11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/1

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1023/84 The Commission is sending the texts of these Decisions to by Mr John Hume (S — GB) the Honourable Member and also to the Secretariat. to the Commission of the European Communities (!) OJNoC93, 15.4.1985. (12 November 1984) (88/C 93/01)

Subject: Licensing arrangements for the import of ba­ nanas from the dollar area into the United Kingdom

In view of the recent decision of the United Kingdom WRITTEN QUESTION No 2391/84 Government to review licensing arrangements for imports of dollar-area bananas into the United Kingdom, and in by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) view of the fact that Northern Irish license holders are to the Commission of the European Communities thereby restricted to a fixed percentage of a rapidly decreasing volume of dollar-area bananas and will (26 March 1985) consequently have to reimport 'preferential' bananas from (88/C 93/02) the United Kingdom at much greater cost, will the Commissioner state whether this new arrangement is in conformity with EEC trade and competition Regulations ? Subject: Regulations on the possession and sale of firearms in the Member States

Urban society today, both in western Europe and in North America, is beset by a feeling of insecurity which is sustained by the evident increase in the number of acts of violence. The response to this major problem advocated in Supplementery answer given by Mr De Clercq certain quarters is a fairly drastic increase in protection on behalf of the Commission through the 'liberalization' of the sale and possession of various firearms. The McClure-Volkmer Bill, known as the (8 January 1988) 'Gun Decontrol Bill', currently before the US Congress is thus in conflict with another bill, the Kennedy-Rodino 'Handgun Crime Control Bill'. The confrontation is between the advocates of more extensive federal 'de­ Further to its answer of 12 February 1985 (*), the regulation' and even more flexible trading, on the one Commission would inform the Honourable Member that hand, and the supporters of federal legislation restricting its Decisions of 1 April 1985, 23 December 1985 and 22 the sale and possession of arms, on the other. December 1986 authorized the United Kingdom to take protective measures under Article 115 of the EEC Treaty The Community and 'The People's Europe' have not yet against bananas originating in the dollar area. reached the stage of preparing a federal penal code. However, since this problem is not unrelated to the However, the authorization was granted on condition that problem of terrorism, with which the Ten have recently the United Kingdom, in allocating import licences for been concerned, can the Commission give: bananas from the dollar area, take account of the interests of small importers and of traditional trade flows in free 1. a brief description of the legal and statutory situation circulation. with regard to the sale and possession of firearms for No C 93/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

'self defence' in the Community Member States, Spain Joint and supplementary answer to Written Questions and Portugal; No 2391/84 and No 809/87 given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission 2. some indication, even if only approximate, of the extent (13 November 1987) of this internal market over the last few years;

3. some indication, even if only approximate, of the Further to its answer of 11 June 1985 (*), the Commission is volume of sales of individual firearms, excluding now able to inform the Honourable Member of the results hunting weapons, to the United States of America ? of its research.

On 28 July 1987 the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Directive on the control of the acquisition and 2 WRITTEN QUESTION No 809/87 possession of weapons ( ). The proposal is confined to laying down a set of rules to enable controls at internal by Mr Geoffrey Hoon (S — GB) frontiers to be abolished and replaced by a procedure to be to the Commission of the European Communities followed by persons transferring a firearm from one Member State to another. Its aim is therefore not the full (10 July 1987) harmonization of national firearms laws. The Commission (88/C 93/03) is aware that full harmonization is not necessary for the completion of the internal market and that it would be Subject: Regulation on the possession and the sales of extremely difficult in view of the great differences between firearms in the Member States the various sets of technical rules on the subject.

In its reply to Written Question No 2391/84 by Ernest Different countries' laws give different definitions. For Glinne (J) the Commission promised to supply com­ example, only some provide for the concept of firearms for plementary information on the regulations on the posses­ self defence, and these differ in content. Each Member State sion and sale of firearms in the Member States 'as soon as classifies arms into one or two to nine categories and lays possible'. On 9 June 1987 no complementary reply had down special, specific rules on the purchase, the possession, been received by the Secretariat of the European Parlia­ which may be conditional upon various kinds of author­ ment. ization subject to declaration or which may be unrestricted, and the carrying of firearms.

1. Can the Commission supply the promised com­ Even a brief description of the legal situation would call for plementary information now? a long, involved statement and this is beyond the scope of an answer to a Written Question. 2. If not, how can the Commission justify such a delay, particularly since it has announced that it is preparing a The Commission does not have any information on the proposal for a Directive on the approximation of volume of production or sales of firearms in the Com­ firearms legislation, which would seem to require a munity. These products are not itemized in production review of the situation in the Member States ? figures, which are listed under more general headings.

3. When does the Commission expect to put forward its According to the figures available to Eurostat, recent proposal in this field ? exports of individual firearms, excluding hunting weapons, from the Community to the United States of America were (!) OJ No C 208, 19. 8. 1985, p. 20. as follows (in million ECU):

Nimexe code 1984 1985 1986

93.02 — Revolvers and pistols 26 483 25 748 27 751 93.04-90 — Other firearms, excluding guns, rifles and carbines 280 426 379

For a correct interpretation of the Community statistics, it must be borne in mind that, under Article 37 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1736/75 (3), Member States may, depending on national provisions, declare the data they compile to be confidential. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/3

The Statistical Office of the European Communities has been informed that data on exports of revolvers and pistols (93.02) from the BLEU, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ireland falls under this heading.

(!) OJ No C 208, 19. 8.1985. (2) OJ No C 235, 1. 9. 1987. (3) OJ No L 183, 14. 7.1975.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2415/85 For this purpose, the Commission has put forward five priority objectives on which operations under the Struc­ by Mrs Colette Gadioux (S — F) tural Funds should concentrate: to the Commission of the European Communities (16 January 1986) — promoting the development and structural adjustment (88/C 93/04) of the less-developed regions,

— promoting the conversion of regions affected by Subject: Compliance with the objectives of Community industrial decline, regional policy The Commission's announcement that it intends to — combating long-term unemployment, concentrate ERDF funding on 30 % of the population of the enlarged Community, confining its operations to — facilitating the occupational integration of young smaller geographical areas, raises the problem of compli­ people, ance with the objectives of Community regional policy, in particular that of a more evenly balanced distribution of economic activity throughout the Community. — speeding up the adjustment of agricultural structures and promoting the development of rural areas, in the What does the Commission propose to do to uphold its context of reform of the common agricultural policy. objective of supporting disadvantaged areas with poor infrastructure and a declining population while basing its future action on a reduction in the number of eligible areas Action under the ERDF would concentrate on the first two when the population concerned is increasing (from 70 to objectives and would also contribute to achievement of the 100 million) ? fifth objective. The Commission envisages that by 1992 the total resources of the Structural Funds will be doubled and Could the Commission specify the criteria which will be that up to 80 % of ERDF resources will be devoted to the used as a basis for determining which new areas will qualify development and structural adjustment of the less- for intervention ? Can it guarantee that the disadvantaged, developed regions. The Commission has proposed that the sparsely populated areas will not be penalized in com­ list of regions eligible for such assistance should comprise parison with the industrial regions undergoing regener­ those whose per capita gross domestic product, at ation, which traditionally are more highly populated ? administrative level NUTS II and in purchasing power parities, is less than 75 % of the Community average. Northern Ireland and the French overseas departments would be added to that list. This means that some 20 % of the Community population would be covered. Supplementary answer given by Mr Schmidhuber on behalf of the Commission The Commission has proposed that the list of regions or (29 October 1987) areas affected by industrial decline should be established on the basis of objective socio-economic criteria, in particular the seriousness of industrial problems and the unemploy­ Further to its answer of 25 February 1986 (J), the ment rate. Community action in this field could cover Commission is now able to provide the Honourable between 12 % and 15 % of the Community population. Member with the following information. As soon as the Council has adopted the proposal for a In response to the mandate given it by Article 130 D of the framework Regulation on the reform of the Structural EEC Treaty, the Commission has drawn up a comprehen­ Funds, the Commission will draw up the list of regions sive proposal designed to make such amendments to the covered by the two abovementioned objectives. structure and operational rules of the Structural Funds [EAGGF Guidance Section, European Social Fund, Euro­ pean Regional Development Fund (ERDF)] as are neces­ With regard to the ERDF's participation in the develop­ sary to clarify and rationalize their tasks in order to ment of rural areas as part of the reform of the common contribute to the strengthening of the Community's agricultural policy, the Commission is currently carrying economic and social cohesion. out a comprehensive examination of rural areas and their No C93/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88 future. Following that examination, it will be in a better the Commission would however point out that AETR position to specify eligibility criteria and the arrangements applies to both wage earners and self-employed drivers. for providing assistance. (!) OJ No C 124, 11.5.1987. 2 (i) OJ No C 87, 14. 4. 1986. ( ) OJ No C 73, 17. 3. 1979, p. 1 (codified version). (3) OJ No L 370, 31. 12. 1975.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1523/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1772/86 by Mr Horst Seefeld (S — D) by Messrs Jose Alvarez de Paz, Jose Garcia Raya and Jose Bueno Vicente (S — E) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (13 October 1986) (6 November 1986) (88/C 93/05) (88/C 93/06)

Subject: Direct applicability of Community regulations on Subject: Protection of workers exposed to chemical, driving and rest periods in the road transport physical or biological agents at work industry in all Member States of the Community The Council Directive (80/1107/EEC) of 27 November According to press reports, the Federal German High Court 1980 (*) refers to the protection of workers from the risks has laid down (in a judgment with reference 4 StR 622/85) related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological that the German provisions on driving and rest periods do agents at work. not apply outside the Federal Republic of Germany. Is this Directive being applied throughout the Community ? Can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Are Regulations (EEC) No 543/69 (*) and now (EEC) (!) OJ No L 327, 3. 12. 1980, p. 8. No 3820/85 (2) not solely authoritative for determining the driving and rest periods ?

2. Should the German court not therefore have been Answer given by Mr Marin guided by the Community law applying in all Member States rather than the German provisions ? on behalf of the Commission (26 November 1987) 3. If so, will the Commission take appropriate steps to draw the attention of the highest German civil court to the prevailing legal position ? With the exception of Greece, Spain and Portugal, all the Member States were required to transpose Council (!) OJ No L 77, 29. 3. 1969, p. 49. Directive 80/1107/EEC of 27 November 1980 on the (2) OJ No L 370, 31. 12. 1985, p. 1. protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work (*) into national law with effect from 4 December 1983, and 4 December 1984 in the case of the first indent of Article 3 Supplementary answer given by Mr Clinton Davis paragraph 3. Later dates were fixed for the transposition of the Directive by Greece, Spain and Portugal. on behalf of the Commission The Commission has so far received texts transposing the (25 November 1987) Directive from the majority of the Member States. It has initiated the procedure provided for by Article 169 of the Treaty in respect of those Member States which failed to In addition to its answer of 27 November 1986 (x) the communicate by the stated deadline the texts of national Commission can now inform the Honourable Member that laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary according to the first indent of Article 2 paragraph 2, to comply with the Directive and has referred this failure to neither Regulation No 543/69 (2) nor Regulation No 3820/ the Court of Justice in two particular cases (2). 85 (3) — which contains the same provisions — is applicable to the distance referred to in Judgment 4 (StR 622/85) of the Federal German Court of Justice, and that 0) OJ No L 327, 3. 12. 1980, p. 8. 2 AETR does apply in this case. ( ) Case 296/87, Case 297/87. In the Commission's view, the Court's final conclusions are correct within the terms of AETR. With regard to drivers, 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/5

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2391/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2605/86 by Mr Peter Price (ED — GB) by Mr Horst Seefeld (S — D) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (23 January 1987) (6 February 1987) (88/C 93/07) (88/C 93/08)

Subject: British Government White Paper on intellectual Subject: Attacks on lorries property In reply to my Written Question No 781/84 (1) on attacks Will the Commission state: on lorries, the Commission declared that this problem 'falls solely within the competence of the Member States'. 1. Whether it has considered the British Government White Paper on 'Intellectual Property and Innovation' (Cmnd. 9712); May I now ask:

2. What impact it considers the White Paper, if in­ 1. Does the Commission still hold the same view? corporated into legislation, would have on the develop­ ment of the internal market; 2. Is it prepared to acknowledge that the robbery and destruction of lorries does fall within its competence 3. Specifically, what impact it would have upon the market because of the harm this does to the common market ? for typewriter ribbons and their cassettes ? 3. Does it not think, despite its earlier answers to questions on this matter tabled by other Members as well as myself, that preventive measures at Community level would be valuable and, if so, what measures would it suggest ?

Answer given by Lord Cockfield On behalf of the Commission (!) OJ No C 26, 28. 1. 1985, p. 14. (23 October 1987)

1. The Commission is aware of the proposals on intellectual property and innovation in the United Answer given- by Mr Clinton Davis Kingdom government White Paper to which the on behalf of the Commission Honourable Member refers. (1 September 1987) 2. The Commission understands that certain proposals in the White Paper are being re-considered. In these circumstances, it prefers to await the publication of draft legislation before reaching a judgement as to the probable 1. The Commission has expressed its position on this effect of the British reforms taken as a whole on the internal subject on several occasions, the latest having been Mr market. Clinton Davis' statement on behalf of the Commission at the debate on Mr Cabezon Alonso's report at the May 1987 However, the Commission understands that a refinement plenary part-session (a). It can only confirm its view that to the proposals has recently been announced which would questions of public order fall solely within the competence avoid this effect. of the Member States.

3. The White Paper's proposal for an unregistered design 2 and 3. The Commission shares Parliament's concern at right, could provide a new legal basis for the manufacturers the threat which continuation of the situation referred to of consumer durables and capital goods to exclude would represent to the development of the common independent suppliers of spare parts and other components market. There is a risk that a deterioration in the situation such as typewriter ribbons and cassettes from the British could even hinder the efforts being made by the Com­ market. The proposal for an unregistered design right is munity in various fields to achieve a unified market by under discussion between the Commission and the United 1992. Kingdom government. It is important that the Member States should face up to their responsibilities, if necessary in concert, to both punish such offences and take measures to prevent them. The resoluteness of their efforts will determine the effectiveness of such accompanying measures as may prove necessary on No C 93/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88 a Community level, both in the transport sphere as such residence of the child. Consequently, registration as a job and to reduce the harm caused to the persons concerned. seeker in one Member State should be put on the same footing as registration in another Member State for purposes of preserving entitlement to family benefits. (!) Debates of the European Parliament, No 351 (May 1987). The Commission would furthermore reiterate that the principle of equal treatment prohibits not only overt discrimination on the grounds of nationality, but also any other form of disguised discrimination leading to the same result (2). This is precisely what happens when entitlement to family benefits for unemployed children is restricted to wage earners whose children are registered with a Dutch WRITTEN QUESTION No 2810/86 job centre. Although Dutch legislation applies the same by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S — B) criterion for the purpose of determining entitlement to family benefits of Dutch workers working in the Nether­ to the Commission of the European Communities lands, this criterion does not affect those workers in (5 March 1987) anything like the same way, since the problem of registering children with a Dutch job centre applies mainly to migrant (88/C 93/09) workers in general, and frontier zone workers in particular.

Subject: Child benefits for frontier workers On the basis of the arguments set out above the Commission has decided to initiate the procedure under Belgian frontier workers working in the Netherlands do not Article 169 of the EEC Treaty. receive child benefits for children who have registered as school-leavers with the Belgian Employment Service (Rijksdienst voor Arbeidsvoorziening) and who have to (!) OJ No L 230,22. 8. 1983, Council Regulation (EEC) No 2001/ wait before they can receive unemployment benefit. This 83 amending and updating Regulations (EEC) No 1408/71 and (EEC) No 574/72. contravenes Article 73 of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/ 2 J ( ) Judgment of the European Court of Justice of 15 January 1986 71 ( ). Their Dutch counterparts do receive benefits for (Case 41/84, Pinna). children registered in similar circumstances with the Dutch Regional Employment Office. This matter is on the agenda for the meeting of the Administrative Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers on 3-4 March. Does the Commission agree that the Dutch law in this area contravenes Article 73 of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 ? Will the Commission bring proceedings against the Netherlands before the Court of Justice without delay if no solution is found at the meeting of the Administrative Commission ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2814/86 by Mr Michael Welsh (ED — GB) (!) OJ No L 149, 5. 7. 1971, p. 2. to the Commission of the European Communities (5 March 1987) Supplementary answer given by Mr Marin (88/C 93/10) on behalf of the Commission (2 December 1987) Subject: Zero rating

In addition to its answer of 3 June 1987, the Commission, To ask the Commission having studied the matter in detail, can now inform the Honourable Member that it holds the view that the 1. Whether it considers that zero rating is compatible with position of the Dutch Government is incompatible with the theory of a system of tax on added value ? Community law. This is not a case of unemployment benefit for unemployed children, but family benefits paid to 2. Whether it would make a statement clarifying the wage earners towards the cost arising from their responsi­ distinction between zero rating and exemption and the bility for unemployed children. The Commission believes consequences for traders ? that the implication of Articles 73 and 74 of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 (a) is that entitlement to family benefits 3. Whether it believes that in a system under which (or continued entitlement to family benefits) where these turnover tax throughout the Community was ap­ apply to the members of the family themselves, should be proximated into two or three bands it would be feasible the responsibility of the authorities of the country of to use 0 % as the lowest scale of the bottom band ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/7

Answer given by Lord Cockfield rates applied by Member States must be such as to allow the on behalf of the Commission deduction of the tax applied at the preceding stage. (12 October 1987) (!) OJ No L 145, 13. 6. 1977, p. 1, Directive 77/388/EEC. (2) OJ No 71, 14. 4.1967, p. 1303/67, Directive 67/228/EEC.

1. What is commonly called 'zero-rating' is in fact a form of exemption from value added tax (VAT) combined with the recovery of the tax paid at the preceding stage in the economic chain. The relevant legal basis is to be found in Article 28 paragraph 2 of the Sixth Directive (J), which must be read in conjunction with Article 17 of the second VAT Directive (2). The net effect of these provisions is that zero rates which were in force on 31 December 1975 are WRITTEN QUESTION No 2848/86 valid provided they are applied for clearly defined social by Messrs Teun Tolman (PPE — NL), Isidor Friih reasons and for the benefit of final consumers and can be (PPE —D), Eisso Woltjer (S —NL), Jergen Nielsen maintained as a derogation within the framework of (LDR —DK), Richard Simmonds (ED — GB), Article 28 paragraph 2 of the Sixth Directive. Natalino Gatti (COM —I), Pol Marck (PPE —B) and Louis Eyraud (S — F) to the Commission of the European Communities 2. The distinction between zero-rating and full exemp­ tion can be stated as follows. (10 March 1987) (88/C 93/11)

Where a trader's activities are exempt from VAT he does not charge VAT on supplies of goods and services. However neither is he entitled to reclaim VAT charged to Subject: Implementation of the quota system in the dairy him on his purchases. sector 1. Can the Commission state what measures it plans to take to better achieve the original aims of the quota system Where a trader's activities are zero-rated (that is, where he and to actually reach the intended lower level of milk benefits from an exemption with credit) he charges no VAT output, now it appears that production in 1985/1986 on his supplies of goods or services, but is allowed to exceeded the guaranteed total quantity by 0.9 % (i. e. reclaim VAT charged to him on his purchases. approximately 900 000 tonnes) ?

2. Does not the Commission think that because of the Thus, the essential difference between exemption and zero- different ways in which the quota system has been applied rating is that in the case of an exempt supply the eventual in and by the Member States the stimulus necessary for the intended reduction in output is lacking? sale price of goods and services supplied include a VAT element, being the VAT charged to the trader on his purchases, even though the trader does not himself charge 3. In this context, can the Commission state why it has VAT directly to the customer. In the case of a zero-rated agreed to the system of equalization which has now been supply there is no VAT element in the final sale price as all adopted three years running by the Council, the net effect the VAT charged on the trader's purchases is reclaimable. of which has been less decrease in milk production and thus expenditure on the disposal of this extra milk, and less revenue from the superlevy ?

3. The Commission recently sent to the Council its 4. Can the Commission state what measures it plans to proposals on approximation of the rates and harmoniz­ take to meet the further worsening in the situation on the ation of the structure of indirect taxes. In the case of VAT world market for dairy products, which is resulting in a the Commission has proposed a two-rate system — a reduction in Community sales on this market of six million standard rate between 14 % and 20 % and a reduced rate tonnes of milk equivalent ? between 4 % and 9 %. These proposals reflect the general practice in the majority of Member States; accordingly, the 5. Can the Commission state what are the reasons for the Commission has not proposed zero rates, but has proposed spectacular increase in stocks of butter and skimmed milk that for the most part basic necessities should be charged at powder in recent months? Butter stocks have increased the reduced rate, as is the practice in almost all the Member from 1,14 to 1,3 million tonnes and those of skimmed milk States. It would not, moreover, be feasible to adopt a rate of powder from 0,7 to 0,85 million tonnes between 30 April 0 % without breaching the basic principle of VAT that the and 15 June 1986. No C 93/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

Answer given by Mr Andriessen Community financed compensation of 10 ECU/100 kg paid to producers for the quantities suspended for each of on behalf of the Commission the two years concerned. Other measures agreed by the (6 October 1987) Council to increase the dissuasive effect of the levy under both formula A and formula B of the system, should reduce milk deliveries by a further 1 %. The Council's agreement which it confirmed in detail at its meeting on 3 March 1987, also provided for measures to avoid the excessive use of intervention and for a programme for the disposal of existing stocks.

The substantial increases in intervention stocks of butter As part of its agreement in December 1986, the Council and skimmed milk powder during 1986 reflected the also stated that the Community shall ensure that full credit continued wide disparity between the level of Community is taken in the forthcoming international trade negotiations production and the demand for milk and milk products on for the quota reductions already agreed and that full internal and external markets. This disparity persisted after advantage is taken of the temporary suspension of quotas the introduction of the superlevy and quota system not only in negotiations aimed at ensuring that other dairy exporters because of a decrease in demand, particularly on export take equivalent action to achieve the stability of the world markets, but also because the superlevy system did not lead market for dairy products. to a sufficient reduction in production.

(!) Doc. COM(86) 645 final, 14 November 1986. The Commission agrees that because of variations, both between and within Member States, in the impact of the levy on excess milk deliveries at individual producer level, resulting in particular from the end-of-year reallocation and equalization systems, the dissuasive effect of the levy was in many cases significantly reduced during the initial years of the quota system. These reallocation possibilities have indeed limited the reduction in net budgetary expenditure in the milk sector, either because the restraining effect of the quota system on milk deliveries has been consequently less pronounced or because levy receipts have been lower.

In November 1986, the Commission therefore presented a set of proposals (*) which provided not only for further WRITTEN QUESTION No 2874/86 reductions in guaranteed total quantities but also for a by Mrs Danielle De March (COM — F), strengthening of the dissuasive effect of the levy and its Mr Andrea Raggio (COM — I) application on the basis of individual producer quotas in all and Mr Jose Barros Moura (COM — P) Member States and including the abolition of the possibilities for reallocating unused quotas between to the Commission of the European Communities producers. These proposed measures were aimed at (10 March 1987) achieving a total reduction in milk deliveries of 9,5 %, which, together with proposals to avoid excessive recourse (88/C 93/12) to intervention and a programme for the disposal of existing stocks, were designed to eliminate the structural imbalance in the milk sector.

Subject: The Michelin affair and the need for a European code applicable to multinationals In its agreement of December 1986, the Council, whilst not accepting the Commission's proposals to apply individual Following the sudden decision taken by the Michelin producer quotas in all Member States and to abolish the management on 25 July 1986 to close down the Michelin- possibilities for reallocating unused quotas, decided that Belgium tyre production unit at Zuun, is the Commission measures were nevertheless required to ensure a total aware of the resolution unanimously adopted by the reduction in milk deliveries of 9,5 % over a two year Belgian Senate calling for an international and European period. The Council's agreement therefore provided that, code of conduct binding on undertakings ? in addition to the 3 % reduction in guaranteed total quantities already decided upon, there should be a 4 % temporary suspension of quota in 1987/1988 and an Will the Commission submit to the Council a proposal for additional suspension of 1,5 % in 1988/1989 with a filling this legal gap ? 11. 4. Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/9

Answer given by Mr Marin how would it be possible for the companies to cover their foreign obligations from re-insurance or to transfer their on behalf of the Commission profits abroad? (30 November 1987)

The Commission has taken cognizance of the Belgian Senate's resolution referred to by the Honourable Member. Answer given by Lord Cockfield The Commission has already told the European Parlia­ on behalf of the Commission ment 0) that matters such as the Michelin affair made it (3 December 1987) possible to understand why it had put before the Council a proposal for a Directive aimed at improving the inform­ ation and consultation of workers, particularly in under­ The Commission has brought the points raised in the takings with a transnational structure and that it was up to Honourable Member's question to the attention of the the Council to take the necessary action to plug the Greek authorities. loopholes in the legal system now in force, notably the Directive on collective redundancies (2). Those authorities have informed the Commission that the arrangements for allocating foreign exchange to foreign In this context, the Commission would point out that that insurance undertakings operating in Greece were laid down Directive requires that before collective redundancies, in in a Ministerial decision of 4 January 1971, which has not particular those subsequent to the closing down of an since been amended. undertaking, the employer shall inform and consult the representatives of his workers and notify the proposed The Greek authorities state that there are no obstacles to redundancies to the relevant public authority not less than the allocation of foreign exchange to foreign insurers for 30 days before the redundancies come into effect. Such transfer either to re-insurers abroad or to the foreign notification presupposes that the local employer himself insurer's head office. has received all the necessary information in good time in If the Honourable Member could supply more detailed the event that the decision to close down the undertaking is information on any practical difficulties that may have taken at a higher level in the same Member State or abroad. been encountered the Commission would be happy to It is to plug this legal loophole referred to by the pursue the matter further. Honourable Member that the Commission has put before the Council the amended proposal for a Directive referred to above, the only binding legal instrument unlike the codes of conduct drawn up by other international organizations.

(!) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2-642 (September 1986); OJ No C 177, 6. 7. 1987, reply to Written Question No 1335/ 86 by Mrs Lizin. (2) OJ No L 48, 22. 2. 1975, pages 29 and 30, Directive 75/129/ WRITTEN QUESTION No 206/87 EEC of 17 February 1985. by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR — NL) to the Commission of the European Communites CI 5 April 1987) (88/C 93/14)

Subject: Safety of football stadiums in Europe WRITTEN QUESTION No 109/87 1. What action has the Commission taken to have by Mr Otmar Franz (PPE — D) adapted to European standards the design and construction to the Commission of the European Communities of football grounds where international championships are (9 April 1987) held, in view of (88/C 93/13) (a) European Parliament Resolution A2-70/85 of 11 July 1985 on vandalism and violence in sport, particularly paragraph 2d (establishment of European safety Subject: Violation of competition in the Greek life standards for the adaptation and construction of insurance sector stadiums); The European Commission is asked whether a violation of (b) the letter from the Luxembourg President of the Council competition is made in the life insurance sector in Greece, of Sports Ministers, Marc Fischbach, of 17 October where technical and bureaucratic barriers to entry of 1985 on behalf of at least five Member States European companies have been established. In fact, after (Netherlands, Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium, 1983 European Life Insurance companies working in Ireland and Luxembourg) to Commissioner Sutherland, Greece are not allowed to pay re-insurance premia abroad in which specific reference is made to European safety and to repatriate their profits. Under these circumstances standards for stadiums; No C 93/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

(c) the letter from the Netherlands State-secretary for complying with the current rules and guidelines for the welfare, public health and culture, Mr J. P. van der management of the Fund. The Ministry of Social Affairs Reijden, of 8 May 1986 to Commissioner Marin, which and Employment in the Netherlands will be able to advise also refers to the need for adaptation and renovation of on this. stadia ?

2. If no action is being taken, can the Commission explain why?

3. Is the Commission familiar with the Netherlands system of plough-back projects, in which long-term unemployed are temporarily employed in building work and receive a normal salary, while their employer receives a premium from the government, financed from the saving in state benefits? Under the first such plough-back project, WRITTEN QUESTION No 236/87 'Professional Soccer', a number of stadia were or still are being renovated. by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities 4. Is the Commission prepared to follow the Netherlands' example by having the European Social Fund assume (15 April 1987) responsibility for the part-financing of projects to adapt (88/C 93/15) European stadia to European safety standards ?

5. Does it not take the view that this procedure will help Subject: Situation of wage- and salary-earners at SABENA to enhance the safety of the European public and also to — profit-sharing after a period of restriction improve the plight of the large group of long-term unemployed, who, under the guidelines of the European The staff of SABENA have accepted major salary cuts since Social Fund, enjoy priority status ? 1980 in order to facilitate the company's recovery. Its recovery and improvement in performance became apparent in 1985 and were confirmed in 1986. What is the Commission's position in principle on sharing profits resulting from a reduction in the wage bill ? Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (5 November 1987) Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission The Council of Europe's European Convention of 19 (16 November 1987) August 1985 on Spectator Violence and Misbehaviour at Sports Events and in particular at Football Matches, which has so far been ratified by Denmark, France, Italy and the For the last two years the Commission has been proposing United Kingdom (as well as by Iceland, Norway, Sweden that Member States adopt a cooperative growth strategy and Finland) sets out (Article 3) a number of obligations for for more employment, which was endorsed by the Council the contracting parties, seeking among other things to as a course of action for these countries' economic policies. secure that: The main aim of this strategy is to reduce unemployment in 'The design and physical fabric of stadia provide for the the Community in a significant and lasting way by means of safety of spectators, do not readily facilitate violence more dynamic and more employment-creating growth. To between spectators, allow effective crowd control, achieve this goal the strategy puts forward macro- and contain appropriate barriers or fencing, and allow micro-economic measures which would make it possible to security and police forces to operate'. improve the conditions of supply while, at the same time, fostering an appropriate growth in demand. It is essential, The Commission feels that there is no point in adopting to this end, for governments, employers and trade unions measures at Community level which would duplicate those all to contribute in a balanced fashion. The social dialogue adopted by the Council of Europe, particularly as this is a is therefore an important instrument both at Community matter which is closely connected with the maintenance of and national level in the implementation of the strategy. public order in the individual Member States. One of the strategy's basic elements is the pursuit of a There is no provision within the Social Fund for assistance moderate increase in real wages so as to help enhance the to be given to the costs of improvement or renovation of profitability of productive investment, the competitiveness football stadia. Projects involving such work might attract of businesses and the employment content of the growth Social Fund assistance in so far as they may contain achieved. This gradual increase in real wages will have to vocational training indirectly or job premium schemes be maintained — contiguously with the strategy's other 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/11 elements — for a sufficiently long period to make it favour of abandoning quarterly limits, with the exception possible to re-establish the Community economy's funda­ of those for women of child-bearing age, and recommended mental equilibrium. a number of dose limits, including a specific limit for pregnant women. It also stressed the prime importance of At the level of individual firms, the Commission considers optimizing dose limitation, a principle enshrined in Article — as it stated inter alia in the Annual Economic Report for 6(b) of the Directive. 1986/1987 0) — that some adaptability in pay would be desirable in order to improve the motivation of the workforce and to make it possible to stabilize employment The ICRP has undertaken work to update and re-examine in the face of cyclical changes in demand or prices. One the recommendations set out in Publication 26 in the light technique which could be envisaged is possibly to divide of scientific progress in the field. pay into a fixed component and a variable component linked to the firm's profits. However, the determination of In view of the foregoing, the Commission considers that to wages in an individual firm should take account of not only amend the existing Directive along the lines proposed the increase in employment and production within the firm would be premature and lacking in any scientific basis. itself, but also its contribution to competitiveness and employment in the economy as a whole. As it also stated in its communication of 20 March 1987 on protective legislation for women in the Member States of the European Community (3), the Commission will J ( ) European Economy No 30 — November 1986, p. 60. continue to monitor scientific developments in the field and will submit the problem raised to the group of experts mentioned in Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty.

(1) ICRP Publication 26: Recommendation of the ICRP, Annals of the ICRP. (2) OJ No L 246, 17. 9. 1980. WRITTEN QUESTION No 498/87 (3) Doc. COM(87) 105 final. by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (11 June 1987) (88/C 93/16)

Subject: Legislation protecting women against ionizing radiation In European countries special levels are set for the acceptable limit of exposure by women to ionizing radiation, particularly inside nuclear power stations. These special limits apply even in the case of mere visits to such WRITTEN QUESTION No 602/87 establishments. by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) Does the Commission not think that it is high time the to the Commission of the European Communities acceptable radiation limits were reduced for everybody (men and women) and these outdated distinctions (which (22 June 1987) work to the detriment of men) abolished ? (88/C 93/17) Will the Commission prepare a special Directive on this matter or amend the existing Directives ?

Subject: Follow-up to the Resolution of 16 January 1986 on the rise of fascism and racism Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis At the beginning of 1986, after extensive preliminary study, on behalf on the Commission a Resolution was adopted on the rise of fascism and racism (11 December 1987) in Europe.

That was almost one and a half years ago. Since 1958, the Commission has followed the recommend­ ations of the International Commission on Radiological What measures have in the meantime been adopted and Protection (ICRP) — an organization whose scientific what action taken to implement this Resolution at reputation is acknowledged throughout the world — when European level and in the Member States ? drawing up the basic standards and, in particular, when setting dose limits. In this connection, reference is made to the parades held In its Publication No 26 (*), on which the Directive of 15 around the monuments glorifying Mussolini in South July 1980 (2) was based, the ICRP stated that it was in Tyrol, which are alien to the views of the population. No C 93/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

WRITTEN QUESTION No 603/87 1. Monuments (a) In Bozen the facade of the Finance Office still bears a sculpture in bas relief, measuring by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) 40 metres by 6 metres, glorifying the Italian-fascist to the Commission of the European Communities invasion of Abyssinia, including a representation of Benito Mussolini on horseback, with outstretched arm. (22 June 1987) The sculpted words 'credere, obbedire, combattere' (88/C 93/18) complete the image. In Bozen there is also the victory gate with offensive fascist inscriptions in Latin, which is cleaned up every year, (b) In Gossensass, Inrichen and Mais, there are still ossuaries erected during the fascist Subject: Place names in South Tyrol era, which present a false picture of history.

The German place names in South Tyrol were established by the Austrian law of 29 March 1909 and have never 2. Parades. Victory and commemorative meetings and caused any problems. In the list of Austrian place names of parades are regularly held at the fascist victory gate at that period there were only 25 bilingual (German-Italian) Bozen. On 2 November 1986, the Italian mayor of names. A few days after the signing of the armistice at Bozen, Marcello Ferrari, laid yet another wreath. Padua on 3 November 1918, South Tyrol came under Mention should also be made of the 'March through Italian military rule. At the end of November 1918 Ettore Bozen' (30 October 1986) organized by the neo-fascist Tolomei, on the authorization of Prime Minister Orlando, youth organization, the MSI, which regrettably clearly introduced artificial Italian translations of some 8 000 threatened violence against Tyrolean institutions. Tyrolean place and river names. On 29 December 1919 — after the fall of the Orlando Government — the Italian What is the Commission's view of such obvious fascist names were repealed. On 29 March 1923, however, the symbolism, tolerated by the authorities and acting as a new names were reintroduced under the Fascist regime of source of inspiration for extreme right-wing neo-fascist Mussolini. There were nevertheless strong protests against organizations ? the name changes by members of the Italian Geographical Society, who continued their protests until their congress in 1927. When the status of South Tyrol was settled by Italy and Austria in September 1946 in Paris, it was decided that German and Italian would have equal status, as would bilingual place names. This of course applied only to the few genuine bilingual names and not the artificial translation of the purely German names, which had been maintained by the Fascist regime since 1923. Joint answer to Written Questions No 602/87, No 603/87 and No 610/87 Does the Commission not think that these relics of an given by Mr Marin authoritarian and alien past should be removed and that on behalf of the Commission the places names in South Tyrol should be adapted to the language and culture of the region, which is German ? (3 December 1987)

The Commission attaches the greatest importance to the joint declaration against racism and xenophobia, signed on 11 June 1986 in Strasbourg by the European Parliament, WRITTEN QUESTION No 610/87 the Council and the representatives of the Member States by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) meeting within the Council and by the Commission. to the Commission of the European Communities The struggle against racism and xenophobia forms part of (22 June 1987) general efforts to protect basic rights which is one of the (88/C 93/19) essential elements of the Community identity and one which guides the actions of the Community institutions as it guides the Member States in their application of Community law. However, it is for the Member States to Subject: Alien fascist symbolism in South Tyrol take the necessary measures to maintain public order on their territory as too in the case of monuments or the In February 1987 an elected representative of the South naming of places. Tyrolean Landtag approached various individuals who are prominent in European politics (including the President of the European Parliament and the Secretary-General of the United Nations) to draw attention to the presentation and upkeep of offensive fascist place names, customs and monuments in South Tyrol. I can personally testify to the following instances. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/13

WRITTEN QUESTION No 641/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No. 642/87 by Mr James Ford (S — GB) by Mr James Ford (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (26 June 1987) (26 June 1987) (88/C 93/20) (88/C 93/21)

Subject: Threat to non-managed tropical hardwood forests Subject: Limiting Community hardwood imports to non- endangered species Given that the European Community is one of the three largest consumers of tropical hardwood, and in view of the Is the Commission taking steps to limit tropical hardwood rapid depletion of tropical forests in West Africa and imports to non-endangered species? If not, can the South-East Asia, does the Commission have plans to Commission state whether it intends to adjust quotas and restrict imports to those coming only from sustainably tariffs to effect such a strategy using the Convention on managed forests ? Is the Commission aware of the need to International Trade in Endangered Species ? preserve these forests by importing only from sustainably managed tropical forests which are husbanded as a renewable resource?

Answer given by Mr Natali Answer given by Mr Natali on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1987) (4 November 1987)

The Community's position is set out in the Fourth 1 Further to the environmental considerations set out in the Environmental Action Programme ( ). This document answer to the Honourable Member's Written Question No states that the Community's contribution should include: 641/87 i1), the Community countries, as importers of — playing an active role in the framework of the tropical timber from the developing countries, have a major International Tropical Timber Agreement with the aim economic interest in safeguarding the sources of supply — of conserving species; in this connection the as indeed do those countries themselves. Honourable Member is referred to the answer given by the Commission to his Written Question No 642/87 (2), The Commission's policy, in the context of development assistance to tropical timber producer countries, is aimed at — a review of the Community's and the Member States' preserving natural resources in order to promote a rational policies on aid and trade from the standpoint of their pattern of exports. This is the philosophy underlying the impact on the conservation of tropical forests. Community's participation in the 1985 International With particular reference to forestry action programmes, Tropical Timber Agreement. the Commission endorses the principal guidelines recently approved by the Ninth World Forestry Conference in With regard to the Convention on international trade in Mexico City, namely: endangered species of wild fauna and flora, it should be noted that although the Community is not yet a contracting — strengthening forestry as part of land use, party as such, it has applied the Convention since 1984 2 — developing forestry industries, under Council Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 ( ). — discouraging the unrestrained use of fuelwood, The annexes to the Convention refer to species in which international trade is prohibited or restricted, according to — conserving tropical forest ecosystems, the situation with regard to conservation of the species — strengthening the institutions which are of service to concerned in the countries of origin. forests. The Convention provides for export quotas in the case of The Commission is of the view that rational use of tropical some products (ivory, crocodile skin), though not for timber need not in itself constitute a threat to tropical tropical timber species. The Convention makes no forests. Such use can be an important and renewable source provision for tariff measures either. of earnings for developing countries, provided that the forests are appropriately managed and maintained. (*) See page 13 of this Official Journal. (2) OJ No L 384, 31. 12. 1982, p. 1. (!) OJ No C 70, 18. 3. 1987, doc. COM(86) 485. (2) See page 13 of this Official Journal. No C 93/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

WRITTEN QUESTION No 648/87 by Mr Paraskevas Avgerinos (S — GR) to the Commission of the European Communities (26 June 1987) (88/C 93/22)

Subject: The proportion of the total cost of expenditure on health accounted for by drug consumption and research into health-related subjects Having regard to the dangerous escalation in drug proliferation and to the minute amount of expenditure on research in the health sector, what is the cost of expenditure on health in the public and private sectors in the 12 Member States (both in absolute figures and as a proportion of Community gross domestic product ? What proportion of this amount is accounted for by the total cost of drug consumption ? Does the Commission know what proportion of the total cost is accounted for by overall expenditure on research into health-related subjects ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (25 November 1987)

As regards the cost of health expenditure in the public sector and in the private sector in the twelve Member States the Commission has at its disposal the following data for health benefits drawn from the publication by the Statistical Office 'Social protection — 2 — 1986) 0). For Spain the information (2) has been provided separately.

Amount Percentage Country of GDP (thousand million national currency units)

Belgium 414,82 9,5 Denmark 49,115 8,7 Germany 194,54 11,1 Spain 1 482,7 5,9 France (1983) 360,71 9,2 Greece (*) — — Ireland 1,309 8,0 Italy (1983) 60 250 11,2 Luxembourg (1983) 17,693 10,1 Netherlands (1983) 54,61 14,4 Portugal (1982) 116,557 6,3 United Kingdom 22,578 7,0

I}) The Statistical Office does not accept the figures provided by Greece.

(!) Subject 3, population and social conditions, Series F; rapid statistics. (2) Figures for 1984. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/15

Although the Commission has kept a close watch on the levels of health expenditure in the Member States between 1977 and 1983 (3) expenditure on pharmaceutical products has not been monitored separately: it has always been included under the heading of 'medical goods' which covers pharmaceutical products, orthopaedic devices, spectacles, etc. In contrast, a recent OECD study (4) isolates this expenditure and compares it with total expenditure on health (Table A7 of the study).

Expenditure on pharmaceutical products in 1982 (or 1981) % of total health Country expenditure in (million national 1982 (or 1981) currency units)

Belgium 44 474 12,2 Denmark 1 628 3,6 Germany 26 443 15,2 Spain 247 599 19,7 France 51 984 15,9 Greece 32 838 Ireland (1981) 116 8,6 Italy 5 270 000 10,4 Luxembourg 1 670 9,9 Netherlands 3 166 5,9 Portugal (1981) 20 742 17,8 United Kingdom 2 120 11,2

(3) Study by Professor Abel-Smith. The experience of 12 European countries as regards controlling the cost of health care (1977 to 1983) — ISBN 92-825-5094. (4) 'Health in figures 1960 to 1983 — Expenditure, costs, results' — OECD, Paris, 1985 — ISBN 92-64-22736-9.

As regards the proportion of the total cost accounted for by research on health-related subjects the OECD study referred to gives figures on public research expenditure and biomedical development (Table A12 of the study).

Amount % of total expen­ Country diture on pharma­ (million national ceutical products currency units)

Belgium (1979) 2 914 7,7 Denmark (1979) 448 40,4 Germany (1980) 2 200 9,0 Spain (1976) 976 — France (1980) 3 127 8,3 Greece (1982) 555 1,7 Ireland (1977) 1 1,8 Italy (1978) 191 154 9,7 Luxembourg — — Netherlands (1977) 490 22,5 Portugal (1978) 482 4,6 United Kingdom (1980) 163 —

As regards expenditure on health-related research by the private sector overall figures are not available. However, it is generally recognized that the pharmaceutical industry in the Community engaged in original research devotes between 10 % and 15 % of its budget to research, which would seem to be supported by the following table drawn from a report entitled 'The Community's Pharmaceutical Industry' carried out at the request of the Commission (5). No C 93/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

Sale of medi- Expenditure on Medical research cines in 1982 research 1982 as % of Country Company (millions (millions medical of dollars) of dollars) sales

Belgium UCB 106 12 11,3 France Delalande 79 12 15,1 Rhone-Poulenc 896 125 14,0 Roussel-Valat 558 58 10,5 Sanofi 605 84 13,8 Synthelabo 220 30 16,4 Germany BASF 285 37 13,7 Boehringer-Ingelheim 1 214 185 15,2 Boehringer-Ingelheim 550 36 10,0 Degussa 130 7 5,1 Hoechst 2 071 219 10,6 Merck AG 414 40 8,9 Schering 726 103 14,2 Italy Erbamont 357 43 12,3 Menarini 160 15 9,4 Zambelletti 45 4 8,5 Netherlands AKZO 597 72 12,4 United Kingdom Beecham 782 90 11,4 Boots 399 20 4,5 Glaxo 990 93 9,4 ICI 839 98 11,6 Reckitt & Coleman 155 10 6,5 Wellcome 837 117 14,0

(5) EEC/CB/43/85/361EN/C.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 653/87 Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S — D) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (9 December 1987) (26 June 1987) The Commission will take up this matter with Member (88/C 93/23) States to find out the actual situation and as necessary initiate action under the relevant articles of the EEC Treaty. As far as travel by its own officials is concerned, the main concern of the Commission is to make use of the most Subject: Compulsory use of national airlines economic air fares available, compatible with the type of mission undertaken. 1. Is the Commission aware that Member States force their civil servants to use their 'national' airlines and would it be prepared to question all the Member States on the currency of this practice ?

2. Does the Commission consider that these rules are WRITTEN QUESTION No 654/87 compatible with the principles of the Community's by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC — B) competition policy and its transport policy which is geared to liberalization? If so, what are its grounds for such a to the Commission of the European Communities view? (26 June 1987) (88/C 93/24) 3. If not, what steps does it intend to take in respect of the Member States which apply this practice and when ? Subject: The use of cadmium 4. According to the information available to the Commis­ The Dutch Minister for the Environment, Mr Nijpels, sion, what is the reaction of Community officials from recently announced that a general government decree Member States where the practice referred to in paragraph would be issued shortly in the Netherlands banning the use 1 is applied and do similar regulations apply in this of cadmium. He announced that derogations from this ban instance ? would only be granted in exceptional circumstances. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/17

Will the Commission indicate whether any consideration WRITTEN QUESTION No 695/87 has been given to establishing a common position between by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) the twelve Member States on this matter ? to the Commission of the European Communities Is the Commission aware of the current position in the (29 June 1987) other Member States as regards legislation on the use of (88/C 93/25) cadmium ?

Subject: Sellafield reprocessing plant (United Kingdom) — possible closure In December 1986 the Irish Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the government to do everything in its power to ensure that the British Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis reprocessing plant in Sellafield was closed down. on behalf of the Commission Can the Commission say whether investigations into the (26 November 1987) matter have been carried out in this connection and what stage has been reached by the Irish request ?

The Commission is aware of the problems caused by Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis cadmium pollution and considers that further action should be taken at Community level to control and to limit on behalf of the Commission cadmium pollution. For this reason, the Commission has (15 December 1987) recently presented to the Council a communication on a proposed Action Programme on environmental pollution by cadmium (J). This Action Programme on cadmium The Community is contracting party to the Paris Conven­ stresses the need to develop an integrated approach to tion on Prevention of Pollution of the North Sea from land control cadmium and identifies the actions which should be base sources and it participates in the activities of the Paris taken at Community level. It is expected that a series of Commission, which, inter alia, exercises overall super­ directives to limit cadmium use and to control cadmium vision over the implementation of the convention. release will emerge from the 'Community Action Pro­ At the ninth meeting of the Paris Commission, Cardiff 1 to gramme on Cadmium' over the next two years. Cadmium 3 June 1987, Ireland submitted a proposal for a recommen­ use and emissions are in fact already regulated by dation concerning the closure of the Sellafield nuclear fuel 20 Community instruments, mainly directives. Included reprocessing plant. The Paris Commission did not take any are measures to protect individual environmental media decision on the Irish proposal. e.g. surface waters, bathing water and the soil. The Commission is not informed of any other initiative The Commission is also aware of the legislation relating to concerning the subject; further, it recalls that the Euratom cadmium in the Member States. In 1980, Denmark Treaty does not contain provisions, which, in matters of promulgated a statutory order banning the manufacture nuclear safety, give the Community authority to decide and importation of products in which cadmium is used about construction, operation or, in the case envisaged, either as surface treatment, pigment or stabilizer above a decommissioning of nuclear plants, which remain the certain concentration. The Netherlands also has recently exclusive responsibility of the Member State on whose notified its intention to introduce a decree on cadmium territory the plant is located. within the framework of the Dutch law on dangerous The Commission recalls, on the same subject, the answer substances in the environment. It would limit or ban given to Written Question No 461/87 of Mrs Maij- immediately cadmium in a wide range of products Weggen (i). including those made of zinc and plaster and those taking the form of photographic films, fluorescent tubes and large (!) OJ No C61.4.3. 1988, p. 10. Cd/Ni batteries. It would later be extended to cover other applications including coatings and pigments. More general environmental controls on cadmium are a feature of the laws in the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom. The Commission will require that national legislation be re-examined in the light of new Community laws arising out of the 'Community Action WRITTEN QUESTION No 698/87 Programme on Cadmium'. by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (!) Doc. COM(87) 165 final. (29 June 1987) (88/C 93/26)

Subject: Steel No C 93/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

Would the Commission produce a league table of which of Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis the hot-roll coil steel producing areas have made the biggest on behalf of the Commission sacrifices in terms of job losses so as to remove 'over­ capacity' in this side of the steel industry over the past 12 (27 October 1987) years ?

The driving ban for lorries on Sundays and public holidays Answer given by Mr Marin as well as during certain weekends in Italy is not specific to the transport of perishable foodstuffs but is of a general on behalf of the Commission nature. The measures were taken for reasons of road safety (12 November 1987) on days when many motorways are saturated.

Road safety measures are generally firmly supported by the The Commission invites the Honourable Member to refer Commission. to the document 'General Objectives Steel 1990' 0) which contains detailed information on regional employment The Honourable Member will be aware that there are no trends in the European coal and steel industry. Community provisions concerning lorry driving bans. Moreover, the Forward programme for steel that the Nevertheless, the Commission has, from the time the first Commission publishes every quarter (2) gives the most complaints were issued, followed the situation carefully, recent employment trend for each country. has discussed it with the Italian authorities and will continue to do so. Special attention is given to possible unequal treatment of Italian lorries and those from other (!) Doc. COM(85) 450 final. 2 Member States, but the current regulations indeed apply ( ) OJ No C 208, 5. 8. 1987, See for example, Forward without discrimination as regards nationality. programme for steel for the third quarter 1987.

As regards the situation in other Member States which apply restrictions during certain days or period to transport of goods, the Commission can provide the following information:

Federal Republic of Germany: general ban on Sundays and public holidays; ban on Saturdays during the holiday WRITTEN QUESTION No 701/87 season on certain roads, but transport of perishable by Mr Ben Visser (S — NL) foodstuffs allowed on Saturdays. to the Commission of the European Communities France: general Sunday ban but derogation for perishable (29 June 1987) foodstuffs. (88/C 93/27) United Kingdom: Sunday ban on certain roads in Greater London: possibility of individual derogations. Subject: Transport of perishable goods in Italy 1. What is the Commission's opinion of the ban on the Spain: Sunday ban on certain roads. transport of perishable foodstuffs on Italian roads on Sundays and public holidays, which came into immediate Portugal: Sunday ban on certain roads but derogation for force under the Italian Government decree of 28 August perishable foodstuffs. 1986, was relaxed after 1 January 1987 (to make an exception for milk, fresh meat, fresh fish and fish products, The Commission regrets the delay in answering Written and fresh fruit and vegetables), and was tightened up again Question No 1520/86 (J) of the Honourable Member. on 1 April, when fresh milk became the only exception ? However, some time was needed to analyse the com­ 2. Is it right to ban the transport of perishable goods in plicated situation, as described in the answer to the above- Italy on a large number of days ? mentioned question, and for discussion with the Italian Authorities. 3. Do other Member States have similar restrictions on the transport of goods at controlled temperatures ? 4. Is the Commission prepared to take the matter up with (!) OJ No C 270, 8. 10. 1987, p. 7. the Italian authorities so that refrigerated and frozen goods can be permanently excluded from the weekend and holiday ban in Italy? 5. Why have similar questions, which I asked on 16 September 1986, not yet been answered ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/19

WRITTEN QUESTION No 707/87 In addition, the Board of Governors has decided on a gradual and measured increase in the fees for non-entitled by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) children. To ensure that the fees do not preclude the to the Commission of the European Communities admission to the European Schools of disadvantaged (29 June 1987) children, the Commission recalls that each school has the possibility of reducing or not charging fees for children (88/C 93/28) from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Commission is aware of the European Parliament's Resolution adopted on 7 April 1987. It is endeavouring to Subject: European schools ensure that the Board of Governors implements the Is it true that the Commission, contrary to the desire of the recommendations concerning improvements in school European Parliament to open up the European schools also management. The other recommendations, especially to children other than those of Community officials, wishes those of an educational nature, are being examined by the in fact to limit the number of such pupils ? Is it also true that appropriate school bodies in the light of their budgetary the Commission is pressing for the fees charged by the implications. European schools to be increased ?

Does not the Commission not consider that this would heighten the elitist character of the European schools ?

Is the Commission prepared to implement in full the recommendations contained in the European Parliament's Resolution A 2-244/86 of 7 April 1987 ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 727/87 by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Christophersen (29 June 1987) on behalf of the Commission (88/C 93/29) (17 September 1987)

Subject: Intentions and objectives of the Governments of Policy as regards admission to the European Schools of the coal-producing Member States pursuant to pupils other than children of Community officials is not the Commission Decision of 30 June 1986 decided by the Commission but by the Board of Governors Under the provisions of the Commission's Decision of 30 of the European Schools. This is an intergovernmental June 1986, the Governments of the coal-producing body which adopts its decisions by unanimous vote and on Member States were obliged to notify the Commission of which the Commission has one vote as do the Members their intentions and objectives. Would the Commission States' representatives. indicate what these are ? The Commission believes it is desirable to open the school Has the Commission already adopted a position on the to children of non-Community officials to avoid creating a Governments' intentions and objectives of which it has 'ghetto', but the cost of educating these children should not been notified ? be borne solely out of Community finances.

At present a large number of non-entitled children are admitted to the 'small schools' (over 80 % in some cases). On the other hand, in the 'large schools' especially in Answer given by Mr Mosar Brussels, the need to admit under satisfactory conditions on behalf of the Commission the children of officials who so wish, particularly those (15 December 1987) from Spain and Portugal, has recently led to strict restrictions being placed on the admission of non-entitled children to the schools due to shortage of space in the Pursuant to Article 9 paragraph 1 of Decision 2064/86/ existing premises. ECSC establishing Community rules for state aid to the coal industry (!), the coal-producing Member States The European schools have been criticized by the Court of notified the Commission of their intentions and objectives Auditors and the European Parliament for failing to date to for the coal industry for the period 1987 to 1993 and the obtain the best possible financing from non-Community financial measures they proposed to take in the course of contributors. To meet this criticism, with the Com­ 1987. mission's agreement the Board of Governors is implement­ ing a policy to improve non-Community receipts by signing After examining the measures in question, the Commission new financial agreements with non-Community organiza­ has already taken decisions concerning the aid proposed by tions whose staff wish the children to attend the European Belgium, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Schools. United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. No C 93/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

The statements of intentions and objectives, and the aid to Answer given by Mr Matutes the coal industry for 1987 will be analysed in the report on on behalf of the Commission the application of Decision 2064/86/ECSC which, in accordance with Article 14 of the Decision, will be (8 January 1988) submitted to the Council, the European Parliament and the ECSC Consultative Committee next year.

In the majority of cases, the statements reflect the concern of the coal-producing Member States to maintain a certain The Commission sent its first report on progress in volume of coal production in the context of their policy of implementing the objectives of the Community action programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) diversification of energy sources. However, the Member to the Council, Parliament and the Economic and Social States emphasize the need to make Community coal more Committee in June 1987 (1). The Honourable Member is competitive thanks to restructuring policies aimed at asked to refer to this report in reply to his first question. concentrating production in the best pits, while seeking to resolve the social and regional problems arising from such measures. With regard to the second question, and to the extent that the information requested is not contained in the above report, the pilot operation concerning Centres for (!) OJNoL 177, 1.7.1986. European Business Information (Euro Info Centres) is an integral part of the Commission's general information policy and of the action programme for SMEs adopted by the Council on 3 November 1986.

The Commission published an invitation to tender (No 103/87) for the purpose of selecting the Centres for European Business Information. Many applications were received, which were scrutinized by a committee of experts within the Commission.

The need to observe very specific diversification criteria, WRITTEN QUESTION No 728/87 not only of a geographic nature but also taking account of by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) different socio-economic structures, resulted in the selection of around 30 Centres covering the whole territory to the Commission of the European Communities of the Community. (9 July 1987) (88/C 93/30) The Centres are situated in Antwerp, Arhus, Athens, Barcelona, Bilbao, Birmingham, Bonn, Bordeaux, Brescia, Diemen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Helmond, Lisbon, London, Luxembourg, Lyon, Madrid, Metz, Milan, Subject: Action programme for small and medium-sized Mulheim, Namur, Nantes, Naples, Newcastle, Porto, undertakings (SMUs) Regensburg, Rome, Seville, Shannon, Stuttgart, Strasbourg and Thessaloniki. In 1986, at the instigation of Commissioner Matutes, the Commission approved an extensive action programme for The staff of the Centres received two weeks' training in Community SMUs which focused on creating the con­ Brussels. ditions to enable such enterprises to operate more flexibly (in particular by endorsing a number of administrative, This training concerned both the fields covered by the fiscal and financial measures, but also with regard to Centres (internal market, Community financial instru­ training and the provision of information). ments, research programme, etc.) and the actual running of the Centres. The Commission has ten million ECU at its disposal, in 1987, to launch the programme, while a further 20 million ECU has been set aside for subsequent financial years. The first Centres have been operational since mid-October, with the others scheduled to open gradually by the end of Can the Commission list the measures already being the year. implemented under this action programme?

Would the Commission also indicate what progress has (i) Doc. COM(87) 238 final. been made as regards the establishment, already announ­ ced, of Community 'desks' to provide SMUs with all possible information on available Community resources ? How many such information offices have already been set up, in which cities are they located, and what use has been made of their facilities ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/21

WRITTEN QUESTION No 729/87 — Strand B2: 15 transnational training fellowships for by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) personnel in universities and enterprises, to the Commission of the European Communities — Strand C: 45 joint transnational continuing training projects, (9 July 1987) (88/C 93/31) — Strand D: 23 multilateral initiatives for the develop­ ment of multi-media training systems. The Commission will forward to the Honourable Member Subject: COMETT cooperation programme and the Parliament Secretariat a list of Belgian enterprises The initial deadline for submitting projects under the and institutions which have submitted an application, COMETT cooperation programme was 31 March 1987. together with the list of projects selected in the first COMETT round and the amount granted in respect of Can the Commission say: each project. The Commission will also forward the press release IP(87)312 on the first instalment of the COMETT 1. How many projects for this European cooperation programme in 1987. programme have been submitted ? 4. The following procedure and schedule were applied 2. How the number of projects submitted breaks down by Member State ? for the first round of COMETT applications: 3. Which Belgian companies or organizations have — internal analysis of the dossiers by the Commission's submitted projects, either individually or jointly, and, in COMETT team aided by an external team responsible respect of each project, what financial contribution for technical assistance under the COMETT pro­ from the Commission is anticipated ? gramme : 4. How the applications are being considered and what the April-May 1987 timetable is for this procedure ? — scrutiny of projects linked with research and develop­ 5. When applicants may expect an answer from the ment programmes: Commission ? June 1987 — consultation of experts from the various Member States:

Answer given by Mr Marin 9 to 11 June on behalf of the Commission — consultation of the COMETT Committee: (8 December 1987) 6-7 July 5. Promoters were informed in writing from mid-August 1. A total of 485 applications have been received for the onwards whether their proposal had been accepted or not. first COMETT round. It should however be noted that applications are often composed of several sections. 2. By definition the COMETT projects aim at cooper­ ation between enterprises and universities in at least two Member States. The breakdown of the projects submitted by the Member States do not represent adequately the transnational character of COMETT or the levels of participation within the various Member States in the programme, all the more so since Belgian enterprises and/ or universities are participating in projects the organizer of WRITTEN QUESTION No 731/87 which is in another Member State. The total applications by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) for financial aid from the Community for 1987 exceed 100 million ECU. to the Commission of the European Communities 3. The number of enterprises and institutions which wish (9 July 1987) to participate in the COMETT projects is so high that it is (88/C 93/32) impossible to give here a full list of the Belgian enterprises and the institutions. The following activities can be financed within the Subject: Harmonization of redeployment measures in the framework of the first COMETT round: European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) — Strand A: A European network of 70 university- According to the January 1986 edition of Europe Sociale (p. enterprise training partnerships (UETPs) will be set up, 48), the Mixed Committee for the Harmonization of Working Conditions in the Coal Mining Industry was — Strand Bl: 217 transnational placements for students in examining what action would have to be taken in order to enterprises, achieve harmonization with regard to ECSC redeployment. No C 93/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4.

In this connection, would the Commission say what Region Commitments progress has been made, what decisions may be taken and what the prospects are ? West 358 272,00 Midlands 1 694 650,00 East 31 496 700,00 Mid West 342 731,90 Answer given by Mr Marin South East 3 256 000,00 South West 3 126 904,00 on behalf of the Commission Donegal 0 (8 December 1987) North East 0 North West 0 Multi-regional 55 356 026,00 The Mixed Committee for the Harmonization of Working Conditions in the Coal Industry, which meets twice per Ireland 95 631 353,90 year, has indeed undertaken a study of readaptation measures undertaken in the Member States which produce coal. This study, based on a questionnaire, has not yet produced conclusions as regards the possibilites of The very large amount for multi-regional projects for harmonizing ECSC readaptation. The Commission will which a distribution per region is not possible covers send direct to the Honourable Member and the Secretary to especially national road works all over Ireland, i. e. also the European Parliament the interim report drawn up by covering Donegal and the North East and North West the Rapporteur appointed by the Mixed Committee. regions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 739/87

by Mr John McCartin (PPE — IRL) WRITTEN QUESTION No 744/87 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR — NL) (9 July 1987) to the Commission of the European Communities (88/C 93/33) (9 July 1987) (88/C 93/34) Subject: Regional Fund spending in the disadvantaged regions of Ireland Subject: Framework directives relating to special employ­ Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the Regional Fund money that has been spent in the part of Ireland ment contracts normally classified as disadvantaged and how much has As part of greater labour market flexibility, many new been spent in the remainder of the country in the last types of employment contract that are not subject to financial year? collective wage agreements and under which the employees concerned are not covered by current labour law and social security arrangements, are becoming increasingly wides­ pread. This mostly affects the most vulnerable categories on the labour market who are seeking to gain a livelihood Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber through work-on-call contracts, minimum-maximum on behalf of the Commission contracts, zero-hour contracts, part-time work (for a very (6 November 1987) few hours) and home work. Such transparency in their contracts means that the employees concerned do not as a rule have any idea of their rights.

In the framework of assistance to Ireland from the 1. In the light of the foregoing, is the Commission ready to European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the whole prepare a draft framework directive to protect em­ of the territory of the Republic is eligible. The country is, ployees covered by such flexible employment contracts, for these purposes, divided into nine Planning Regions. not least in view of the fact that paragraphs 6 and 7 of The Honourable Member will find below a list of the the resolution on flexibility in the labour market commitments made by the ERDF during the year of 1986 adopted by the European Parliament in November 1986 per Planning Region in Ireland. (Doc. A 2-132/86) called on the Commission to draw up 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/23

a framework directive of this nature and to examine WRITTEN QUESTION No 762/87 whether the draft directives on part-time work and by Mr Ludwig Fellermaier (S — D) temporary work could be included in this general directive ? to the Commission of the European Communities (9 July 1987) 2. Should it not yet have taken any action on these lines or (88/C 93/35) should it not intend to take such action, can it indicate its reasons for not doing so ?

Subject: The car industry and the internal market

1. In the Commission's view, what restrictions still have to be removed in the car industry (new cars, second-hand cars, spare parts) before a genuine internal market is created in 1992 ?

Answer given by Mr Marin 2. Can the Commission say, for instance, how many on behalf of the Commission Community citizens buy new or second-hand cars in a Member State other than their own, because of the (25 November 1987) considerable differences in value added tax (VAT) ?

3. Is it correct to surmise that this option is practically only available to people who live near one of the The Commission takes a particular interest in the problem Community's internal frontiers? of special employment contracts which are not (or only partly) covered by labour law and social security arrange­ 4. Does the Commission think it right that second-hand ments. In order to promote detailed discussions on this (and cars should again be subject to VAT and sometimes even related) subjects, it has drafted a communication on the the luxury tax of 33 % and upwards ? internal and external adaptation of firms in relation to 5. Is the Commission aware that in Strasbourg, for employment 0). instance, the competent authorities (the Mines Depart­ ment) make it very difficult to import second-hand cars Within the general context of labour relations at Com­ from the Federal Republic of Germany, with the result that munity level, the representatives of employers' and labour Alsatian purchasers sometimes have to wait as much as organizations have recognized the importance to the labour eight weeks for an import inspection and are then market of a flexible system of social protection, and a frequently told that new parts have to be fitted, which number of meetings to discuss the subject are planned causes a further long delay until the second inspection, even before the end of 1987. though the car has already been passed as roadworthy at an official German technical inspection in Offenburg or Kehl ? The Commission's view is that the current round of talks must be actively pursued in order to arrive at a position acceptable to both sides, and that it would therefore be premature to propose a draft framework directive at this stage. Answer given by Lord Cockfield It should also be remembered that at its meeting on 25 June 1987, the Standing Committee on Employment took note on behalf of the Commission of the fact that the problem of workers' basic rights in terms (26 November 1987) of social security and working conditions — which is closely linked to promoting adaptability — is currently being discussed in detail, partly in an attempt to improve the employment situation. It has therefore called on the two 1. In its White Paper on completing the internal J sides of industry on the one hand, and the Council and the market ( ) the Commission has already highlighted the Commission on the other, to engage, each within the measures which will have to be taken in the automobile framework of their own responsibilities, in detailed studies industry. and discussions concerning basic rights and minimum levels of social protection for workers. The Honourable Member is also referred to the Com­ mission's contribution to the debate on the Resolution on the automobile industry (2).

(!) Doc. COM(87) 229 final of 13 May 1987. 2. Contrary to what is implied in the question, the reason for parallel imports is not to be sought in differences of taxation between Member States, but in differences in pre­ tax prices. Irrespective of where he buys a vehicle, a citizen has to pay the requisite taxes in the Member State where it is finally registered. No C 93/24 Official Journal of thi European Communities

Import statistics for trade between Member States do not entitled to set up an independent practice, which virtually distinguish importers by type, nor do registration statistics never happens in those countries, in official posts no distinguish vehicles by their origin. It is difficult therefore doctors other than nationals are taken on. to assess the extent of parallel and private imports of cars. The Commission believes, however, that in the Community Does the Commission consider this situation acceptable as a whole they amount to over 100 000 vehicles a year. and, if not, what is it thinking of doing to counter it ?

3. No. Parallel and private imports of cars are by no means restricted to border areas. (i) OJ No C 226, 24. 8.1987, p. 52.

4. In its communication on the decisions of the Court of Justice of 5 May 1982 and 21 May 1985 (the Gaston Schul cases) (3), the Commission explained its view of the principle underlying the Court's findings: where goods coming from one Member State of the Community are Answer given by Lord Cockfield imported into another, the charge to VAT on them must on behalf of the Commission take into account any VAT definitively paid already. (26 October 1987) Moreover, the Commission has initiated infringement procedures against Member States which do not apply the principle that double taxation is prohibited, or do so only in part. The doctors' Directives 75/362/EEC (!) and 75/363/ EEC (2) do not affect the right of Member States to organize 5. No. The Commission is not aware of the facts and their national health care and social security systems on the circumstances referred to by the Honourable Member. It basis of either a system of private medicine or a national would ask him, and any other person concerned, to let it health service, or a combination of the two. Naturally, have any documents or information in his possession which appointments of doctors to national health service posts will enable it to evaluate the compatibility of the practices must be made without discrimination against nationals of in question with Community law and, if appropriate, other Member States. It should be noted, moreover, that in persuade the French authorities to put an end to such States which were already members of the Community practices. when the doctors' Directives came into effect and which have a national health service, the existence of such a system did not, as far as the Commission is aware, give rise (1) Doc. COM(85) 310 final. (2) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2-347 (January 1987). to any particular problems as regards the free movement of (3) OJ No C 13, 21. 1. 1986, p. 2. doctors.

On the basis of the statistics available, the Commission would like, however, to point out that a number of doctors who are nationals of other Member States have set up in Greece in the last five years (in 1982:16 doctors, 1983: 12, 1984: 17, 1985: 15 and in 1986: 22).

As yet, the Commission has no statistics on Spain and Portugal. According to the information at its disposal, nationals of other Member States have already set up as doctors in these two States, but as in the case of Greece, this information does not indicate whether they are working on WRITTEN QUESTION No 766/87 a self-employed basis or as employees. by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) It should be pointed out here that the accession treaties to the Commission of the European Communities concerning the three States mentioned by the Honourable (9 July 1987) Member allow, subject to certain special provisions, the (88/C 93/36) application of the rules on free movement of employees, i. e. including employed doctors, to be deferred until 1 January 1988 in the case of Greece and 1 January 1993 in the case of Spain and Portugal, it being understood that Subject: Establishment of medical practitioners in Greece, Member States may, if they so wish, grant more favourable Spain and Portugal conditions before those dates.

Although the Commission, in reply to my Written (!) OJ No L 67, 30. 6. 1975, p. 1. Question No 2638/86 (*) says that, in its policy for bringing 2 about a better geographical distribution of medical ( ) OJ No L 167, 30. 6. 1975, p. 4. practitioners it can permit no discrimination between citizens of one Member State and those of other Member States, it appears that in practice such discrimination does occur in Greece, Spain and Portugal. For while doctors are 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/25

WRITTEN QUESTION No 769/87 That Article provides that, pending the introduction of a Community taxation system covering used goods, works of by Mr Karel de Gucht (LDR — B) art, antiques and collectors' items, Member States may to the Commission of the European Communities retain the systems applied by them of the entry into force of (9 July 1987) the Sixth Directive. (88/C 93/37) The deadline laid down in the Sixth Directive is 31 December 1977. As the Council has not yet adopted the Subject: Sixth VAT Directive proposal for a Directive on this subject presented to it in January 1977 (the Seventh VAT Directive) (J), Member On 11 January 1978 the Commission of the European States may continue to apply their respective special Communities submitted a proposal for a Directive to the systems. Council of the European Communities on the harmoni­ zation of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover The Commission considers that Community legislation in taxes — the introduction of a common system of value this field is necessary, particularly in view of the aim of added tax (VAT) for works of art, antiques and second­ completing the internal market by 31 December 1992. It hand goods (Seventh Directive). will therefore take whatever steps it considers necessary to This was in implementation of Article 32 of the Sixth VAT obtain a Council decision on this matter. Directive 77/388/EEC (*) of 17 May 1977, in which it is expressly provided that a Community taxation system shall be adopted by 31 December 1977. (J) OJ No C 26,1. 2. 1978, amended in OJ No C 136,31. 5. 1979. Pending this new system, the relevant national regulations remain in force. The Council has still not adopted this Directive. This means in practice that, thanks to their very advantageous national taxation systems for the buying and selling of works of art, the British and French auctioneers have acquired a de facto monopoly position in this market sector, in other words that normal trade in this sector has been seriously disrupted. Does the Commission agree with the view that Article 32 of Directive 77/388 must be read as a whole so that the date provided for the adoption of the special system also governs the period within which the more favourable national systems remain in force ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 834/87 Does the Commission intend to take new initiatives to find by Sir Peter Vanneck (ED — GB) a solution to the continuing lack of a Community system to the Commission of the European Communities for this sector ? (20 July 1987) (88/C 93/38) (!) OJ No L 145, 13. 6. 1977, p. 1.

Answer given by Lord Cockfield Subject: Occupational risks in electricity generation on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1987) The National Swedish Board of Occupational Safety and Health (Svenska Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen) has published statistics for the number of occupational injuries during The Commission shares the Honourable Member's view normal operation of different types of electricity generation that Article 32 of the Sixth VAT Directive (77/388/EEC) systems. The number of dead and injured per 100 TWh should be read as a whole. produced are: No C 93/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

Type of Electricity Number of injured Number of dead Generating System

Hydroelectric power stations 1800 4 Conventional coal and oil fired power stations 1 100 Nil Nuclear power 100 Nil

What are the equivalent statitstics for occupa risks in electricity generation in the Twelve ?

Answer given by Mr Marin disseminated throughout Europe in close cooperation with all the bodies concerned: private and public anti-cancer on behalf of the Commission organizations and Ministries of Health. The operations (4 December 1987) related to this dissemination will continue in 1988 and, above all, in 1989, 'European Cancer Information Year'.

The Commission does not at present have any information In addition, fourteen anti-smoking campaigns will be in this particular area enabling it to answer the question. conducted between now and 1989 as part of the 'Europe against Cancer' campaign (1).

0) OJNo C50, 26. 2. 1987.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 876/87 by Mr Peter Price (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 894/87 (20 July 1987) by Mr Emmanuel Maffre-Bauge (COM — F) (88/C 93/39) to the Commission of the European Communities (23 July 1987) Subject: Tobacco, alcohol and high-cholesterol fats (88/C 93/40) Will the Commission state in respect of each of the following types of product, namely tobacco, alcohol and high-cholesterol fats, (a) whether it is its view that Subject: Import of American wines containing substances substantial consumption is likely to endanger health, (b) banned in the European Community whether it is its policy to propose appropriate measures which will warn consumers of the danger and/or dis­ On a proposal from the Commission, and without courage consumption, and (c) what action it has taken in consulting the European Parliament, the Council adopted, pursuit of such a policy ? on 28 June 1984, Regulation (EEC) No 1873/84 (') authorizing the offer or disposal for direct human consumption of certain imported wines which many have undergone oenological processes not provided for in 2 Answer given by Mr Marin Regulation (EEC) No 337/79 ( ). Despite protests from consumer associations, wine-producer organizations and on behalf of the Commission many members of the European Parliament, the Council (3 December 1987) had yielded to pressure from the United States of America, which wished to be able to export its wine to the European Community without observing the oenological practices (a) Yes. laid down by the Community. The Regulation of 28 June 1984 remains in force until 26 July 1988 only; the United (b) and (c) The Commission took account of these factors States of America is already calling for these exceptional in its 'Europe against Cancer' programme, for which high- arrangements to be extended, if possible for an unlimited level cancer specialists drew up a 'European Code against period. According to certain sources, the Commission is Cancer'. preparing to propose a five-year extension of the excep­ The ten rules of this code, which are intended to make the tional arrangements applying to American wines, in general public more aware of cancer, will be widely particular as regards the use of ion exchangers. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/27

1. Can the Commission say what is the current position certain oenological processes. However formal pro­ with regard to this issue? As early as 1983, the posals will be presented to the Council with a view to a Commission acknowledged that certain substances decision being taken before the expiration date of the used in American wines were not completely free of derogation for the United States of America on 26 July health risks. In view of this, is not the Commission 1988. determined to refuse to extend the exceptional arrange­ ments accorded to the United States of America and to Many of the oenological processes demanded within the insist on compliance with the oenological practices laid Community are enforced for reasons unconnected with down in the European Community ? health. In the case of those processes which are permitted through the derogation to normal Com­ munity practices in Regulation (EEC) No 1873/84 and 2. Can the Commission give an assurance that producer controlled through the American authorities, the and consumer organizations will be consulted before it Commission believes that there is no discernible threat takes any decision? to health.

2. In due course, as the consultations with the United 3. The 1984 Regulation cites a number of assurances given States of America come to a conclusion, or when a by the US Government by letter of 26 July 1983, formal proposal is put to the Council, the Commission whereby certain substances would no longer be used in will elicit the views of producer and consumer wine production and geographical names referring to a organizations within the framework of the Advisory Community wine-growing area would no longer be Committees. used as generic names. Can the Commission state whether these undertakings have been honoured ? 3. In the exchange of letters, the United States of America undertook to: (a) delete from its regulatory provisions a large number 0) OJ NoL 176,3.7. 1984, p. 6. (2) OJ No L 54, 5. 3. 1979, p. 1. of substances whose use had previously been permitted in the production of wine and replace expressions having little meaning in the regulatory provisions with scientific terms to make identifi­ cation easier;

(b) prevent erosion of non-generic designations of geographic significance indicating a wine-growing area in the Community; Answer given by Mr Andriessen (c) collaborate with the Community on scientific work on behalf of the Commission on currently approved methods of oenological (5 November 1987) practices and proposals for new or modified oenological practices;

(d) collaborate with authorities in Member States and the Commission on facilitating investigations (on The Council Regulation to which the Honourable Member fraud). refers (EEC) No 1873/84 of 28 June 1984 (*) was proposed With regard to 3(a) above, the United States of America by the Commission and the decision taken by the Council adopted a Treasury Decision of 24 September 1984 under a procedure laid down under Article 51 paragraph 1 2 (Federal Register Vol 49, No 186) which sets out the of the basic Regulation (EEC) No 337/79 ( ) which is now changes undertaken in the exchange of letters. With regard codified such that the same legal provisions appear in 3 to 3(b), the process of preventing the usurping of Article 70 paragraph 1 of Regulation (EEC) no 822/87 ( ). Community wine growing geographical ascriptions is After lengthy technical consultations, the Commission continuous. This first began in the United States of America came to an understanding with the American authorities with a Notice published by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco through an exchange of letters in July 1983. This and Firearms in November 1983 (Federal Register Vol 48 understanding motivated the Commission proposal and No 217). On scientific collaboration, a series of meetings the Council adoption of Regulation 1873/84 and led to the was held in November 1983 in Brussels and in Trier simplification of certification procedures applied by the (Federal Republic of Germany), technical discussions Community to imports of wine from the United States of continue on wine sector issues (of which the most recent America. The purpose was to continue the harmonious was held on 19 May 1987) and the United States of America development of trade in wine products between the United cooperates with the Community by participating in the States of America and the Community in which the International Office of Vine and Wine, which the United Community has traditionally enjoyed a significant surplus. States of America joined in June 1984 largely as a result of the exchange of letters and cooperation with the Com­ 1. At present, the Commission is continuing consultations munity. With regard to facilitating the prevention of fraud, with the United States of America on wine and related discussions between the Community and the American matters. No final position has been adopted by the authorities have made clear that effective cooperation Commission with regard to the American request for would firstly require the introduction by the Community of permanent or extended Community recognition of a formal framework for the prevention of fraud on a 11. 4. 88 No C 93/28 Official Journal of the European Communities

Community level. Some progress was made in this direction (despite its belief that the environmental impact of this through Council Regulation (EEC) No 1972/87 (4) which cofinanced project has been taken into account) ? made provision for greater Community control in the wine 3. Is the Commission prepared to demand from the sector. Brazilian Government, without delay, a report on the environmental impact of the Grand Carajas project and, pending appraisal thereof, to suspend payment of what (i) OJNoL 176, 3.7. 1984, p. 6 (2) OJ No L 54, 5. 3,1979, p. 1. remains of the credit facility ? (3) OJ No L 84, 27. 3.1987, p. 1. («) OJ No L 184, 3. 7. 1987, p. 26. 4. Can the Commission provide information as to how the possible environmental impact of ECSC loans is assessed ?

Answer given by Mr Cheysson on behalf of the Commission (25 January 1988)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 897/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S — NL) 1. The Community has contributed to the financing of to the Commission of the European Communities the Carajas iron mine project by providing loans totalling 725 million German marks, or 269,16 million US dollars (23 July 1987) (exchange value in dollars at the time of payment of the (88/C 93/41) various instalments). Approximately 42 % of the 600 mil­ lion US-dollar credit line granted has therefore been used. No further payments are planned. Production began in November 1985 and the 1986 production target has been Subject: Deforestation in Brazil partly financed by the reached. European Community 2. The Commission does not feel that it has provided an exceptionally high level of credit given the European steel In 1983, the European Community opened a 600 million industry supply contracts involved. Nor does it feel that ECU credit line for the cofinancing of the Carajas iron mine implementation of the Carajas iron ore project has had a project in Brazil, which was to be carried out by a disastrous effect on the environment since ferruginous soil government body: the Companhia Vale do Rio Doce is unpropitious to vegetation. The Brazilian company (CVRD). The project is now part of the Grand Carajas carrying out the project has given high priority to programme developed in Japan. environmental protection measures, which is, moreover, a provision of the loan agreement. While sharing the concern CVRD is now involved in plans to construct at least 20 iron expressed by the Honourable Member, and regretting the foundries. Despite criticism from many quarters, and circumstances, the Commission does not feel that it bears without observing the statutory requirement for an part of the responsibility for the future construction of environmental-impact assessment, the Brazilian Federal some 20 charcoal-fired foundries. Government has approved these plans. The first nine foundries to be constructed will require 1,1 million tonnes 3. The Commission does not have the necessary legal of charcoal each year; this is equivalent to some two basis to demand from the Brazilian government a report on million tonnes of new timber from the Amazon rain forest, the environmental impact of the Grand Carajas project. It which is being depleted at an alarming rate. Some of the has none the less informed the Brazilian authorities that a planned foundries will be relocated from Minas Gerais, specific request to that effect has been made. where timber supplies have already been exhausted. As has been the case in Minas Gerais, adequate reforestation will Furthermore, under the terms of the financing agreement not be possible since there are plans for new settlements, in on the extraction of the iron ore and in particular its addition to the more 'spontaneous' settlements in the area provisions regarding protection of the environment and the in which deforestation is to take place. indigenous Amerindian population, the Commission has recently requested information from the Brazilian author­ 1. How much of the 600 million ECU has already been ities on the environmental situation of the region where the paid to Brazil ? foundries are to be built and also on respect for the rights of the Indians who live in the region. A report will be sent to 2. In view of what is by Community standards an the Commission. exceptionally high level of credit, does the Commission realize that the Community undeniably bears part of the 4. The Commission ensured that a clause was included in responsibility for these catastrophic developments the loan agreement to the effect that the borrower 1L4.88 C^fficial]ournal of the European Communities ^oC^B^ undertook to ensure that the project v^as executed vBith all agreed v^ith the objective behind this question. The due account tal^en of ecological and environmental factors. directors General of the l^TTsdecidedonlO January 1^84 v^ithmtheframev^orl^ofGE^T— and thus covering the v^holeofEurope — to mal^eaumform implementation of supplementary facilities and services. This includes procedures for emer^encycalls. The Commission is,further, ^vorl^m^tov^ardsamore rapid harmonization v^ithm the framev^orl^of its e^istm^ close cooperation v^ith GE^T and v^ith the Civil protection General POirectors. WRITTEN C^UE^TlC^^o 8^8^ byAirEuis^erinatEho^EEo^E^ ^n^eo^m^h^d to the C^omm^ssion of the European communities

^8BG^^^

^^r.D rdarmom^ation of emer^ency^service telephone numhers WRITTEN C^UE^TlC^^o^3B8B Aiany people in the Community prefer to spend their holidays abroad, in another Aiember ^tate, hoth to byAirslenvandenE^euvel^— l^L^ e^penenceane^v and different ^vay of life and to broaden andAirs]essicaEarive^EIoR— ^E^ their cultural and sociological horizons by ^ettin^ to l^no^v to the Commission of theEnropean Communities anev^ country. ^^^^^ There are various drav^bacles in travelling abroad, ^C^3B^ however, such as unfamihanty ^vith emer^encyservice telephone numhers. It v^ould therefore be appropriate for all twelve Aiember ^^^^ Council Recommendation of 13 P0ecemberl^84 states to introduce a sm^leemer^ency service telephone on the promotion of positive action for v^omen^ numbervBhichcouldbeusedbyallCommunity citizens resolution of the European parliament of ^ whichever countryof the community they herein. October 1^84 PooestheCommissionthereforebehevethatit v^ouldbe 1. What headway has the Commission made in drav^in^ advisable to mal^e the requisite approaches to the Aiember up the progress report on the implementation of the states v^ithaviev^toharmoni^m^thetelephone numbers to Recommendation ^84^3^EEC^ on the promotion of he used in each of the Community countries for emergen positive action for ^vomen of 13 POecember 1^84 p^P^vhich cies of various l^inds^ pursuant to point ^ of the Recommendation must be submitted to the Council by!3l0ecemberl^8^ ^. Will the Commission be able to submit the report by thatdate^ Answer ^iven by Air RipadiAieana on behalf of the Gomm^ssion 3. Has ittal^en any stepsto incorporatemtheannual leport on thedevelopment of thesocial situation in the Community drav^n up pursuant to Article 1^ of the EEC Treaty,and also in the General Report on the activities of the Commumty,the results of the monitoring of progress The Commissions av^are of theprohlem raised hy the referred to in point 1 of this questions The European Plonourable Aiember and v^ould remind him that it parliament requested progress reports on this in its proposed^ the introduction of a single emergency Resolution of^Octoberl^84 closing the procedure for telephone number throughout the Community for contacts consultation of the European parliament on the draft m^ the national authorities responsible for civil protection Council Recommendation on thepromotionof positive in the event of a disaster in its communication on action for v^omen^P Community cooperation on civil protection sent to the Council in April r^B. 4. Idas the Commission dra^vn up surveys of ^the results of seminars,pilot studies,etc.v^hich are or^am^ed in the This proposal v^ill be tal^enupa^ain shortly. various Aiember states in connection v^ith this subject, as The introduction ofasm^lenumber,v^hich is technically requested in para^raph^of the Resolution of^October feasible,^vouldalso^iveEuropeansatan^iblefeehn^of 1^84 p^ European solidarity in the eventofanemer^ency. ^. Will the Commission carry out a study of the C^n the other hand from a technical point of vievB, the phenomenon referred to in paragraph 10 of the same Commission as Bellas the POirectors (General of the postal Resolution of the European parliaments, in v^hich a Administrations ^TTs^ in the Aiember states, had already tendency v^as noted for qualities and attributes vBhich 11. 4. 88 No C 93/30 Official Journal of the European Communities appear to be more prevalent in men than in women to be Answer given by Mr Marin considered necessary for many professions and positions, on behalf of the Commission in particular those requiring higher qualifications ? Will the (12 November 1987) Commission, where necessary, take steps to eliminate such prejudices ? As part of the 'Europe against Cancer' (L) programme, the Commission has implemented, or will implement, several (i) OJ No L 331, 19. 12.1984, p. 34. operations relating to the production and consumption of (2) OJ No C 315, 26. 11. 1984, p. 81. (3) OJ No C 315, 26. 11.1984, p. 83. fibre-rich foods. (4) OJ No C 315, 26.11.1984, p. 83. It intends, for example, to look into the possibility of converting the production of tobacco into that of fruit and vegetables, which play a beneficial part in cancer prevention (proposed action No 9). Answer given by Mr Marin By the same token, the Commission has already begun promoting dissemination of the 'European Code against on behalf of the Commission Cancer', which was adopted by the committee of cancer (20 November 1987) specialists in May 1987. The fifth rule of that code says: 'Eat sufficient fresh fruit and vegetables and foods with a high fibre content'. 1 and 2. The Commission intends to prepare the report in Finally, it should be pointed out that one of the priority the coming months. topics of the programme for the coordination of research A questionnaire concerning the Council Recommendation and development in the European Community put forward has been sent to the Equal Opportunities Bodies in the by the Commission in the field of medical and health 2 Member States as well as to the Governments. research ( ) is an examination of the influence of the consumption of fibre on cancer aimed at obtaining further A meeting with the Government representatives concerning information on the protection which foods with a high fibre the preparation of this report has been planned in October. content may afford. 3. As there will be produced a report on the implemen­ tation of the Council Recommendation on the promotion (!) OJ No C 50, 26. 2. 1987. 2 of positive actions for women, the Commission sees no ( ) Doc. COM(86) 549 final. particular necessity to take this report in the yearly report on the development of the social situation in the Community. 4. The Commission's services are presently working on a summary of positive actions in the Member States. WRITTEN QUESTION No 936/87 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) 5. At this stage, the Commission has not planned such a study. to the Commission of the European Communities (27 July 1987) (88/C 93/45)

Subject: Freedom to provide services in the insurance sector Does the Commission intend to submit new proposals for legislation to the Council to ensure greater freedom to provide insurance services in the various Member States of the Community, particularly in the Federal Republic of WRITTEN QUESTION No 926/87 Germany, in view of the Court of Justice's judgments of 4 by Mrs Anne Andre (LDR — B) December 1986 in Cases 220/83, 252/83, 205/84 and 206/ to the Commission of the European Communities 84? If so, when, and what form will such proposals take ? (23 July 1987) (88/C 93/44) Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission Subject: Measures to prevent cancer (29 October 1987) It has been ascertained that the addition of fibre to food is to a great extent effective in preventing cancer. The Commission considers that the Court of Justice's Does the Commission intend to encourage increased judgments, to which the Honourable Member refers, are production and consumption of fibre to enable European highly relevant to the consideration by the Council of the consumers to change their eating habits ? proposal for a Second Non-Life Insurance Coordination 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/31

Directive (1). A Council working group is currently the tasks of the Structural Funds, their effectiveness and the reviewing this proposal in the light of the judgments. In the coordination of their activities between themselves and light of that review the Commission will have to decide with the operations of the European Investment Bank and whether to submit an amended proposal. the other financial instruments (x). The Court's judgments will equally be relevant to the This comprehensive proposal was sent to the Council at the Commission's plans to propose directives dealing with end of July. The EEC Treaty requires the Council to act on freedom of services in motor liability insurance, in which the proposal within a period of one year. the protection of third-party victims is crucial, and in life insurance, where the protection of the policyholder or Implementing Regulations for each of the Funds and for the other beneficiary is of great public interest. The Commis­ coordination of the Funds' assistance mechanisms are also sion will not be in a position to make these proposals until it to be drawn up and adopted by the Council by a qualified is clear how the Second Coordination Directive will deal majority. with related problems within its scope. In this connection the attention of the Honourable Member is drawn to 2. The existing Funds are not merged under the paragraph 66 of the Second Report from the Commis­ 2 comprehensive proposal which the Commission has sion ( ) to the Council and the European Parliament on the transmitted to the Council. Article 130 D does not provide implementation of the Commission's White Paper on for that. completing the internal market. The Commission proposal is based on four fundamental 0) OJ No C 39, 12. 2. 1976. and closely connected principles: (2) Doc. COM(87) 203 final. — concentrating the activities of the Funds on specific objectives,

— providing them with adequate financial resources to carry out their tasks,

— promoting a new method of operation based on complementarity of assistance, partnership with the WRITTEN QUESTION No 939/87 authorities in the Member States (national, regional or by Lord O'Hagan (ED — GB) local) and programming, to the Commission of the European Communities — simplifying and improving coordination of the Com­ (27 July 1987) munity's structural operations. (88/C 93/46) 3. The European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund will continue to operate in Subject: Reform of the Structural Funds accordance with their particular tasks and responsibilities, applying the principles listed at point 2 above. The Commission has promised to coordinate, if not merge, the existing Structural Funds. 4. The EAGGF Guidance Section will carry the main 1. What progress has been made in this endeavour? burden of the effort to be undertaken to adapt agricultural structures and promote the development of rural areas — 2. To what extent will the existing funds be merged ? one of the priority objectives of the Community's structural 3. Will the Regional and Social Funds continue to operate action. It is in particular to assist the adaptation of independently ? structures with a view to the modernization of farms, help farmers particularly affected by the reform of the common 4. What will be the future role of the European Agricul­ agricultural policy and promote the creation of a sound tural Guarantee and Guidance Fund ? socio-economic fabric in rural areas and the protection of 5. To what extent will Assisted Area Status continue to be the environment. relevant for applications for these Funds ? The EAGGF Guidance Section will also contribute to the principal objective of the reform of the Funds, which is to enable the less-developed Community regions to catch up.

Answer given by Mr Varfis 5. The Commission's comprehensive proposal further aims to rationalize the methods of providing assistance. on behalf of the Commission Community structural action would be a three-stage (16 November 1987) process:

— the Member States would first submit plans explaining 1. In response to Article 130 D incorporated into the EEC their policies, objectives and needs. Those plans would Treaty by the Single European Act, the Commission list the regions and areas which the Member States adopted on 22 July a proposal for a Council Regulation on would like to see assisted, No C 93/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

— secondly, the Commission would prepare, in consul­ periods, services and communications, i. e. economic tation with the Member States and possibly with activities which otherwise would not occur in peripheral regional or other authorities, Community support regions ? frameworks which would enable the priorities of Community structural action to be defined and the Does it not therefore consider that it would be better to necessary assistance to be identified, withdraw the Seventeenth VAT Directive ?

— the third stage would concern the assistance itself. Of the various forms of assistance envisaged, priority (!) Financieel Dagblad of 17 June 1987. would be given to operational programmes. Those (2) Commission's Seventeenth VAT Directive. programmes would likewise be drawn up through close collaboration between the Commission and national, regional and local authorities as appropriate.

This new approach would therefore enable Community structural action to be targeted better on the Community's Answer given by Lord Cockfield assisted regions, with one of the five priority objectives of such action to be met: on behalf of the Commission — enabling the less-developed regions to catch up, (12 January 1988)

— converting the declining industrial regions,

— combating long-term unemployment, The Commission notes first of all that the Honourable — placing young people in jobs, Member seems to be referring to the Fourteenth and not the Seventeenth Council Directive on the harmonization of the — adapting agricultural structures and promoting the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes (J). development of rural areas. The first-mentioned proposal for a Directive provided for the introduction of a system of deferred payment of the The Commission will take care to ensure that assistance VAT payable on importation by taxable persons, to replace provided by the Structural Funds in pursuit of the first two the system of collection when the formalities concerning objectives is compatible with the rules implementing declaration for home use are carried out. Article 92 paragraph (a) and (c) of the EEC Treaty (regional aid). In fact, in more than half of the cases in question, the formalities and inspections do not take place at the time of (!) Doc. COM(87) 376 final. the physical entry of the goods into the Member State of destination. This is one of the consequences of the rules on Community transit drawn up in 1969, which allow goods to move in accordance with the prescribed procedures from one place to another within the customs territory of the Community. Application of such rules has substantially reduced the workload of customs offices at Community frontiers by encouraging customs clearance within the territory of the Member States. In the interests of flexibility, however, commercial operators may still continue to carry WRITTEN QUESTION No 946/87 out customs clearance at frontier posts if they so wish. by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) Council Directive 83/643/EEC of 1 December 1983 on the to the Commission of the European Communities facilitation of physical inspections and administrative (27 July 1987) formalities in respect of the carriage of goods between Member States (2) tends to encourage the Member States to (88/C 93/47) centralize the various inspections and formalities involved in intra-Community trade in one place, and preferably at the place of departure or of destination of the goods. The Subject: Customs inspections and road transport former Directive was amended by Directive 87/53/EEC of 15 December 1986 (3) which added a provision to Article 2 Is the Commission aware that Mr T. de Jong, the head of aimed at encouraging the use of simplified procedures at the customs procedures department in the Finance Ministry the place of origin or destination of the goods and of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, rejects its proposal for encouraging Member States to deploy customs offices, even transferring customs inspections from the borders to the in the interior of their territory, in such a way as to take interior ? (*) (2) account of the requirements of commercial operators. Does it not consider that Mr de Jong might be right in this view, since border crossing-points are in the process of It goes without saying that the abolition of all adminis­ developing into true transport centres, where not only VAT trative obligations in intra-Community trade would not settlement and other customs procedures are carried out, prevent commercial operators and their carriers from but also other activities, such as bulking, compulsory rest continuing to use facilities on the major roads, including 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/33 those at the Community's internal frontiers, for their own intends to seize this opportunity to present to the Council a requirements (rest periods, refreshments, vehicle servicing, proposal designed to encourage improvements at the place etc.). of work. On the one hand the Commission will ensure that the social implications of proposals which it puts forward The Commission withdrew the proposal for a Fourteenth with a view to the completion of the internal market are VAT Directive because the Member States were unwilling taken into account in an appropriate manner and that as a to adopt the Directive quickly and also because there was result a single European social area will be created. In this no longer any need for it on account of the Commission's connection mention may be made of the action programme new proposals for the harmonization of the rates and in the area of health and safety at the place of work adopted arrangements for indirect taxation in order to remove fiscal by the Commission last July which represents the first barriers within the Community with a view to completing application of Article 118 A of the Treaty. the internal market in 1992. Relating more particularly to the rights and interests of (!) OJ No C 201, 5. 8.1982, p. 5 and OJ No C 203, 6. 8.1982, workers, although they are excluded from the field of p. 11. application of the new Article 100 A of the Treaty (2) OJ No L 359, 22.12.1983, p. 8. nevertheless they can be the subject of measures covered by (3) OJ No L 24, 27. 1. 1987, p. 33. other provisions of the Treaty and the Commission will not fail to adopt the appropriate initiatives with a view to protecting them when the time is ripe.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 950/87 by Mr Andrea Raggio (COM — IT) to the Commission of the European Communities (27 July 1987) (88/C 93/48)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 952/87 Subject: Relations between the Commission and the by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR — NL) Council on workers' rights to the Commission of the European Communities At the meeting of the Committee on Social Affairs of 25 June 1987, the Commission representative stated (a) that, (27 July 1987) as regards worker participation and workers' rights, it was (88/C 93/49) necessary in practice to take account of the Council's negative attitude and that proposals in this area were therefore inopportune, and (b) that the Single Act excluded the matter of workers' rights and worker participation. Subject: Involvement of pensioners in pension funds Do these declarations in fact reflect the Commission's The European Parliament has several times pointed out the position on this matter and, in particular, how can they be threat posed by the ageing of Europe and the economic, reconciled with the declarations made by Mr Delors to the cultural and social consequences that will result for the European Parliament with regard to the social area and Community. The 'new' elderly are more independent, workers' rights? better educated and mostly healthier. In many cases they Is the reference to the Single Act merely a restrictive are able and willing to continue working longer than the interpretation, which is debatable and not shared by law allows at present. everybody, or does it not in fact imply the repeal of In its report to the Council on the principles of a provisions contained in the Treaties ? Community policy with regard to retirement age [doc. COM(86) 365 final of 2 July 1986], the Commission refers to the desire for flexible retirement and emphasizes this by reference to paragraph 16 of European Parliament Answer given by Mr Marin Resolution A 2-7/86 of 14 May 1986, in which the Member States are urged to amend their regulations concerning on behalf of the Commission private pension schemes so as to allow the retired persons (3 December 1987) concerned the greatest possible freedom of choice in the drawing up of regulations which best meet their require­ ments. The Single European Act, in particular as a result of the new Articles 118 A and 118 B which it has added to the EEC 1. Does the Commission not think that an appropriate Treaty, has given a new impetus to Community initiatives way of achieving this would be the (greater) involve­ in the area of social policy. For its part, the Commission ment of those concerned in their pension funds ? No C 93/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

2. Is it aware that in the Netherlands, for example, those Answer given by Mr Marin directly concerned by (private) pension funds, i. e. the on behalf of the Commission pensioners themselves, are explicitly excluded from the management and administration of the pension funds ? (30 November 1987) 3. In view of the above, will it urge Member States to amend their laws on retirement to allow the pensioners Under the 'new Community action programme on the themselves to be directly involved in the management promotion of equal opportunities for women 1982 to and administration of the pension funds and thus to 1985' i1), the Commission undertook to examine measures have a greater freedom of choice in the arrangements for existing in the Member States which are acknowledged as their own pensions ? specific to self-employed women and women in agriculture with the aim of defining an occupational status for such workers and to propose, on the basis of this scrutiny, a Community legal instrument in these areas. Answer given by Mr Marin The upshot of this was that the Commission put before the on behalf of the Commission Council a proposal for a Directive, which was adopted by (19 November 1987) the Council on 11 December 1986, on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self- 1. As the Honourable Member points out, the Com­ employed capacity, and the protection of self-employed 2 mission's report doc. COM(86) 365 final came out in women during pregnancy and motherhood ( ). This favour of a flexible retirement age while underlining the Directive, which will come into force on 30 June 1989, reluctance evinced by the Member States in this respect. contains provisions which already constitute an initial response of a legal nature to the problems arising in relation For its part, the Commission fails to see the connection to the status of women in agriculture and the wives of between this idea and participation on the part of retired farmers who work with their husbands. persons in the management of pension schemes, which are empowered only to apply the provisions of existing In the 'Community medium-term programme (1986 to legislation on retirement and have little or nothing to do 1990) on equal opportunities for women' (3) now in force, with any changes which might be made to such legislation. the Commission likewise undertook to support and stimulate positive actions in a variety of sectors, among 2. The Commission has little information on the status others those involving women engaged in self-employed (administration and management) of retirement schemes occupations, including agriculture. To this end the and pension funds. In any case, detailed information on this Commission carried out a survey on self-employed women topic is not essential for definition of the Commission's in Europe (4) which will enable it to evolve operations more policies in respect of social protection. Furthermore, appropriate to the specific requirements of this category of Community provisions are particularly thin on the ground working women. in this field. 3. For these various reasons, the Commission does not (!) Supplement 1/82 Bull. EEC. propose to suggest to the Member States that they amend (2) OJ No L 359, 19. 12. 1986, p. 56, Council Directive 86/613/ legislation relating to retirement and, especially, to EEC. participation by retired persons in the management of (3) Doc.*COM(81) 758 final. pension schemes or funds along the lines recommended by (4) Doc. V/1514/86. the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 961/87 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) WRITTEN QUESTION No 956/87 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mrs Anne Andre (LDR — B) (27 July 1987) to the Commission of the European Communities (88/C 93/51) (27 July 1987) (88/C 93/50) Subject: Equal treatment for Belgian and Dutch mine- workers with regard to redundancies in the Subject: Situation of women employed in agriculture Belgian Limburg mines Does the Commission intend to seek improvements in the The Commission is undoubtedly aware that a large number near future in the social situation of women working in the of redundancies are due to result from rationalization of the agricultural sector? mining industry in Belgian Limburg. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/35

Is it aware that the Belgian Government has offered the Furthermore, it should be pointed out that the payment of miners whose jobs are at risk a one-off tax-free payment of 800 000 Belgian francs corresponding to option No 1 is not 800 000 Belgian francs in addition to the normal unemploy­ tax-free, as the Honourable Member States, but is paid net ment benefit received by any unemployed person? of tax to the worker, which means that the 'KS' mines are paying out not only 800 000 Belgian francs but also the tax Can it say whether Community subsidy funds are involved on that sum which the recipient would have to pay himself, in this one-off payment ? whether this sum were received in Belgium or the Netherlands. Is it aware that some 400 Dutch frontier workers are employed in the Belgian Limburg mines, a number of whom are also threatened with redundancy ?

Can it ensure that the 800 000 Belgian francs payment is made not only to Belgian miners but also to Dutch miners made redundant?

Can it also ensure that the Dutch miners who lose their jobs and receive the one-off payment are not required to pay tax WRITTEN QUESTION No 964/87 in the Netherlands on this payment which is tax-free in by Mr Ernest Miihlen (PPE — L) Belgium ? to the Commission of the European Communities Is it prepared to take this matter up with the Belgian and (27 July 1987) Dutch authorities in order to reach a satisfactory solution (88/C 93/52) for the Dutch frontier workers involved and is it prepared to report on the matter in its answer to this written question ? Subject: Practice of charging zone prices 1. Does the Commission of the European Communities regard zone prices — as practised, amongst others, by the motor vehicle industry, and which give rise to discrimi­ nation against buyers on the different Community markets — as being compatible with the concept of the common market ? Answer given by Mr Marin 2. If not, what steps does it intend to take to put an end to on behalf of the Commission these forms of discrimination, which result from different (5 January 1987) price policies on each of the national markets ?

The Commission's contribution in the form of ECSC Answer given by Mr Sutherland readaptation aid is the subject of a bilateral convention with Belgium, as is the case with the other ECSC countries. on behalf of the Commission The current convention with Belgium, which dates from (2 October 1987) 1975, does not provide for an ECSC contribution to the flat-rate payment to which the Honourable Member refers. However, this convention should be amended in the near The Commission is aware that in various sectors goods are future to allow for the Belgian Government's new priced by zone. It is difficult to give a general description of measures, though decisions on this matter have not yet been the many types of arrangements or evaluate them overall in taken. terms of Community law, in particular the competition rules in the EEC Treaty. Zone prices are generally given in The compensation schemes which have been offered to the price list, where the manufacturer quotes his delivery or mineworkers in the coalpits of Belgian Limbourg are free recommended retail prices and sets out surcharges for from any discrimination on the grounds of nationality or delivery of the goods to customers, on a zonal scale in place of residence. This means that the Dutch miners proportion to the distance between the manufacturer's or working for the 'KS' collieries have received the same importer's principal place of business and the point of compensation offers as their Belgian colleagues to induce delivery to the customer. them to give up their jobs in the mining industry. The Commission has so far seen no cause to proceed against such pricing systems in the motor vehicle industry. The payment of 800 000 Belgian francs, which the There has been no evidence of widespread abuse or Honourable Member believes to be tax-free, is only one of discrimination. Specific complaints from persons affected three options offered to the miners in question, the other would be investigated in detail by the Commission. two involve, among other features, amounts paid gross on which Belgian miners will be taxed. Such amounts paid gross to their Dutch colleagues would be taxed in the Netherlands in the same way as their wages are taxed. 11. 4. 88 No C 93/36 Official Journal of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 966/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 979/87 by Mr Karl von Wogau (PPE — D) by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (27 July 1987) (30 July 1987) (88/C 93/53) (88/C 93/54)

Subject: Information for students on opportunities to study abroad Subject: Distortion of competition through preferential fiscal treatment On 11 and 12 July 1987, a Dutch-German conference on studying abroad took place at the Catholic University of 1. Is the Commission aware that firms in the Basque Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Naturally, debate focused on Country receive subsidies from the Spanish Government the recently adopted ERASMUS programme. According to and the Basque regional government which cover up to the organizers, the final resolution was also forwarded to 70 % of their investment costs ? the Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Education (DG 5). One of the most 2. How does the Commission view this fact in the context serious complaints concerned the failure to provide of the European Community's competition rules ? students with information on opportunities to study abroad.

1. What action has the Commission taken, or what steps does it propose to take, in order to provide European students with maximum incentive to spend part of their studies abroad and to provide them with as much information as possible on opportunities to do so ?

Answer given by Mr Sutherland 2. Can the Commission say whether students from Member States other than the Netherlands and the on behalf of the Commission Federal Republic of Germany have voiced the same (30 November 1987) complaint as above? 3. How, furthermore, does the Commission propose to respond to the complaint by Dutch and German students ? 1. The Commission is not aware of any specific instances of aid in the Basque Country of Spain with an intensity of 70 % of the investment costs.

With regard to regional aid, the Commission recently laid Answer given by Mr Marin down ceilings which allow grants the intensity of which does not exceed 40 % of the investment costs (30 % net on behalf of the Commission grant equivalent) to be accorded in the most intensely (11 November 1987) assisted areas of the Basque Country.

2. Certain investment projects could, however, have The Commission has received the resolution and report of access to higher intensities of aid through the cumulation of the Dutch-German conference of 11 and 12 July 1987 on aids for different purposes (regional, sectoral, horizontal). studying abroad.

To enable it to control the cumulative intensity of aids, the The Commission encourages students to study in another Commission has drawn up rules under which significant Member State by: cases of cumulation of aids must be notified to it (*). The — information distributed to the teaching staff and Spanish Government recently informed the Commission administrations of institutions of higher education, that it has not been aware, since accession, of any cases of cumulation of aids which meet the requirements for — publishing the Student's Handbook, the fifth edition of notification laid down by the Commission. which is scheduled for early 1988, when it should be on sale in the bookshops,

(1) OJ No C 3, 5. 1. 1985, p. 2. — contacts with the student press, — assistance for students' associations which promote the ideas of the ERASMUS programme. These activities affect students in all the Member States. In the near future conferences are scheduled to be held in 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/37

Belgium, Spain, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, WRITTEN QUESTION No 998/87 Greece and the Netherlands. by Mr Ejner Christiansen (S — DK) The Commission is looking into the possibility of including to the Commission of the European Communities secondary schools in its information campaigns on opportunities for study in other Member States, so as to (30 July 1987) promote the learning of modern languages and motivate (88/C 93/56) students from the very beginning of their university careers. In close contact with the ERASMUS advisory committee, the Commission is taking all possible measures within the Subject: Aid to developing countries periods of time scheduled in order to inform Dutch and German students, who are receiving the full benefit of the In the light of news agency reports published in, among operations referred to above. other places, the newspaper Information on Wednesday, 24 June, to the effect that the developing countries are now transferring more money to the industrialized countries than they are receiving in development aid, and having regard to the developing countries' increasing economic and social difficulties, will the Commission say what the figures are as regards the relationship between the Community and the developing countries ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 992/87 by Mr Spiridon Kolokotronis (S — GR) to the Commission of the European Communities (30 July 1987) Answer given by Mr Natali (88/C 93/55) on behalf of the Commission (6 January 1988) Subject: Action taken by the European Financial Engineer­ ing Company to assist small and medium-sized undertakings (SMUs) A year ago a decision was taken by twelve investment banks Caution is needed in using the concept of net transfer of belonging to all the EEC Member States to set up a finance which the Honourable Member is referring to, as European Financial Engineering Company to develop its precise meaning and scope may vary. SMUs. Could the Commission give information about the Company's activities ? Estimates available (which do not allow identification of the Member States' contribution) vary appreciably from The new company gives priority to aid for small and one source to another, depending on which statistical medium-sized undertakings which introduce innovations definitions have been used and in particular on whether or and are to the fore in the use of advanced technology. not they include transactions resulting from developing countries' acquisition of assets in industrialized countries. How has this policy found expression in countries such as Thus the World Bank, considering only long-term loans Greece, Portugal and Spain, where policies to support granted to a sample of 109 countries, gives a net negative SMUs and new technology urgently need to be im­ transfer of 29 000 million dollars for 1986, whereas the plemented at once ? latest figure published by the OECD for the same year, covering all developing countries, shows a positive net transfer of 10 000 million US dollars (excluding transac­ tions resulting from direct investments). Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission It is universally accepted, however, that a net transfer deficit does exist, essentially for a number of middle- (18 February 1988) income countries: either those (especially in Latin America) which because of their excessive debt burden must each year pay servicing costs well in excess of fresh capital The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to inflows, or those which (as is the case with certain newly the reply to his oral question No H-318/87, which it gave industrialized Asian countries) now have less need of during question time at Parliament's October II, 1987 1 external financing and therefore are intentionally slowing session ( ). down debt accumulation.

0) Debates of the European Parliament, No 356 (October 1987). As regards Community policy on development aid, financial assistance has been made available on very easy terms to developing countries either under the various conventions (Yaounde, Lome) or from the budget (high No C 93/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88 proportion of grants, soft loans, etc.) Thus fresh finance nation of this individual case under Article 4 paragraph 5 of being received by developing countries continues to be well the Sixth Council Directive established that the aid support in excess of repayments on earlier loans. planned by two Member States, France and the United Kingdom, by the combined effect of aid granted directly to the competing national yards and the investment aid granted by the French Government to the shipowner exceeds the afore-mentioned aid ceiling.

It has, for this reason and due to the fact that a third Member State, the Netherlands, has notified a considerably lower level in support of a national shipyard tendering for WRITTEN QUESTION No 1000/87 the same contract, on 15 July 1987 initiated the procedure provided for in Article 93 paragraph 2 first subparagraph by Mrs Nel van Dijk (ARC — NL) of the EEC Treaty against the aid plans proposed by the to the Commission of the European Communities first mentioned two Member States.

(30 July 1987) The Commission, on 15 April 1987, approved the aid plans (88/C 93/57) which the Danish Government wishes to apply in favour of its shipbuilding industry under the Sixth Council Directive on aid to shipbuilding. The German Government has Subject: Aid to shipbuilding notified the aid proposals with which it envisages Under the Council Directive (87/167/EEC) (*) of 26 supporting its shipbuilding industry under the same January 1987 on aid to shipbuilding, production aid in Directive. This plan is currently being examined by the connection with intra-Community tenders is subject to a Commission. • ceiling. The Dutch Government so far has not notified any aid plan The Dutch shipyard van der Giessen de Noord recently in support of its shipbuilding industry under the Sixth failed to obtain an order from the French carrier Brittany Council Directive. Ferries; the Dutch Government had pledged a 14 % subsidy. Despite such a modest level of support, van der The Commission will monitor the observance of the Giessen de Noord's bid was lower than that of a French implementation of the aid provisions of the Sixth Directive yard. The French Government subsequently pledged a by means of the strict monitoring procedures laid down in 34 % subsidy in order to keep the order in France. Article 11 of that Directive. Has the Commission in fact laid down a percentage ceiling for aid and, if so, is that figure 28 % ? (!) OJ No C 27, 5. 2. 1987, p. 12. Is the Commission aware of the practice described and, in the Commission's view, is it at odds with the Directive ? What action does the Commission propose to take to prevent France from disregarding this shipbuilding Directive ? Is the Commission aware of similar practices in the shipbuilding regions in the north of the Netherlands, Denmark and the Federal Republic of Germany in particular and, if not, is it prepared to investigate whether the Directive is being systematically violated in these areas too? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1008/87 by Mr Jean-Pierre Cot (S — F) (i) OJ No L 69, 12. 3. 1987, p. 55 to the Commission of the European Communities (30 July 1987) (88/C 93/58) Answer given by Mr Sutherland on behalf of the Commission (27 October 1987) Subject: VAT refunds for driving schools

As the Commission knows, driving schools in France are It is correct that the Commission, in accordance with unable to obtain refunds of VAT paid on purchases of Article 4 paragraph 2 of the Sixth Council Directive (87/ vehicles used, upon conversion, for driving lessons. It 167/EEC) on aid to shipbuilding has fixed the common would appear extraordinary that driving instructors are maximum ceiling for production aid at 28 %. alone in not qualifying for such refunds in respect of what As regards the building of a new ferry for the French cross- are the 'tools of their trade'. In its answer to a Channel operator Britanny Ferries referred to by the parliamentary question, the French Government has Honourable Member, the Commission has in its exami­ referred to negotiations between the Member States on the 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/39 harmonization of arrangements governing deductions for enemies and against new threats that may arise, so that businesses subject to value added tax. from the earliest beginnings of life within the family circle and at school, it can act as a spur to ensuring justice and Can the Commission report on the current position with freedom in our society. regard to these negotiations and indicate when harmoniz­ ation might be achieved ? Does the Commission think that a group of eminent persons and experts should be appointed to carry out — perhaps in collaboration with the Council of Europe — a critical enquiry into the teaching of democratic values in the schools of the Member States, and recommend action to Answer given by Lord Cockfield be taken in this area ? on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1987)

Answer given by Mr Marin The Commission is aware of the situation described by the on behalf of the Commission Honourable Member. In accordance with the mandate given it by the Council in the Sixht VAT Directive (77/388/ (3 December 1987) EEC) i1), it presented to the Council on 25 January 1983 a proposal for a Twelfth VAT Directive laying down the items of business expenditure not eligible for deduction of The Commission recognizes the importance of teaching 2 VAT ( ). young people democratic values and the role which schools should play in this process. These values are closely linked Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee to the historical and cultural identity of each people. delivered their opinions in November 1983 and May 1984 respectively. The Commission presented an amendment to In each Member State social studies is taught according to its initial proposal in February 1984 which incorporated that State's own educational traditions. Consequently it is the amendments proposed by Parliament. up to each Member State to promote the teaching of democratic values in its schools in line with the principles As further progress on this proposal is a matter for the underlying its political system. Council, the Commission is unable to estimate when the new Directive might be adopted.

0) OJ No L 145, 13. 6. 1977, p. 1. (2) OJ No C 37, 10. 2. 1983, p. 8, and amended in OJ No C 56, 29. 2. 1984, p. 7.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1032/87 by Messrs Jochen van Aerssen (PPE — D), Philipp von Bismarck (PPE — D), Mrs Renate-Charlotte Rabbethge (PPE —D), Messrs John McCartin (PPE —IRL), WRITTEN QUESTION No 1014/87 Reinhold Bocklet (PPE —D), Manfred Ebel (PPE —D) by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (ED — E) and Frederick Tuckman (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (30 July 1987) (31 July 1987) (88/C 93/59) (88/C 93/60)

Subject: Teaching of democratic values in schools Subject: Transfer of public services to the self-employed Eminent persons in North America — among them ex- 1. How much importance does the Commission attach to Presidents Carter and Ford — have recently published an the transfer of public services to the self-employed, given appeal for changes at school level to ensure the teaching of the constant growth of the services sector in the economy of democratic values to children. This subject is of importance the European Communities and the growing pressure of the to those responsible for political education within our younger generation within the liberal professions ? Community. 2. Does the Commission have any information to show Democracy is rightly considered to be the central pillar of whether these services can be provided better and more Community life, and should represent an abiding ideal for cheaply by the private sector than by the public authorities our citizens. It must be defended both against its traditional in the European Community ? 11. 4. 88 No C 93/40 Official Journal of the European Communities

(a) if so: to what conclusions does this information lead? The Commission considers that it is for the Member States to take the necessary measures for the public services under (b) if not: will the Commission make efforts to obtain such their control. The Community's legal powers to intervene information ? in this area are in any event very limited. 3. What possibilities does the Commission see for In proposing the objective of completing the internal transferring public services to the self-employed in the market by 1992, the Commission hopes that competition European Community? will be stimulated and a greater degree of socio-economic efficiency will be sought, which might in turn encourage 4. What steps has the Commission taken so far in this area transfers of activities from the public sector to the self- and what steps does it intend to take in the short and employed. Sector-based measures might be envisaged in long term ? priority areas such as telecommunications, in which the Commission is proposing that public monopolies should be opened up, particularly with regard to the new telecom­ munications services. The Commission is also concerned to ensure that Answer given by Lord Cockfield distortions do not arise where public services and private on behalf of the Commission operators are in competition with each other on European (8 January 1988) markets.

The Commission does not possess any detailed and systematic figures concerning transfers of public services to the self-employed. It is difficult to compile reliable data since it must be possible to establish reasonable com­ parisons. For example, the criterion of the quality of a service may involve many factors varying in importance according to the category of user concerned. However, a number of sources relating to a variety of sectors (transport, communications, health) and countries seem to WRITTEN QUESTION No 1045/87 indicate the following. by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B)

— Costs are indeed reduced, with quality remaining to the Commission of the European Communities unchanged or actually increasing, on markets where (31 July 1987) there is strong demand backed by purchasing power and (88/C 93/61) where competition is at play. This is not the case on certain peripheral markets where demand is scattered and profitability is more difficult to guarantee. Supply may then fall both quantitatively and qualitatively or Subject: Interpretation of the concept of 'environmentally even disappear completely. sensitive areas'

— Perverse effects, such as overcapacity of supply on The Community has provided for new structural aid for certain markets, the replacement of a public monopoly environmentally sensitive areas. by a private monopoly, geographical concentration of 1. Does the Commission agree that this concept can be supply, etc., may be experienced. There is a certain applied to the following cases: tendency to introduce control mechanisms as a means of avoiding such effects. (a) protection of threatened biotopes (wetlands, areas with a natural bird population, rare insects and — The overall effect on long-term employment is difficult plants); to ascertain. (b) agriculture in less developed areas, using native plant The Commission intends to continue gathering data on and animal species which are well-adapted to the public services. farming conditions to be used, growing certain companion crops, maximizing production by means Possibilities for transferring public services to the self- of these simple techniques which require very little employed do exist in Europe (e. g. distribution, road input; maintenance, transport, communications, health, etc.) but to a varying degree. Such transfers must be carefully (c) protection of areas with a high water table where planned, particularly in cases where the public authorities there is a danger of a high content in fertilizers and reallocate resources between different categories of users plant protection products ? and different regions ('cross-subsidization'). In addition, intermediate possibilities exist involving role-sharing 2. Could smaller 'sensitive areas', such as certain ponds between the public service and self-employed operators constituting important natural reservoirs threatened by (setting up a separate body, contracting out, concessions) the techniques used for farming the surrounding land which might prove more- appropriate than outright and subsoil, be brought within the framework of these transfer. new structural aids for 'sensitive areas' ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of European Communities No C 93/41

Answer given by Mr Andriessen outline its proposals to ensure this practice is not on behalf of the Commission implemented ? (7 December 1987)

1. In general, yes.

The structural aids provided for in Article 19 of Regulation WRITTEN QUESTION No 1053/87 (EEC) No 797/85 (*) granted in such areas may qualify for by Mr Stephen Hughes (S — GB) financial assistance from the Community provided that to the Commission of the European Communities they contribute to the adaptation and guidance of agricultural production in line with market requirements, (31 July 1987) and provided that the beneficiaries use farming compatible (88/C 93/63) with the need to maintain or restore the original character of the natural habitat.

2. It follows from the above that very small areas or areas Subject: European Social Fund assistance to Manpower in which there is normally no agricultural production, such Service Schemes in the United Kingdom as certain ponds, would not as a rule qualify for Community aid. The Commission would stress, however, Is the Commission aware that in the United Kingdom that decisions can be taken only on a case-by-case basis, to young people are to be forced — under threat of allow for specific circumstances. withdrawal of social security benefits — to participate in 'training' schemes part funded by the European Social Fund ? (!) OJ No L 93, 30. 3. 1985, p. 1. Is the Commission aware of widespread criticism of the new training schemes, in particular the youth training scheme (YTS), which is widely thought to have little or no training element and is purely a method of artificially reducing the number of British citizens registered as unemployed and seeking work ?

Will the Commission in responding to the above indicate its general attitude towards YTS plans announced recently by the British Government ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1051/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (31 July 1987) (88/C 93/62) Joint answer to Written Questions No 1051/87 and No 1053/87 given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission Subject: European Social Fund assistance for United (9 November 1987) Kingdom training schemes

Will the Commission comment on plans by the United Kingdom Government to withhold social security and The Commission is aware that there is a possibility that other benefits from school leavers who do not wish to young people in the United Kingdom may lose their participate in Youth Training Schemes ? entitlement to social security benefits if they refuse to participate in certain training courses partially funded by Further, will the Commission comment on a widely held the European Social Fund. belief in the United Kingdom that by forcing young people to undertake these largely meaningless two-year schemes The Commission is also aware of criticism of the newer the British Government is in effect evading its responsibility Manpower Services Commission programmes. However to provide social security payments to the young un­ the Commission has to make an assessment of a scheme's employed and is in fact funding a significant part of its suitability for European Social Fund assistance based on an social security payments from European Social Fund objective examination of the extent to which it meets the sources ? eligibility criteria. The impact on unemployment statistics of the exclusion of trainees on Manpower Services Does the Commission consider that this is an appropriate Commission courses does not form part of the assessment use for European Social Fund money, and if not can it procedure. No C 93/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

The Commission cannot comment on the Honourable the declared policy of the Inspectorate to give full priority Member's remarks concerning a Member State's objectives to the surveillance of operational installations even though in organizing vocational training measures. this may result in delays in the examination of plans for new installations.

The Commission, therefore, has no reason to suppose that the British government will not continue to discharge its responsibilities under Community law.

(1) OJ No L 246, 17. 9. 1980, Directive 80/836/Euratom. (2) OJ No L 265, 5. 10. 1984, Directive 84/467/Euratom. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1054/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (31 July 1987) (88/C 93/64)

Subject: British staff shortages in the Nuclear Inspectorate In a combined reply to Written Questions Nos 670/86 to 673/86 0) in November 1986, the Commission asserted that each Member State 'shall establish a system or systems of inspection to supervise the examination and monitoring WRITTEN QUESTION No 1060/87 ... and to initiate surveillance and intervention measures wherever necessary' in the nuclear industry. by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) Is the Commission aware of a further report by the to the Commission of the European Communities Advisory Committee on the safety of nuclear installations (31 July 1987) which recommends a 50 % increase in the inspectorate staff of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate ? (88/C 93/65) Is it further aware that in response to a British Government agreement to increase the number of inspectors the Advisory Committee in its report claimed 'this planned Subject: Permitted width for lorries in Switzerland increase in recruitment, even if successful, will not match the increase in workload' ? Is the Commission aware that, unlike many other European Will the Commission re-evaluate its answer of 14 countries (which apply a maximum width of 2,6 metres or November 1986 in the light of the continuing shortfall in some tolerance in respect of width, Switzerland still applies nuclear inspectors in the United Kingdom ? a maximum permitted width of 2,6 metres for lorries ?

(!) OJ No C 72, 20. 3. 1987, p. 9. This maximum permitted width is too narrow for transport at controlled temperatures, since increasing use is being made of standardized pallets to transport flowers, fruit and vegetables. The overall dimensions of such pallets Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis are 1,20 metres wide by 1 metre long. Given that the walls of a normal lorry are 4/5 centimetres thick and in a on behalf of the Commission refrigerated lorry 7/8 centimetres, it is clear that, with a (15 December 1987) maximum permitted width of 2,5 metres, it is not possible to place two pallets side by side in a lorry designed for transport at controlled temperatures. The two pallets take The Commission has been aware for some time of staff up a minimum space of 2,40 metres (1,20 metres x 2), to shortages in the British Nuclear Inspectorate; as reported, which must be added about 14 centimetres for the walls, however, the problem was the recruitment of suitable staff giving a total width of 2,54 metres. to fill all existing posts. It, therefore, welcomes initiatives by the British Government not only to increase the staff but Although the Swiss authorities do not officially allow more importantly to attract suitable candidates. tolerance in respect of width, in practice a limited The future ability of the Inspectorate to fulfil those tasks additional width was accepted until a short time ago. Now, assigned to it by the Government as part of the system or however, the Swiss frontier authorities (inter alia at the systems of inspection required under Community law (*) Basel/Weil am Rhein border post), no longer permit the will obviously depend on the future workload which itself specified dimensions to be exceeded. This means that even can change in response to government decisions on where Switzerland is the destination, loads have to be development of the British nuclear industry. However, it is transferred to other vehicles which is extremely costly. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/43

What action does the Commission intend to take ? put to the Council a proposal to amend Directive 85/3/EEC in order to increase the width to 2,60 metres (2). Neither the Directive nor the proposal from the Commission lays down any tolerances on weights and dimensions. The Commission mentioned the matter of technical WRITTEN QUESTION No 1062/87 requirements relating to commercial vehicles in the Recommendation for a Council Decision on the opening of by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) negotiations with Austria, Switzerland and Yugoslavia in to the Commission of the European Communities the transport field. The Commission will raise this matter with the Swiss authorities once both proposals have been (31 July 1987) adopted by the Council. (88/C 93/66)

(!) OJNoL2, 3.1.1985, p. 14. (2) Doc. COM(87) 220 final, 18 May 1987. Subject: Permitted length for lorries in Switzerland

Is the Commission aware that Switzerland has a maximum permitted length of 18 metres for lorries?

Until now the Swiss authorities have, however, allowed a certain tolerance which in practice meant that a maximum length of 18,36 metres was accepted.

This factor is important for Dutch transport undertakings WRITTEN QUESTION No 1067/87 which use lorry-trailer units with a swap body system, having an overall length of 18 to 18,30 metres. It should be by Mr Gene Fitzgerald (RDE — IRL) pointed out that the Swiss authorities consider that swap to the Commission of the European Communities bodies are not part of the load but part of the vehicle itself. (31 July 1987) According to announcements by the Swiss authorities, however, this tolerance with regard to length will be (88/C 93/67) abolished after 1 January 1988 and there will be no exemption provisions thereafter. Subject: Transfer of pension The road transport federation is afraid that the Dutch transport undertakings referred to above will be severely According to Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 (*) on the hampered by Switzerland's abolition of the tolerance with application of social security schemes to employed persons, regard to lorry length. self-employed persons and their families moving within the Community it is stipulated that pensions acquired under Moreover, the Swiss announcement has been made without the legislation of one or more Member States may be warning and there is no reasonable transitional period, i.e. transferred within the territory of the Member States. no account is taken of the working life of the fleet in question. Can the Commission estimate the extent of the transfer of acquired pensions to eligible persons in each of the Member What action does the Commission intend to take ? States ?

0) OJ No L 149, 5. 7. 1971, p. 2.

Joint answer to Written Questions No 1060/87 and No 1062/87 given by Mr Clinton Davis Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1987) (14 December 1987)

The Commission would point out to the Honourable The Commission is able to provide the Honourable Member that Annex I to the Council Directive of 19 Member with the following information in respect of the December 1984 on the weights, dimensions and certain 1985 financial year regarding transfers of pensions other technical characteristics of certain road vehicles (l) pursuant to the provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/ lays down a maximum length of 18 metres and a maximum 71. The amounts, which include old age, survivor's and width of 2,50 metres for all vehicles, those dimensions to invalidity pensions are expressed in the national currency include removable superstructures and standardized of the exporting country. The Commission is not in freight items such as containers. With regard to vehicles possession of all the information concerning the 1985 specially designed for the carriage of goods under financial year; thus, where it is available, information temperature-controlled conditions, the Commission has regarding the 1984 financial year is given. 11. 4. 88 No C 93/44 Official Journal of the European Communities

According to the information available to the Commission, States by which Amount in the present situation within the Community gives no cause national currency the pensions are transferred for concern.

Belgium (*) 6 772 832 776 Denmark (}) 26 648 932 Germany 803 471 000 France 1 979 486 418 Ireland (*) 13 228 137 Italy 184 415 000 000 Luxembourg 1}) 1 643 884 108 Netherlands 258 968 220 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1084/87 United Kingdom 87 413 535 by Mr Petrus Cornelissen (PPE — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (!) Information referring to the 1984 financial year. (1 September 1987) (88/C 93/69)

Subject: Additional border checks by the German Federal Border Police at the Heerlen frontier post WRITTEN QUESTION No 1078/87 Is the Commission aware that, on occasion, officials sent by by Mr Jose Alvarez de Eulate Peflaranda (ED — E) the German Federal Border Police to carry out additional to the Commission of the European Communities checks at the Heerlen frontier post (on the A76 motorway) (1 September 1987) travel in one or more helicopters that use the motorway as a landing and taking-off strip so all traffic has to be stopped ? (88/C 93/68) This of course leads to traffic jams and delays. Is the Commission willing to contact the German Subject: Community regulation of post office savings authorities with a view to ending this unnecessary and irritating situation ? The savings deposited in the postal services throughout the Community represent one of the largest amounts of capital in both the private savings sector and the public investment sector. Answer given by Mr Delors The private enterprise savings sector provides its clientele on behalf of the Commission with a continual stream of new offers and services; the state (3 December 1987) services in charge of post office savings put up rival offers and advertize on an ever larger scale for new private customers. It is not for the Commission to comment on the way in With regard to this situation, does the Commission think which the police authorities of a Member State carry out that current regulations governing post office savings are frontier checks, which are in any case, as the Honourable suited to the reality of the Community money market and Member points out, exceptional. take account of the medium-term prospects, which will affect private savings throughout the Member States ?

Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 1099/87 (30 October 1987) by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities The situation described by the Honourable Member, which (1 September 1987) exists in only some of the Member States, is one of competition between private and public institutions. (88/C 93/70) Community law applies to such companies and their conduct indiscriminately. Consequently, the Commission Subject: Death of vast quantities of fish in the Ghent- watches to see that state companies are not treated more Terneuzen canal favourably than companies in the private sector. It even finds that the public sector is sometimes subject to quite Is the Commission aware that vast quantities of fish died in considerable constraints. the Ghent-Terneuzen canal at the beginning of June ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/45

According to reports in the press, the national water board way; only then will goods services, capital and people be still has no clues to the cause of this environmental disaster. able to move freely to where they enjoy genuine compara­ tive and competitive advantage. Will the Commission urge the Dutch and Belgian authorities to carry out a further detailed investigation into this incident? Will the Commission urge the Dutch and Belgian authorities to take the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of this type of incident ? It has always been an accepted part of Community policy that zero rating, except in the case of exports to third countries, was a temporary measure which would disap­ pear with the completion of the internal market. This was Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis clearly stated in the Second VAT Directive adopted in 1967 and restated in the Sixth VAT Directive adopted in 1977. on behalf of the Commission (15 January 1988)

The Commission was not notified of the facts mentioned by the Honourable Member. The zero rating of supplies generally acknowledged as basic necessities rests upon considerations of social policy; It is making enquiries of the Member States concerned and though it is clearly a less efficient way of achieving such will undoubtedly inform the Honourable Member of their objectives than measures more closely targeted towards outcome. those in need. Only two Member States have followed such policies to any significant degree; the other Member States have successfully accommodated themselves to a broadly based concept of VAT without the extensive use of zero rating. This has been achieved by direct compensation of disadvantaged groups through the social security system and welfare payments, thus directly benefiting the groups primarily affected in a more cost-effective way than is WRITTEN QUESTION No 1125/87 achieved by a fiscal price subsidy. It should also be remembered that zero rating, by giving a price advantage to by Mrs Caroline Jackson (ED — GB) the products of one Member State, distorts competition to the Commission of the European Communities within the Community; this is particularly true when (1 September 1987) applied to supplies which feed through into industrial and commercial costs. Finally, it needs to be remembered that, (88/C 93/71) for any given yield of revenue, zero rating in one area must inevitably lead to a higher overall rate of tax elsewhere; if 50 % of consumer expenditure is exempted by zero rating, Subject: Value Added Tax (VAT): zero rates the rate of tax elsewhere necessarily has to be twice what it Can the Commission set out the positive and negative would have been if there had been comprehensive coverage. consequences for the completion of the Common Market by 1992 of the continued existence of zero rates of VAT in individual Member States ?

The present proposals put forward by the Commission Answer given by Lord Cockfield represent the general practice of the Member States — this after all is what 'harmonisation' or 'approximation' means. on behalf of the Commission Accordingly, the Commission has not proposed zero rates (13 November 1987) but has proposed that for the most part basic necessities should be charged at the reduced rate, as is the practice in almost all the Member States. The Commission's White Paper on the completion of the internal market (*) demonstrated that if fiscal frontiers are to be abolished and the indirect taxation system of the Community is to serve the single unified market which the Community is committed to completing, there must be a considerable measure of approximation of indirect taxes. Nevertheless, the Commission accepts that some Member This conclusion was accepted by the high-level group of States face considerable difficulties with fiscal approxi­ fiscal experts who were asked by the Council of Ministers mation. The Commission recognises that the Member for Financial Affairs to study the matter. It will only be States concerned may well wish to be granted derogations when indirect tax levels are sufficiently close as between to meet their particular difficulties, and has indicated that it one Member State and another so as not to distort would take a constructive part in the discussion of any competition and patterns of trade, that it will be possible derogations for which Member States in real difficulty for the European economy to work in a free and unfettered might feel the need. No C 93/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

The advantages and disadvantages posed by such dero­ As regards AIDS prevention, the relevant Spanish author­ gations not only for the Member State asking for them but ities began in 1986 with the implementation of specific for other Member States as well would be a matter which operations for prisons. Information courses for medical would need very careful consideration when the issue and paramedical staff working in prisons were organized. arose. At the same time, information campaigns on AIDS were organized for warders and prisoners and an information (!) Doc. COM(85) 310 final. brochure written in appropriate terms was distributed.

(i) OJ No C 86,4.4.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1127/87 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1141/87 (1 September 1987) by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) (88/C 93/72) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1987)

Subject: Conditions for detainees in the Carabanchel (88/C 93/73) prison in Madrid Does the Commission know that, according to information Subject: Education for the children of travelling people from the Spanish authorities, 2 600 prisoners are being held in the Carabanchel prison in Madrid which officially has In March 1984 the European Parliament adopted a room for only 750 and that, as a result, from three to eight Resolution on the education of children whose parents people are occupying a cell measuring seven square metres ? have no fixed abode. Is the Commission aware that, according to the results of a In implementation of this Resolution, the Commission Red Cross inquiry, 30 % of the detainees in the Caraban­ called for a study into the educational facilities provided for chel prison are carrying the AIDS virus and that the the children of itinerant families in the various Member sanitary conditions in that prison are extremely bad ? States. This study has recently been completed. Does the Commission realize what dangers this entails for 1. What conclusions has the Commission drawn from the other prisoners ? these studies ? Is the Commission prepared to ask the Spanish government 2. What measures will it take in view of the recommen­ to improve conditions for detainees who include a number dations contained in the study ? of people from other Community countries, and do the utmost to protect their health ? Is the Commission prepared to urge the Spanish authorities to allow those foreign prisoners who can be handed over to Answer given by Mr Marin their own countries to serve out their imprisonment there on behalf of the Commission to leave as quickly as possible ? (26 November 1987)

In response to the European Parliament's Resolution on the Answer given by Mr Delors education of children whose parents have no fixed ] on behalf of the Commission abode ( ), the Commission commissioned two studies, one on the schooling of the children of gypsies and travelling (15 January 1988) people, which was completed in 1985 and published in the Documents series (2), and one on the schooling of the children of boatmen, circus and fairground staff and Prison conditions do not come within the competence of itinerant traders, which was carried out in two parts in the Commission. The Honourable Member is referred to 1985/1986 and 1986/1987. the reply to her question 1101/87 (1). The Commission is sending copies of these studies directly As regards, more particularly, endeavours to prevent the to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of spread of AIDS, the figure of 30 % carrying the AIDS virus the European Parliament. cited by the Honourable Member is the result of voluntary screening among a minority of the prisoners held at Meetings between senior officials of Ministries of Edu­ Carabanchel and it is doubted that this is representative of cation and representatives of gypsies and travelling people the prison population as a whole. or representatives of the inland navigation sector and 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/47 circuses were held on 19 and 20 March 1987 and on 15 and WRITTEN QUESTION No 1168/87 16 July 1987 respectively to discuss the conclusions and by Mr James Ford (S — GB) recommendations of these studies. to the Commission of the European Communities The Education Committee will be informed in the near future on the progress of endeavours relating to gypsies, (1 September 1987) travelling people, boatmen and circus people. A meeting (88/C 93/75) between senior officials of Ministries of Education and representatives of associations of fairground operators and itinerant traders will be held in March 1988. Subject: Water-wheels as an energy source Can the Commission give figures of power production (!) OJ No C 104, 16. 4. 1984. from water-wheels currently and a decade ago within the (2) ISBN 92-825-6429-0. Community? How many jobs depend upon industries whose main power source is water-wheels ?

Answer given by Mr Mosar on behalf of the Commission (19 October 1987) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1156/87 by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) Statistics for power production from water-wheels cur­ to the Commission of the European Communities rently and a decade ago within the Community are not (1 September 1987) available. In 1986, 175 TWh (net) were produced by (88/C 93/74) hydroelectric plants within the Community, accounting for about 12 % of total electricity production. The figures for the Community in 1978 are 144 TWh and 13 % respect­ Subject: Recommendation concerning occupational ively, and for the same areas (i. e. excluding Spain and health services Portugal) in 1986, 139 TWh and 10 % respectively. No Member State has to date ratified ILO Convention It is not known how many jobs depend upon industries No 161. whose main power source is water-wheels, nor upon water- wheel production, although the numbers are thought to be What measures does the Commission intend to take to very small. It is estimated that those employed in water encourage the Member States to ratify this Convention ? turbine production in the Community, however, might number somewhere in the region of 40 000 or more. Does it intend to draw up proposals in order to guarantee the independence of those concerned with occupational health services?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (23 November 1987) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1169/87 by Mr James Ford (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission attaches great importance to the setting up of health services at the workplace as part of a (1 September 1987) Community policy aimed at providing improved protec­ (88/C 93/76) tion for the health and safety of workers. The Commission intends to draw up a recommendation to Subject: Broiler fowl parent stock welfare the Member States on this matter, as was stated in its communication on its programme in the field of safety, Given that the techniques of promoting rapid weight gain hygiene and health at the workplace. in broiler chickens are totally unnatural, and their appetites distorted by poultry scientists, it is generally held that to Ratification of the convention referred to is a matter for the maintain broiler breeders (i. e. parent stock) in good health Member States themselves. through a longer lifespan than broiler chickens, the parent stock must be kept in a constant state of hunger and thirst. Can the Commission state what measures are being taken to assess the present welfare status of broiler breeders No C 93/48 Official Journal of the European Communities throughout the Community, the better to be able to decide Answer given by Mr Andriessen on the cruelty or otherwise of the broiler system? on behalf of the Commission (25 January 1988)

Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission (6 November 1987) 1. Consumption of quality wines psr has been steadily increasing and this has meant sustained demand for this type of wine, while consumption of table wines has been The welfare of broiler fowl is covered at Community level declining, leaving heavy surpluses. There is therefore a case by the European Convention for the protection of animals for conversion of vineyards growing table wines to kept for farming purposes, which was approved on behalf vineyards growing quality wines. of the European Economic Community by Council J Decision 78/923/EEC of 19 June 1978 ( ). 2. Nonetheless, this is a move that must be monitored In particular, Article 3 of that Convention requires animals with great care to ensure that as time goes on quality wines to be provided with food, water and care in a manner do not suffer difficulties jeopardizing the present equilib­ appropriate to their physiological and ethological needs. rium in this area. The Commission therefore takes the view that conversion of table wine vineyards to quality wine The current work programme of the Commission in the vineyards is desirable only within certain limits, if some of area of farm animal welfare is already very heavily the problems the table-wine growers now have to contend committed, and does not allow for the moment any specific with are not to beset the quality-wine growers as well. actions in relation to the welfare of broiler breeders.

3. With the regulations as they now are — including the (i) OJ No L 323, 17.11.1978, p. 12. ban on new plantings — areas under quality wines psr can be increased only through transfers of table-wine replant­ ing rights or new planting authorizations granted by the Commission after scrutiny of the applications. However, before 1984, new plantings of quality wines psr were solely a matter for the Member States and the switch to the new scheme has led to a special situation in which certain growers, having acquired planting rights, have found that they could actually use them only after authorization from WRITTEN QUESTION No 1206/87 the Commission, under the procedure laid down for the by Mr Jochen van Aerssen (PPE — D) purpose. What has happened in fact is that the Commission has, as it were, endorsed authorizations granted by the to the Commission of the European Communities Member States beforehand. The lack of an opinion from (1 September 1987) the Management Committee reflects as much the bewilder­ ment of some Member States, in the present situation, as (88/C 93/77) the complexity of that situation. From this angle, the Commission takes the view that in the future it should authorize such new plantings only if area reductions are Subject: Conversion and expansion of wine-growing areas made at the same time. 1. Given the large surpluses of table wine in the Community, what view does the Commission take of the 4. Also, the Commission, aware of the problems as conversion of table-wine growing areas into quality-wine regards the market for tablewine and the disequilibrium areas ? which an uncontrolled increase in quality-wine vineyards 2. Does the Commission also fear that the problems on would be bound to cause, has laid before the Council a the table-wine market will be transferred or extended to the proposal for the limitation of replanting rights. Also, as quality-wine market through such conversion ? regards any new applications for authorization to plant, the Commission, in adopting a viewpoint, will be guided by the 3. Does the Commission believe it is justifiable to desire to avoid any aggravation of the present situation. authorize quality-wine growing in new areas in France, Italy and Spain without the relevant management commit­ tee's opinion — albeit that there is a demand for such wine — especially as those countries are in any case endeavour­ ing to convert table-wine into quality-wine areas ? 4. How does the Commission justify, on the one hand, using its powers to grant such authorizations and, on the other, urging the Member States to implement measures to control the quantities produced ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/49

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1209/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1211/87 by Mr Kenneth Collins (S — GB) by Mr Madron Seligman (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (11 September 1987) (11 September 1987) (88/C 93/78) (88/C 93/79)

Subject: Product Liability Directive Subject: Noctamid/Lormetazepam Will the Commission say whether it has had an opportunity to study the United Kingdom's 1987 Consumer Protection What is the Commission's view of the decision of the Act and will it say whether it is satisfied that this Act fully English High Court in the case of Regina v. Secretary of implements the provisions of the Product Liability State for Social Services, ex parte Schering Chemicals Directive 85/374/EEC (J) which deals with development Limited (Case No CO/334/86) that it is not objectionable risk defence and the exclusion of primary agricultural for the government of a Member State to prohibit the use of products except those which have undergone initial brand names in a prescription, even if the product in processing ? question is supplied at the same price as its generic equivalent? (!) OJ No L 210, 7. 8. 1985, p. 29.

Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Lord Cockfield (21 December 1987) on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1987)

The Commission has been notified of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, one of whose purposes is to incorporate the Council Directive on liability for defective products (85/374/EEC) into United Kingdom law. The attention of the Commission has been drawn to the decision taken by the United Kingdom authorities to 1. The Commission has approached the British authorities exclude brand-name promotion of the benzo-diazipine regarding the scope of Article 4, paragraph 1, sec­ tranquilizers by doctors and to confirm their policy of tion (e) of the Act, which it is feared may not generic prescribing for such products. However, though incorporate Article 7, section (e) of the Directive brand-name products (such as 'Noctamid') are on the correctly. blacklist of products which doctors may not prescribe under the NHS, it is open to pharmacists to dispense these Under the Directive, the producer shall not be liable if he products when fulfilling a prescription for a generic can prove that it was impossible for anyone (even the product, such as 'Lormetazepam' where they have the same greatest expert on the subject) to detect the defect when specification. Hence, it is not the case that the brand-name the product was put into circulation, whereas under the products concerned are excluded from reimbursement, British Act it is enough for a producer to show that despite the fact that they are supplied at the same price as another producer of the same type of product would not their generic equivalent, since those brand-name products have been able to detect the defect either. may still be dispensed under the NHS. The Commission therefore considers that such a system does not infringe 2. As regards the exclusion of primary agricultural Article 30 of the Treaty, as interpreted by the Commission products, the Commission has no legal objection to in its communication of 4 December, 1986 (J). Article 2, paragraph 4 of the British Act, which, by not exercising the option available to Member States pursuant to Article 15, paragraph 1, section (a) of the Directive, correctly gives effect to the terms of Article 2. (!) OJ No C 310, 4. 12. 1986, p. 7. No C 93/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1216/87 Answer given by Mr Mosar by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED — GB) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1987) (11 September 1987) (88/C 93/80) The Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that, in implementing the requirements of a continuous inspection regime, between June 1986 and June 1987 a total number of 371 inspection man-days have been Subject: Excessive British customs provisions spent at the BNFL Sellafield installation including, notably, Why is the United Kingdom the only Member State whose the mixed reprocessing plant. customs provisions are so severe that airlines sometimes This inspection effort does not, however, include the effort make a point of citing them when closing the bars on spent for meetings etc. to discuss implementation ques­ aircraft approaching the United Kingdom? Are these tions. provisions excessive ? Euratom inspectors prepare detailed reports on each inspection upon return to H.Q. in Luxembourg. These reports dealing exclusively with Euratom safeguards are classified.

Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission (30 November 1987)

In the absence of Community provisions relating to the victualling of aircraft, the Commission has no general WRITTEN QUESTION No 1236/87 knowledge of the detailed management by airlines of bars by Mrs Barbara Castle (S — GB) on aircraft in the various Member States. to the Commission of the European Communities According to the information received by the Commission, (11 September 1987) the measures in force in the United Kingdom stipulate that a detailed inventory must be drawn up of supplies on (88/C 93/82) aircraft which have not been distributed on the aircraft's return to national territory and that the cases containing Subject: Provision for the elderly them must be sealed. Following the report produced in January 1986 on EEC Assuming that these measures are taken before the aircraft concessions and benefits for older people, which shows prepares to land, they do not seem in any way abnormal or wide discrepancies between Member States, what steps excessive. does the Commission propose to take to bring provision for the elderly in all Member States up to the standard of the best?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (15 December 1987)

2 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1228/87 Subsequent to its study (*) and the seminar ( ) on the benefits for older people in force in the Member States, the by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S — GB) Commission has embarked upon preparatory work for the to the Commission of the European Communities introduction of a European card for elderly persons. (11 September 1987) After assessing the findings of this preparatory phase, the (88/C 93/81) Commission will subsequently decide what measures it might take.

1 Subject: Nuclear power ( ) The study V7505/86 has been forwarded to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat of the European Parliament. 2 How many visits, resulting in what reports, have been paid ( ) The seminar, which was held from 28 to 30 January 1987 in Madrid, was arranged by EUROLINK AGE. by Euratom safeguards inspectors to the Magnox B205 reprocessing plant at Sellafield, United Kingdom, since June 1986 ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/51

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1239/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1250/87 by Mr Joachim Dalsass (PPE — I) by Mr George Patterson (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (11 September 1987) (11 September 1987) (88/C 93/83) (88/C 93/84)

Subject: Free movement of services Subject: Participation in the subprogramme on mineral raw materials Is the Commission aware of any obstacles in the national legislation of Member States which would prevent a Applications were invited in the Official Journal of the company established in one Member State from promoting European Communities No S 116 of 19 June 1986, for the the popular gambling game of Bingo or Lotto in any other submission of projects under the subprogramme on Member State ? mineral raw materials but it was not possible to accept all the applications submitted. Will the Commission state: If such obstacles were to exist, does the Commission consider that they should be removed pursuant to Articles — who were the members of the body set up to evaluate the 59 to 66 of the EEC Treaty ? applications received;

— what criteria were used to assess and select projects;

— which applications, listed according to the Member Answer given by Lord Cockfield State which submitted them, were actually accepted in on behalf of the Commission the context of this subprogramme on mineral raw materials and what were the sums involved ? (9 November 1987)

The Commission considers that national legislation on the organization of gambling games is justified on the grounds of public morality and consumer protection.

Answer given by Mr Narjes Such legislation is of course restricted to the provision of services, mainly in cases where tickets for a game organized on behalf of the Commission in one Member State are sold in another Member State (6 January 1988) which has laws controlling activities of this type; these sales must comply with the prevailing legislation in the latter Member State. The Commission is not aware of any discriminatory national regulations in this area. Each research proposal was evaluated by three to five independent experts selected by the Commission on the basis of proposals put forward, for example, by the national delegations to the Management Coordination Advisory Committee on Raw Materials and Other Materials.

The criteria for the selection of the projects, as set out in the call for proposals of 19 June 1986 ('), were their value to the Community, their scientific merit, their innovative approach, their potential for industrial application, and the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1264/87 involvement of organizations in at least two Member by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) States. In practice, the last criterion was mandatory. to the Commission of the European Communities Contracts for the projects selected are being negotiated by (23 September 1987) the Commission. Once this phase has been completed, the Commission will send the Honourable Member the final (88/C 93/85) list of projects adopted. The Commission will also publish this information at that time. Subject: Patronymic names of Community nationals and national rules on civil status (!) OJNoS 116, 19.6.1986. The situation of the citizen of Europe is still marked by unexpected variations in names. Thus: — in a commune in French-speaking Brabant in Belgium a young man of Spanish nationality, who has acquired 11. 4. 88 No C 93/52 Official Journal of the European Communities

Belgian citizenship, has had his name changed by the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1280/87 local authorities, his second name, that of his mother, by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) being replaced by that of his paternal grandmother, to the Commission of the European Communities — the children of a Spanish family which has lived in (23 September 1987) central Belgium for around 15 years were registered by (88/C 93/86) the authorities under the father's name (first and second names) with no account being taken of the mother's name, even though they retained Spanish nationality; Subject: Coastal pollution however, a few years later, the local authorities revised In consequence of Directive 76/160/EEC 0) of 8 December their files and gave the children the first name of their 1975, concerning the quality of bathing water, samples father and the first name of their mother; when, later have been taken since 1980 at fifteen places (now eighteen) still, the first five children opted for Belgian nationality along the Belgian coast. These have been examined and became Belgian citizens, their second name once according to physico-chemical parameters (pH, colour, again became that of their grandmother — as in the case mineral oils, surface-active substances, phenol, discharged above — but the youngest sister, who did not opt for sulphurous matter, ammonia, nitrates, phosphates, etc.) Belgian nationality, had her name changed automati­ and according to microbiological parameters: coliforms cally because, according to the authorities, she could not (faecal and others), faecal streptococci and salmonella. have a name different from that of her elder siblings who had become Belgian citizens ..., Can the Commission tell me the results of the analyses carried out for each of the countries of the European — a young man born in France of a Belgian father (of Community ? Cuban origin) and a French mother bears only his father's first name, whereas his sister, born in Belgium, (i) OJ No L 31, 5. 2. 1976, p. 1. bears both her father's names!

Can the Commission not work towards achieving a Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis rational clarification of the relevant international private law in which there are sometimes irritating differences on behalf of the Commission within the Community between one Member State and (2 December 1987) another and even between one commune and another in the same Member State ? Since 1979 the Commission has been receiving regular comprehensive reports on bathing water quality in each Member State, as required by Article 13 of the Directive mentioned. So far the Commission has published reports containing the data submitted by each Member State for 1979,1980,1981 Answer given by Lord Cockfield and 1982. on behalf of the Commission Now it is preparing the 1983 to 1986 report for publication in 1988. (9 November 1987) The Commission is sending a copy of the reports published to date direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. The rules governing the individual's use of his/her family name are governed under private international law by the individual's personal status, i. e. in this connection the law of the country of which the individual is a national must always be applied.

The Commission is aware that in some Member States — including Belgium — some administrative bodies are WRITTEN QUESTION No 1286/87 unaware of this rule and apply the law of their own by Mr Bram van der Lek (ARC — NL) country. to the Commission of the European Communities At the same time the Commission does not consider that it (23 September 1987) is able to intervene in this area since such matters do not (88/C 93/87) come within the powers of the Community.

Subject: Community regulation on public access to environmental information In the EEC Fourth Environmental Action Programme [doc. COM(86) 485 final] the Commission states that it will 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/53 study the need for and desirability of a Community WRITTEN QUESTION No 1320/87 'Freedom of Environmental Information Act'. by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities In considering the report on public access to environmental pollution information (PE 111.012) Commissioner Clinton (2 October 1987) Davis announced that the Commission was studying the (88/C 93/88) legal bases and the present situation in all Member States and that he was expecting the results of the study very soon. Subject: Illegal import and storage of oil and waste 1. Has the study in question already been completed? If not, when are the results expected ? Will Parliament be In late May it emerged that the Belgian Ministry of Justice informed of the results of the study ? had launched an inquiry into the illegal import into, and storage of oil in, Belgium by the Dutch companies Tanker 2. Is the Commission currently working on a proposal for Cleaning Amsterdam and Verhoeven Oil Recycling. A a regulation on free access to environmental inform­ second inquiry is being carried out into the illegal import ation, as referred to in the Fourth Environmental Action and storage of waste by the Dutch firm Afval Verwerking Programme ? Rijnmond. Does the Commission know what stage these inquiries have 3. When does the Commission think that it will be able to reached ? submit such a proposal to the Council ? Can the Commission list the measures taken to prevent such illegal import and storage ?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis (11 January 1988) on behalf of the Commission (6 January 1988) The Commission is not aware of the case referred to by the Honourable Member. Movements of toxic and dangerous waste and waste oils 1. The study mentioned by the Honourable Member was between Member States of the Community are not received on the 16 September 1987 and the Commission is prohibited. currently examining it to check if the work has been carried out in accordance with the conditions of the contract. Such movements are governed by Council Directive 84/ 631/EEC of 6 December 1984 on the supervision and control within the European Community of the trans­ If the Commission accepts this study, its results could be x frontier shipment of hazardous waste ( ). Under this made available to the Honourable Member. Directive such movements are subject to licensing and supervision to ensure that they do not endanger human 2 and 3. The Commission is pursuing the study of the beings or the environment. legislative basis and current practice in all Member States, in order to evaluate the need for, and the desirability of a The storage of toxic and dangerous waste is covered by 2 Community 'Freedom of Environmental Information Act' Council Directive 79/319/EEC of 20 March 1978 ( ), and in which would ensure public assess to information held by particular by Article 9 which requires companies to be national and local authorities. licensed and monitored by the relevant authorities. The movement and storage of waste oils are governed by If the results of this work show that freedom of Council Directive 87/101/EEC of 22 December 1986 environmental information is not satisfactorily ensured amending Directive 75/439/EEC on the disposal of waste throughout the Community, appropriate proposals will be oils (3), and in particular by Article 5 which requires 1 made, as indicated in the Fourth Action Programme ( ). undertakings which collect waste oils to be registered and monitored.

(i) OJNoC70, 18.3.1987, p. 3. (!) OJ No L 326, 13. 12. 1984. (2) OJ No L 84, 31.3.1978. (3) OJ No L 42, 12. 2. 1987. No C 93/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1324/87 been used to promote the development of clean tech­ nologies ? by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (2 October 1987) (88/C 93/89) Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission Subject: Demonstration projects in the energy sector (14 December 1987) 1. With reference to the Community programmes for demonstration projects covering various aspects of energy, The volume of European Social Fund assistance allocated can the Commission provide some information on the to vocational training in preparation for employment projects it is funding ? requiring the application of new technologies, including 2. What were the results of the invitation to tender management technology, has been steadily increasing until published on 5 December 1986 ? it represented about half the annual budget in 1987. 3. Is a detailed list of all the projects funded available? The definition by the Council of 'clean technologies' on 9 Which of these projects does the Commission regard as April 1979 has not given rise to the preparation of a list to being directly related to the Community objective of which reference could be made; moreover applications for assistance do not contain information on this aspect of the developing clean technologies (as defined by the Council technologies concerned; therefore it is not possible to Decision of 9 April 1979) ? quantify the share of Social Fund assistance allocated to training in 'clean technologies'.

Answer given by Mr Mosar on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1987)

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat: WRITTEN QUESTION No 1339/87 1. two tables containing the information requested in questions 1 and 2; by Mr John Bird (S — GB) 2. a list of all the projects approved and funded under to the Commission of the European Communities Council Regulation (EEC) No 727/79 of 9 April 1979 0) (2 October 1987) which are regarded as directly related to the Com­ munity's objective of developing clean technologies. (88/C 93/91)

(!) OJ No L 93, 12. 4. 1979. Subject: Suggested ban of import of frogs' legs into the European Community In view of the Indian Government's decision to ban the trade of frogs' legs, is the Commission now prepared to consider a ban on all imports of frogs' legs into the European Community ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1325/87 If not, why not ? by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (2 October 1987) Answer given by Mr Cheysson (88/C 93/90) on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1987) Subject: European Social Fund and clean technologies

1. Has the Commission already contributed, through the The Commission has noted with satisfaction the decision European Social Fund, to vocational training programmes of the Indian authorities to ban further exports of frogs' on 'clean technologies' (as defined by the Council Decision legs from that country. It is of the view, however, that an of 9 April 1979) ? assessment of the relative balance of ecological gain and 2. In addition to such projects, can the Commission give economic disadvantage attendant upon such a step is examples of cases in which the European Social Fund has primarily a matter for the governments of those nations. It 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/55 does not, therefore, propose to reinforce current regu- WRITTEN QUESTION No 1393/87 1 lations on trade in frogs' legs in the immediate future ( ). by Mr jviichael Welsh (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (!) OJ No L 384,31.12. 1982, p. 1, Council Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 on the implementation in the Community of CITES. (7 October 1987) (88/C 93/93)

Subject: Food aid programme

Dr Charles Elliot, Chairman of the Independent Group on British Aid, is quoted in The Times as saying that the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1368/87 Community aid programme was 'far and away the worst administered programme going'. by Mrs Marie-Noelle Lienemann (S — F) to the Commission of the European Communities 1. How does the Commission react to this criticism? (2 October 1987) 2. Would the Commission consider contacting Dr Elliot so (88/C 93/92) that his expertise in these matters could be harnessed to improve the way in which Community aid is adminis­ tered ? Subject: Creation of a body of independent inspectors In the wake of the recent incidents at the Creys-Malville nuclear power station, could the Commission not launch the idea of establishing a body of independent inspectors to monitor European nuclear power stations ? Answer given by Mr Natali on behalf of the Commission (17 November 1987) Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission 1. Whilst the Commission does not know the exact (12 January 1988) context of the quotation mentioned by the Honourable Member, it is nevertheless aware of the interest generated in the media following the publication of a Court of The Commission's role in the field of nuclear safety is Auditors' report on the quality of food aid provided by the defined in the Euratom Treaty, in particular in Chapter III Community between 1976 and 1985. on health and safety. Without wishing to repeat the replies which it has made Article 35 gives the Commission the right to verify the both to the Court and in the press, the Commission would operation of the facilities that the Member States are like to stress that the shortcomings mentioned by the Court required to establish to carry out monitoring of the level of related to only 90 consignments out of approximately 8 000 radioactivity in the air, water and soils and to ensure during the period concerned, viz. about 1 %. Indeed, the compliance with the basic standards. The present situation total number of complaints received from food aid as far as these verifications are concerned is described in the a beneficiary countries in the period concerned, including answer to Written Question No 230/87 by Mrs Banotti ( ). those complaints investigated by the Court, related to less Although the Euratom Treaty does not cover the tech­ than 2 % of the total food aid programme. The Commis­ nological aspects of the safety of nuclear installations, sion therefore feels that many of the comments provoked activities in this respect are being conducted within the by the Court's report lack a sense of perspective. framework of implementation of the Council Resolution of 22 July 1975 on the technological problems of nuclear Nevertheless, the review of food aid policy which was safety (2). The Commission has sent the Council and begun by the Commission some four years ago, and which Parliament (3) a progress report on these activities and has culminated in the new framework regulation of December considered initiatives to further increase the effectiveness of 1986, pinpointed certain areas where procedures could be its action. improved. As a result of this review direct responsibility for the (!) OJ No C 61, 4. 3. 1988, p. 8. management of food aid consignments is now in the hands (2) OJ No C 185, 14. 8.1975. of the Commission, and not, as in the past, spread between 3 ( ) Doc. COM(87) 96 final. different bodies and organizations.

2. While the Commission is always prepared to take advantage of valuable expertise, it feels that the 11. 4. 88 No C 93/56 Official Journal of the European Communities

abovementioned evolution in the management of food aid WRITTEN QUESTION No 1442/87 already takes into account the remarks made by the Court by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S — E) of Auditors and the expertise available on this subject. to the Commission of the European Communities (14 October 1987) (88/C 93/95)

Subject: Deaths caused by overdosing or adulterated drugs Does the Commission have figures on the number of deaths caused by overdosing or adulterated drugs, involving heroin in particular, in the Member States in recent years ? If so, how many have died in this manner ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1406/87 by Mr Alfons Boesmans (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Marin (7 October 1987) on behalf of the Commission (88/C 93/94) (15 February 1988)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to Subject: Mud-flaps to reduce spray its answer to Written Question No 428/87 by Mr Arbeloa Each year large numbers of road accidents are caused by the Muru i1). spray thrown up by lorries and cars in wet weather.

In answer to Written Question No 953/85 (*) by Mr Karel (i) OJNoC42, 15. 2. 1988, p. 18. Van Miert, the Commission said that it intended to submit a proposal on spray suppressors for motor vehicles.

Has this proposal already been submitted and, if so, what results have so far been achieved by it ?

(i) OJ No C 334, 23. 12. 1985, p. 17. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1455/87 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Eulate Penaranda (ED — E) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Lord Cockfield (14 October 1987) on behalf of the Commission (88/C 93/96) (25 November 1987) Subject: Real value of the Latin American countries' external debt A proposal for a Directive on the approximation of the The real value of the Latin American countries' debt is far laws of the Member States relating to the spray-suppression less than the statistics indicate, because specialists devices of certain categories of motor vehicles and their constantly recommend these countries to attempt to trailers was transmitted to the Council and to Parliament in 'capture' the real value of their debt, which from an August 1987 (*). international point of view is between 25 % and 55 % As discussions in the various Community institutions have lower than what was originally agreed on, and which is only recently begun, it is still too early to say what results adjusted according to what is known as the 'country risk'. have been achieved. For this reason, these countries try to find out the real value The proposal has, however, generally been welcomed in of their external debt, and then benefit from the difference view of its aim, which is to increase road safety. between what they nominally owe and the depreciated amounts they hold on the international market. Can the Commission say whether the European Economic (1) OJ No C 265, 5. 10. 1987, doc. COM(87) 132 final. Community is considering working with these countries to fix the real value of their debt, and also what attitude it intends to take when this matter is considered by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/57

Answer given by Mr Cheysson high-speed trains, especially as regards their effect on Portugal; and what involvement and degree of receptivity on behalf of the Commission has there been on the part of public opinion in Portugal ? (30 November 1987)

The question r

Answer given by Mr De Clercq Social problems (farmers and members of their families) on behalf of the Commission Veterinary matters (19 January 1988) Approximation of Laws, the Advisory Committee on Seeds Approximation of Laws, the Advisory Committee on In the absence of detailed information relating to the Feedingstuffs particular case mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission finds it difficult to answer the question. Advisory Committee on Foodstuffs (2) and Advisory However, the Commission would be willing to give a more Committee on Customs Matters (3) detailed response in the light of supplementary information Joint Committee on the Social Problems of Agricultural which the Honourable Member might supply. Workers (4)

(!) OJ No L 45,14. 2. 1987, rules for the Advisory Committees on Agriculture. (2) OJ No L 318, 26. 11. 1980, p. 28, statute of the Advisory Committee on Foodstuffs. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1490/87 (3) OJ No L 321, 22. 11. 1973, p. 37, Commission Decision 73/ 351 /EEC of 7 November 1973. by Ms Carole Tongue (S — GB) (4) OJ No L 240, 22. 8. 1987, p. 34, rules for the Joint Committee on Social Problems of Agricultural Workers. to the Commission of the European Communities (9 October 1987) (88/C 93/99)

Subject: Non-government representatives on EEC com­ mittees Will the Commission list the committees established under WRITTEN QUESTION No 1493/87 Community legislation on which sit representatives of non­ government European agriculture organizations ? by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S — E) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Andriessen (19 October 1987) on behalf of the Commission (88/C 93/100) (15 January 1988) Subject: Agricultural investment in Spain There are three types of committee on which agricultural At the beginning of September the Commission decided to organizations are represented. propose to the Council of Ministers that 58 443 million Advisory committees on agriculture 0) pesetas should be contributed to the Spanish agricultural Cereals investment scheme designed to alleviate the impact of the Rice full implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in Milk and milk products Spain. Beef and veal Of the funds proposed by the Commission, how much has Pigmeat been allocated for investment in the autonomous region of Poultrymeat Cantabria (Spain) ? Sheepmeat and goatmeat Eggs Oils and fats — Oilseeds and derived products Answer given by Mr Andriessen Oils and fats — Olives and derived products on behalf of the Commission Sugar (18 December 1987) Fresh and processed fruit and vegetables Wine Raw tobacco The Commission will be laying before the Council in the Hops very near future a proposal for a regulation introducing a specific common measure for the promotion of agricultural Live plants and flowers development in certain regions of Spain. Flax and hemp The measures provided for in this proposal will apply in the Silkworms less-favoured areas within the meaning of Directive 75/ Seeds 268/EEC (J), assigning priority to mountain and hill areas Animal feed within the meaning of Article 3, paragraph 3 of the Agricultural structure policy Directive and to the areas in respect of which EAGGF 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/59

Guidance Section reimbursement has been raised to 50 % Answer given by Mr Andriessen under Article 26 paragraph 4 of Regulation (EEC) No 797/ on behalf of the Commission 85 «. (26 January 1988) Under Directive 86/466/EEC (3), an area corresponding to 77,9 % of the UAA of the Autonomous Community of Cantabria has been graded as a less-favoured agricultural area. The measures provided for in the proposal mentioned above will, accordingly, be eligible over a large area of this Autonomous Community. This proposal also includes an indication of the estimated cost chargeable to the EAGGF The Commission is aware of the spate of water pollution in Guidance Section for the common measure as a whole, but Ireland resulting in fish kills. It has been informed that a without prejudice to the financial distribution as between special cabinet committee was set up with Ministers of regions and as between schemes, the choice of which will lie Tourism, Transport, Agriculture and Food, Marine with the Spanish Government subject to compliance with Environment and the Attorney General, to investigate the the criteria for assessment by the Commission of the problem. programme(s) implementing the common measure pro­ posed, as defined in the proposal for a regulation. The Commission understands that this Committee has completed its work, is about to report to Parliament and (!) OJ No L 128, 19. 5. 1975, p. 1. that a comprehensive and integrated approach will be (2) OJ No L 93, 30. 3. 1985, p. 1. recommended including the strengthening of existing (3) OJ No L 273, 24. 9. 1986, p. 104 (Directive concerning the legislation, efforts to promote greater awareness and Community list of less-favoured agricultural areas within the education, directed mainly at the agricultural sector. meaning of Directive 75/268/EEC, in Spain).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 (*) on improving the efficiency of agricultural structures, although encouraging investments relating to the protection and improvement of the environment, does not attach any specific environ­ mental conditions to its funding of farm improvement plans. It is understood however that farmers participating in a Community or even a national investment scheme have to be in conformity with national or regional legislation.

Moreover the competent national authorities are expected WRITTEN QUESTION No 1517/87 to take all other appropriate precautions to prevent by Mrs Mary Banotti (PPE — IRL) significant harmful effects in the environment. In the case to the Commission of the European Communities of projects of major importance or of projects located on environmentally sensitive areas, a previous impact assess­ (23 October 1987) ment should normally be carried out. (88/C 93/101)

The new socio-structural policy [Council Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 as amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1760/ Subject: Recent water pollution in Ireland caused by 87 (2)] in an effort to encourage individual farmers to agricultural effluent protect the environment provides the following incentives:

Is the Commission aware that the Irish environment is currently under threat from a number of sources? This (a) In the context of a farm improvement plan, Community summer has seen a spate of water pollution and almost 100 aids to investments relating to the protection and serious fish kills on Irish rivers, owing largely to the improvement of the environment. increasing development of silage by farmers and agricul­ tural slurry from other sources. (b) In the absence of a farm improvement plan, national Can it provide details of what environmental protection aids may be provided under Articles 92 to 94 of the conditions are attached to Community funding of farm Treaty for investments having environmental object­ modernization schemes such as new silage-makers ? ives.

Do these conditions provide for proper precautions to be taken to dispose of the effluent from silage-makers safely ? (c) Community aids (annual premiums per ha) granted to farmers in environmentally sensitive areas who under­ What current incentives are available to individual farmers take under a specific programme to introduce or to protect the environment ? maintain farming practices compatible with the require- No C 93/60 Official Journal of the European Communities

ments of the protection of the environmental and of WRITTEN QUESTION No 1530/87 natural resources or with the requirements of the by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC — B) maintenance of the landscape and of the countryside. to the Commission of the European Communities (23 October 1987) (i) OJ No L 93, 30. 3. 1985, p. 1. (2) OJ No L 167, 26. 6.1987, p. 1. (88/C 93/103)

Subject: Community support for the 'Calha Norte' project in North Brazil

There have recently been alarming reports concerning the Calha Norte project in North Brazil, which is supported by WRITTEN QUESTION No 1519/87 the European Community.

by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) According to the 'council of missionaries to Indians in to the Commission of the European Communities Brazil' (CIMI), as part of this project the Brazilian army is occupying an area 6 500 kilometres long by 150 metres (23 October 1987) wide to clear the way for mining in the region. (88/C 93/102) According to the council of missionaries, this means the uprooting of 90 000 Indians of different tribes living in the Subject: Appointment of a Belgian member of the Court of area. It is in fact a project that was approved by the Auditors Brazilian president without being submitted to Parliament.

Is it true that Belgium has appointed Mr Haibette to the The Community is apparently participating in the project post of member of the European Court of Auditors ? with investments amounting to some 22,08 billion Belgian Is this not incompatible with the fact that his wife is a francs. The official line is that Brazil's northern border principal administrator in the Commission's DG 19 ? must be protected against attacks from abroad from the 'Marxist' regimes in Surinam and Guyana, against drug What do the Staff Regulations have to say on the matter ? trafficking and against any attempts by the Indians living on both sides of the border to set up an independent state in In Belgium, there is a strict rule prohibiting such a situation. the future.

However these are merely pretexts to open up the area for new mining operations.

Answer given by Mr Christophersen Is the Community aware of the real purpose behind this on behalf of the Commission project and was there a proper investigation of the damage it may do to the Indian communities living in the area ? (11 January 1988) If it emerges that serious harm is in fact being done to these communities, will the Commission then be prepared to Mr Haibette was appointed a member of the Court of suspend or withdraw the aid it has promised ? Auditors in October by the Council in accordance with Article 206 paragraph 4 of the EEC Treaty which states that 'The members of the Court of Auditors shall be appointed for a term of six years by the Council, acting unanimously after consulting the Assembly'. The Honourable Member should therefore address to the Council her question about whether Mr Haibette's appointment is compatible with the Answer given by Mr Cheysson duties carried out by his wife in the Commission. on behalf of the Commission For her part, Mrs Haibette has, in accordance with Article (13 January 1988) 13 of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities, informed the appointing authority that her husband has been appointed a member of the Court of Auditors. In view of her grade and duties, the appointing The Community has no information on the Calha-Norte authority does not consider that her husband's new post project; it does not grant it aid, nor has it promised to do so. constitutes a reason for assigning Mrs Haibette to other work. 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of thi European Communities No C 93/61

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1540/87 the economy and the question of imbalances in inter­ by Mr Dominique Baudis (PPE — F) national trade, the European Community is not rep­ resented as such despite its importance in this area. to the Commission of the European Communities At the same time a number of Community Member States (23 October 1987) are invited to attend these meetings and take part in the (88/C 93/104) deliberations. In view of efforts to achieve European unity, would it not Subject: Seasonal lettings in the European Community be appropriate for the European Community as such to be represented at these international meetings by the Pre- Legislation on seasonal lettings varies considerably from sident-in-Office of the Council of Ministers of Finance ? Member State to Member State. As a result, European tourists opting to holiday in another Member State are often deeply disappointed. Is the Commission contemplating submitting to the Council a proposal for the harmonization of rules Answer governing seasonal lettings ? Does it believe, furthermore, that letting can be encouraged within the European (22 February 1988) Community in such a way that arrangements are clear enough to ensure tenant satisfaction ? The Community is represented at some of the major international meetings to which the Honourable Member refers, but not at others. For example, the Commission and the Presidency participate fully in the Western Economic Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana Summit meetings. The Commission does not, however, on behalf of the Commission participate in the meetings of the Group of Seven, and the (3 December 1987) European Community as such is thus not represented. Although the European Community is not represented as such at some international conferences, the Member States The matter raised by the Honourable Member calls for a generally co-ordinate their positions in advance of such detailed study of the legislation regulating seasonal lettings conferences. in the Member States of the Community and the Commission intends to initiate such a study as soon as possible. The conclusions will enable the Commission to assess the need, if any, for the rules on this matter to be harmonized. With regard to transparency in this sector, the Commission considers that it is up to the economic operators to provide adequate publicity, which is the basis of transparency. The Commission, for its part, might, if appropriate, consider the possibility of publishing a list for consumers' use of the Member States' main provisions with regard to seasonal WRITTEN QUESTION No 1562/87 lettings. by Mr Mark Killilea (RDE — IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1987) (88/C 93/106)

Subject: The Irish share of the TAC for black pollack WRITTEN QUESTION No 1550/87 (saithe) in the waters to the North and North- West of Ireland by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) 1. Will the Commission comment on the state of black to the Council of the European Communities pollack stocks in the waters to the North and North-West (23 October 1987) of Ireland [Zone V6 (EC Zone), VI, XII and XIV] and give (88/C 93/105) any information available on anticipated changes in the TAC for the waters in question in 1988 ? 2. Is the Commission aware of the anger and frustration Subject: European attendance at international conferences of fishermen in the North-West of Ireland who, having At major international summit conferences at which fished their full quota of black pollack in these waters, feel important financial and economic decisions are taken such that the Irish share of the 1987 TAC (670/27800 tons) was as the stabilization of currency parities, measures to boost totally inadequate and will the Commission bear this in No C 93/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88 mind in preparing its proposals for TACs and quotas in than the Community average of 100 and where is the 1988? Autonomous Region of Cantabria (Spain) situated on this scale ? Which regions of the Community does the Commission regard as suffering from industrial decline ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha on behalf of the Commission (16 December 1987) Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1987) The TACs for black pollack (Pollachius pollachius) are all precautionary. The Commission does not, therefore, have adequate data on the state of the stocks. The Honourable In the Third Periodic Report on the social and economic Member is referred to the reply to Written Question No situation and development of the regions of the Com­ 1575/87 of Mr McCartin (*) for further general inform­ munity (*) the Commission published a list of regions ation on precautionary TACs. ranked by their gross domestic product per capita in The Commission was obliged by the provisions of the Act relation to the Community average for the latest year of Accession of Spain and Portugal (2) to establish TACs available. This list shows Cantabria in the 29th lowest for black pollack. These TACs and their allocation to position out of 160 regions, with an index value of 78,2 Member States were decided by reference to recent catch (Community = 100). levels, except in the case of Spain for which percentages As far as industrial regions in decline are concerned, the were specified in the Act of Accession. Examination of the Commission is proposing in the context of objective No 2 official statistics submitted by Ireland showed no reported for Community Structural Fund operations the use of catches whatsoever by Ireland. The quotas allocated to 'objective socio-economic criteria that take account among Ireland reflected this apparent absence of any fishery for other things of the seriousness and changing pattern of the black pollack. On the basis of the information available to industrial problems and unemployment' (Article 9 of the the Commission, the quotas proposed were more than proposal for a Council Regulation of the tasks of the adequate to permit unrestricted landing of any catches structural Funds) (2). The definitions of such criteria are which might have taken place. still under discussion between Commission services. The It is only with the establishment of TACs and quotas for Commission proposes to draw up a list of regions this species that the Commission has been informed under concerned after adoption of the Regulation referred to the provisions of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2241/87 of above. 23 July 1987 (3) that landings of black pollack by Irish fishermen occur. 0) Doc. COM(87) 230 final, pp. 177 to 179 of the Annex. (2) OJ No C 245, 12. 9. 1987. The Commission takes all relevant information into account when preparing its TAC and quota proposals.

(!) See page 63 of this Official Journal. (2) OJ No L 302, 15. 11. 1985, p. 23. (3) OJ No L 207, 29. 7. 1987, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1566/87 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1987) (88/C 93/108)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1564/87 by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S — E) Subject: Milk production to the Commission of the European Communities We recently had the opportunity to learn the views of Mr (6 November 1987) C.J. Franke, Chairman of the Royal Netherlands Dairy Association FNZ, who has calculated that, in the present (88/C 93/107) circumstances and under the existing regulations governing milk production, there will next year be a shortfall in the European Community of four million tonnes of skimmed Subject: Depressed areas and areas in industrial decline milk. Which regions of the Community does the Commission Is the Commission aware of these views and if so, what regard as having a lower per capita gross domestic product does it think of the reasoning behind them ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/63

Answer given by Mr Andriessen is it aware that this was not included in the international on behalf of the Commission surveys upon which the TACs were based ? (27 January 1988) Does the Commission agree that there is substantial room for research to be carried out to obtain a more accurate picture of the exact position of these stocks ? The Commission is informed of the views expressed by the Royal Netherlands Dairy Association FNZ regarding the Community's policy on milk.

In the light of forecasts available, the Commission feels that the arguments put forward by the Association are wrong.

In its replies to the Special Report of the Court of Auditors on the milk quota scheme (1), the Commission has expressed its views as to the prospects for supply of and Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha demand for milk products in the Community. As regards more particularly the situation for skimmed milk, it should on behalf of the Commission be added that in 1986 the quantity of 25 million tonnes of (16 December 1987) skimmed milk — in liquid or powder form — was marketed only supported by Community subsidies, in some cases very heavy subsidies.

On 29 October 1987, the Community held public stocks of The term 'precautionary TACs' is used to described TACs skimmed-milk powder exceeding 640 000 tonnes. for stocks for which inadequate or no scientific data upon In view of these facts the Commission takes the view that which to base an assessment of catch possibilities are availabilities of skimmed milk suffice to cope with any available. In the absence of such data it is difficult to seasonal or regional shortages. determine whether such stocks are optimally, under- or over-exploited.

(!) OJ No C 266, 5.10.1987, p. 1. Nevertheless, precautionary total allowance catches (TACs) play an important role in the management of fish stocks under the Common Fishery Policy. If TACs were adopted only for those stocks of fish for which full scientific assessments were available, all other stocks in the zones where such TACs applied would be subject to unlimited fishing by vessels of Member States. As it would be impossible not to catch species of stocks which were subject to TAC and quota and as under the TAC and quota regulations [for 1987, Council Regulation (EEC) No 4034/ WRITTEN QUESTION No 1575/87 86 of 22 December 1986 (*)] all catches from such stocks by by Mr John McCartin (PPE — IRL) fishermen from Member States which did not have a quota would have to be discarded, such fishing would be to the to the Commission of the European Communities serious detriment of Member States which did have quotas. (6 November 1987) (88/C 93/109) Precautionary TACs are established, therefore, on the basis that recent catch levels should be maintained in order to avoid an increase of fishing effort on the stocks concerned Subject: Scientific basis on which the Council decides fish unless there is substantial evidence of under-exploitation. quotas and precautionary TACs Precautionary TACs also have the objective of preventing What reply can the Commission give to those who argue mis-reporting of catches, which would occur in their that the scientific advice on which the Council has based its absence. agreement on precautionary TACs — the bulk of the species subject to quota have precautionary TACs applied to them — is inadequate and sometimes non-existent and The Commission agrees that there is substantial room for that stocks in these species are much larger than officially research to be carried out to obtain a more accurate picture believed ? of the exact position of these stocks. Such research is primarily the responsibility of the Member States which To mention one specific case, is the Commission aware of a fish the stocks in question, although the adoption of study carried out jointly by the Fisheries Research Centre in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3252/87 of 19 October 1987 Castlerock, Dublin, and the University College of Galway on the coordination and promotion of research in the Zoology Department, which discovered nearly 100 000 fisheries sector (2) will permit the Commission to support tonnes of mackerel spawned in a specific area off the north­ such research within budgetary limits. However, it must be west of Ireland during the spring and summer of 1986, and recognized that in the case of small stocks, it would not be No C 93/64 Official Journal of the European Communities cost-effective to carry out all the research programmes The humanitarian assistance given by these firemen to their which would be necessary. Mexican colleagues may one day be extended to the Third World as a whole. It is important that the European There exists a very comprehensive scientific data base for Community should assist those countries now increasingly the mackerel stock to which the Honourable Member afflicted by the most dire problems by carrying out refers. The TAC for this stock is therefore not a operations which, though they may be limited, will serve in precautionary TAC but is a TAC based on full scientific the long term to create minimum intervention capabilities assessment. in the event of particularly serious natural disasters.

The Commission has a copy of the report to which the Could the Commission support the humanitarian work Honourable Member refers, although it was not com­ done by these teams by granting them Community municated to it by the institutions which carried out the subsidies ? research. The information contained in this report was submitted to a 'Mackerel Egg Production Workshop' held under the auspices of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) at the Fisheries Laboratory, Lowestoft, United Kingdom from 3 to 7 November 1986. This 'workshop' coordinated the results of all the egg mackerel surveys as well as examining problems associated with assessing the size of mackerel stocks using this Answer given by Mr Natali technique. Its report, together with all the other scientific on behalf of the Commission data on this stock, was examined by the ICES Mackerel Working Group which met in Copenhagen, Denmark, (12 January 1988) 16 to 25 February 1987.

On the basis of the report of this working group, the Advisory Committee on Fishery Management, which has The Commission does not pay for such teams to be sent as the responsibility for providing the official advice of ICES part of emergency aid. As part of Community coordination on fishery management, produced its advice on the state of which is organized systematically under the aegis of the the stock and catch possibilities for 1988. Its advice Commission as soon as an emergency arises, tasks are therefore takes full account of the survey to which the assigned to the Member States and the Commission and Honourable Member refers. Its report shows that the size under that system the operations in question are a matter of the mature part of this stock has fallen from an estimated for the Member States. For the Community, priority is 3,5 million tonnes in 1972 to 1,8 million tonnes in 1987. given to funding required for medical teams and essential supplies. (i) OJ No L 376, 31. 12.1986, p. 39. (2) OJ No L 314, 4.11.1987, p. 17.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1579/87 by Mrs Marie-Noelle Lienemann (S — F) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1585/87 (6 November 1987) by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S — B) (88/C 93/110) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1987) Subject: Community subsidy for rescue teams using (88/C 93/111) specially trained French search and rescue dogs

The dog-training section of the Essonne fire-brigade (France) is an integral part of the rescue teams, using specially trained French search and rescue dogs, that train Subject: Insider trading Mexican rescue personnel in Mexico. This team was called on several times after the earthquake in El Salvador from 12 Can the Commission provide a survey of the laws in the to 17 October 1986 and after the landslide in Mexico on 19 various Member States on the prevention of insider September 1986. trading ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/65

Answer given by Lord Cockfield to the drop in prices and the change in consumer habits. In on behalf of the Commission the department of Drome alone, trade organizations noted that prices fell by 1,50 French francs per kilo. (15 January 1988) If no action is taken, this situation is likely to be repeated each season and even become more acute at the end of the As regards the regulation of insider trading, the situation in transition period laid down in the Accession Treaty. the Member States is as follows: Is the Commission aware of the seriousness of the situation Five Member States — Denmark, France, Luxembourg, and, as a result, will it: Portugal and the United Kingdom — have legislation prohibiting insider trading. — firstly, grant or authorize specific aids to producers who are the victims of these unfair imports ? In the Federal Republic of Germany, a committee of stock exchange experts, under the auspices of the Federal — secondly, amend the clauses in the Accession Treaty, in Ministry of Finance, has drawn up a series of ethical rules collaboration with trade organizations, in order to intended to combat insider trading. These rules are not remove the distortions of competition and ensure better binding, but have been accepted voluntarily by the majority protection for French fruit and vegetables ? of German companies quoted on the stock exchange.

The Amsterdam stock exchange has also recently drawn up a code of conduct concerning insider trading, applicable to all those dealing on the stock exchange.

In the other Member States there are no specific rules concerning insider trading. It should be noted however that three Member States — Belgium, Ireland and the Answer given by Mr Andriessen Netherlands — are preparing legislation on this subject. on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1987)

It would be hard to justify the claim that there are shortcomings and loopholes in the Act of Accession with Spain, since, for fruit and vegetables, given the impact of the accession of that country, appropriate action has been taken to ensure gradual liberalization of trade, mainly through the adoption of a ten-year transitional period, with two stages. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1587/87 This means that until 31 December 1995, exports to the by Mr Pierre-Benjamin Pranchere (COM — F) Community which cannot possibly be described as unfair to the Commission of the European Communities will still attract customs duties, will still be subject to the reference price system designed, for the main items, to (6 November 1987) avoid disruption of the market due to offers made at (88/C 93/112) abnormal prices, and will still be subject to the possible application of a safeguard clause as applied to strawberries in May 1987. It will now be up to the growers concerned to make the most of this transitional period by preparing to Subject: Special aids to fruit producers following enlarge­ face competition in an enlarged Community on the basis of ment the principle of freedom of trade, in particular by operations to improve the quality of their products, which The shortcomings and loopholes in the clauses of Spain's face Spanish competition only at the beginning of the Accession Treaty are directly responsible for the explosion period of marketing of these products. It will also be in imports which has disrupted some fruit and vegetable recalled that specific schemes such as the Integrated markets. Victims of a slump in sales and prices, French Mediterranean Programmes have been adopted at Com­ producers have suffered serious losses in income. munity level to facilitate adaptation of this kind. Strawberry producers were the first to feel the effects. Measures were taken in Brussels, but too late. Peach producers, particularly those in the Rhone Valley, were faced with an influx of imports from Spain in the weeks preceding the arrival of French fruit on the market (15 June to 15 July). These imports rose by 20 %, contributing both 11. 4. 88 No C 93/66 Official Journal of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1592/87 (b) the situation in the other Member States ? by Mrs Sylvie le Roux (COM — F) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1987) Answer given by Mr Andriessen (88/C 93/113) on behalf of the Commission (26 January 1988) Subject: Construction of fishing vessels In its Resolution of 19 February 1987 on the common organization of the market in fisheries products, the (a) There is, in the regulations, no premium for European Parliament called for members of producer's breadmaking common wheat. The intervention price is organizations to be given preferential treatment as regards fixed for breadmaking common wheat having certain the provisions of assistance for new vessel construction and qualitative features, including a Hagberg falling time of modernization. 220 seconds. Any common wheat offered to intervention not reaching the required qualitative standard suffers a How does the Commission view this proposal and does it reduction of 5 %. On the basis of this price difference, intend to take measures to implement it ? Belgian dealers had established their own scale of increases and reductions in respect of common wheat from the 1987 harvest. Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha Because of the poor quality of the 1987 harvest, in on behalf of the Commission particular as regards the Hagberg falling time, much of the common wheat was not eligible for intervention at the (6 January 1988) breadmaking quality level. None the less, the Belgian millers stated that they were prepared to buy the common The rates of aid for the construction of fishing vessels are wheat at the breadmaking quality price provided that the laid down in Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 0). At the time technical criteria other than the Hagberg time were met. when this Regulation was being drawn up, consideration In this context, the dealers' and producers' associations was given to the question of the structural operations proposed to their members that they ignore the Hagberg undertaken by producers' organizations but no provision count but, on the other hand, apply 50 % of the increases was made for the latter to receive preferential treatment. originally provided for. Consequently, no special measures to this effect are planned in the Community context. (b) No.

(i) OJ No L 376, 31. 12. 1986, p. 7.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1644/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1653/87 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 (12 November 1987) (12 November 1987) (88/C 93/114) (88/C 93/115)

Subject: Division of the surcharge for quality wheat Belgian farmers have been very quick to adopt the varieties Subject: Disparities between national rules on conscien­ and techniques required for the production of wheat tious objection suitable for making bread. 1. Does the Commission not agree that the disparities However, it appears that the quality surcharge is divided between the various national provisions governing con­ between the producer and the stockist to the advantage of scientious objection constitute a case of objective discrimi­ the latter, following an agreement between traders and nation between citizens of the different Member States of farmers' representatives. the Community ? Does the Commission possess information on this subject, 2. In particular, does the Commission not consider that a and more especially on: Community initiative is required, given the legal restric­ (a) the respective percentages of the surcharge allotted to tions existing in various countries on freedom of foreign wheat producers and wheat stockists in Belgium ? travel for objectors, as well as the fact that not all Member 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/67

States make provision for alternative service in Third In the interests of air safety, will the Commission World countries ? investigate this situation before another major air cata­ strophe occurs ? Would the Commission state whether, in its opinion, this congestion is a result of the recent privatization policies Answer given by Mr Delors governing BBA and British Airways ? This has not occured on behalf of the Commission in the past three years to my knowledge. (18 December 1987)

In answers to written and oral questions, the Commission Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis has repeatedly pointed out that it has no powers in this on behalf of the Commission area (1). (11 February 1988) The Commission is therefore unable to answer the Honourable Member's questions or take the action suggested. The Commission is gathering the information needed to answer the Honourable Member's question. However, the Commission is aware of the political nature of the problem and the way in which differences in national It will inform him of the results at the earliest possible date. legislation on the status of conscientious objectors may be viewed by nationals of the various Member States. The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that following examination of the question of conscien­ tious objectors by the competent bodies of the Council of Europe, on 9 April 1987 the Committee of Ministers adopted a recommendation to the Member States regard­ ing conscientious objection to compulsory military service. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1663/87 by Mr David Curry (ED — GB) (!) OJ No C 63,5. 3. 1984, answer to Written Question No 1354/ 83 by Mrs Van Hemeldonck; OJ No C 277, 3. 11. 1986, joint to the Commission of the European Communities answer to Written Questions No 2020/85 and No 2677/85 by Lord O'Hagan, No 2107/85 by Mr Kuijpers and No 2977/85 (12 November 1987) by Mr Eyraud; OJ No C 133, 18.5. 1987, joint answer to (88/C 93/117) Written Questions No 1649/86 and No 1650/87 by Mr Boesmans; OJ No C 198, 27.7.1987, answer to Written Question No 2696/86 by Mr Glinne; OJ No C 351, 29. 12. 1987, answer to Written Question No 831/87 by Mrs Subject: Rice Maij-Weggen; Debates of the European Parliament, No 324/ 85 (March 1985), Oral Question No H-501/84 by Mrs Van How many meetings have taken place in 1987 of the Hemeldonck. agricultural consultative committee for rice ? How many meetings of this committee have been cancelled and for what reason ? How many meetings of this committee does the Commis­ sion deem to be necessary for there to be adequate consultation and at what periods of the year are meetings the most important ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1659/87 What arrangements are there for sounding out opinion by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S — GB) amongst members of the committee in the event of a full meeting in Brussels not being possible ? to the Commission of the European Communities (12 November 1987) (88/C 93/116) Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission Subject: Serious delays in arrivals and departures at London Heathrow and Brussels airports, due to (21 December 1987) airtraffic controls What proposals if any, has the Commission to bring about So far, only one meeting of the rice section of the Advisory common sense agreements at these airports, to ensure the Committee on Cereals has been held, on 9 March 1987. return to normal flight schedules ? This date was set after cancellation, for administrative The delays are becoming more serious each day, with reasons, of another date previously set, that of 27 February. planes having to circle the skies above Heathrow awaiting Another meeting, scheduled for 16 October 1987, also had air traffic control landing instructions. to be cancelled, for the same reasons. The Commission No C 93/68 Official Journal of the European Communities does not have enough conference rooms with interpre­ forecast consumption for a population of 30 million could tation facilities to cover all the meetings planned, and has to be in excess of three million litres. The trend was set off by establish priorities. concerns in the population about health and about a drop in the quality of water supplied from catchment areas. The Commission takes the view that two meetings are enough to allow of full consultation of those working in Prospects for European exporters are excellent. French this field. The meetings must be held in the first and last producers will double their exports this year (60 % of quarters of the year. Japan's imports). Spa is still actively continuing its The members are always free, between the meetings, to negotiations with a large Japanese firm. express their views, either orally or in writing, to the The Commission has approached the Japanese authorities Commission's staff. in the past in order to have obstacles to imports lifted and is Division VI/A/1, within the Directorate General for ready to do so in the future should new problems arise, in Agriculture, has particular responsibility for relations with particular relating to questions of health or certification. the farmers' and traders' organizations.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1702/87 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR — B) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1752/87 (12 November 1987) by Mrs Leen van der Waal (CTDI — NL) (88/C 93/118) to the Council of the European Communities (20 November 1987) Subject: Exports of mineral water to Japan — Community (88/C 93/119) assistance In Japan, annual consumption of mineral water amounts to less than one litre per person. France is the world's largest Subject: The term 'co-legislator' producer, exporter and consumer of mineral water, and turnover in 1986 amounted to 3,2 billion litres for The Single European Act includes provisions for a 55 million inhabitants. cooperation procedure in certain instances. As a result, the European Parliament is sometimes referred to as a 'co- In 1986, under pressure from the European Community, legislator' ! the Japanese Government amended its legislation which had had the effect of prohibiting imports of mineral water. 1. Does the Council feel that, on the basis of the Can the Commission say what prospects there are for cooperation procedure laid down in Article 149 of the developing exports of French and European mineral water EEC Treaty, the European Parliament can actually be to Japan in the light of the past performance of companies said to have co-legislative powers ? If so, what criteria already established in Japan (Vittel," Perrier, Volvic, does the Council apply in this case ? Evian) ? 2. If not, does the Council not feel that if it is to be Does the Commission intend to encourage other European described as having co-legislative powers the European producers (Spa) to gain a foothold on this new market ? Parliament must have the power, in the face of opposition from the Council, to force the Council to consider its views ?

Answer given by Mr De Clercq on behalf of the Commission (19 January 1988) Answer The Japanese market was virtually closed to mineral water (22 February 1988) imports until 1986, as the Honourable Member has pointed out. Until May of that year, Japanese legislation required imported water to be pasteurized, which meant that bottles The Honourable Member is referred to Written Question had to be made of glass and not plastic. No 2955/85, put by Mr Newton Dunn and entitled 'The l Since then, imports have risen considerably. This year's European Community's democratic deficit' ( ), in which total could be more than double that of 1986 and the the Council pointed out that the cooperation procedure set 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/69

up by the Single European Act was designed to increase the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1797/87 role of the European Parliament in the Community's legislative process. by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities

(!) OJNoC221, 1.9. 1986, p. 11. (25 November 1987) (88/C 93/121)

Subject: Allocation of aid from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for 1985

For the first and second tranches of ERDF aid for 1985, Belgium, received a total amount of 579 607 014 Belgian francs, all of which was allocated to Flanders.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1783/87 For the third and fourth tranches, ERDF aid for Belgium by Mr Hans-Joachim Seeler (S — D) amounted to 90 082 500 Belgian francs, again for projects in the Flemish region. to the Council of the European Communities (25 November 1987) Can the Commission indicate the reasons why no project (88/C 93/120) was selected for the Walloon region ?

Subject: Visa requirements for children of non-Com­ munity migrant workers on school trips and other youth contact schemes in Community countries Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber In its answer of 12 October 1987 to my Written Question No 790/87 f1), the Council referred to the answer given on on behalf of the Commission 7 July 1987 to Mr Ulburghs' Oral Question No H-253/ (26 January 1988) 87 (2) and stated that the granting of visas was a matter for the Member States. Because I was aware that this was the legal position, I tabled my Written Question No 790/87 asking the Council whether it saw any means of influencing The Commission did not select any projects located in the governments of the Member States that are responsible Wallonia under the first four allocations for 1985 because it here and whether it was prepared to seek appropriate had not completed its appraisal of the grant applications action from the Member States. This apparently escaped presented for that region. Its requests for further inform­ the Council when reading my question. I would therefore ation had remained unanswered by the Belgian authorities. once again ask the Council to answer the questions listed in By the end of 1985 grant decisions had been taken on only my Written Question No 790/87 and would point out that one project and one study located in Wallonia involving youth exchanges between the Member States are also a total assistance of 15,46 million Belgian francs. matter for the European Community. The Commission would add that there is little point in examining the share-out of ERDF assistance between (!) OJ No C 324, 3. 12. 1987, p. 44. 2 Flanders and Wallonia on the basis of the first four ( ) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2-353 (July 1987). allocations of a budget year in which there were six in all. On the more general question of the division of ERDF assistance between Wallonia and Flanders, the Commis­ sion would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Written Question No 211/86 from Mrs Lizin (*). Answer To update the information given at the time, it should be pointed out that over the twelve-year period 1975 to 1986, a (18 February 1988) total of 6 760 million Belgian francs was allocated to Belgium in ERDF assistance, 50,9 %of which went to Wallonia and 49.1 % to Flanders. It is not for the Council to take the initiatives suggested by the Honourable Member. (J) OJNoC277, 3. 11.1986. Official Journal of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1803/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1817/87 by Mr Pierre Lataillade (RDE — F) by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Council of the European Communities (25 November 1987) (30 November 1987) (88/C 93/122) (88/C 93/123)

Subject: Fisheries agreement between Spain and Morocco What justification is there for the five-month extension of Subject: Seasonal distribution of tourism the fisheries agreement between Spain and Morocco and what useful purpose is served by such an extension ? On 22 December 1986, the desire to introduce a better seasonal and geographical distribution of tourism was set out in a Council Resolution calling on Member States to inform the Commission of any relevant measures taken. Answer

The simultaneous setting-up of the consultative committee (2 March 1988) was to foster Community-wide cooperation with a view to coordinating national decisions. Taking into consideration the fact that the Sea Fisheries Cooperation Agreement between Spain and Morocco had What is the practical result of these measures to date and, expired on 31 July 1987, the Council approved an more specifically, what has become of the coordination of Agreement between the European Community and Mo­ national measures to improve the seasonal distribution of rocco, applicable on a preliminary basis from 1 August to holidays ? 31 December 1987 0), in order to avoid any interruption in the fishing activities of Community vessels in Moroccan waters pending the conclusion of a fisheries agreement between the Community and Morocco. EEC-Morocco negotiations on the matter are continuing at the moment, but agreement has not yet been reached.

(!) OJ No L 232,19. 8.1987, p. 18, Council Decision of 13 August Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana 1987. on behalf of the Commission (19 January 1988)

As the Honourable Member has pointed out, the Advisory Committee on Tourism is the appropriate forum for the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1830/87 Member States and the Commission to discuss ways of by Mr Gianni Baget Bozzo (S — I) combining their efforts to improve the seasonal and to the Council of the European Communities geographical distribution of tourism. This topic is permanently on the agenda for meetings of the Committee. (30 November 1987) (88/C 93/124) However, it should be pointed out that the Council Resolution of 22 December 1986 does not refer to coordination of national measures to stagger holidays and Subject: Speed limits that the aim of improving the seasonal and geographical Failure to observe speed limits for motor vehicles on roads distribution of tourism is a long-term objective on which no and motorways in the Community countries is a common progress report can as yet be made. However, in an attempt phenomenon and is one of the main causes of accidents. to help the Member States to identify existing problems and opportunities, the Commission is currently carrying out Furthermore, road users who wish to comply with the rules studies on alternatives to mass tourism, such as rural, social of the highway code or simply of common sense without and cultural tourism. being boxed in in heavy traffic are frequently pressurized by aggressive behaviour such as the sounding of horns and other noises and drivers following dangerously close. What steps does the Council intend to take to ensure the rapid adoption of uniform rules in all Member States to combat and curb this type of reckless and dangerous driving ? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/71

Answer WRITTEN QUESTION No 1857/87 (18 February 1988) by Mr Fernand Herman (PPE — B) to the Council of the European Communities The Council would give a reminder that [as is shown by its (18 December 1987) reply on 8 December 1987 to Written Question No 1313/87 (88/C 93/126) put by Mr Kuijpers, entitled 'Reduced speed limits' (*)], the Commission has signified its intention of submitting to the Council a proposal for a Directive on speed limits in the Subject: Title of President-in-Office of the Council Community. Could the Council take care to ensure that its Presidents-in- As it has not yet received this proposal, the Council Office refrain from referring to themselves as 'Presidents of considers that it does not behove it to adopt a position on the European Community', 'EC-Presidents', or such and the question put by the Honourable Member. such a country's 'Presidency of the Community' ? Would the Council bear in mind that there is no such (!) OJ No C 23, 28. 1.1988, p. 56. position as President of the Community, and that its Presidents merely preside over one of the Community's institutions ? Will it ensure that it refers only to the President-in-Office of the Council in its own press releases and documents ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1847/87

by Mr Jef Ulburghs (CTDI — B) Answer to the Council of the European Communities (18 February 1988) (30 November 1987) (88/C 93/125) When referring to its President the Council uses one of the following two expressions: Subject: Private anti-terrorism organizations — the President of the Council, In the week from 5 to 9 October 1987, an advertisement for — the President-in-Office of the Council. the 'Consortium of citizens against terrorism' appeared in a number of major European newspapers. The Council has never used any other expression. According to our information, this is a private organization active in the anti-terrorist movement in a number of Western countries and a number of leading banks and companies are involved with it. Combating terrorism affects our democratic freedom and must therefore be handled with the requisite circumspection; it is a matter for the authorities. To leave the fight against terrorism to private organizations would, in my view, create a dangerous precedent. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1921/87 Is the Council aware of the existence of such organizations by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) and how does it intend to monitor companies' activities ? to the Council of the European Communities (22 December 1987) (88/C 93/127) Answer (18 February 1988) Subject: Population trends in the European Community The Commission has repeatedly pointed to the need for The Council has not been informed of the existence of the Community measures to deal with demographic problems organizations referred to by the Honourable Member. The in the Community. Member States have long been engaged in combating terrorism and it is for them to monitor the activities of the In its document COM(86) 410 final, the Commission organizations referred to by the Honourable Member, if makes a number of proposals including the following: such organizations exist. (a) an inventory of all family policy measures already adopted or under consideration in the Member States and a comparative study to be carried out on the basis of this information; No C 93/72 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 4. 88

(b) consultations between senior national officials; 3. Whereas it is necessary to carry out improvement work on the slopes of Monte Faito, to rebuild the 'Sorrento road', (c) a programme of studies on long-term population trends which is the only road connecting the coastal towns, and to and their consequences; rehouse the 300 homeless families in Castellamare di (d) information campaigns to make the public aware of Stabia, where the absence of public amenities put the whole current population trends and their economic and social Santa Caterina district in a very difficult situation for impact. several days, According to a Commission communication the Council of 4. Whereas the Italian Government has allocated nine Social Affairs Ministers indicated its interest in these billion Italian lire to cover the costs of repairing the roads proposals at its meeting of 25 May 1987. and the sewage system and restoring public services in the Can the Council state what its attitude is towards the town of Castellamare di Stabia, various parts of the Commission's proposal; what progress has been made in discussing these proposals; and by Can the Commission give an assurance that it will carry out approximately what date the Council hopes to adopt a programme of measures to provide assistance for Naples them? and Castellamare di Stabia and the other areas hit by the violent rainstorm of 9 November 1987, within the limits of its powers and in conjunction with the Italian Government and the Campania regional authorities ? Answer (2 March 1988)

The Employment and Social Affairs Council on 26 May 1987 held a detailed discussion on the Commission communication of 6 August 1986 entitled 'Problems of social security — areas of common interest', which deals, inter alia, with demographic problems. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1934/87 by Mr Francesco Compasso (LDR — I) The Council called upon the Commission to continue its work in this field in the light of that discussion. to the Commission of the European Communities (22 December 1987) (88/C 93/129)

Subject: Disastrous consequences of the rainstorm which caused serious damage to the city of Catanzaro on 15 November 1987 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1933/87 by Mr Francesco Compasso (LDR — I) 1. Having regard to the critical situation which arose in to the Commission of the European Communities the city of Catanzaro and the surrounding area as a result of the torrential rain which fell on 15 November 1987, (22 December 1987)

(88/C 93/128) 2. Having regard to the damage caused in Catanzaro and the area around Vibo Valentia, where 400 homes were flooded and the families evacuated; whereas supplies of Subject: The disastrous effects of the heavy rains in water and electricity to the 'Ciaccio' hospital and the Naples, Castellamare di Stabia and the surround­ poorer districts of lano and Gagliano were cut off and ing districts landslides blocked the Catanzaro Lido — Porgia road and 1. Having regard to the critical situation which arose in the roads leading to the Sila mountains and Lamezia Naples and Castellamare di Stabia and the surrounding Terme, causing over a thousand road accidents, districts as a result of the torrential rain on 9 November 1987, which caused serious damage to the water supply, the 3. Whereas the disastrous consequences of the downpour sewage system and dwellings, particularly in the historical caused enormous damage to buildings, amenities and centres and poorer districts of the two cities, public transport in Catanzaro and surrounding areas, 2. Whereas the rain caused severe damage to the water supply network in Naples in particular, which for several Can the Commission give an assurance that it will carry out days was faced with a substantial shortage of drinking a programme of measures to provide assistance for the city water, involving great inconvenience and also a health risk of Catanzaro and the other areas hit by the violent for the population, rainstorm of 15 November 1987, within the limits of its 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/73 powers and in conjunction with the Italian Government WRITTEN QUESTION No 2102/87 and the Calabrian regional authorities ? by Mr Willy Vernimmen (S — B) to the Council of the European Communities Joint answer to Written Questions No 1933/87 (18 January 1988) and No 1934/87 given by Mr Varfis (88/C 93/131) on behalf of the Commission (29 January 1988) Subject: Five-year programme for further vocational training For the time being, the Commission does not intend to set The EEC Ministers for Social Affairs have approved a five- up a specific programme for granting assistance from its year plan for further vocational training for young people. structural financial instruments to the towns of Naples and Under this programme, young people will have one or two Cantanzaro and the surrounding areas hit by the storm of years' further vocational training after their compulsory 15 November 1987; it has in fact received no request for schooling. such assistance from the national authorities. What conditions have been laid down as to content and However, the Commission would assure the Honourable procedure ? Member that any requests for application of the Com­ How will the financial resources earmarked for this five- munity's structural instruments will be carefully examined year plan be distributed between the various Member in accordance with the objectives and procedures peculiar States and how much will Belgium or rather, Flanders and to each instrument. Wallonia, receive? Will new structures have to be created for Flanders and Wallonia in order to implement this five-year programme for further vocational training? If not, within which existing structures will it take place ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2012/87 Answer by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) (2 March 1988) to the Council of the European Communities (12 January 1988) The Council Decision of 1 December 1987 concerning an (88/C 93/130) action programme for the vocational training of young people and their preparation for adult and working life (*) Subject: The Hague Convention lays down the conditions for the Commission's assistance, stipulating in particular that such assistance should support Under the Hague Convention, the citizens of all contracting and supplement those activities of the Member States states who are faced with legal proceedings during which comply with the general principles for implementing temporary residence in another state, for example as a a common vocational training policy. result of a traffic accident, are entitled to the same legal assistance as the citizens in the state in which the incident The Decision does not include a financial breakdown by occurred. Member State or region. Not all the Member States of the European Community have yet ratified the Convention, although specifically (!) OJ No L 346, 10. 12. 1987, p. 31. requested to do so by the Commission. Can the Council say which Member States have not yet ratified the Hague Convention and what measures it intends to take to ensure that the Convention is applicable throughout the Community in the near future ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2134/87 by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) Answer to the Commission of the European Communities (2 March 1988) (28 January 1988) It is solely for Member States to decide whether or not to (88/C 93/132) ratify the Convention to which the Honourable Member refers, and the Council has no intention of intervening in Subject: Unnecessary caesarean operations that decision. A report recently published by the Public Citizen Health Research Group in Washington shows that half the caesareans performed last year in the United States of 11. 4. 88 No C 93/74 Official Journal of the European Communities

America were unnecessary. The number of children born aerospace project, Ariane, the ECU is already being used as by caesarean in the United States of America rose to over the unit for the settlement of accounts amongst the partner 900 000 in 1986, or 24,1 % of all births — four times the undertakings ? level 16 years ago!! Can it give details of the monetary units used for the other The sharp increase in the number of caesarean operations large transfrontier research and cooperation projects ? in North America is the result of a kind of vicious circle: the Is it prepared to make representations to the firms in the main reason for performing the operation is that it has been Airbus project and in other important European research performed in the past. and cooperation projects to encourage them to use the However, it should be recalled that as a surgical operation a ECU? caesarean is clearly more 'profitable' for hospitals than an ordinary birth. Does the Commission have any figures showing the trend in the number of caesareans carried out in the different Member States over the last few years ? Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission If it transpires that the trend in the Community matches that in the United States of America is there not a need: (19 February 1988)

— to carry out studies to explain the increase ?

— to contact various associations, in particular gynae­ The Commission is collecting the information it needs to cologists' associations, in the Community to make them answer the Honourable Member's questions. aware of the problem ? It will inform him of its findings as soon as possible.

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (23 February 1988)

The Commission regrets that it does not possess sufficient information to permit it to answer the Honourable WRITTEN QUESTION No 2271/87 Member's question. by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (5 February 1988) (88/C 93/134)

Subject: Energy — demonstration projects

On 29 July 1987 the Commission decided, pursuant to the Regulation of 20 December 1985, to grant financial WRITTEN QUESTION No 2150/87 support totalling 32 653 300 ECU to 15 demonstration projects and industrial pilot projects in the energy field. by Mr Ernest Miihlen (PPE — L) The projects in question concern the replacement of oil by to the Commission of the European Communities solid fuels, and the conversion of solid fuels into gaseous (28 January 1988) and liquid products. (88/C 93/133) Can the Commission provide information about

1. the object of the various projects;

Subject: Use of the ECU in the settlement of accounts for 2. the institutions that are charged with the execution of the Airbus project the projects; Can the Commission give the reasons for the use of the US 3. the Member States where they are being carried out; dollar instead of the ECU as the reference unit for the accounting operations involved in the Airbus transfrontier 4. the amount of support that has been allocated to each cooperation project, when in the joint transfrontier project? 11. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 93/75

Answer given by Mr Mosar 1985) and at The Hague (26 and 27 June 1986). Attention on behalf of the Commission must also be paid here to the conclusions of the Council itself, and in particular those adopted on 30 June 1986 and (23 February 1988) on 24 and 25 June 1987.

The Commission will send direct to the Honourable Member and tb the Secretariat of Parliament a computer print-out containing the information requested.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2294/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2352/87 by Mr Francois Musso (RDE — F) by Mr Jochen van Aerssen (PPE — D) and 92 others to the Council of the European Communities to the Council of the European Communities (5 February 1988) (20 January 1987) (88/C 93/135) (88/C 93/136)

Subject: Common transport policy In its judgment of 22 May 1985, the Court of Justice of the Subject: The Community as an advocate of human rights European Communities condemned the Council for its failure to adopt a common transport policy. The Council 1. What conclusions has the Presidency drawn from the has still not complied with the Court's decision contained proposal to codify human rights in the Community, which in that judgment. As the large internal market has to be was submitted in July 1986 by the Dutch Presidency ? established by the end of 1992 at the latest, it is essential 2. Does it agree that the European Parliament's demand now to provide for the freedom of transport services within for a joint document to be drawn up on Community human the Community. The Single European Act, signed and rights policy (see Annual Reports 1982 to 1984) is justified ratified by the Twelve Member States, and the provisions it and will it increase the budget appropriations earmarked contains, must be respected. for Community projects to uphold human rights? Could the Council declare solemnly to the European Parliament that all the measures provided for under the 3. Will it ensure that the necessary basic research is Single European Act will be implemented to ensure that carried out, since, to quote the then Council President, Mr freedom of movement and free competition will be Lubbers, this would enable the fundamental principles implemented in all sectors, including air transport and governing human rights in the Community to be laid down shipping, by the end of 1992? at all levels and within the institutions ? 4. Will it help set up a 'Human Rights Centre' financed from the Community budget ? Answer (18 February 1988)

The Council is motivated, as in the European Parliament, by a strong determination to do everything to ensure that Answer the objectives set by the Single European Act are attained (25 February 1988) within the prescribed period. The Council would restate its intention of adopting in due course the requisite measures for implementing a common policy on land, sea and air transport, thereby contributing A declaration on human rights was adopted on 21 July towards the progressive establishment of the internal 1986 on the basis of a draft from the then Netherlands market by 1992, as provided for in Article 8 A of the EEC Presidency. That declaration covers the action of the Treaty. Community and its Member States in the world. The Council will take these measures in pursuance of the With regard to observance of human rights by the Member relevant provisions of the Treaty, with due regard for the States and the Institutions in their internal action, the Court of Justice's judgment in Case 13/83 on 22 May 1985 Council would give a reminder of the joint declaration on and in accordance with the conclusions of the European human rights which it made together with the European Council adopted in particular in Milan (28 and 29 June Parliament and the Commission on 5 April 1977 and the 11. 4. 88 No C 93/76 Official Journal of the European Communities declaration which it made with the European Parliament, Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and the Representatives of the Member States and the Fundamental Freedoms and the European Social Commission on racism and xenophobia on 11 June 1986. Charter, notably freedom, equality and social justice'. There is therefore a solid acquis communautaire on the In this context one should also remember the declaration on democracy made by the Heads of Government of the subject. Member States meeting within the European Council in The Council is favourable to any initiatives taken to make Copenhagen on 7 and 8 April 1978. the peoples of the Member States more aware of the problem of respect for human rights. However, the Council Lastly, the Presidency would draw your attention to the considers that it is unnecessary to involve yet more third recital of the Single European Act, which reads: institutions and confirms its confidence in the existing 'Determined to work together to promote democracy organizations. Consequently it does not consider it on the basis of the fundamental rights recognized in the appropriate to contribute to the setting up of a centre such constitutions and laws of the Member States, in the as that referred to by the Honourable Members.