes 17
85/C 184/58 No 348/85 by Mr Karl van Wogau to the Commission Subject: Enlarged internal market 17
85/C 184/59 No 349/85 by Mr Karl von Wogau to the Commission Subject: Mutual recognition of veterinary certificates 17
85/C 184/60 No 350/85 by Mr Karl von Wogau to the Commission Subject: Plant protection — Directive 77/93/EEC and amendments 17
85/C 184/61 No 352/85 by Mr Patrick Lalor to the Commission Subject: Cost of rail electrification 18
85/C 184/62 No 353/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: EEC programmes for renewal of salmon stocks 18
85/C 184/63 No 354/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Regulations for monitoring fishing activity in EEC waters 18
85/C 184/64 No 355/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Recession in US economy forecast for 1986 18
85/C 184/65 No 356/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Aid towards the cost of finance for the developing sectors of the Irish economy 18
85/C 184/66 No 357/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Programme for the consolidation of the internal market 19
85/C 184/67 No 358/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Unemployment rates 19
85/C 184/68 No 360/85 by Mrs Eileen Lemass to the Commission Subject: Drug addicts receiving treatment 19
85/C 184/69 No 362/85 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Illicit trade in hormones and harmonization of legislation on the use of hormonal or anti-hormonal substances in animals 19
85/C 184/70 No 363/85 by Mr Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Aids to the textile industry 20
85/C 184/71 No 365/85 by Mrs Brigitte Heinrich to the Commission Subject: Community deliveries of dried milk to Indonesia 20
85/C 184/72 No 366/85 by Mrs Yvonne van Rooy to the Commission Subject: US Administration's application of the short-supply clause contained in the 1982 carbon-steel arrangement 20
85/C 184/73 No 367/85 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin to the Commission Subject: Nuclear safety — Agreement to establish a system of information on irregular occurrences in nuclear reactors 21
85/C 184/74 No 368/85 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin to the Commission Subject: Social Fund — Project for the butcher training school in Namur and the State technical college in Arlon 21
85/C 184/75 No 369/85 by Mr John Iversen to the Commission Subject: Carcinogenic substances in apples 21
(Continued on inside back cover) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
85/C 184/76 No 372/85 by Mr Manfred Ebel to the Commission Subject: Energy-saving in merchant shipping through the use of new rigging systems for sail or auxiliary power 21 85/C 184/77 No 373/85 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: Relations with Hungary 22 85/C 184/78 No 375/85 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: Effect of Spanish and Portuguese accession on the purchase of nuts and raisins from non-Community countries 22 85/C 184/79 No 376/85 by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi to the Commission Subject: Work-related health risks for operating theatre staff 22 85/C 184/80 No 377/85 by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi to the Commission Subject: Dangers of paradichlorobenzene (PDB) 22 85/C 184/81 No 379/85 by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi to the Commission Subject: Oil prospecting off the Amalfi coast 22 85/C 184/82 No 381/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Dumping of radioactive waste at sea 23 85/C 184/83 No 382/85 by Mr Otmar Franz to the Commission Subject: Introduction of lead-free petrol 23 85/C 184/84 No 385/85 by Mr Jochen van Aerssen to the Commission Subject: Contract labour from Comecon countries and its distorting influence on the market in the construction and restoration trades 23 85/C 184/85 No 386/85 by Mr Pieter Dankert to the Commission Subject: Parquet flooring cartel 24 85/C 184/86 No 387/85 by Mr Pieter Dankert to the Commission Subject: Special allowance for certain officials 24 85/C 184/87 No 389/85 by Dame Shelagh Roberts to the Commission Subject: Duty-free treatment for items intended for use by the handicapped 24 85/C 184/88 No 390/85 by Mrs Magdalene Hoff to the Commission Subject: Conversion loans 24 85/C 184/89 No 393/85 by Mr Louis Eyraud to the Commission Subject: Horsemeat 25 85/C 184/90 No 395/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Battery for 3 500 000 laying hens 25 85/C 184/91 No 396/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: International traffic on waste oils 26 85/C 184/92 No 397/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Cyanazine and other herbicides 26 85/C 184/93 No 398/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Accidents involving the transport of dangerous products 26 85/C 184/94 No 399/85 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: Procedures for storing and handling of chemicals 26 85/C 184/95 No 400/85 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: Impact of Expo '85 at Tsukuba 27
Commission 85/C 184/96 ECU 28 85/C 184/97 Recapitulation of current tenders, published in the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Communities, financed by the EEC under the EDF or the European Communities budget 29 85/C 184/98 Commission communication pursuant to Article 115 of the EEC Treaty 29 24. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/1
I (Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS TO WHICH NO ANSWER HAS BEEN GIVEN(*)
These questions are published in accordance with Rule 46 (3) of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament: 'Questions to which no answer has been given within one month by the Commission, or within two months by the Council, ... shall also be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities'".
WRITTEN QUESTION No 255/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 260/85 by Mr John McCartin (PPE — IRL) by Mr Gerard Deprez (PPE — B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/01) (85/C 184/03)
Subject: European Social Fond — Irish allocations for 1983 and 1984 Subject: Pharmaceuticals containing phenacetin Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the amounts of money provided from the Social Fund by county or by region in Ireland for the years 1983 and 1984? The Greek Minister for Health and Social Welfare has recently withdrawn the licences of all pharmaceuticals containing phenacetin on the grounds that this analgesic apparently accummulates gradually in the kidneys and eventually causes a renal malfunction, sometimes even WRITTEN QUESTION No 259/85 requiring dialysis. It is sometimes taken in excess because by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) it has a slightly euphoric effect. to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/02) Such products exist in Belgium in various forms, the best Subject: European participation in Expo '85 in Japan known being: Veganin, Codis, Migraine Granit, Neuridon, Croix-Blanche, Poudre Saint-Joseph, all of Can the Commission say which Member States and which can be bought over the counter without a doctor's which European industries actively participated in the prescription. world exhibition Expo '85 being held in Tsukuba in Japan from 17 March to 16 September?
Has the Community experienced any difficulties Does the Commission not consider that Community regarding the representation of Europe at this exhibition? regulations should be adopted to limit the use of phena cetin and to harmonize the national regulations on phar Does the Commission consider that the European maceuticals containing it? exhibits at Expo '85 reflect the technological potential of the Member States and their industries?
(*) The answers will be published as soon as they are received from the institution concerned. No C 184/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7. 85
WRITTEN QUESTION No 262/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 266/85 by Mr Gerard Deprez (PPE — B) by Mr James Moorhouse (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/04) (85/C 184/05)
Subject: Air tickets Subject: Measures to promote the sending abroad of European teachers 1. In the Commission's first memorandum on civil aviation (COM(79) 311 final) the Commission debated the usefulness of diminishing the directional differences The world in which we live never ceases to amaze us by in tariffs for the same route between Member States. its many contradictions. The countries of Europe have Given the recent dramatic variation of exchange rates extremely high rates of unemployment, millions of and the unfamiliarity of most passengers with all of people, with varying levels of training, are unable to find the currencies in operation within the European jobs and thus lose their skills, are reduced to poverty and Communities, will the Commission propose legislation are responsible for an increase in the cost of public which will require all airlines operating scheduled and health care. This applies in particular to tens of unscheduled air services within the European thousands of European teachers, particularly young Communities to fix their fares in ECU and to quote all people. air fares within the Community in both local currency and ECU? This situation is parallelled in most of the developing countries by vast needs for literacy and education. 2. Does the Commission believe that this will stabilize According to the figures published by UNICEF (The European air fares, eliminate many of the directional situation of children in the world in 1985), the 43 differences in tariffs on the same routes and provide poorest countries (29 countries in Africa, 12 countries in greater price transparency for the consumer? Asia and 2 countries in Latin America) have an average adult literacy rate of 30 % (37 % for men and 19 % for women). And although 82 % of boys and 47 % of girls are enrolled in primary schools, there is still a great deal to be done. WRITTEN QUESTION No 269/85 The European Community should therefore pursue a by Mr Raphael Chanterie and Mrs Rike De Backer-Van much more active policy in this field, taking a lead from Ocken (PPE — B) what is now being done in French-speaking Belgium. to the Commission of the European Communities Though a non-profit making association the APEFE (29 April 1985) (Association for the Promotion of Education and Training Abroad), 281 teachers are now working in the (85/C 184/06) Third World or in industrialized countries which wish to promote French culture. The current cost of such Subject: Harmonization of measurement methods and Belgian teachers is approximately Bfrs 500 000 a year strategies for dangerous substances at the compared to Bfrs 700 000 for one unemployed person. workplace
The majority of Member States refer to American lists of I should therefore like to ask the Commission: limit values where bans or limits are imposed on dangerous substances. There is not yet any European list of limit values which means that each Member State is — whether it intends to set up projects to send still carrying out its own costly research. European teachers abroad on a massive scale, parti cularly to the Third World, 1. Does the Commission intend to carry out its own harmonization of measurement methods and — whether it does not consider that the cost of such a strategies? policy would be rapidly offset by the reduction in social expenditure resulting from the unemployment 2. Can the Commission say when a European list of of many young teachers and by the increase in limit values is scheduled to be introduced? commercial outlets created by the European teachers sent abroad? 3. Can the Commission provide details of the financial resources spent on such research in the various Member States in recent years? 24.7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/3
WRITTEN QUESTION No 272/85 Does the Commission not consider that the date for by Ms Joyce Quin (S — GB) introduction of the passport is too late compared with other Member States and should it not ask the Dutch to the Commission of the European Communities Government to act more speedily? (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/07) Does the Commission not also consider that the intro duction of the European passport should not provide an Subject: Male unemployment rates in certain zones excuse for municipalities to supplement the inadequate adversely affected by the restructuring of the funds allocated to them by central government, at the shipbuilding industry mentioned in COM(84) expense of the citizen? 715 final Does the Commission not think that the effect of such Will the Commission please supply male unemployment action by the Netherlands authorities may be that the rates for the last three years for each of the following European Community will be wrongly blamed as a zones affected by 'restructuring of the shipbuilding cumbersome and slow bureaucracy and what action does industry': it intend to take to counteract this impression?
In the United Kingdom The Strathclyde Region; the counties of Cleveland, Tyne and Wear and Merseyside; and the Balfast urban area. WRITTEN QUESTION No 275/85 In the Federal Republic of Germany by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC — D) to the Commission of the European Communities The Arbeitsmarktregionen of Liibeck-Ostholstein and Bremen-Bremerhaven. (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/09) In France Subject: Environmental pollution caused by the Money- The zones covered by national regional aid schemes in point coal-fired power station now under con the departments of Loire-Atlantique and Var, including struction in Ireland the canton of La Ciotat in the department of Bouches- du-Rhone. Can the Commission say whether the limit values contained in the new Directive limiting emissions of In Italy pollutants from large combustion plants have been taken into account in the case of the Moneypoint power The provinces of Gorizia, Trieste and Palermo, as well station in Ireland? as the province of Genova with the exception of the non- aided zone adjoining the province of Piacenza? What emission levels for dust, sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide were indicated in the plans for the power station? Has the Commission got statistics on long-term male unemployment pertaining to each of the abovementioned What filter systems have been planned? areas ?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 276/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 273/85 by Mrs Ien van den Heuvel (S — NL) by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (L — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/10) (85/C 184/08) Subject: Equal treatment for men and women as regards Subject: The European passport unemployment benefits
In an enlarged committee meeting on European policy in 1. There are two types of regulation governing the Netherlands Second Chamber, the Dutch unemployed workers in the Netherlands, i.e.: Government stated that it might well be another three — the Unemployment Law under which every years before the European passport is introduced in the unemployed person is entitled to unemployment Netherlands, partly because many municipalities will benefits for a period of six months, and charge a considerably higher fee for the European passport than for the present national passport, and a fee — the Law on Unemployment Benefits under which so that is higher than the costs of producing the document. far only breadwinners are entitled to claim benefit. No C 184/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7.85
The Dutch Government has adapted the second of these since frontier-zone workers are the main source of laws to comply with Directive 79/7/EEC ('). recruitment for new companies recently established in Luxembourg? 2. The Government has submitted proposals for amendments to the Dutch Parliament under which all 3. What steps will the Commission take to deal with employees would be entitled to claim benefit if they this situation? became enemployed after 23 December 1984 or if they are in receipt of benefit under the Unemployment Law. This means that those who were unemployed for more than six months prior to 23 December 1984 and are not breadwinners will not be entitled to claim benefit.
3. In answer to questions tabled in the Dutch Par WRITTEN QUESTION No 278/85 liament (Parliamentary records II, 1984/85 session, No by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED — GB) 18 849), the Dutch Government stated that the answers to the Commission of the European Communities given by Commissioner Pfeiffer to Written Question No 1587/84 (2) did not provide it with grounds for accepting (29 April 1985) applications from people who should have been entitled (85/C 184/12) to claim unemployment benefit, except where breadwinner status was involved. These applications will Subject: VAT — revenue of Member States only be considered if the European Court issues a ruling to that effect. What is the percentage of the total tax revenue of the government of each Member State which is produced by 3. Is the Commission prepared to institute proceedings value added tax? against the Dutch Government if this legislation is brought into effect?
(') OJ No L 6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24. O OJ No C 115, 9. 5. 1985, p. 18. WRITTEN QUESTION No 279/85 by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/13)
Subject: VAT — Community revenue WRITTEN QUESTION No 277/85 by Mr Ernest Miihlen (PPE — L) If the Community's own resources from VAT were to the Commission of the European Communities calculated by reference to actual, real receipts from VAT (29 April 1985) rather than on the existing national basis, there would be a material difference in Community revenue. (85/C 184/11) In order to assist in quantifying the effect of variations in the VAT 'assiette' between Member States, including the Subject: Taxation of frontier-zone workers effect of zero-rating, will the Commission please provide the following information: 1. Is the Commission aware of the concern felt in economic and political circles in Luxembourg over its 1. the total amount, as finally adjusted, paid by each proposals for Directives on the taxation of frontier-zone Member State in respect of VAT for the budget year workers in their country of residence and that this 1984 (or 1983, if figures for 1984 are not yet concern is being widely echoed in the press? available);
2. the percentage rate of VAT applied to provide these 2. Is the Commission aware that these proposals are payments; likely to have a very damaging effect on the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg — which employs 13 500 3. the total figure of sales of goods and services frontier-zone workers of 10 % of its wage-earners — subjected to VAT in each Member State for the same and could well limit the number of new jobs created, period; 24.7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/5
4. the amount of own resources which would have been so serious that in some cases bankruptcy threatens. On collected in each of the Member States if the the other hand there is an unfulfilled need for additional percentage rate given in 2. above had been applied to help with moving trailers from Dover Docks. the total sales figures given at 3. above? According to the Ministry of Transport the situation is governed by EEC Directive 74/561/EEC (') which requires an international O licence as part of the competence requirement set out in the Directive. In a Commission opinion of May 1974 to the Irish Government, the Commission stated that 'the Commu nity has always understood international transport to be WRITTEN QUESTION No 282/85 all transport between the beginning of a journey and the by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED — GB) destination'. to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) It can hardly have been the Commission's intention to reduce opportunities for employment at the same time as (85/C 184/14) rightly ensuring that drivers who take powered vehicles from one country to another should have reasonably Subject: Competitiveness of the production of oil-seeds standard qualifications. Will the Commission put in ACP countries forward an amendment to Directive 74/561/EEC, or take other equivalent action, such that the requirement to have an international O licence does not apply to What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that the drivers holding national licences who are hauling trailers production of oil-seeds in ACP countries is competitive within their own countries, regardless of whether or not with that of Malaysia, Brazil and North America so that the trailer is deemed to be on an international journey? they maintain an adequate share of the Community's Failing that, what suggestions does the Commission have import requirements? for bypassing the requirement to have an international licence?
0) OJ No L 308, 19. 11. 1974, p. 18.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 283/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/15) WRITTEN QUESTION No 284/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED — GB) Subject: Need for local hauliers to have international O to the Commission of the European Communities licences (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/16) A company called Ferrymasters recently advertised for local hauliers to pull loaded and unloaded trailers from Dover docks to destinations in Britain. A constituent of Subject: EEC starch regime mine who operates solely within the United Kingdom accepted this work but was subsequently stopped on the There is considerable concern among starch makers and grounds that the trailers were part of an international paper manufacturers about the recent Commission journey and that while he had a national O lincence he proposal for a new starch regime. Starch is produced required an international O licence to haul the trailers — from three main sources: maize, potatoes and wheat. notwithstanding the fact that for all practical driving There is lack of clarity about which products will be purposes they are identical to trailers being hauled by eligible for refund payments and there has been no him in the course of his normal business. I am informed apparent analysis of the effect on the starch industries of that he has lost between £ 12 000 and £ 19 000 turnover the measures recommended. There are fears of major since his operations with Ferrymasters were curtailed by increases in cost for companies producing wheat starch Department of Transport officials in November last year. as the proposals are biased in favour of potato starch.
Local hauliers are finding it difficult to obtain local work 1. Will the Commission undertake to have full consul other than that connected with the docks and the tation with representatives of the various starch continuation of 'international journeys'. The situation is producers before a new regime is brought into effect? No C 184/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7. 85
2. Will the Commission undertake to ensure that starch countries? If not, is the Commission considering from one European source, i.e. maize, potatoes or action to ensure its application throughout the wheat, is not disadvantaged in relation to starch from Community? another source? According to the Financial Times of 29 January 1985 the 3. Will the Commission so arrange the new regime that European Council for Payment Systems (a consultative it reduces rather than increases the competitive disad body composed of banks from 17 Western European vantage suffered by European producers of starch- countries) is endeavouring to make the three main containing products, who are affected by competition European credit card systems interchangeable by 1 from non-EEC products containing non-EEC starch January 1986. This applies to Visa (including Barc- which is cheaper? laycard and Carte Bleue), Eurocard (including Access and Mastercard) and Eurocheque. Travellers would then be able to withdraw cash from machines located in banks throughout Europe. In addition, work is continuing on the EFTPOS system (electronic funds transfer at point of sale), which would allow cardholders to pay at super WRITTEN QUESTION No 287/85 markets at home and abroad. by Mr Daniel Ducarme (L — B) to the Commission of the European Communities 3. Has the Commission taken part in the discussions in the European Council for Payment Systems? (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/17) 4. Is the Commission prepared to encourage banks and post office authorities to open discussions on the Subject: Education — staggering of holidays interchangeability of their respective systems?
The staggering of holidays is the cause of serious 5. Is the Commission prepared to discuss with the banks concern. and post office authorities the possibility of issuing credit cards in ECU? Will the Commission provide details for each Member State of:
1. the distribution of schooldays and holidays in each calendar year;
2. the number and duration of extended holidays, WRITTEN QUESTION No 293/85 excluding weekends of course, between continuous by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (L — NL) school periods? to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (85/C 184/19)
Subject: Government aids WRITTEN QUESTION No 292/85 by Mr Gijs de Vries (L — NL) Now that its decision on the aid granted by the to the Commission of the European Communities Noordelijke Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (Northern Development Company) to the Leeuwarder Papier- (29 April 1985) fabriek has been overruled (Judgment 318/82 of the (85/C 184/18) Court of Justice of the European Communities of 13 March 1985) on formal grounds, does the Commission Subject: Credit cards intend to take a new decision?
According to the International Herald Tribune of 17 Can the Commission say whether it considers that the March 1985, the post office authorities in six European granting of aid by the Member States through holding countries (France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, companies, which may well have the effect of distorting Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom) and Japan competition, has been placed in a new light as a result of have agreed on a credit card system which would enable the above judgment? cardholders to withdraw cash at post offices. If so, does the Commission not consider that it would be 1. Was the Commission involved inthese discussions? expedient to submit proposals for general measures in this area to the Council? 2. Why did Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg not take part? Will the system also operate in these 24. 7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/7
WRITTEN QUESTION No 295/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 302/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1985) (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/20) (85/C 184/22)
Subject: National programmes to combat water pollution Subject: Aid to Guadeloupe under Lome I and II
What has Guadeloupe received from the implementation Can the Commission say: of Lome Conventions I and II?
1. Which are the two Member States that have submitted to the Commission details of their national programmes on zinc, lead, copper, nickel and arsenic?
2. Which of the Member States have provided no relevant information on the reduction of water pollution by zinc, copper, nickel, lead and arsenic?
3. What exactly was the non-confidential information forwarded by Belgium pursuant to Article 7 (6) of WRITTEN QUESTION No 303/85 Directive 76/464/EEC (') and how can this infor by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC — B) mation be obtained? to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) 4. As from what year does the Commission consider that (85/C 184/23) the reasonable period will have lapsed?
Subject: EAGGF appropriations for Guadeloupe
O OJ No L 129, 18. 5. 1976, p. 23. What EAGGF funds have been made available to Guadeloupe each year since the EAGGF was set up?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 296/85 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 304/85 (29 April 1985) by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC — B) (85/C 184/21) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) Subject: Long-term policy planning for the Community (85/C 184/24)
Specific objectives are set out at Community level for the Subject: Aid to Guadeloupe from the Social Fund development of energy, environment, steel, shipbuilding, information technology, biotechnology, raw materials, Can the Commission state what sums have been made etc. Are these objectives available in a succinct form and available to Guadeloupe from the European Social Fund do they go forward to the 1990s? If not, will the from the time that the Fund was set up to the end of Commission inform if and when such a pattern of 1984, indicating the annual amounts, the projects longer-term objectives will be ready? supported and the sums allocated to each of them? No C 184/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7. 85
WRITTEN QUESTION No 306/85 drug abuse, particularly amongst young people, it by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (ED — GB) seemed appropriate for the President of the Council of Ministers, Mr Andreotti, to bring this vital matter to the to the Commission of the European Communities attention of the European Parliament and the (4 May 1985) Commission in his address to Parliament on 16 January. (85/C 184/25) Why is it, therefore, despite the clear importance attached to this problem within Community institutions, Subject: EC technical meetings timetable that the Commission makes no reference to the combating of drug abuse in its Programme for 1985? The initiation, development and expedition of Com munity legislation is greatly assisted by the many and varied committees dealing with technical matters.
Industry representatives are usually invited to be present, as observers, at these meetings, but are not well served WRITTEN QUESTION No 308/85 for documentation. Minutes, for example, arrive on a rather random basis, and frequently industry represen by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (ED — GB) tatives only receive the Minutes of the previous meeting to the Commission of the European Communities days before the next one. {4 May 1985) (85/C 184/27) There appears to be no detailed published 'programme' of Technical Committee meetings. Documents listing Subject: Protection of animals used for experimentation items to be discussed in the future do not specify when they are to be taken, or in what depth they are to be While I welcome the Commission's stated aims in its discussed. It is, therefore, extremely difficult for industry programme for 1985, in both the agriculture (para to plan its input in any reasonable form. graph 4.1.6) and environment (paragraph 4.9.1) chapters, of intensifying discussion about ways of protecting Is there any information available to industry represen animals used for experiments and of taking all possible tatives comprising a formal list of dates, and items to be steps to stop the exploitation of animals in this way, can discussed? If so, how can it be made more accessible to the Commission give an assurance that its various direc them? torates-general are now working closely together on this matter? The practice of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe is quite different. They make Furthermore, can the new Commission demonstrate it is available a formalized programme of meetings well in acting as an effective and collegiate body to formulate advance which identifies subject, date and venue. For Community measures on animal experimentation within example, motor vehicle manufacturers were informed in the framework of its present Programme? June 1984 of the schedule of meetings for the whole of 1985 and the early part of 1986. Are there any lessons to be learnt here for the Commission?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 310/85 by Mr Reinhold Bocklet (PPE — D) to the Commission of the European Communities {4 May 1985) WRITTEN QUESTION No 307/85 (85/C 184/28) by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (ED — GB) Subject: European Community youth exchange pro to the Commission of the European Communities gramme (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/26) On 7 June 1983 the European Parliament adopted by a large majority a resolution on a European Community programme to promote youth exchanges (European Subject: Community action on drug abuse youth exchange programme) and in the 1984 budget 200 000 ECU were allocated for this purpose for the first In view of the widespread and growing concern time. From these funds various schemes for youth throughout the Community over the dangers of hard exchanges and information for young people were 24. 7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/9
sponsored in 1984 (see answer to my Oral Question No Commission proposal. The representative of the H-446/84) (»). In the 1985 budget the European Par Commission President on this committee approved this liament made provision for these appropriations to be proposal. doubled. Nevertheless the Commission's programme of work for 1985 made no mention of further support for 1. Would the Commission be prepared to act in youth exchanges even though in International Youth accordance with its words and immediately implement Year the Commission would have had a special reason to this proposal by henceforth automatically changing its continue it. proposals to Council to incorporate all Parliamentary amendments? 1. On what grounds did the Commission decide to make no mention of the promotion of youth exchanges? 2. Does the Commission accept that this would not diminish its right of initiative, as proposals would 2. Does the Commission intend that the promotion of continue to originate in the Commission; they would youth exchanges as set out in the European Par gain political weight through parliamentary liament's resolution should be completely abandoned? amendment and support and the Commission would remain free to table new proposals in the event of 3. How does the Commission envisage the future Council not accepting Parliament's text and the promotion of youth exchanges? conciliation procedure being opened?
3. Does the Commission agree that it could in this way (l) Debates of the European Parliament No 2-320 (December 1984), Annex of 14 December 1984. strengthen the political nature of the Community's legislative process and increase its own margin for manoeuvre?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 311/85 by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 313/85 (4 May 1985) by Mr Michael Welsh (ED — GB) (85/C 184/29) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) Subject: EAGGF Guarantee Section expenditure (85/C 184/31) Could the Commission estimate what level EAGGF Guarantee Section expenditure would now be at if its Subject: Commission practice in establishing normal initial proposals to the Council for prices had been value for the purpose of dumping investigations adopted without change over the last six years? The GATT anti-dumping code as interpreted by Regu lation (EEC) No 2176/84 (') requires that there should be a 'fair comparison' between exporters' prices and 'normal value' which can be the price on the domestic market of the exporting country or, where necessary, constructed by the Commission from a series of standard WRITTEN QUESTION No 312/85 elements. by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission's practice in establishing the difference (4 May 1985) between the export price and the domestic price in the (85/C 184/30) exporting country seems to be inconsistent:
Subject: Dooge Committee — New legislative procedure Where sales are made through wholly owned subsidiaries the Commission establishes an ex-works price by The final report of the ad hoc Committee on Institutional deducting transportation from the price paid by the first Affairs ('Dooge Committee') contains a proposal for a independent purchaser. However, it also deducts a figure new legislative procedure under which a Commission representing operating expenses and overheads of the proposal would first be discussed in the Parliament and sales subsidiary and an imputed profit margin. Since such Council would deliberate on the text adopted by Par transactions would usually take place at arm's length and liament. If the positions of the two diverged, a conciliation procedure would be opened on the basis of a (') OJ No L 207, 30. 7. 1984, p. 1. No C 184/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7. 85
the selling agency is responsible for its own profit or loss WRITTEN QUESTION No 315/85 the effect is to understate the ex-works price. by Mr John Taylor (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities By contrast, when establishing normal value in the (4 May 1985) exporting country, the Commission adopts a restrictive view of deductions for sales expenses and other (85/C 184/33) allowances, thus artificially inflating the domestic price for purposes of comparison. Subject: EIB aid to northern Cyprus
At which locations in Cyprus will the Turkish Cyriot 1. Does the Commission agree that by adopting community benefit from European Investment Bank different standards for selling and other administrative Funds, under the Second Financial Protocol between the expenses in the exporting and importing country it is European Community and Cyprus, to be made available distorting the comparison between the export price for the development of water supplies; and how much of and normal value? the total 26,5 million ECU loan from the EIB will be invested within northern Cyprus? 2. Does the Commission agree that it should treat the activities of a wholly owned sales subsidiary as being at arm's length unless positive evidence is adduced to the contrary. Accordingly, the export price for purposes of comparison should be the landed price of the goods to the importer less deductions for transport duty and handling charges? WRITTEN QUESTION No 316/85 by Mrs Caroline Jackson (ED — GB) 3. Would the Commission confirm its overriding commitment to the principles set out in Article 110 of to the Commission of the European Communities the Treaty of Rome and acknowledge that its (4 May 1985) operation of the anti-dumping regulations should be (85/C 184/34) designed to protect Community industry from unfair trading practices but not from the normal pressures of Subject: Irradiation of foodstuffs commercial competition? Can the Commission state what its policy is in relation to the irradiation of foodstuffs and whether, in the interests of consumers, it intends to establish EEC standards on irradiation and to ensure that the use of this preservative treatment is adequately indicated to consumers?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 314/85 by Mr James Ford (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) WRITTEN QUESTION No 317/85 (85/C 184/32) by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S — D) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: EEC and the textile industry (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/35) Can the Commission detail the support given to Asean to finance a study on marketing opportunities for Asean Subject: Purchase and consumption of duty-free goods? textiles in Japan? 1. What facilities still exist within the Community for the purchase and consumption of duty-free goods? Can it state when it plans to finance a similar study for Asean on marketing opportunities in the USA? 2. What use do Members of the Commission, Commission staff and Member States' diplomats make of Can it detail all similar grants given within the these facilities and, in particular, what is the value of the Community to textile organizations to establish new goods so purchased each year? external markets? 3. Does the Commission intend to put forward appro priate proposals to abolish these privileges, for which there is scant justification in the context of a Community 24. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/11
customs union? Is the Commission also considering 1. Why is the Commission taking these proceedings measures to amend international agreements applicable against Olympic Airways, when the Articles in the within the Community? Treaty of Rome relating to competition are not applied to air travel, a situation which most of the Member States' Governments actually support?
2. Why is it specifically picking on Olympic Airways, when there are comparable situations in other Member States as well? WRITTEN QUESTION No 318/85 by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S — D) 3. Is it true that the Commission started these to the Commission of the European Communities proceedings following intervention by the Association of Airline Companies (AAC) of the EEC? (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/36) 4. Is there any connection between this move and the Commission's second memorandum on air transport, Subject: Exemption from certain taxes on consumption on 'liberalizing' air transport, the implementation of and value-added tax in the Community the 'rules of competition', the abolition of State protective measures covering national air carriers, the 1. What facilities still exist in the Community for the privatization of State-owned airlines and demands to purchase and consumption of goods that are exempt this effect by the Thatcher Government in Great from specific taxes on consumption or value-added tax in Britain ? all of the Member States? 5. Why has the Commission chosen Olympic Airways as 2. What use do Members of the Commission, its target, with this fresh move against it coming just Commission staff and Member States' diplomats in the after Directive 83/416/EEC (') concerning the auth Community make of these facilities? Will the orization of inter-regional air services between Commission indicate the value of the goods purchased Member States has been implemented in Greece, a under these arrangements, where possible on an annual Directive which undermines Olympic Airways' basis? position on domestic routes in the long term, places obstacles in the way of its relations with the State, 3. Does the Commission intend to put forward appro aims at increasing ticket prices, etc.? priate proposals to abolish what I consider to be unjustified privileges in the next few years and, if so, when? (') OJ No L 237, 26. 8. 1983, p. 19.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 320/85 by Mr Vassijis Ephremidis, Mr Dimitrios Adamou and Mr Alexandros Alavanos (COM — GR) WRITTEN QUESTION No 321/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S —• B) (4 May 1985) to the Commission of the European Communities (85/C 184/37) (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/38) Subject: Fining of Olympic Airways by the Commission
The Commission has started ^edings against Subject: The 'Europe 1990' document from Philips Olympic Airways on the grounds that it is not entitled to increase the prices of the services it provides to other On 11 January 1985, NV Philips Gloeilampenfabriek companies for passenger transport, moving walkways, forwarded a document entitled 'Europe 1990, an agenda etc. for action' to the new Commission. In it the Netherlands-based multinational concern calls for faster In fact Olympic Airways faces a fine of 1 000 ECU completion of the common market in the framework of a (approximately 100 Q00 drachmas) daily from the five-year plan which covers inter alia customs formalities, Commission if the Commission does not agree with its VAT barriers, common technical standards and figures as to the relevant costs for aircraft in transit government policy. The report draws the following belonging to other airlines. conclusion: No C 184/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 24.7.85
'It is gratifying to note that the Commission and the make the future abolition of the quota system, which is Council recognize that in taking action great provided for, more difficult to achieve? emphasis will be placed on the elimination of unnecessary and hampering regulations and on the What counter-measures does it think it can take? progressive simplification of those that remain'.
Is the Commission aware, however, that at the end of January Philips was prosecuted by the Federal German Monopolies Commission (Bundeskartellamt) for having held a stake for years in Loewe-Opta via a holding WRITTEN QUESTION No 323/85 company with which it had no official links (the 'Philips by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (L — NL) B' holding company) and with the collaboration of a to the Commission of the European Communities bank? (4 May 1985) How does the new Commission assess the content of the (85/C 184/40) report and, more particularly, the call for the 'elimination of unnecessary and hampering regulations' Subject: Quarantine regulations affecting flower bulbs in the light of Philips' practices, which contravene Community and national law? Are not Philips and other Is the Commission aware that flower bulbs exported to large concerns eager for a free European market so that Japan must undergo plant health checks, which consist they can dominate it more successfully, contrary to the of their being held for a whole year in quarantine in interests of workers, consumers, small investors and State plantations and planted out there, before they are SMUs (small and medium-sized undertaking)? released to the purchaser and that this may result in a deterioration in quality and act as a barrier to trade? Does not the Commission agree that a programme of action for the consolidation of the common market must Is it prepared to oppose such measures, which exceed be accompanied by a programme of action aimed at normal health control measures, where necessary by greater transparency and control of large conglomerates ? taking countermeasures?
How does the Commission account in this connection for the slow progress of the Directive which is supposed to require all undertakings to submit consolidated annual reports for all companies with which they are linked (Ninth Company Law Directive)? WRITTEN QUESTION No 324/85 by Mr Eisso Woltjer (S — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/41)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 322/85 Subject: Engine capacity of fishing vessels (cutters) by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (L — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission is not doubt aware of the efforts being made by the Dutch fishing organizations to reduce the (4 May 1985) maximum engine capacity of fishing vessels (cutters) to (85/C 184/39) 2 000 hp. The engine capacity of vessels in excess of 2 000 hp should eventually be reduced to that limit. This Subject: Dairy quotas reduction in engine capacity is designed to achieve a better balance between the catch capacity of the Dutch fishing fleet and the allocated catch laid down in the Can the Commission indicate how dairy quotas are re Community fisheries agreement. Talks between the allocated when land is reallotted and how such reall fishing organizations and the Dutch Government have ocation may be carried out without interruption for indicated that a reduction in engine capacity might those who have privisionally been assigned land but who encounter legal objections from the Community. must carry out land-improvement measures and pay rental before the purchase contract is signed? 1. Can the Commission indicate the nature of any objections that might be raised? Will it also indicate whether the quota allocated to a specific piece of land lapses when the land is expro 2. Does it not share my view that a Member State priated for uses other than agriculture? should be given the opportunity to take the appro priate measures (in this case a reduction in engine Finally, can it say whether it agrees with the contention capacity) which are required in the management of that the current and deplorable trade in dairy quotas will the national quota? 24.7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/13
3. Is it prepared, where necessary, to create the requisite WRITTEN QUESTION No 329/85 legal framework to enable the Dutch authorities to by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) adopt measures designed to control catch capacity? to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/44)
Subject: Draft Directive on product liability
WRITTEN QUESTION No 325/85 1. Can the Commission indicate the number of by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) occasions on which the draft Directive on product liability has been discussed in the Council of Ministers to the Commission of the European Communities since 1976 (the year it was submitted)? (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/42) 2. Can it indicate which Member States have raised objections to that Directive? Subject: Signature and ratification by the Member States of the Community of the UN Convention on 3. Can it indicate the nature of the objections raised the elimination of all forms of discrimination by each of those Member States? against women 4. Is it aware that because that Directive has not been 1. Can the Commission indicate which Member States adopted, the European consumer is considerably less of the Community have signed and/or ratified the UN well-protected than the US consumer who has been Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimi protected against inferior products since 1973 by the nation against women? Consumer Product Safety Act?
2. Will it encourage those Member States which have 5. Is it aware that divergences in national legislation in not yet signed or ratified that Convention to do so this field constitute a considerable obstacle to the much- immediately, and if so, how will it encourage them? needed integration and unification of the European market? 3. Is it possible for the Community as such to sign and 6. What steps will it take to ensure that this Directive ratify that Convention? is dicussed again — and successfully — in the Council of Ministers ? 4. If so, when will the Commission submit the appro priate proposal?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 330/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen and Mrs Yvonne van Rooy (PPE — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 328/85 (4 May 1985) by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) (85/C 184/45) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) Subject: Pollution of the River Meuse (85/C 184/43) 1. Is the Commission aware of the report drawn up recently by the Stichting Reinwater (Reinwater Foun Subject: Issue and cost of the European passport dation) on the pollution of the River Meuse (l) ?
Can the Commission give an indication of the situation 2. Is it aware that according to that report, four in each of the Member States with regard to the issue Belgian undertakings are discharging on a large scale (from 1 January 1986) of the European passport. into the River Meuse substances classified as polluting or highly polluting: Can the Commission indicate the price of the passport in each Member State? (') 'Maaswater onderzocht' (Investigation into the quality of the water in the River Meuse): Stichting Reinwater, Vossiusstraat 20, Amsterdam, Netherlands — October 1984. No C 184/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7. 85
— Phenix: trichloroethene, iron, manganese, copper, introducing an amendment such that in these case of chrome and oil, fresh produce, the authorized consignor may, while undertaking full responsibility, appoint a third party with — Cockefill: zinc, copper, lead and manganese, responsibility to complete and sign T2 and T2L forms? — Nouveau Hall de Cuivre et Zinc: copper and cadmium,
— Armco, Liege: iron, manganese, copper and oil?
3. Can it indicate whether the undertakings involved have been authorized to discharge those waste sub WRITTEN QUESTION No 334/85 stances? by Mr Terence Pitt (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities 4. Can it indicate which of the substances being discharged are covered by Community Directives and (4 May 1985) whether those Directives have already been converted (85/C 184/47) into national legislation in Belgium, i.e. whether or not those Directives are already being applied in Belgium? Subject: Japanese imports
5. What is its opinion of the Foundation's idea of Following the recent announcement that Caterpillar setting up an 'International Commission for the River Tractor has joined J. C. Bamford Ltd and 17 other Meuse' involving France, Belgium and the Netherlands, companies in their complaint about the marketing and is it prepared to take the initiative in this matter? practices of Japanese companies, will the Commission publish:
1. a list of the Japanese products with EEC market penetration exceeding 10 % on which it has received allegations of malpractice in the past three years, WRITTEN QUESTION No 332/85 2. a list of Japanese manufacturers on which it is actively by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED — GB) investigating those allegations, to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) 3. the Japanese products against which it has recommended 'anti-dumping' tariffs and the tariff (85/C 184/46) level, and
Subject: Simplified procedure for T2 and T2L forms — 4. the list of those tariffs which are being or have been the authorized consignor procedure challenged by the Japanese in the Court of Justice. One of Britain's most respected companies, Marks and Spencer pic, exports fresh produce to its customers on the continent (meat, fruit and vegetables). The lorries carrying this produce are packed and checked on behalf of M & S by a third party. A check is made at the time of packing, and final details of the consignment are therefore not available until the vehicle is loaded. WRITTEN QUESTION No 335/85 Completion of the forms at M & S head office would by Mr Terence Pitt (S — GB) incur a delay in shipment because of the time taken to to the Commission of the European Communities get the completed forms from London to Faversham or Preston. British Customs and Excise have refused (4 May 1985) permission for Marks and Spencer to designate a third (85/C 184/48) party as principals for the purpose of signing and completing the forms. Yet in the interests of minimizing Subject: Cereal stocks in the West Midlands regulation and easing trade, it is clear that if a firm such as M & S is willing to undertake full responsibility by designating one or more named persons from a third Will the Commission give details of the volume of party to sign on its behalf, this would be both legally cereals stored in intervention in the West Midlands acceptable and commercially useful. region of Great Britain in 1982, 1983 and 1984? Will it then state how much of this was released or bought under the food-aid programme and, finally, give any As the Commission rightly places emphasis on the information it has on the age of the present stocks? completion of the internal market and the removal of barriers to trade, will it agree to review the regulations governing the Community transit system with a view to 24. 7.85 Official Journal of th. European Communities No C 184/15
WRITTEN QUESTION No 336/85 2. Has it already considered the possibility of intro by Mr Terence Pitt (S — GB) ducing a European label to indicate that the product is: to the Commission of the European Communities (a) easily repairable; (4 May 1985) (b) reusable; (85/C 184/49) (c) recyclable? Subject: Consumer influence on the farm price review 3. Does it not feel that devising such labels for use throughout Europe would be a useful part of waste In view of the importance of 'reasonable prices to management policy? consumers' for food as laid down in Article 39 of the Treaty, how was the Commissioner responsible for consumer protection involved in the drawing up of the farm price proposals for 1985/86 before they were finally approved by the Commission? WRITTEN QUESTION No 341/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/52) WRITTEN QUESTION No 338/85 Subject: Plastic waste by Mr Terence Pitt (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities Could the Commission give the most recent figures it has (4 May 1985) in respect of: (85/C 184/50) 1. the trend in consumption of plastics in Europe and the resulting quantities of waste; Subject: Import tariffs, levies and restrictions on food imports from third countries 2. the quantities of plastic waste materials in the Member States of the European Community currently Of the food or agricultural products imported into the intended for: Community from third countries, which third country (a) regeneration; products account for 75 % or more of Community consumption of that type of product? (b) incineration with energy recovery; (c) incineration without energy recovery; What tariffs, levies and quantitive restrictions are applied to each of these types of foods from the various third (d) controlled dumping; countries? (e) disposal by other methods, particularly un controlled dumping; What steps does the Commission take to measure the effect of these tariffs, levies and restrictions on consumer 3. the emissions of atmospheric pollutants from both prices in the Community for this product? controlled and uncontrolled incineration of plastic waste (PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, polysty rene, etc.)?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 340/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 342/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/51) (85/C 184/53)
Subject: Labelling of non-polluting products Subject: Refuse incineration
1. Could the Commission give a progress report on 1. Does the Commission know how many refuse experiments undertaken by the authorities to devise a incineration plants are currently operating in the labelling system for non-polluting products? Member States of the European Community? Could it No C 184/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 24.7.85
give details of their incineration capacities and anti cooperation on transfrontier shipments of hazardous pollution devices? Could it also give the number and waste held in Basle on 26 and 27 March 1985 main characteristics of those plants suitably equipped to recommended the implementation of the principle that incinerate toxic and dangerous waste? the member countries of the OECD should apply to transfrontier shipments of hazardous waste involving 2. Could it give the latest information it has on PCB third countries control measures no less stringent than and dioxin emissions resulting from refuse incineration? those which they apply to shipments involving only member countries and should permit hazardous waste to be exported to non-member countries only if the appro 3. Does it have any information on the varying priate authorities in the importing countries, and, where national emission standards applying to refuse appropriate, in non-member transit countries, had given incinerators in the Member States of the European their approval and if the plant in the importing country Community? Does it not consider that these standards for which the waste shipment was destined was suitable should be harmonized? for its disposal.
4. Could it give a list of the countries throughout the 1. Does not the Commission consider that this principle world which have banned refuse incineration at sea or should be incorporated into Community law and that have announced their intention to do so? Directive 84/631 /EEC of 6 December 1984 (x) on the supervision and control within the European Community of the transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste should be supplemented accordingly? 2. Apart from the implementation of that principle, does it not consider that every effort should be made to WRITTEN QUESTION No 343/85 avoid transferring the problem of hazardous waste to third world countries by not building plants which by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) produce hazardous waste in those countries? What to the Commission of the European Communities practical measures does the Commission envisage in (4 May 1985) this respect? (85/C 184/54) (') OJ No L 326, 13. 12. 1984, p. 31. Subject: Measures designed to promote greater durability of products
1. Is the Commission aware that some Member States have adopted measures to promote greater durability of certain products? WRITTEN QUESTION No 346/85 2. Could it give a list of its own measures in this field? by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities 3. Could it give its opinion on the proposal for adjusting the taxation system on products to reflect their (4 May 1985) durability, e.g. the tax to be inversely proportional to the (85/C 184/56) manufacturer's guarantee of durability? Subject: Airport formalities in Greece
Taking into consideration the transitional period following Greece's accession to the Community, when will Community citizens visiting Greece no longer be required to undergo formalities such as completing WRITTEN QUESTION No 344/85 landing and exit cards, particularly at airports? by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) When does the transitional period with regard to these to the Commission of the European Communities formalities elapse? (4 May 1985) When will Greek citizens visiting other Community (85/C 184/55) countries also enjoy freedom of access?
Subject: Controls on the export of waste to third Are the arrangements made for Greek citizens visiting countries other Member States more generous than the facilities provided by the Greek Government? The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) conference on international 24. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/17
WRITTEN QUESTION No 347/85 barriers to intra-Community trade which sometimes by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED — GB) ^ makes it impossible for imports from third countries to be forwarded on to other Member States? to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) 2. What does the Commission intend to do to (85/C 184/57) establish free movement of goods in this sector?
Subject: Integrated Mediterranean programmes
Following the recent agreement in Brussels on integrated Mediterranean programmes, how much 'new money' will Greece receive under this agreement, and over what period? And how much does the total sum due to Greece vary from what that country might have received under WRITTEN QUESTION No 350/85 existing programmes? by Mr Karl von Wogau (PPE — D) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1985) (85/C 184/60)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 348/85 Subject: Plant protection — Directive 77/93/EEC (') by Mr Karl von Wogau (PPE — D) and amendments to the Commission of the European Communities It is no secret that national regulations governing the use (4 May 1985) of plant protective agents and the residues of these (85/C 184/58) substances:
Subject: Enlarged internal market — seriously impede intra-Community trade,
The accession negotiations with Spain and Portugal — have a considerable impact on imports and exports, concentrated on the progressive integration of those countries into the present Community. — distort the conditions of competition for under takings in the various Member States. Can the Commission say to what extent the Community negotiators also discussed future relations between the Because of these national provisions it is not possible to two applicant countries themselves? establish, in the fruit and vegetables sector, for example, the free movement of goods within the Community, the What practical measures were proposed to guarantee the goal of basic Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 (2), nor to (gradual) opening of the frontier between Spain and establish a common trade policy.-The most striking illus Portugal, particulary in the agricultural sector? tration of this is the ban on citrus fruit imports into Italy under plant-health regulations. Will this matter be covered in the Act of Accession? 1. Would the Commission state what efforts it is What is known of the reactions of the applicant currently making to harmonize these national countries to the prospect of free movement between provisions them? 2. Is it possible on the basis of an opinion by the Standing Committee on Plant Health to transfer from the Council to the Commission the decision-making procedure whereby amendments are adopted to the Annexes to this Directive and, in particular, would it WRITTEN QUESTION No 349/85 be possible to make the introduction of new measures by Mr Karl von Wogau (PPE — D) by a Member State subject to a decision by the Commission/Standing Committee on Plant Health to the Commission of the European Communities under this Directive (if necessary by calling meetings (4 May 1985) under the emergency procedure) in order to avoid (85/C 184/59) individual Member States taking unilateral action in the future? Subject: Mutual recognition of veterinary certificates
1. Is the Commission aware that the lack of mutual (') OJ No L 26, 31. 1. 1977, p. 20. recognition of veterinary certificates creates serious (2) OJ No L 118, 20. 5. 1972, p. 1. No C 184/18 Official Journal of th« European Communities 24. 7. 85
3. Could the Standing Committee on Plant Health waters, which are to be welcomed as they provide a basis review all existing national provisions with a view to for assembling scientific information for the planning determining their legitimacy and eliminating those and development of fisheries policy, will be effectively that are based on economic (i.e. protectionist) implemented, and does the Commission envisage intro considerations where there is no evidence of a danger ducing special supervisory mechanisms to ensure that of plants or crops becoming infected (e.g. Italian they are uniformly enforced throughout the Community? citrus fruit orchards by Greek or Spanish goods) ?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 352/85 by Mr Patrick Lalor (RDE — IRL) WRITTEN QUESTION No 355/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE — IRL) (8 May 1985) to the Commission of the European Communities (85/C 184/61) (8 May 1985) Subject: Cost of rail electrification (85/C 184/64)
Will the Commission indicate the current cost of rail electrification per kilometre in each of the Member Subject: Recession in US economy forecast for 1986 States? In the light of the present forecast by the National Association of US Business Economists that the US economy is likely to suffer a recession beginning some time next year, does the Commission not consider that it WRITTEN QUESTION No 353/85 is vital that joint action be taken urgently by the US, Japan and the European Community to deflect the threat by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE — IRL) posed to the world economic order and the modest to the Commission of the European Communities European recovery by a fresh recession? (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/62) Subject: EEC programmes for renewal of salmon stocks In view of the dangers posed to Europe's salmon fisheries by pollution and over-exploitation by man, does the Commission think it would be appropriate to adopt a Community-wide programme to renew the salmon popu lation in the great European rivers and if, in this regard, WRITTEN QUESTION No 356/85 it would consider coordinating the efforts being made by by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE — IRL) Member States to replace the declining wild salmon to the Commission of the European Communities stocks by salmon-ranching? (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/65)
Subject: Aid towards the cost of finance for the WRITTEN QUESTION No 354/85 developing sectors of the Irish economy by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE — IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities In the light of the punitive interest rates which are impeding productive investment in the agricultural and (8 May 1985) manufacturing sectors in Ireland, does the Commission (85/C 184/63) agree that it would be appropriate to make a financial contribution to offset the cost of finance to the Subject: Regulations for monitoring fishing activity in developing sectors of the Irish economy? EEC waters Can the Commission give an assurance that the new regulations for the monitoring of fishing activity in EEC 24.7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/19
WRITTEN QUESTION No 357/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 362/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE — IRL) by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/66) (85/C 184/69)
Subject: Programme for the consolidation of the internal market Subject: Illicit trade in hormones and harmonization of Will the Commission state what action has been taken to legislation on the use of hormonal or anti- implement the programme for the consolidation of the hormonal substances in animals internal market, presented by the last Commission and approved by the Council and Parliament? On 5 April 1985 the Public Prosecutor's Office in Brussels discovered an illegal depot in Koekelberg belonging to the multinational pharmaceutical company DIPHA, the implication being that it is a major importer of hormones which, if injected into animals, could WRITTEN QUESTION No 358/85 damage the health of consumers. Apart from the fact by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE — IRL) that the installation of a depot for pharmaceuticals that to the Commission of the European Communities have not been declared is obviously an offence under Belgian Law, the case also highlights the need for (8 May 1985) consumer protection on a European scale, given the real (85/C 184/67) risk of administering to animals for slaughter, synthetic hormones such as oestrogens, and more specifically Subject: Unemployment rates DES, dinoesterol, hexoesterol or synthetic male hor mones, since these substances are not biodegradable and Will the Commission provide the percentage increase in are thus likely to accumulate in the human organism. unemployment in each of the Member States between: Morover, a major proportion of the increased weight observed in animals treated with synthetic anabolic 1. December 1979 and June 1981, agents is attributable to water retention in muscular 2. July 1981 and December 1982, and tissue, thus adversely affecting the 'useful weight' of the commodity. 3. December 1982 and February 1984.
Experience over some 20 years has led the authorities, particularly in the United States, to impose a total ban on the use of synthetic hormones with a chemical WRITTEN QUESTION No 360/85 structure of the type referred to above, whereas natural by Mrs Eileen Lemass (RDE — IRL) anabolic agents and xenobiotics (hormones which closely resemble natural hormones, with similar chemical to the Commission of the European Communities structures, such as Trenbolone and Zeranol) are often (8 May 1985) permitted. At Community level, this matter is covered by (85/C 184/68) Council Directive 81/602/EEC (!) which prohibits not only the use but also the marketing, i.e. in practice the Subject: Drug addicts receiving treatment manufacture, of stilbenes (= DES), stilbene derivatives, their salts and esters, and of thyreostatic substances. The In 1982, the latest year for which figures are available, Directive also governs the use of other hormonal subs 223 people were admitted to psychiatric hospitals in tances. However, various countries in the Community Ireland for drug dependence, while 1 454 patients with authorize the use of certain natural anabolic agents and drug-related problems were treated on an out-patient xenobiotics under certain conditions; I should like to ask basis at the Drug Advisory and Treatment Centre in the Commission the following questions: Jervis Street, Dublin.
Can the Commission provide information for each of the 1. Is the Commission satisfied with the way in which other Member States on the number of people admitted Directive 81/602/EEC has been incorporated into the to psychiatric hospitals for drug dependence from 1982 national legislation of the Member States? Which to 1984 as well as information on the number of patients Member States have watered down the Directive to a who were treated for drug-related problems on an greater or lesser degree? In which countries has draft outpatient basis from 1982 to 1984?
0) OJ No L 222, 7. 8. 1981, p. 32. No C 184/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7. 85
legislation bean proposed (for example, the Chamber 2. Is it true that the usability of the dried milk is of Representatives in Belgium is currently considering reduced as a result of excessively long storage in the Bill 976 (1983/84) on the use of a hormonal or anti- Community? hormonal substances in animals)? 2. Does the Commission not consider that the bans 3. Is it correct that the dried milk is damp on arrival, contained in Directive 81/602/EEC should be because of inadequate packaging, and is supplied in widened and extended to natural anabolic agents and sacks? Does weight loss occur? What measures does the xenobiotics, according to the principle of a positive Commission intend to take to ensure that the dried milk and limitative list? reaches Indonesia undamaged? 3. In the light of the Koekelberg case, does the Commission not intend to take further action to 4. Are these deliveries part of food-aid programmes? enforce the ban on illicit trade such as that recently How is the dried milk shipped to Indonesia? discovered in Belgium and Luxembourg, and if so how? 5. How much have dried-milk deliveries cost the Indonesian Government since 1980?
6. Via which organizations or institutions in Indonesia is this transaction arranged? WRITTEN QUESTION No 363/85 by Mr Hugh McMahon (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/70)
Subject: Aids to the textile industry WRITTEN QUESTION No 366/85 Recently the Commissioner for Regional Affairs, Mr. G. by Mrs Yvonne van Rooy (PPE — NL) Varfis, met the Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr G. to the Commission of the European Communities Younger, in London and there was a great deal of (8 May 1985) discussion and comment in the Scottish Press concerning the meeting. (85/C 184/72)
Would the Commissioner confirm that he urged the Subject: US Administration's application of the short- Secretary of State for Scotland to utilize EEC funds for supply clause contained in the 1982 carbon-steel the United Kingdom textile industry and would he arrangement further confirm that the United Kingdom Government failed to put forward individual projects to use up the five-year £60 million fund for the textile areas. 1. Is the Commission aware that, on the basis of the short-supply clause in the 1982 carbon-steel arrangement In addition to this, would the Commissioner state what between the United States and the Community, applications he has received from the Scottish Office and European undertakings (including Hoogovens from the the United Kingdom Government for projects to assist Netherlands) submitted requests, in about May 1984, to textile industries and could he please state the allocations the US Administration to increase their deliveries on the of these projects. grounds of short supply?
2. "Is it true that the European manufacturers concerned have yet to receive an official reply to their requests and that, in the light of tentative rulings by the WRITTEN QUESTION No 365/85 US Administration, it must be assumed that a positive response can be expected to none of these requests? by Mrs Brigitte Heinrich (ARC — D) to the Commission of the European Communities 3. Must it be inferred from this that the US authorities (8 May 1985) are deliberately delaying the processing of these requests, (85/C 184/71) with a view to pointing out that a short-supply situation no longer obtains? If so, does the Commission not Subject: Community deliveries of dried milk to Indo consider this at variance with the principle of nesia implementation of agreements in good faith? What action does the Commission propose to take? 1. How much dried milk has the Community supplied to Indonesia since 1980? How many litres of UHT milk is this equivalent to? 24.7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/21
WRITTEN QUESTION No 367/85 misunderstanding of Belgian national provisions by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) governing educational establishments and of their budgetary rules. to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) Could the Social Fund contemplate changing its position (85/C 184/73) and adopting more flexible rules in such cases, where the application is made directly by a Member State? Subject: Nuclear safety — Agreement to establish a system of information on irregular occurrences in nuclear reactors
With regard to this agreement, we note the lack of any contact with the Tihange plant and the Walloon region: WRITTEN QUESTION No 369/85
1. Is it correct that the Commission intends to sign a by Mr John Iversen (COM — DK) cooperation agreement under Article 101 (3) of the to the Commission of the European Communities Euratom Treaty with organizations capable of setting (8 May 1985) up an information system on irregular occurrences in (85/C 184/75) nuclear reactors?
2. Is it correct that the sole organization consulted in Subject: Carcinogenic substances in apples Belgium is 'Verenigde Energiebedrijven van het Scheldeland'? 1. Can the Commission confirm that in certain Member States the substances ethoxanin and benomyl, 3. What justification can the Commission offer for not which are regarded by some experts as allergenic and are involving the authorities responsible for the nuclear suspected by others of being carcinogenic, are used in reactors in the Mosan basin in this operation? post-harvest treatment of apples?
4. Does the Commission not think that the Walloon 2. Can the Commission confirm that the purpose of region should be consulted? such chemical treatment of apples is merely cosmetic and does not enhance the quality thereof? 5. What measures does the Commission intend to take to rectify this act of negligence? 3. In the Commission's view, is there any health risk to consumers from eating apples which have been treated subsequently to harvesting?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 368/85 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) WRITTEN QUESTION No 372/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Manfred Ebel (PPE — D) (8 May 1985) to the Commission of the European Communities (85/C 184/74) (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/76) Subject: Social Fund — Project for the butcher training school in Namur and the State technical college Subject: Energy-saving in merchant shipping through the in Arlon use of new rigging systems for sail or auxiliary power The Social Fund has recently notified the Belgian Ministry of National Education that the sums advanced Can the Commission provide a detailed survey of the for the above-mentioned projects will have to be current state of international research and development refunded as they were not committed in 1984. Given that into the use of wind energy in merchant shipping? the advance itself was not forthcoming until 1985 and that neither of these two establishments hold any funds of their own, as is the case with all State educational Would the Commission make particular reference to the establishments in Belgium, only the non-budgetary new rigging systems developed for tankers and freighters phase, i.e. the preparatory phase, was implemented in and indicate the anticipated potential for energy-saving 1984. The project as a whole is now underway, however, (fuel) in the shipping sector as a result of these? and the fact that the Social Fund has requested the refund can only be the result of an administrative No C 184/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 24.7.85
WRITTEN QUESTION No 373/85 is also a marked increase in the incidence of congenital by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED — GB) malformations in children born live to female operating theatre staff. Finally, there is a particular increase in the to the Commission of the European Communities incidence of liver disease, kidney disease, tumours, (8 May 1985) leucaemia and lymphoma. (85/C 184/77) Similar research has been carried out — and similar Subject: Relations with Hungary findings made — in the Federal Republic, of Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Will the Commission define the present relationship Union. between the Community and the Hungarian Republic. Does the Commission not consider that it would be What steps are being taken to improve trading and appropriate to pass legislation requiring operating political links? theatres to be equipped with satisfactory and effective ventilation? Or, failing that, that there is a need for measures to protect the health of operating theatre staff?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 375/85 by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) WRITTEN QUESTION No 377/85 (85/C 184/78) by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi (COM — I) Subject: Effect of Spanish and Portuguese accession on to the Commission of the European Communities the purchase of nuts and raisins from non- (8 May 1985) Community countries (85/C 184/80) Can the Commission indicate the likely effect of the Subject: Dangers of paradichlorobenzene (PDB) accession of Spain and Portugal on Member States who are presently supplied with nuts and raisins by non- It has now been established that PDB is a dangerous Community countries. Will industrial processors in substance; this common moth repellent is available in the Member States be obliged, in future, to purchase these form of mothballs or pellets — often perfumed — and products from Spain and Portugal? sold, unpackaged or in plastic bags, in all the countries of the European Community. Prolonged exposure to PDB causes serious damage to the kidneys, the liver and the central nervous system, and produces genetic mutations. It has also been reported WRITTEN QUESTION No 376/85 that the inhalation- of PDB causes dizziness, vomiting, by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi (COM — I) irritation of the eyes and nose, and general debility. to the Commission of the European Communities What measures does the Commission intend to take, (8 May 1985) particularly in view of the submission made on this (85/C 184/79) subject to the European Consumers' Bureau by an Italian consumer group? Subject: Work-related health risks for operating theatre staff Epidemiological research has proved that the anaesthetic gases inhaled by theatre staff over a long period produce serious and often irreversible pathological changes and have particularly damaging effects on the liver, the kidneys and the central nervous system. WRITTEN QUESTION No 379/85 Research carried out by the Clinica del Lavoro by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi (COM — I) (industrial health institute) in Milan on the operating to the Commission of the European Communities theatre staff of a number of hospitals in Lombardy has (8 May 1985) shown that a very high proportion of the persons examined had suffered, or were suffering, from a variety (85/C 184/81) of complaints ranging from Lack of concentration Subject: Oil prospecting off the Amalfi coast (59 %) to headaches (72,7 %) and loss of memory (56,8 %). The Italian Government has given ELF permission to The incidence of spontaneous abortion is almost twice as prospect for oil off the Amalfi coast. This decision was great among women exposed to anaesthetic gases; there opposed by the local inhabitants, backed up by a ruling 24. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/23
by the Campania region administrative tribunal which of Oslo (1972) and London (1972), the Marpol was subsequently quashed by the Council of State. Convention (1973), the Conventions of Helsinki (1974) and Barcelona (1978) and the Bonn Could the Commission therefore answer the following Agreement? questions:
1. Does it not consider that any accidental spillage of oil — which is quite likely at the prospecting stage because the area is an earthquake zone — could WRITTEN QUESTION No 382/85 jeopardize the future of several of Europe's most by Dr Otmar Franz (PPE — D) famous tourist centres, such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and the Amalfi coast as a whole? to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) 2. Does the Commission not further consider that the (85/C 184/83) granting of this authorization conflicts with the third environment action programme, which regards the Subject: Introduction of lead-free petrol environment as an economic asset to be preserved, particularly in view of the fact that tourism is the Can the Commission state: most important economic activity in these areas, which suffer from particularly serious unemployment — at which petrol stations within the European in other sectors? Community lead-free petrol is available, — what makes of car in the European Community 3. Finally, does it not consider that the granting of already meet the proposed standards for exhaust permission to prospect for oil ought to be conditional gases, on a full assessment of the impact of such activities on the environment, the results of which should be made — whether it would be possible to issue an 'environ available to local residents to enable them to grant — mental' sticker for garages which offer lead-free or withhold — their informed consent? petrol and lorries which comply with the proposed standards for exhaust gases?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 385/85 by Mr Jochen van Aerssen (PPE — D) WRITTEN QUESTION No 381/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) (8 May 1985) to the Commission of the European Communities (85/C 184/84) (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/82) Subject: Contract labour from Comecon countries and its distorting influence on the market in the construction and restoration trades Subject: Dumping of radioactive waste at sea There has recently been a spate of cases in which On 14 March 1984 the European Parliament adopted a contracts for the restoration of architectural monuments resolution on the dumping of radioactive waste at sea. — especially in the Land of Nordrhein-Westfalen (Federal Republic of Germany) — have been awarded to This resolution called 'inter alia' for the dumping of firms which have submitted tenders up to 50% lower waste at sea to cease from 1 January 1985 and also than the current price. They were able to do this because urged the Member States to ratify the international they employed contract labour, for both manual and agreements banning the dumping of radioactive waste. scientific work, which was not paid in line with the collective agreements in force in the Federal Republic but on the basis of wage levels and agreements in CMEA (a) Which Member States are continuing to discharge countries, in particular Poland. radioactive waste into the sea? Can the Commission countenance this practice, which is (b) What type of radioactive waste and what quantities beginning to cause serious distortion on the market are involved? concerned, or does it not consider it to be incompatible with the rules of competition and social policy? How (c) Which Member States have so far ratified the inter does it propose to prevent such practices in the future? national agreements banning the dumping of radio active waste into the sea, including the Conventions No C 184/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 7. 85
WRITTEN QUESTION No 386/85 However, this argument carried little, if any, weight with by Mr Pieter Dankert (S — NL) regard to all other administrators of advance funds who administer only modest amounts. There is not a single to the Commission of the European Communities good reason why officials who are insured against (8 May 1985) possible losses should receive a hand-out like this into (85/C 184/85) the bargain. It is clear from the figures given above that an official who has administered an imprest account for Subject: Parquet flooring cartel a number of years can comfortably collect Bfrs 100 000 for doing so. 1. Is the Commission aware of an article which appeared on page 122 of the March 1985 issue of In my view, such practices should be abolished forthwith. Consumentengids (Consumer Guide), entitled 'Cartel bans cut-price parquet-flooring offers'? Is the Commission prepared to propose a corresponding amendment to the existing provisions? 2. Has it been notified of the existence of such a cartel?
3. If not, what does it intend to do about this matter?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 389/85 by Dame Shelagh Roberts (ED — GB)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 387/85 to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) by Mr Pieter Dankert (S — NL) (85/C 184/87) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) Subject: Duty-free treatment for items intended for use (85/C 184/86) by the handicapped
Subject: Special allowance for certain officials Under the provisions of Annex E.2 to the Nairobi Protocol to the Florence Agreement, all materials Under Article 70 of the Financial Regulation of the specifically designed for handicapped persons directly European Communities ('), a special allowance is imported by institutions or organizations concerned with granted to 'the accounting officer, assistant accounting handicapped persons may be imported free of duty officers and administrators of advance funds'. Currently, provided equivalent products are not being manufactured this allowance is Bfrs 8 100 per month for an accounting in the importing country. officer, Bfrs 5 400 for an assistant accounting officer and Bfrs 2 700 for an administrator of advance funds. Will the Commission take steps to introduce legislation to ensure that this treatment is granted to commercial The purpose of the allowance is to cover any cash importers of such materials in the Community and to shortages. When an imprest account is closed, any eliminate VAT on goods for the handicapped as called balance standing to the credit of the official concerned in for by paragraph 3 (f) of the Nairobi Protocol? the guarantee account is paid to him in accordance with Article 84 of the measures of implementation of certain provisions of the Financial Regulation (2).
Article 70 (3) of the Financial Regulation requires the officials concerned to insure themselves against the risks they incur in the execution of financial transactions. The institution pays the insurance costs. WRITTEN QUESTION No 390/85 by Mrs Magdalene Hoff (S — D) It is, therefore, not clear why an additional special to the Commission of the European Communities allowance should have to be paid. A case might be made (8 May 1985) out for the payment of an allowance to an accounting officer, assistant accounting officer or an official (85/C 184/88) responsible for administering advance funds amounting to at least Bfrs 50 million, because they do have special Subject: Conversion loans responsibilities. Conversion loans under Article 56 (2) (a) of the ECSC Treaty, in particular the sub-loans granted by (') OJNoL356, 31. 12. 1977. intermediary financial institutions to aid investment by (2) OJNoL 170, 1. 7. 1975. small and medium-sized undertakings, play a valuable 24.7.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/25
role in alleviating labour market problems in the 1. What was the subject of these 'detailed' discussions Community regions most seriously affected by the crisis on horses and what conclusions were reached? in the coal and steel industries. 2. When and in what form will the Commission translate The new operating principles (OJ No C 191, 16. 7. its intentions into action? 1983) have increased the attractiveness of this measure. However, there are still no comprehensive and analytical reports on the use which undertakings have made of it.
1. What, in the period from 1975 to 1984, was the volume of investment planned by the undertakings, the number of jobs created overall and the number reserved for coal and steel workers, and the volume of loans granted for this purpose by intermediary WRITTEN QUESTION No 395/85 financial institutions in the Land of Nordrhein- Westfalen as a whole and in the individual mining by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) and steel-making areas (labour market regions or to the Commission of the European Communities administrative districts/municipalities) ? (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/90) 2. Would the Commission be able and willing to help Member States in the future to compile breakdowns of the results of investment in each region concerned? Subject: Battery for 3 500 000 laying hens
The firm Ovobel is planning to set up a battery for three-and-a-half million laying hens in the Baudour industrial estate, in the commune of Saint-Ghislain, near Mons (Belgium).
WRITTEN QUESTION No 393/85 1. What is the Commission's view as to the advisability by Mr Louis Eyraud (S — F) of such a plan in the context of the European egg to the Commission of the European Communities market? (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/89) 2. Could the Commission specify, in the light of the studies and research it is conducting into animal Subject: Horsemeat welfare, what standards must be met with regard to the battery-rearing of hens? In its answer to my Written Question No 1578/84 (x) concerning the transport of live horses by ship from 3. Will the Commission give details, having regard to its South America, the Commission referred me to the studies and research concerning the environment, of answer given by Mr Dalsager on 13 December 1983 to a the problems raised by a battery containing three-and- question by my colleague Mr Moreland. a-half million laying hens, and in particular by the manure which it will produce? I quote from that answer: 4. Will the Commission indicate how the nutritional 'The Commission stated its intention to establish the quality of battery-produced eggs compares to that of minimum requirements necessary for the uniform eggs laid under 'natural' rearing conditions? application of the system for the international transport of animals. The Commission embarked 5. Will the Commission give an indication of the number upon, and is continuing, detailed discussions on the of jobs which would be created or lost as a result of possibilities of developing more transport setting up a battery for three-and-a-half million laying requirements in relation to each species and the hens? different means of transport. Further Community provisions are therefore dependent upon the outcome 6. Does the Commission consider that the siting in of these studies and discussions.' Europe of a battery, the aim of which is to export 1 000 million eggs per year to the Middle East and Will the Commission answer the following questions, Africa, is consistent with European policy on arising out of that answer: development aid?
O OJ No C 79, 27. 3. 1985, p. 14. No C 184/26 Official Journal of the iropean Communities 24. 7. 85
WRITTEN QUESTION No 396/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 398/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (8 May 1985) (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/91) (85/C 184/93)
Subject: Accidents involving the transport of dangerous Subject: International traffic on waste oils products
A number of Belgian and Federal German companies During the night of Tuesday, 2 and Wednesday, 3 April have taken to transporting waste oils 'blended' with 1985, a collision occurred on the German motorway organochlorine by-products (PCB) to the Netherlands, between Fribourg and Basle between a road tanker, where they are used inter alia for the heating of green another heavy goods vehicle and a car. Three people houses. died in the accident and the burning tanker released a toxic cloud which affected two neighbouring villages, one in Germany and the other in France, and resulted in 1. Does not the Commission consider that this practice nearly 100 cases of poisoning. is in breach of the European Directives in force? On Wednesday, 10 April, within the space of a few 2. Has the Commission sufficient powers to see to it that hours, three accidents involving lorries transporting the practice is punished by the courts? dangerous substances occurred on French territory, causing the death of two persons and the outbreak of 3. Are there any inadequacies in European law and in fire in a dozen or so houses. the laws of the Member States concerned which prevent it from being banned? 1. What lessons does the Commission draw from accidents of this kind? Would it not agree that they point to serious legal deficiencies which need to be remedied at European level?
2. On a more general level, could the Commission (a) specify the number of accidents involving the transport of dangerous products and dangerous WRITTEN QUESTION No 397/85 waste that have occurred over the past few years by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) in the European Community? to the Commission of the European Communities (b) provide statistical data on such accidents, with a (8 May 1985) breakdown by Member State and mode of (85/C 184/92) transport (road, rail, air, internal shipping and maritime shipping)?
Subject: Cyanazine and other herbicides (c) provide details of the civil damage caused by these accidents? The Federal American agency responsible for the (d) provide details of the causes of these accidents protection of the environment recently discovered that and, in particular, of the extent to which the there is a possible link between the herbicide containing relevant legal requirements were respected? cyanazine and the development of foetal malformations. In consequence, restrictions have been placed on the use of this herbicide, which is marketed in the United States under the name Bladex. WRITTEN QUESTION No 399/85 1. Could the Commission state whether herbicides by Mr James Ford (S — GB) containing cyanazine are marketed in the European Community and, if so, what restrictions have been to the Commission of the European Communities placed on their use? (8 May 1985) (85/C 184/94) 2. Could the Commission also provide a list of the herbicides whose marketing is completely banned in Subject: Procedures for storing and handling of the United States and indicate the legal status of each chemicals of these herbicides in the Community Member States? Recent reports have indicated that the procedures for storage and handling of chemicals are to be tightened up. Could details be given of the new proposals? 24. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/27
In my constituency there is a storage warehouse within WRITTEN QUESTION No 400/85 which highly flammable liquids are stored, and which is by Mr James Ford (S — GB) licensed for the storage of 750 gallons of such liquids; this warehouse is situated approximately six metres to the Commission of the European Communities distant from houses. Can the Commission confirm (8 May 1985) whether this type of storage will be permissible under the (85/C 184/95) new regulations? Subject: Impact of Expo '85 at Tsukuba Have the Commission noticed the impact of Expo '85 at Tsukuba? Have they considered organizing a similar exhibition within the Community? If not, are they prepared to do so? NoC 184/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 24.7.85
COMMISSION
ECU O 23 July 1985 (85/C 184/96)
Currency amount for one unit:
Belgian and United States dollar 0,787800 Luxembourg franc con. 45,1685 Swiss franc 1,85330 Belgian and Spanish peseta 130,381 Luxembourg franc fin. 45,5348 Swedish krona 6,57931 German mark 2,24562 Norwegian krone 6,52574 Dutch guilder 2,52569 Canadian dollar 1,05975 Pound sterling 0,556946 Portuguese escudo 131,169 Danish krone 8,06865 Austrian schilling 15,7718 French franc 6,82432 Finnish markka 4,70395 Italian lira 1503,12 Japanese yen 187,575 Irish pound 0,716182 Australian dollar 1,09951 Greek drachma 102,887 New Zealand dollar 1,53120
The Commission has installed a telex with an automatic answering device which gives the conversion rates in a number of currencies. This service is available every day from 3.30 p.m. until 1 p.m. the following day. Users of the service should do as follows: — call telex number Brussels 23789; — give their own telex code; — type the code 'cccc' which puts the automatic system into operation resulting in the transmission of the conversion rates of the ECU; — the transmission should not be interrupted until the end of the message, which is marked by the code 'ffff. Note: The Commission also has an automatic telex answering service (No 21791) providing daily data on calculation of monetary compensatory amounts for the purposes of the common agricultural policy.
(') Council Regulation (EEC) No 3180/78 of 18 December 1978 (OJ No L 379, 30. 12. 1978, p. 1), as amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2626/84 (OJ No L 247, 16. 9. 1984, p. 1). Council Decision 80/1184/EEC of 18 December 1980 (Convention of Lome) (OJ No L 349, 23. 12. 1980, p. 34). Commission Decision No 3334/80/ECSC of 19 December 1980 (OJ No L 349, 23. 12. 1980, p. 27). Financial Regulation of 16 December 1980 concerning the general budget of the European Communities (OJ No L 345, 20. 12. 1980, p. 23). Council Regulation (EEC) No 3308/80 of 16 December 1980 (OJ No L 345, 20. 12. 1980, p. 1). Decision of the Council of Governors of the European Investment Bank of 13 May 1981 (OJ No L 311, 30. 10. 1981, p. 1). 24. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 184/29
Recapitulation of current tenders, published in the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Communities, financed by the European Economic Community under the European Development Fund (EDF) or the European Communities budget
(week: 16 to 20 July 1985) (85/C 184/97)
Final date tion to Number and date Country Subject for submission tender of 'S' Journal No of bids
2273 No S 134, 18. 7. 1985 Benin BJ-Cotonou: road and bridge con 10. 10. 1985 struction 2275 No S 134, 18. 7. 1985 Algeria DZ-Algiers: training equipment 8.9. 1985
Commission communication pursuant to Article 115 of the EEC Treaty (85/C 184/98)
By Decision dated 19 July 1985 the Commission has authorized the Italian Republic not to apply Community treatment to woven fabrics of cotton, falling within heading 55.09 of the Common Customs Tariff (category 2), originating in the People's Republic of China and in free circulation in the other Member States. The said Decision is applicable from 9 July to 31 December 1985. COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
FOURTEENTH REPORT ON COMPETITION POLICY
The Report on Competition Policy is published annually by the Commission of the European Communities in response to the request of the European Parliament made by a Resolution of 7 June 1971. This Report, which is published in conjunction with the General Report on the Activitities of the Communities, is designed to give a general view of the competition policy followed during the past year. Part One covers general competition policy. Part Two deals with competition policy towards enterprises. Part Three is concerned with competition policy and government assistance to enterprises and Part Four with the development of concentration, competition and competitiveness.
248 pages
ISBN 92-825-4872-4
CB-41-84-822-EN-C
Published in: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian.
Price (excluding VAT) in Luxembourg:
BFR500 IRL8.10 UKL 6,80 USD 9
OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES L-2985 Luxembourg
85-11