4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/1

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2454/84 — the latest technological developments for the prevention by Mr Konstantinos Filinis (COM — GR) of sea pollution will be applied, to the Commission of the European Communities — work has already begun to establish integrated gas desulphurisation installations, (27 March 1985) (87/C 117/01) — an electrofiltration system will eliminate 99,4 % of fly ash produced, — the residue of the boiler of the plant will be stocked in Subject: Threat to the environment the ash sedimentation pit to prevent any dispersal of the ash, According to Greek press reports (Eleftherotypia 1 March 1985), the Turkish Government is planning to construct a — the Turkish government has repeated its determination power station in the village of Turkebler directly opposite to take all environmental measures necessary to the island of Kos. preserve the cleanliness and attraction of the beautiful tourist area of the Bay of Gokova. The municipal council of Kos has alleged that the acid rain caused by the operation of the station will destroy the The Commission hopes that this information answers the natural environment of the Greek and Turkish region — a concern raised by the Honourable Member. fact which has also elicited protests from the Turkish environmental protection organizations — and the island's archaeological treasures, while the waste from the power (!) OJ No C 214 of 26. 8.1985. station will destroy all forms of life in the surrounding sea. What measures does the Commission intend to take vis-a­ vis the Turkish Government to prevent the implementation of these plans, which threaten life on Kos, an island which is in one of the disadvantaged regions on the very periphery of the Community ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2761/85 by Mr Ernest Miihlcn (PPE — L) Supplementary answer given by Mr Cheysson to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (17 February 1986) (12 February 1987) (87/C 117/02)

Further to its answer of 7 June 1985 (') the Commission Subject: Commission trainees' visit to the German De­ wishes to inform the Honourable Member that the most mocratic Republic recent information on the progress of the projected construction of a power station in Turkebler (Turkey) 1. Is the Commission aware of the recent visit to the opposite the Island of Kos shows that: German Democratic Republic by its trainees and, in particular, of their meeting with the Head of State, Mr — the power station is under construction but not yet in Honecker ? operation, 2. Is it true, as reported in the press, that Mr Honecker — the National law on Environment No 2872 of 9 August said that the establishment of official relations between the 1983 applies in total to this project, European Community and Comecon would be likely to No C 117/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87 promote trade between the two groups and increase Answer given by Mr Varfis scientific and technical cooperation ? on behalf of the Commission 3. Is there any indication that this unexpected view is (8 October 1986) shared by other Eastern European countries, and what conclusions will it draw from this change in attitude?

The principal aim of the Community campaign for 1987- 1988 announced in the Commission communication to the Council on 27 June 1985 (!) on a new impetus for consumer Answer given by Mr Delors protection policy in the Community is to increase the on behalf of the Commission awareness of the public at large and those more directly concerned regarding the alarming and growing incidence of (8 October 1986) often fatal accidents to children. This campaign, and the proposed Directives announced in the said communication on products and equipment specially intended for children 1. The Commission can confirm that it has had contacts should lead to a significant fall in the number of accidents and discussions with eastern European countries concern­ involving children and improve child safety. The system of ing the development and normalization of relations, information on accidents in the home and during leisure including trade relations and economic cooperation. In activities, approved by the Council on 22 April 1986, will several cases this had led to encouraging progress, also make an important contribution. particularly since the letters sent by Mr De Clercq in January-February 1986 and the replies subsequently The campaign and the proposals for Directives announced received. in the communication in question are, thus, com­ 2. As regards the other matters referred to by the plementary actions forming part of the same consumer Honourable Member, the Commission can confirm that, protection and safety policy, under which child safety is one acting on their own initiative, eight of its stagiaires took the of the Commission's major concerns. opportunity furnished by a visit to West Berlin to seek a meeting with Mr Honecker. The Community child safety campaign will coordinate and promote the various child safety measures underway or 3. The Commission is not in a position to comment on planned in the Member States. views which may have been expressed during the private meeting which resulted. Close cooperation with consumer organizations and any other specialized body concerned with child safety is one of the conditions for the success of the Community campaign on child safety planned for 1987/1988.

(i) Doc. COM(85) 314 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 404/85 by Mr Kenneth Collins (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 May 1986) (87/C 117/03)

Subject: Campaign on child safety WRITTEN QUESTION No 547/86 by Ms Joyce Quin (S — GB) Will the Commission state the principal aims of its intended campaign on child safety in the Community planned for to the Commission of the European Communities 1987/1988 ? Will they say what is the relationship between (6 June 1986) these objectives and the Commission's commitment to produce proposals for directives on children's equipment (87/C 117/04) and toy safety as stated in the 'New Impetus for Consumer Protection Policy'? Can they say whether and to what extent consumer organizations will be involved in planning and implementing the campaign and can they further say Subject: EEC financial assistance to cooperatives what proportion of the campaign's budget will be devoted to contracting private public relations firms to develop Can the Commission supply the following information appropriate publicity material ? concerning EEC financial assistance to cooperatives: 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 117/3

1. The amount of money which has been made available in Year Million ECU the form of loans from the European Investment Bank to cooperatives in each of the EEC Member States for 1981 each year of the past five years; Denmark 3,1 Greece 5,3 2. The amount of money which has been made available 1982 from the ECSC budget to help cooperatives start up in France 18,1 each of the EEC Member States for each year of the past Greece 5,7 five years ? 1983 Greece 0,6 Italy 227,0 (of which 100 million from NCI) United Kingdom 10,3 1984 Greece 19,0 France 37,0 (of which 15 million from NCI) 1985 Greece 29,5 (of which 13,2 million Answer given by Mr Matutes from NCI) on behalf of the Commission France 14,6 Netherlands 11,8 (19 February 1987) United Kingdom 7,6 1986 (to end-May) Greece 2,9 France 22,4

Loan statistics are not available in the breakdown needed to give an exact reply. These totals include global loans to financial inter­ mediaries specialising in on-lending to cooperatives, but do The Honourable Member will find below: not take into account allocations from global loans not specifically geared to cooperatives. 2. As far as ECSC loans are concerned, global loans are — approximate figures received by the Commission from made available to financial intermediaries for financing the European Investment Bank (EIB) for loans to investments: cooperatives under measures for which the EIB is responsible; — creating new job facilities (conversion loans Art. 56), — increasing Community coal consumption (coal consumption loans Art. 54.2), — total figures for ECSC global loans to financial intermediaries, which on-lend them as sub-loans, with — increasing Community steel consumption (steel the Commission's approval to small firms; it is consumption loans Art. 54.2), impossible to specify the share lent to cooperatives. The loans of category 1 and 2 are granted with interest rebate financed by the ECSC budget. In category 3 loans are disbursed at market rates. 1. The EIB provides finance for fixed capital investment projects meeting eligibility and lending criteria, as laid Housing loans are normally granted at an interest rate of 1 down in the EEC Treaty and the Bank's Statute (a % p.a. Protocol to and integral part of the Treaty) both in the public and private sectors irrespective of the nature or Global loans ECSC loans disbut location of the project or the legal status of the project In ECU promoter. In its financing records the Bank does not Art. 54,2 Art. 56 Housing loans distinguish between investment carried out by co­ operatives and that carried out by other borrowers. Moreover, definitions of cooperatives are not identical 1981 36 14,7 65 18,0 throughout the Community. 1982 — 1983 3,5 70 20,2 1984 45,8 227 36,7 30,0 305 17,3 The following figures from the EIB should be seen as a 1985 broad indication of loans, including funds drawn from New Community Instrument resources, made directly or The breakdown by country of the global loans disbursed is indirectly to cooperatives. as follows: No C 117/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

ECSC global loans

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Art. 56 Art. 56 Art. 56 Art. 54 Art. 56 Art. 54 Art. 56 Art. 54

Federal Republic of Germany 7,6 21,1 23,6 115,6 38,9 148,3 21,7 Belgium 1,1 France 6,8 0,3 8,3 1,8 Italy 9,8 47,2 19,7 Luxembourg 33 4,5 Netherlands 4,4 United Kingdom 21,6 34,8 36,6 3^5 61,1 6,9 120,6 6,5 Ireland Denmark 3,1 3,6 Greece EUR 10 36,0 65,0 70,0 33 227,0 45,8 305,0 30,0

Some of these global loans under Article 56 have been granted to the following financial institutions which can be considered as belonging to the co-operative sector of the economy: Federal Republic of Germany: Westdeutsche Genossenschafts-Zentralbank, Miinster, Norddeutsche Genossenschaftsbank, Hannover. Belgium: Caisse Nationale de Credit Professionnel, Bruxelles. France: Banque Populaire de la Loire, Saint-Etienne, Banque Populaire de Lorraine, Metz, Banque Populaire du Nord, Lille. United Kingdom: Co-operative Bank Ltd., Manchester, Co-op Wholesale Society Ltd., Manchester. As far as housing loans are concerned, it should be noted that in France they are partly granted via the Banque Federate du Credit Mutuel; in Italy a substantial portion of the whole amount goes to the financing of projects carried out by housing cooperatives.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 609/86 What measures might the Commission put forward to deal by Mr Jose Maria Alvarez de Eulate Peftaranda with a possible second restructuring of the iron and steel (ED — E) industry in certain regions of the Community ? to the Commission of the European Communities (9 June 1986) Answer given by Mr Pfeiffer (87/C 117/05) on behalf of the Commission (9 October 1986)

Subject: A second restructuring of the iron and steel The Commission has already designated the provinces of industry in certain countries of the European Vizcaya, Guipuzcoa, Asturias and Valencia as priority Community ECSC employment areas eligible for ECSC conversion loans under Article 56, paragraph 2, section (a), of the Certain countries in the European Economic Community, ECSC Treaty. in particular Spain, have undergone a restructuring of their iron and steel industries, which entailed the loss of a large Community financial support has been given for the number of jobs which were not recovered through an preparation and launching of a Business and Innovation effective reindustrialization policy. Despite this situation, it Centre (BIC) in Vizcaya. The Commission is also at present is feared in some regions of the Community that a second considering aid for the establishment of other BICs in restructuring of industry is about to take place. Spain. Furthermore it will propose within a short time that In the current economic circumstances affecting those integrated operations be implemented in agreement with regions which have had to suffer the upheaval of the national authorities concerned, for the areas most restructuring, the possibility of a second restructuring of adversely affected by restructuring of the steel industry. the iron and steel industry is holding up the healing process that began with the series of measures adopted in recent financial years. 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/5

WRITTEN QUESTION No 650/86 The CEFIC study concluded that for DEHP rodents are not by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) appropriate models for assessing human risk and that the substance is not expected to be carcinogenic to humans. to the Commission of the European Communities (19 June 1986) The literature study concluded that at the current state of knowledge there are no fundamental toxicological reasons (87/C 117/06) not to use the group of substances to which DEHP belongs.

There are no regulations concerning the use of plasticizers Subject: Use of softening agents — long-term con­ in general, and DEHP in particular, in the industrial sequences products sector as such. A directive does, however, exist on regenerated cellulose film intended to come into contact The use of softening agents is widespread in the Member with foodstuffs, which does not authorize DEHP and lays States. They are used in vinyl coverings, car upholstery, down limits for the use of all plasticizers, including boots, drip tubes, blood transfusion containers, etc. phthalates. The Commission also intends to take ap­ propriate measures with regard to DEHP in the proposal it The most important phthalatester is the DEHP phthalate, is currently preparing for a directive laying down a list of which accounts for around 85 to 95 % of total consump­ substances authorized for use in plastic materials intended tion. to come into contact with foodstuffs.

Recent research in America points, however, to the In addition, within the framework of Directive 67/548/ considerable dangers with phthalates, among other reasons EEC (5) on the classification, packaging and labelling of on account of their carcinogenic nature. dangerous substances, DEHP is being studied by a Working Group of national experts, in particular with respect to its Can the Commission indicate: possible carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic pro­ — whether it is aware of this state of affairs ? perties.

— whether it is aware of any European research in this area The Commission would also refer the Honourable and, if so, what are its findings ? Member to its answer to Written Question No 1869/85 by Mrs Squarcialupi (6). — does there exist a European directive regulating the use of phthalate ? (') Report of the Scientific Committee for Food of the Commis­ — if not, does it contemplate taking action in this area ? sion (Fourteenth Series) 1983 EUR 8752. (2) Report on the carcinogenesis of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, NIP, 80-37, HHS Publication (NIH) 81-1773. (3) Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP): CEFIC Plasticizers Toxi­ cological Working Group Report on Developments in DEHP Technology, CEFIC 1982. (4) Zum Thema Weichmacher. Phthalsauredialkylester Pharma- Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis kologische und Toxikologische Aspekte, Verband Kunststof- ferzeugende Industrie E.V., Frankfurt am Main 1983. on behalf of the Commission (*) OJ No L 259, 15.10.1979. (6) OJ No C 142, 9. 6.1986. (7 November 1986)

The Commission is aware that in animal experiments di-2- ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) produces liver tumours in rats and mice.

The report of the Scientific Committee for Food (l) of the Commission on DEHP concluded that 'this substance produced benign and malignant tumours of the liver in the mouse and the rat at the high doses used in the NCI/NTP WRITTEN QUESTION No 674/86 2 studies ( ). Although the in-vitro mutagenicity tests gave by Mr Rolf Linkohr (S — D) conflicting results, the dominant lethal study indicates a possible mutagenic effect which was, however, not dose- to the Commission of the European Communities dependent. High oral doses in mice produced embryotoxic (1 July 1986) and teratogenic effects.' (87/C 117/07) A European study has been carried out under the auspices of the European Council of Chemical Manufacturers' Federations (CEFIC) on behalf of the Bureau International Subject: Milk powder aid for Poland Technique (BIT), Plasticizers Toxicological and Ecological Committee, Toxicological Working Group and was The government of the Land of Baden-Wurttemberg has sponsored by the European Plasticizers Manufacturers (3). decided to send a total of 90 000 German marks in In addition, a literature study was undertaken at the emergency aid in the form of milk powder to the people of University of Munster, Federal Republic of Germany (4). Poland. No C 117/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

1. Was this move approved by the Commission or is the Agricultural research in France has revealed cases of principle behind this and similar aid projects that every degeneration of plants growing within the electrical field of government can do as it thinks fit ? high-tension wires. 2. Does the Commission intend to provide food aid on A number of farmers in Belgium has complained of harmful request for Eastern European states whose agricultural effects on their cattle of waves from high-tension wires. industry has been damaged by the nuclear accident in 1. Does the Commission know of other cases of pollution Chernobyl ? by electrical radiation ? 3. Does the Commission know whether any other Lander 2. Does the Commission not think it should take steps to of the Federal Republic of Germany or Community protect farmers from the harmful effects of electrical Member States are sending food aid following the pollution ? Chernobyl disaster?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr De Clercq (10 November 1986) on behalf of the Commission (15 October 1986) 1. The Commission has no data on the phenomena described by the Honourable Member. However, it has heard of reports in scientific publications of copper 1 and 3. Through the channels established for coordi­ accumulation in the vicinity of high-voltage cables. nation, the Commission informs the Member States of any 2. The Commission sees no need for any specific emergency aid operations it proposes to carry out in measures in this area. countries hit by disasters. The Permanent Representatives Committee is informed in its turn. For their part, the Member States transmit to the Commission any information on emergency aid measures decided by their governments. To date, the Commission has not been informed of any food aid operation carried out or planned by the Member States for countries affected by the Chernobyl disaster. Nor did the Commission know of WRITTEN QUESTION No 859/86 the Land of Baden-Wurtemberg's food aid operation for by Mr Pol Marck (PPE — B) Poland. to the Commission of the European Communities 2. In response to the appeal made by the church authorities in Poland, the Commission decided on 13 May (10 July 1986) and 16 June to send to Poland milk powder worth 1 million (87/C 117/09) ECU in two instalments of 500 000 ECU. The operations have already been carried out. More than 900 tonnes of milk powder has been distributed to children under three Subject: Transportation of works of art years of age by the Charity Commission of the Polish If an artist who maintains studios in two different Member bishops. States wishes to organize an exhibition in one of those Member States, what formalities must he observe in order to move works of art from one studio to the other ? What duties or other charges does he have to pay ? How far does this situation fit in with the objectives of the internal market? What action will the Commission take to promote freedom of movement of works of art ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 805/86 Answer given by Lord Cockfield by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (7 November 1986) (4 July 1986) (87/C 117/08) The 17th Council Directive of 16 July 1985 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes — exemption from value-added tax (VAT) Subject: Electrical pollution and agriculture on the temporary importation of goods other than means of 4.5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/7

l transport ( ) provides for goods temporarily imported into WRITTEN QUESTION No 877/86 one Member State from another to be exempted from VAT by Mr Gene Fitzgerald (RDE — IRL) subject to certain conditions. Where this exemption is granted, the competent authorities may require security to to the Commission of the European Communities be given to ensure payment of the tax which may (14 July 1986) subsequently come due. No other charges are involved. It should further be noted that even works of art which are (87/C 117/10) intended for possible sale, with the result that they may not be re-exported, may benefit from these provisions.

The above provisions apply, in principle, to works of art Subject: Employer liability brought by the artist from one Member State to his studio in another Member State, although it is clear that small According to an article in the Business & Finance issue of 3 quantities of material, particularly if it consists of April 1986, employers' liability premiums jumped by incomplete work in progress, may be admitted without 280 % on average between 1982 and 1984 during a period formalities, whereas a vanload of canvases or statues would when inflation rose by 23,9%. The retailers' group, not be treated in this way. RGDATA, noted that some individual members were facing increases of between 200 and 1 000 % on property insurance. Small building contractors often have to lay out Moreover, where a consignment consisting of works of art 6 000 to 7 000 Pounds sterling before going on site; many crosses the territory of other Member States the artist will cannot get the cover and, consequently, they are being be required to place it under the Community transit forced out of public contracting. Small business are procedure, and in this case also security is invariably allowing their cover to lapse because of high costs, and required. there are many cases of firms underinsuring themselves.

An alternative to the procedures already described is the Can the Commission provide comparative figures and an procedure laid down by the Customs Convention on the assessment of the experience of employers in other Member ATA Carnet for the temporary importation of goods signed States during the same period ? in Brussels in 1961. In this case too, security must be given and there is also a charge for the issue of the carnet by the local affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce, which manages this international convention.

Any security given in the framework of temporary importation, transit or the ATA Carnet procedure is released when the procedure concerned is satisfactorily discharged. If, on the other hand, an exhibited work is sold Supplementary answer given by Lord Cockfield at any stage, VAT is payable. Of course, if the length and on behalf of the Commission the costs of the procedure are excessive and so cannot be justified purely in terms of efficacy of fiscal checks, these (23 January 1987) formalities would be contrary to Articles 30 et seq. of the EEC Treaty and likely to be subject to infringement proceedings by the Commission. As promised in its answer of 9 September 1986 ('), the As the Commission made clear in its White Paper on Commission has made enquiries in the Member States. completing the internal market (2), its intention is to Replies from the Member States have, however, shown that abolish all checks and formalities in the movement of goods differences between national systems make the provision of between Member States by 1992. One of the essential pre­ strictly comparative figures for employers' liability conditions for achievement of this goal is the elimination of insurance in the Member States impossible. the fiscal frontiers between Member States, the existence of which currently provides the justification for the various 1. In all Member States injuries arising in the course of formalities described above. The Commission will present employment are mainly covered by social security proposals to the Council in due course to this end. schemes, which are organised in different ways.

There are various possibilities of recourse against the (1) OJ No L 192, 24. 7.1985, p. 20. negligent employer. (2) Doc. COM(85) 310 final. 2. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, however, in addition to the social security arrangements, employer's liability is covered by separate liability insurance written by private companies. This insurance is compulsory in the United Kingdom whereas it is not in Ireland. No C 117/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

Ireland is the only Member State where both the liability 4. Bathing, swimming, boating in the Baltic can be done of the employer and the amount of damages are without any risk of irradiation. determined by a jury.

(1) OJ No C 337, 31.12.1986

WRITTEN QUESTION No 945/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (16 July 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 888/86 (87/C 117/12) by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC — D) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Compliance with the directive on capturing birds (14 July 1986) On 17 September 1986 Belgium has to appear before the (87/C 117/11) European Court of Justice because it has not incorporated the EEC Directive on the capture of birds in its national legislation. Subject: Radioactive pollution of the Baltic as a result of Moreover, a draft decree is now in existence that is the nuclear accident at Chernobyl blatantly at variance with the EEC Directive. According to the German Hydrographic Institute, the areas Is the Commission aware of this situation ? of the Soviet Union, Poland, Finland, Sweden and the If so, what measures is it planning to take ? German Democratic Republic that have been heavily contaminated by radioactivity are drained by rivers that are carrying radioactive substances into the Baltic. Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis 1. Is the Commission already aware of this result of the on behalf of the Commission nuclear accident ? (15 October 1986) 2. Are measurements available for the affected rivers and their estuaries ? The Commission has been informed by a nature protection According to a scientist at the Hydrographic Institute, organization of the new Belgian draft law setting out pollution of the Baltic is reaching a 'critical level'. detailed rules governing the hunting and trapping of wild birds. 3. What measures is the Commission considering to ban the sale of contaminated fish from the Baltic ? Since the draft law is directly connected with implementing Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 (*) the 4. Is it still safe to swim from Baltic beaches or should Commission is paying particular attention to it. holiday-makers be warned? Since it is only a draft law, however, the Commission cannot at present initiate the procedure provided for by Article 169 of the EEC Treaty.

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis (i) OJ No L 103, 25. 4.1979, p. 1. on behalf of the Commission (7 November 1986)

1. The Commission has been informed on the impact of the Chernobyl accident on the Baltic. WRITTEN QUESTION No 979/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) 2. The statement by a member of the scientific staff of the Hydrographic Institute at Hamburg on the contamination to the Commission of the European Communities of the Baltic, to which the Honourable Member refers, has (23 July 1986) been misinterpreted by the press. In a rectification, sent to the press by the above Institute, it is stated that critical (87/C 117/13) radioactivity concentrations in the Baltic will certainly not be reached. Subject: Transportation of waste by inland waterway 3. The contamination of fish in the Baltic, caused by the 1. Does the Commission have information on the Chernobyl accident is extremely low and no measures have national and international transportation of waste by to be taken to limit its consumption. inland waterway ? 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/9

2. Mores specifically, is the Commission aware of any lands, Belgium and France, is governed by the requirements movements of radioactive waste by inland waterway of the ADNR Regulations administered by the Central within the European Community ? Rhine Commission.

3. Can the Commission confirm that waste is being 6. The general provisions of the ADNR Regulations transported by inland waterway from the Netherlands to cover waste materials although there can be difficulties in Belgium and/or France ? classifying wastes of mixed or variable composition. The provisions concerning radioactive materials are based on 4. Is it correct that the Netherlands is currently exporting the International Atomic Energy Agency Regulations for via the Terneuzen-Ghent canal and the River Lys to the the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials. Lille area: The Commission in its Communication to Council on the (a) incinerator ash consequences of the Chernobyl accident (3) and in its Communication to Council on the Application of Chapter (b) radioactive waste ? III of the Euratom Treaty (4) has voiced its opinion that the IAEA Regulations should be incorporated in Community 5. Is it true that in most Member States the transportation legislation and that, as previously stated in Doc. COM(84) of dangerous waste by inland waterway is not subject to 233 final, greater attention should be given to the training any specific regulations ? of personnel concerned and, in the context of bilateral or multilateral agreements between Member States, to 6. What statutory provisions currently apply to the technical and medical assistance in the event of an accident. international transport of waste by waterway ? Moreover, the possibility of a network for emergency More specifically, can the Commission indicate the measures concerning transport accidents in frontier zones regulations applicable to such consignments where these will be investigated. comprise dangerous and/or radioactive waste ? 7. The Commission understands that the regulations for 7. Is the Commission aware of any statutory provisions the transport of dangerous materials on the Lys are the specifically governing transportation of dangerous subst­ same as those applying to other inland waterways. ances on the River Lys ? 0) OJ No L 272, 12.10.1985, p. 1. (2) OJ No L 181, 4. 7.1986, p. 13. (3) Doc. COM(86) 327 final. (4) Doc. COM(86) 434 final.

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission (2 December 1986)

1. The Commission does not keep statistics on national and international movements of waste by inland waterway. WRITTEN QUESTION No 991/86 However, Council Directive 84/631/EEC 0) requires the by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) holder of hazardous waste to inform the competent authorities of the Member States concerned before to the Commission of the European Communities shipping it to another Member State, and Directive 86/279/ (23 July 1986) EEC (2) extends this obligation to shipments of waste of (87/C 117/14) non-member countries. These directives do not apply to radioactive waste or other toxic and dangerous waste covered by specific Community rules. Subject: Compensation for travellers who are the victims 2. The Commission does not keep detailed statistics on of clumsiness by customs officials the transport of radioactive materials in the Community. Belgian customs officials at Zaventem sometimes break National regulations on the transport of radioactive materials take account of the provisions of the Council objects contained in the luggage under examination when Directive laying down the basic safety standards for the making customs checks. I have personally witnessed such health protection of the general public and workers against incidents. the dangers of ionizing radiation, and its amendments. Can the Commission indicate: 3 and 4. The Commission is aware that waste materials — what means of redress are available to travellers who are transported by inland waterway from the Netherlands, are the victims of clumsiness by customs officials in the via Belgium to France, but does not have detailed Member States ? information on the nature or quantities of the wastes. — if no such means of redress exist, whether it has already 5. The transport of dangerous materials by inland looked into the problem and whether it intends to waterway in most Member States, including the Nether­ propose rules providing for redress and compensation ? NoC 117/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

— whether it could make representations to the Belgian 1986: Internationale Miinchener Filmwochen GmbH, for authorities to ensure that customs officials show a little the third European Film Festival (Munich, 21 to 29 more respect for other people's property ? June 1986);

Monstra del cinema europeo Rimini: 'Euro- paCinema 86' (Rimini, 19 to 27 September 1986). Answer given by Lord Cockfield In return for the Community contributions, specific on behalf of the Commission requirements were stipulated in the contracts concluded (15 October 1986) with the organizers of these events. The percentage of the overall funding accounted for these contributions varied according to the scale of each of the events. It ranged from 5 The means of redress available to the victims of clumsiness to 15 % of the total costs. by officials in the Member States, customs officials included, depend on the administrative and legal ma­ The results achieved by each initiative are assessed either chinery of the Member States, each of which has its own on the basis of certain objective indicators such as the size rules. The Commission does not have any detailed of audiences and the number of entries or by analysing information on the subject, which is generally speaking a press reports and observers' comments. In addition, each matter of the civil liability, of the individual State for the festival was asked to organize a debate with people actions of its employees. There are no plans at the moment working in the European film industry to discuss the to harmonize these rules. problems facing the industry. The participation in and success of these discussions provide further means of This does not of course mean that the Commission would assessing whether the support was worthwhile. not be prepared to make representations to the authorities concerned and in specific cases to draw their attention to With the Commission action programme on the audio­ the damaging effect of such incidents, notably on the visual media products industry about to be launched and promotion of a people's Europe. with 1988 to be designated European Cinema and Television Year, the Commission is conducting a general review of its policy on the subsidizing of festivals in order to make it consistent with other activities planned.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1006/86 by Mr Reinhold Bocklet (PPE — D) to the Commission of the European Communities (23 July 1986) (87/C 117/15)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1076/86 Subject: Film festivals subsidized by the Commission by Mr Vincenzo Mattina (S — I) Can the Commission say how many film festivals have to the Commission of the European Communities received subsidies from the EEC budget in recent years, what amounts were involved, what percentage of the (31 July 1986) overall funding of each festival was accounted for by the (87/C 117/16) Community contribution and what its opinion is of the results obtained by Community participation and support ?

Subject: Payment from the European Social Fund of the amounts outstanding for 1984 projects Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana While taking account of the fact that 1984 was a year of on behalf of the Commission transition between the old regulation and the new one and (12 January 1987) that the Commission departments concerned have been completely restructuring the project appraisal and pay­ ments System since then, Since 1984 the Commission has made financial contri­ butions to the following: 1. How can the Commission justify delays of a year in 1984: Internationale Miinchener Filmwochen GmbH, for appraising and making payment of the amounts the first European Film Festival (Munich, 23 June to outstanding for numerous 1984 projects; 1 July 1984); 2. Can the Commission say how many Italian projects for 1985: European Film Festival (Lille, 26 September to 6 1984 have been paid for compared with other countries, October 1985); as a percentage of the total; 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 117/11

3. When is it envisaged that appraisal and payments for I have already tabled an urgent motion (Doc. B 2-584/86/ 1984 projects will be completed; Corr.) proposing Community emergency aid, which Parliament was unable to consider owing to lack of time. 4. How does the Commission intend to alleviate, at least in part, the obvious hardship and difficulties experienced With this in mind, will the Commission consider the particularly by those working on the small and medium- possibility of granting emergency aid to those affected by sized undertakings and local schemes ? the storm ?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (13 October 1986) (13 October 1986) The Commission has no further details about the extent of the damage caused by the severe weather conditions in 1. The payment of amounts outstanding in respect of Tramin. It would point out, however, that the financial commitments in 1984 has been dealt with systematically appropriation for aid to disaster victims in the Community since 31 October 1985, the deadline for the introduction of (Article 690 of the Budget) is very small: 2 750 000 ECU. claims by the Member States. Furthermore, these funds cannot be used for granting immediate assistance to the victims of the bad weather 2. The complexity of applications and the number of conditions in Tramin. But the attention of the Honourable special problems relating to them is such that a table Member is drawn to the fact that Council Regulation showing payments made, broken down by Member State (EEC) No 1401/86 on a common measure for the and as a percentage of the total is not significant. All claims encouragement of agriculture in certain less-favoured areas for the payment of outstanding amounts presented by the x of northern Italy ( ) is applicable in the area affected by the Member States for operations carried out in 1984 have been weather and that a large proportion of investments to or are being processed. remedy the damage could be eligible for aid from the 3. Subject to reservations upgrading cases involving EAGGF under this measure. One of the conditions for this special problems, the examination of 1984 projects should would be that, under Article 4 of the Regulation, the Italian be completed and payment of the outstanding amounts Government should submit to the Commission a pro­ made by the end of 1986. gramme meeting the requirements set out in Article 3 of the same Regulation. 4. Apart from unusually urgent cases, applications are usually treated in their order of arrival. (>) OJ No L 128, 14. 5. 1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1111/86 by Mr Luis Perinat Elio (ED — E) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1110/86 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Joachim Dalsass (PPE — I) (2 September 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (87/C 117/18) (2 September 1986) (87/C 117/17) Subject: Community issue of postage stamps in honour of Robert Schuman The centenary of Robert Schuman's birth should serve to Subject: Storm damage in the district of Tramin (South increase public awareness of the Community in the Tyrol) Member States. The series of events taking place in various European capitals in honour of the founding father of our On 24 June a violent storm caused enormous damage in the European Community is bound to make a significant district of Tramin (South Tyrol). contribution to that end. The damage assumed the proportions of a disaster in By way of popularizing a famous European, it would seem agriculture as large areas of prime farmland as well as of possible value to issue a Community-wide series of storage facilities were destroyed, depriving large numbers postage stamps, which would be the same in each of the of farmers of their source of income for several years. twelve Member States, differing only as regards the need to NoC 117/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

print the postage rate of the country concerned and harmless, contain hypnotics. Thus an active ingredient maintaining the identical image throughout the series. Not such as Alimemazine, which is found in some of these only would this ensure wide publicity for a gesture of sedatives, is also used in adult psychiatry. appreciation to an outstanding figure in the history of the Community's foundation, but it would also by this means The Commission's official position on medicines is to leave be an attempt to harmonize the issue of philatelical series the initiative to the Member States and to limit its own role under the auspices of the EEC. to 'information gathering and distribution, and also of ensuring that so far as possible the practices of individual Does the Commission therefore consider it desirable to Member States are kept properly in line' ('). Would the promote this Community stamp issue as a way of paying Commission therefore state exactly what information it has tribute to Robert Schuman and launching the first on sedative mixtures given to young children in the Community philatelical series ? Community, whether it has forwarded this information to the Member States and whether the Committee for proprietary Medicinal Products has gone beyond the question of phenothiazine (Oral Question No H 655/85) to Answer given by Lord Cockfield deliver a general opinion on sedatives for children ? on behalf of the Commission (!) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2-334/95. (4 November 1986) (2) Debates of the European Parliament, No D2-334 of January 1986. In 1985, in accordance with the proposals in the report submitted to the European Council by the ad hoc Committee on a People's Europe (point 9.3), the Commis­ Answer given by Lord Cockfield sion suggested the joint issue by Member States of a stamp to commemorate the centenary of Robert Schuman's birth on behalf of the Commission in 1986. (16 October 1986) Since the postal authorities felt that a year was not long enough to implement a project of this kind, the Commis­ sion suggested postponing it until 1988 to celebrate the The Commission does not have any detailed information centenary of the birth of Jean Monnet. available concerning the levels of consumption of tran- quilizing syrups by babies and young children within the Discussions are now being held with experts from the Community. It is for the Member States, who are primarily Member States to work out the practical arrangements. responsible for the protection of public health, to monitor pharmaceutical consumption, and take appropriate meas­ ures to discourage overconsumption. The Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products has not adopted any general opinion relating to the use of sedatives in children.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1156/86 by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (2 September 1986) (87/C 117/19) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1167/86 Subject: Sedative mixtures for babies by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) A survey carried out in the Parisian suburbs by Dr to the Commission of the European Communities Lazartigues and Dr Beserina at the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital (2 September 1986) shows that out of 36 000 babies in the Xllth arrondisse- (87/C 117/20) ment, 16 % are given sedatives at regular intervals. Another survey, this time in the XlVth arrondissement (Dr Davidson at the INSERM), reveals that out of 1 000 Subject: Nitrates in foodstuffs children, 7 % three-month-old babies had been given 1. What information does the Commission currently sedatives and 15,7 % of nine-month-old babies were given have on the possible risks to health from the presence of stronger drugs more or less regularly, including psycho­ nitrates in foodstuffs ? tropic drugs. 50 % of mothers who give sedative mixtures do so on prescription, 30 % on their own initiative and 2. To what extent does the Commission plan to 20 % make up 'cocktails' based on prescriptions and their harmonize the legislation of the Member States in this own cures. These sedatives, which are usually thought to be field? Has there been any development in the legislative 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/13 situation since the answer it gave on 22 October 1984 to munity rules will reconcile any outstanding differences in Written Question No 337/83 (*) by Mrs Marijke Van national legislation. Hemeldonck ? (») Doc. COM(85) 603 final. 0) OJ No C 320, 30.11.1984, p. 1.

Answer given by Lord Cockfield WRITTEN QUESTION No 1203/86 on behalf of the Commission by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (ED — E) (16 January 1987) to the Commission of the European Communities 1. The Commission is generally aware of scientific (2 September 1986) developments in relation to nitrates and keeps up to date as (87/C 117/21) far as is practical through its own scientific advisers and those of the Member States. Subject: Demographic statistics of the European Econ­ 2. As far as Community legislation is concerned the omic Community Commission intends to apply the principles outlined in its The integration of Spain and Portugal has evidently Communication on the Completion of the Internal brought about a significant variation in the Community's Market: Community legislation on foodstuffs (!) to the use demographic growth statistics. of nitrates as food additives. What is the estimated average demographic growth for The Commission has not found it necessary up to now to each of the Community countries ? carry out a further survey of national legislation on the What are the birth and death rates for each of these presence of nitrates in food. This preparation of Com- countries ?

Answer given by Mr Pfeiffer on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1986)

The birth and death rates and the estimated rates of population increase (inclusive of net immigration) in 1984 can be found in the Eurostat publication 'Demographic Statistics' 1986 edition, as follows: Rates per 1000 population

Country Births Deaths Population

Belgium 11,8 11,2 0,5 Denmark 10,1 11,2 -0,3 Federal Republic of Germany 9,5 11,3 "4,2 Greece 12,7 8,9 4,8 France 12,8 9,9 4,3 Ireland 18,2 9,1 5,5 Italy 10,3 9,3 2,7 Luxembourg 11,5 11,1 -0,1 Netherlands 12,1 8,3 4,1 United Kingdom 12,9 11,4 2,4 EUR-10 11,7 10,4 1,4 Spain 12,5 (') 7,7 0) 5,6 (i) Portugal 14,2 9,6 7,9 EUR-12 11,9(1) 10,3 (i) 2,1 (»)

(') 1983. No C 117/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1220/86 Answer given by Mr Andriessen by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (7 January 1986) (2 September 1986) (87/C 117/22) The Council, on the basis of a report and a proposal from the Commission, adopted Regulation (EEC) No 2335/86 of 22 July 1986 (*), amending Regulation (EEC) No 3667/83 Subject: High-speed trains relating to the continuing of the import of New Zealand butter into the United Kingdom on special terms. This Does the Commission intend to provide effective assistance Regulation fixed the quantities which may be imported and financial support for the Brussels-Liege-Aachen high­ under special conditions in 1987 at 76 500 tonnes and at speed train link given that this infrastructure is vital for the 74 500 tonnes in 1988. economic structure of this Euro-region ?

(!) OJ No L 203, 26. 7. 1986, p. 7.

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1238/86 As stated in the Commission communication to the Council by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) of 27 June 1986 on a medium-term transport infrastructure to the Commission of the European Communities programme (!), one of the Commission's priorities is the development of high-speed rail links, including the (2 September 1986) proposed Paris-Brussels-Cologne/Amsterdam line, the (87/C 117/24) planning of which is already well advanced.

In the same communication the Commission also stated Subject: Failure by Belgium to implement certain direct­ that it is generally willing to cooperate in the formulation ives and implementation of projects of benefit to the Com­ According to a report by Mr De Gucht to the Belgian munity as a whole, either from conventional budget Parliament (Chamber of Representatives, Document 500- resources or by exploiting possible new and diversified III (EUR) (1985/1986) No 1): opportunities for intervention under the financial engineer­ ing scheme. But before the Commission can make any firm 1. Belgium is to be prosecuted before the Court of Justice pronouncement on whether it can contribute to any given for infringement of Directive 80/68/EEC (') on the project, the matter must be referred to it by the Member protection of ground water; States concerned. 2. infringement procedures have been initiated against Belgium for failure to implement: (1) Doc. COM(86) 340 final. (a) Directive 80/836/Euratom (2) laying down the basic safety standards for the health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionizing radiation; (b) Directive 82/605/EEC (3) on the protection of workers exposed to lead; (c) Directive 80/779/EEC (4) on inequality limit values WRITTEN QUESTION No 1232/86 and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates; by Mr Jose Happart (S — B) (d) Directive 82/176/EEC (5) on mercury discharges by to the Commission of the European Communities the chlor^alkali electrolysis industry; (2 September 1986) (e) the 'SEVESO' directive on the risks of major (87/C 117/23) accidents; (f) Directive 82/528/EEC (6) on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on fruit and Subject: Butter imported from New Zealand vegetables; It appears from the negotiations on the Rainbow Warrior 3. Belgium has not implemented Directive 85/210/EEC (7) affair, that a key factor in granting the release of the couple on the lead content of petrol, Directive 85/298/EEC (8) posing as Mr and Mrs Turenge was a condition that a large on the marketing of fodder plant seed, directive 84/466/ quantity of New Zealand butter was imported into Europe. EEC (9) laying down basic measures for the radiation What is the quantity of butter involved ? protection of persons undergoing medical examination 4- 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/15

10 or treatment or Directives 83/264/EEC ( ) and 83/478/ Belgium, as has Directive 83/246/EEC concerning restric­ EEC (n) concerning restrictions on the marketing and tions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous use of certain dangerous substances and preparations. substances and preparations (10).

Could the Commission confirm or refute this information ? The Belgian authorities are about to implement Directive 83/478/EEC (n), although for all practical purposes the provisions of the Directive are already implemented by the (!) OJ No L 20, 26. 1.1980, p. 43. industry in question. 2 ( ) OJ No L 264, 17. 9. 1980, p. 1. Some provisions of Directive 84/466/Euratom laying down (3) OJ No L 247, 23. 8. 1982, p. 12. 4 basic measures for the radiation protection of persons ( ) OJ No L 229, 30. 8.1980, p. 30. 12 (5) OJ No L 81, 27. 3.1982, p. 29. undergoing medical examination or treatment ( ) have not (6) OJ No L 234, 9. 8.1982, p. 1. yet been incorporated into Belgian national law. (7) OJ No L 96, 3. 4.1985, p. 25. (8) OJ No L 154, 13. 6.1985, p. 46. Directive 85/298/EEC prohibiting the placing on the (9) OJ No L 265, 5. 10.1985, p. 1. market and use of plant protection products containing (10)OJNoL147, 6.6.1983, p. 9. 13 n certain active substances ( ) has been incorporated into ( )OJ No L 263, 24. 9.1983, p. 33. Belgian law.

(!) OJ No L 20, 26.1. 1980, p. 43. (2) OJ No L 229, 30. 8.1980, p. 30. (3) OJ No L 230, 5.. 8. 1982, p. 1. (4) OJNoL81,27.3.1982, p. 29. Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis (5) OJ No L 246, 17. 9. 1980, p. 1. 6 on behalf of the Commission ( ) OJ No L 265, 5.10.1984, p. 4. (7) OJ No L 247, 23. 8.1982, p. 12. 8 (2 December 1986) ( ) OJ No L 234, 9. 8.1982, p. 1. (9) OJ No L 96, 3. 4.1985, p. 25. (10)OJ No L 147, 6. 6.1983, p. 9. (»)OJ No L 263, 24. 9.1983, p. 33. (12)OJ No L 265, 5. 10.1984, p. 1. 1. Belgium is being prosecuted before the Court for (13)OJ No L 154, 13. 6.1985, p. 48. infringement of Directive 80/68/EEC on the protection of ground water (').

2. Infringement procedures have also been initiated against Belgium for failure to comply with Directives 80/ 779/EEC on air quality limit values and guide values for 2 sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates ( ) and 82/501/ WRITTEN QUESTION No 1263/86 EEC on major-accident hazards (3). On the other hand, Belgium has taken suitable measures to comply with by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR — NL) Directive 82/176/EEC on mercury discharges by the chlor- to the Commission of the European Communities alkali electrolysis industry (4). (2 September 1986) It is true that an infringement procedure was initiated (87/C 117/25) against Belgium in 1984 for failure to implement Directive 80/836/Euratom laying down basic safety standards (5), Subject: Tax measures in the cultural sector but this procedure was suspended in the light of the adoption by the Council of Directive 84/467/Euratom of 3 On 2 May 1985 the Commission submitted to the Council a September 1984 amending the said Directive (6). Since draft resolution on a more favourable tax system for Directive 84/467/Euratom had to be incorporated into cultural workers, cultural foundations and patronage, our national legislation by 5 April 1986 the current situation is architectural heritage in private ownership, cultural now being examined by the Commission. investments in general and the ultimate utilization of cultural goods. The Commission has received no information regarding Is there anything still holding up adoption of this resolution measures taken by the Belgian Government to implement by the Council? Does the Commission think that the Directive 82/605/EEC on the protection of workers Council ought to take a decision this year ? exposed to lead (7). The Commission is investigating the case under the procedure set out in Article 169 of the EEC Treaty. Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana The Commission has initiated infringement procedures against Belgium for failure to notify national measures on behalf of the Commission implementing Directive 82/528/EEC on the fixing of (13 January 1987) maximum levels of pesticide residues in and on fruit and vegetables (8). On 20 December 1985 the Council and the Ministers 3. Directive 85/210/EEC on the lead content of petrol (9) meeting within the Council discussed the question of tax in has likewise been incorporated into national legislation in the cultural sector on the basis of the draft resolution No C 117/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87 concerning the adoption of tax measures in the cultural Answer given by Lord Cockfield sector. on behalf of the Commission This discussion revealed broad agreement within the (24 October 1986) Community on encouraging cultural activities through tax concessions. It is up to the national authorities to check whether The Ministers asked the Commission to update the list of multinational companies are complying with the OECD tax concessions already granted in the Member States. guidelines on the transfer of profits. The Commission does not have any information on the subject. Under the terms of its mandate, the Commission has now updated its 'Handbook for Plastic Artists' (ISBN 92-825- The Commission is continuing its work on implementing 6428-2), the first edition of which appeared in 1981 (ISBN the measures referred to in its communication on 92-825-2148-6). This updating includes a list of direct and Community action to combat international tax evasion and indirect tax arrangements affecting the art market and avoidance (x). It participated in work by the Council of patronage in ten Member States of the Community. This Europe on a multilateral Convention on administrative list is still in preparation for Spain and Portugal. assistance in tax matters and is currently drawing up a proposal for a Directive designed to introduce arrange­ The Council is still examining the draft resolution of 2 May ments for mutual assistance between Member States in the 1985. recovery of direct tax claims.

0) Doc. COM(84) 603 final, 28 November 1984.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1284/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1282/86 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S — B) (2 September 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (87/C 117/27) (2 September 1986) (87/C 117/26) Subject: Fixed prices for series of books A number of people have contacted me about the following Subject: Structure of the Michelin company problem: when they signed a contract with a door-to-door salesman for a set of encyclopaedias consisting of 25 Is the Commission aware of the internal organization of the volumes, they had the choice between paying cash and multinational Michelin company which is constructed in paying in instalments. According to the contract, the price such a way that all financial transactions are conducted of the volumes would remain constant (a volume would be through a theoretical head office in Basle (Switzerland) sent every three months for a period of 3/4 years until the instead of its offices in Clermont Ferrand ? set was complete). These books are a Belgian product and were printed in Does the Commission not consider that this structure Belgium. They were, however, invoiced in the Netherlands (which enables transfer pricing) could be used for tax (although the books never left Belgium) and the effect of avoidance or evasion ? this is that the consumer has to pay a higher price due to the revaluation of the Dutch guilder. This arrangement Does the Commission consider that, in the transactions between two subsidiary companies was not mentioned at between the various parts of the concern, Michelin is fully all in the contract and the purchasers were completely respecting the OECD guidelines on the transfer of profits unaware of it. (1979) ? Can the Commission state to what extent this situation is Does the Commission intend to proceed further with the compatible with current European rules and with Euro­ fresh impetus it tried to give in 1984 to combating pean plans to introduce a fixed price for books ? international tax evasion and avoidance, Doc. COM(84) 603 final, in order to urge international companies to adopt Does the Commission intend to set up an inquiry into these more responsible behaviour on fiscal matters ? practices ? 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 117/17

Answer given by Mr Sutherland Answer given by M. Marin on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (10 February 1987) (10 November 1986)

The problem of hypothermia in old people has not been the It is not for the Commission to decide whether or not the subject of research at Community level. behaviour of the firm selling the encyclopaedias complies The Commission has no plans at present to address the with the terms of the contracts entered into with the buyers, specific problems encountered by the elderly during the or with the relevant rules of civil law. winter months, recognizing in part the widely varying It is not contrary to Community law now in force for a climatic conditions throughout the Community and the publisher established in one Member State to invoice responsibilities of the competent authorities in the Member products sold on the national market in the currency of States. another Member State. The practice results in the financial risks of the exchange-rate fluctuations being borne by the purchaser.

The Ministers of Culture meeting in the Council on 20 December 1985 refrained from taking any practical steps to introduce a Community system of single fixed prices for books. Consequently, the Commission sees no reason for WRITTEN QUESTION No 1324/86 enquiring into the case brought to its attention by the by Mr Michael McGowan (S — GB) Honourable Member. to the Commission of the European Communities (3 September 1986) (87/C 117/29)

Subject: Retirement ages, employment and discrimination within the European Economic Community 1. Has the Commission carried out any research into the different criteria used in the various Member States to determine the retirement ages of the working population ? 2. Has the Commission any plans to investigate the correlation between the different retirement policies WRITTEN QUESTION No 1322/86 adopted by the Member States and their respective levels of by Mr Michael McGowan (S — GB) unemployment ? to the Commission of the European Communities 3. Is the Commission aware that there is considerable (3 September 1986) concern within the United Kingdom at the continued discrepancies in the retiring ages of women and men ? Has (87/C 117/28) the Commission considered the social and economic implications of the fact that in the United Kingdom women may choose to retire with a state pension from the age of 60, Subject: Hypothermia and mortality whereas men cannot receive a state pension until the age of 65} 1. Has the Commission conducted any research into the 4. Has the Commission considered the implications of relationship between hypothermia and the incidence of this for moves towards equal opportunities for men and mortality amongst the elderly (and other vulnerable women within the European Economic Community ? groups) within the European Economic Community ? 2. Has the Commission considered the correlation between low income and hypothermia ? Answer given by Mr Marin 3. Has the Commission carried out any research into on behalf of the Commission hypothermia and the sharp increase in the death rate (3 November 1986) amongst the elderly in the United Kingdom throughout the winter of 1985/1986 ? 1. The Commission does not consider it useful to 4. Has the Commission any plans to publish such undertake such a study since the retirement age is less information, promote awareness of the problem within the subject to actual criteria than a result of certain national European Economic Community and encourage initiatives traditions or political decisions. by governments within the Member States in order to 2. There are no plans to study the correlation between tackle the problems encountered by the elderly during the retirement policies and unemployment levels. On the other winter months ? hand, in its communication of 14 July 1980 'Community No C 117/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87 guidelines on flexible retirement' 0) the Commission this year between the Commission and the Korean partially raised this question by demonstrating the authorities, at both Ministerial and departmental level. advisability of abandoning fixed retirement age. In the In spite of the detailed explanations which the Commission meantime several countries have introduced 'early re­ gave the Korean authorities, no practical measure has yet tirement' schemes in the face of employment problems. been announced to change South Korea's import arrange­ 3 and 4. The Commission shares to the full the ments for alcoholic beverages. Honourable Member's concern about the difference in retirement age between men and women. It regards these The Korean authorities nevertheless assured the Commis­ differences as discrimination which runs counter to the sion that they would continue to examine this matter, and it principle of equal treatment. will appear on the agenda of the coming meetings between the Commission and the Korean authorities. As a consequence, the Commission is at present preparing a new proposal for a directive designed to regulate this problem among others.

(!) Doc. COM(80) 393 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1385/86 by Mr Hans-Gert Poettering (PPE — D) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1345/86 (18 September 1986) by Mr James Provan (ED — UK) (87/C 117/31) to the Commission of the European Communities (3 September 1986) Subject: Restrictions on freedom of movement in Europe (87/C 117/30) for families in which one spouse is a national of a non-Member State Subject: Korea There are severe restrictions on the freedom of movement In February 1986, in its reply to Written Question No 1926/ within Europe of families in which one spouse is a national 85 (*), the Commission advised that the restrictive of a non-Member State. The 'Interessengemeinschaft der measures regulating alcoholic beverage imports into South mit Auslandern verheirateten Frauen e.V.' (Association of Korea, as well as the prohibitive rates of both duty and Women married to Foreigners) cites cases of severe taxation and the threat to the continuation of the 'joint limitations on the freedom of movement of such 'bi- venture' arrangements between EEC and Korean com­ national' families as a result of visa requirements applying panies, had been raised by the EEC delegation during high- to non-European spouses. The Association has the names level consultations in November 1985. The Commission of the families involved in these cases. further advised that certain meetings, in addition to the Is the Commission aware of this problem ? annual high-level consultations, would be held to monitor progress in this and other fields. What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that all European families, including 'bi-national' families Can the Commission now advise: affected by visa requirements, can enjoy freedom of (a) whether any such additional meetings have been held movement in Europe? and (b) whether there is any progress to report on the subject of EEC-produced alcoholic beverages ? Answer given by Lord Cockficld (!) OJ No C 156, 23. 6.1986, p. 9. on behalf of the Commission (16 February 1987)

Answer given by Mr De Clercq The Commission is well aware of the problems en­ on behalf of the Commission countered by nationals of non-member countries residing (20 October 1986) in a Member State — and in particular those who are members of the families of Community nationals — when they wish to visit, for however brief a period, a Member Since the EEC-South Korea high-level consultations held in State other than the one in which they reside, or even when Seoul in November of last year, the restrictive measures and they simply travel through another Member State. As tariff barriers applied to imports into Korea of alcoholic Community law stands, Member States may still require beverages have appeared on the agenda of several meetings nationals of non-member countries to obtain entry or 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 117/19 transit visas: Article 3 of Council Directive 73/148/EEC of 1. What type of social security contribution is paid in each 21 May 1973 (') and Article 3 of Council Directive 68/360/ of the Member States by undertakings on the wages and EEC of 15 October 1968 (2) do no more in relation to family salaries of their employees ? members than state that 'Member States shall accord to such persons every facility for obtaining any necessary 2. What type of social security contribution is paid in each visas'. of the Member States by employees on their gross earnings ? In the course of a survey conducted by the Commission in 3. What is the extent of the subsidy paid by the State of its connection with petitions presented to the European social security system in each of the Member States ? Parliament, it emerged that all the Member States except the Federal Republic continue to demand visas from members of the families of Community nationals who are themselves nationals of a non-member country for which the Member States in question have a visa requirement: in this same context, the Member States explained how they Answer given by Mr Marin facilitate the granting of visas (Doc. European Parliament on behalf of the Commission 106.951). (6 January 1987) Nevertheless, the very fact that persons residing in the Community who are not nationals of Member State — and more especially those who are members of the families of 1 and 2. The information available in reply to the Community nationals — still require visas in itself Honourable Member's questions is set out in three constitutes a highly unsatisfactory state of affairs. It is with documents drawn up by the Commission at regular this in mind that the Commission announced in the White intervals: Paper on the completion of the internal market its intention to put forward in 1988 proposals for Directives on the — 'Comparative Tables of the Social Security Schemes in coordination of the rules relating to nationals of non- the Member States of the European Communities' Community countries and the coordination of national (chapter on financing), policies on visas. Not only the human problems arising as a — 'Medium-Term Projections of Social Protection Ex­ result of visa requirements but also the need to complete the penditure and its Financing' 0), internal market as an area without frontiers demands the abolition of this practice on the part of Member States. — Eurostat: 'Statistical Bulletin — Social Protection'. 3. The Commission has at its disposal the amounts which (!) OJ No L 172, 28. 6. 1973, p. 14. the national administrations set aside (besides their (2) OJ No L 257, 19.10.1968, p. 13. contributions as employers) for social protection. This data is set out in Eurostat: 'Social Protection', see Table 8, III. A copy of the most recent editions of these documents has been forwarded to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat of Parliament.

(i) Doc. COM(86) 304 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1424/86 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (ED — E) to the Commission of the European Communities (18 September 1986) (87/C 117/32) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1425/86 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) Subject: Social security in the Community to the Commission of the European Communities (18 September 1986) Social security in the various Member States of the Community is currently financed by a mixed system of (87/C 117/33) contributions and taxes. The proportion of State subsidy varies according to the Member State, with the result that there are significant differences in the social costs borne by Subject: Independent monitoring of nuclear power undertakings in the different countries. stations in the European Community In order to find out the real effect of these differences, may I The Netherlands has invited the Operational Safety Review ask the Commission for the following information: Team (OSART) of the International Atomic Energy No C 117/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

Agency (IAEA) to inspect the safety of its two nuclear support of the United Kingdom draft regulations on the power stations at Borssele and Dodewaard. surface temperatures of gas and electric cookers ? 1. Does the Commission not consider it both useful and necessary, following the Chernobyl disaster, for all nuclear power stations in the European Community to be inspected by a team of independent experts, such as that from the IAEA ? Answer given by Lord Cockfield 2. Is the Commission prepared to take the necessary steps on behalf of the Commission to bring this about and if so, when and in what form (4 December 1986) may initiatives in this field be expected ?

The draft regulations to which the Honourable Member Answer given by Mr Narjes refers were communicated to the Commission by the on behalf of the Commission United Kingdom authorities in the context of Directive 83/ 189/EEC (*). In pursuance of the latter, the Commission (10 February 1987) had to appraise them in the light of the principles of Community law governing the free movement of goods. The Chernobyl disaster does not, on the face of it, call into Such examinations prompted the Commission to send the question the safety of European power stations. UK authorities comments and a detailed opinion to the effect that the measure envisaged should, while maintain­ The Commission would also point out that the OSART ing its objective of effectively protecting consumers, be teams from the IAEA are sent to a power station at the amended in order to eliminate or reduce any barriers which request of the national authorities, who alone decide it might create to the free movement of goods. In view of its whether and to whom the report that is drawn up should be priorities and current workload, however, the Commission distributed. Such missions have already been accomplished did not consider it possible to oblige the UK Government to in several Community Member States. postpone adoption of its drafter for 12 months by giving At Community level, the Commission has already par­ notice of its intention of proposing a directive on the ticipated, at the request of Member States, in safety subject within that period. assessments of nuclear power stations. After Chernobyl, it performed an overall analysis of the problems of nuclear safety and the actions to be taken, the broad lines and (!) OJ No L 109, 26. 4.1983. timetable of which are set out in the outline communi­ cation (J). In particular, the Commission will very shortly forward a communication to the Council and to Parliament on the technological problems of nuclear safety. Finally, the Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the comments on a Community inspection force and a system of Community checks set out in the communication from the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 1477/86 on the development of Community measures for the by Mr Manuel Cantarero del Castillo (ED — E) 2 application of Chapter III of the Euratom Treaty ( ). to the Commission of the European Communities (26 September 1986) (!) Doc. COM(86) 327. (2) Doc. COM(86) 434. (87/C 117/35)

Subject: The professional classification of chefs in the Community The recent decision by a labour disputes tribunal in a WRITTEN QUESTION No 1439/86 Member State of the Community — namely Luxembourg — officially recognizing chefs in the hotel and catering by Mr Basil de Ferranti (ED — GB) trade as white-collar workers rather than manual workers to the Commission of the European Communities (as they had been considered previously) has set an (26 September 1986) important precedent in the tourism sector, since the change of category in one of the mainstays of the tourist industry is (87/C 117/34) bound to affect its future development. This decision also raises the question as to whether the Subject: Surface temperatures of gas and electric cookers members of this important profession should not be In the interests of consumer safety in the Community's covered by a special statute at Community level regulating internal market, what steps is the Commission taking in the work they do and establishing their freedom of 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 117/21 movement and freedom of establishment in any Com­ The ban on such cargoes applies on all Sundays up to 2 munity country, as is already the case for other professions November this year. and occupations. Can the Commission say whether such a measure can be Does the Commission not think that there is ah urgent need introduced without prior notification, let alone the for such a statute governing this profession in the approval of the Commission ? Community so as to define its geographical and occup­ ational scope, avoid friction in the present tourist industry Can the Commission also say how the transporters already and improve that industry's status ? under way and who were caught unawares of this measure can be compensated for the damages sustained ? What steps does the Commission intend to take to reverse this decision and to prevent such a situation re-occuring ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (5 January 1987) Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission The Commission is not aware of any factors that might (7 January 1987) lead to the conclusion that the conditions governing the exercise of the profession of chef are such as to constitute an impediment to the free movement of workers. The recent Italian measure was brought to the attention of the Commission by other complaints. The Commission has Chefs who are the owners of restaurants in which they asked the Italian authorities for an urgent explanation on engage in their activity on a self-employed basis are covered the reasons and objectives of this measure and its by Directive 68/368/EEC of 15 October 1968 0) laying application at such a short notice. down detailed provisions concerning transitional measures in respect of activities of self-employed persons in the On the basis of the information to be supplied by the personal services sector (former ISIC Group 85): authorities and bearing in mind the damage for trans­ porters of perishable goods and living animals, the 1. Restaurants, cafes, taverns and other drinking and Commission will decide which action is appropriate in this eating places (ISIC Group 852) 2. Hotels, rooming houses, camps and other lodging places (ISIC Group 853).

0) OJ No L 260, 22. 10. 1968.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1489/86 by Mr Benedikt Harlin (ARC — D) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1484/86 (1 October 1986) by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) (87/C 117/37) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 October 1986) Subject: Beard of the Sphinx of Giza in the British (87/C 117/36) Museum 1. Is the Commission aware of the long-running dispute between the governments of the United Kingdom and Subject: Closure of the Italian border for the transport of Egypt over the beard of the Sphinx of Giza which is now in perishable goods and live animals on Sundays and the British Museum ? public holidays 2. Is the Commission aware of the importance of the Is the Commission aware that at 4 p.m. on 28 August 1986 beard for the structural stability of this wonder of the the Regional Administrative Tribunal (TAR) of the Latium ancient world ? region withdrew the exemption permitting the transport of perishable goods and live animals on Sundays and public 3. How does the Commission view the attitude of the holidays on all roads and motorways in Italy, with United Kingdom on this issue both in terms of preservation immediate effect from midnight on Friday, 29 August 1986 of historic monuments and of relations between the to midnight on Sunday, 31 August 1986? Community and Egypt? No C 117/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

Answer given by Mr Cheysson At European level, the Commission — as part of its action on behalf of the Commission to integrate disabled persons — was able to provide modest financial support for the 'European Sign Language (16 January 1987) Research Centre' at the University of Bristol. The Centre's programme includes a project to draw up a model training The Commission is aware of the problem raised by the course leading to a qualification, as well as actions to Honourable Member, but does not have details and wishes promote such training in the European Community. to emphasize that the question falls within the national The Commission also pays for the remuneration and other competence of a Member State, to be handled bilaterally expenses of interpreters for the deaf when their services are with the other country concerned. required at meetings organized by its Bureau for Actions in Favour of Disabled People. The European Social Fund contributes to the financing of vocational training, recruitment and wage support. Any type of training is eligible. However, in view of budget restrictions, priority for Fund assistance is granted only in clearly defined cases, which are set out in the guidelines for WRITTEN QUESTION No 1543/86 the management of the Fund. In principle, there is no reason to exclude the training of interpreters for the deaf; by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) however, priority is granted on the basis of criteria other to the Commission of the European Communities than such training. (13 October 1986) (87/C 117/38)

Subject: Subsidies for interpreters for the deaf In addition to the various forms of technical apparatus, sign language still plays an essential role in communication between deaf people themselves and in communication between deaf people and people with normal hearing, in the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1544/86 latter case by means of an interpreter for the deaf. by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC — B) Can the Commission: to the Commission of the European Communities — say whether the occupation of interpreter for the deaf is (13 October 1986) generally recognized in the European Economic Com­ munity, (87/C 117/39) — provide a survey of training for interpreters for the deaf in the various Community States, Subject: Disqualification of disabled people who work in a — are there institutions recognized at European level for sheltered workplace from drawing unemploy­ training interpreters for the deaf, ment benefit — is there any provision at European level for subsidies for I have been informed by associations for the disabled that training interpreters for the deaf or for the use of disabled people who lose their jobs in sheltered workplaces interpreters for the deaf at congresses, etc. ? are not eligible to sign on for unemployment benefit. The reason is the following: the smaller the disability, the higher the pay the disabled person receives and the smaller the contribution to his pay by the National Fund for the Answer given by Mr Marin Social Rehabilitation of the Disabled. The greater the on behalf of the Commission disability, the smaller the pay, but the greater the contribution by the National Fund. No social insurance (23 January 1987) contributions are levied on the part of the income paid by the National Fund, but a person has to earn a minimum Interpreters for the deaf may be found in all the Member wage before he has the right to sign on for unemployment States of the Community, but there are differences as benefit. regards the degree of recognition accorded to them and as This means that disabled people who lose their jobs are left regards opportunities for training. The Commission is without an income. providing assistance for a survey on the situation and training of interpreters for the deaf in the Community. The Can the Commission state: report on this survey is available and a copy will be sent — whether it is aware of this situation, directly to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat- General of the European Parliament. — whether it finds this situation compatible with its social programme, The Commission is unaware of any framework within which institutions for training interpreters for the deaf — whether it intends to take action against the Belgian might be recognized at European level. State ? 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/23

Answer given by Mr Marin migrant workers, the Commission is not empowered to on behalf of the Commission take a stand on the question raised by the Honourable Member. (16 January 1987)

1. The situation described by the Honourable Member does not correspond entirely with the legal provisions in this field. Up to 1971, disabled persons working in sheltered workshops who were made redundant were not entitled to WRITTEN QUESTION No 1570/86 unemployment benefit if their pay was below a required minimum. by Mr Ray Mac Sharry (RDE — IRL) As a result of the royal decree of 24 June 1971, that to the Commission of the European Communities situation has changed: (17 October 1986) — entitlement has been recognized but for a period not exceeding one year if the person in question has already (87/C 117/40) worked at least one year in a sheltered workshop. Subject: Training of women The 'Fonds national de Reclassement Social des Han- dicapes' (National Fund for the Social Rehabilitation of Can the Commission state the percentage of European Disabled Persons) may intervene only if there is a contract Social Fund spending allocated annually for the training of of employment. women in the 1981 to 1986 period? 2 and 3. Since this is a matter of a Member State's internal How many women benefited each year? social security arrangements which does not concern What was the total number of projects ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (6 January 1987)

The percentages of the European Social Fund budget allocated between 1981 and 1986 to training for women, and the number of women who benefited, are as follows:

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986

Percentages 30% 33 % 33% 38 % 38 % 36 % Number of beneficiaries 393 000 620 000 610 000 710 000 1 045 000 850 000

These figures are estimates since a large proportion of applications for assistance concern both men and women. This is why the number of projects involving women is virtually the same as the total number of applications for assistance from the Fund. No C 117/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1572/86 What was the total number of projects ? by Mr Ray Mac Sharry (RDE — IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities (17 October 1986) Answer given by Mr Marin (87/C 117/41) on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1987) Subject: ESF spending for the handicapped Can the Commission state the percentage of European The percentages of the budget devoted to handicapped Social Fund spending allocated to training for the persons between 1981 and 1986, the number of bene­ handicapped each year in the 1981 to 1986 period? ficiaries and the number of projects are shown in the How many people benefited from this funding ? following table:

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986

Percentage of the budget 8,9 % 8,1 % 8,9% 5,6 % 6,3 % 5,5 % Beneficiaries 55 280 66 000 66 107 47 916 55 739 55 213 Projects 105 204 210 248 364 549

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1577/86 that she/he has practised as a midwife for a certain period by Mr lb Christensen (ARC — DK) of time. The recognition introduced by this Directive is of a general nature and also acts to the advantage of nationals of to the Commission of the European Communities the host Member State who have been trained in another (17 October 1986) Member State. (87/C 117/42)

Subject: Training in midwifery Would a Danish national who has completed a course of Such recognition is justified, for: training in midwifery in Belgium be entitled to seek employment as a midwife in Denmark ? Explanatory remark: Training in midwifery in Denmark is of a high standard but there are problems with the number of places available. It is (a) Directive 80/155/EEC, adopted at the same time as therefore conceivable that Danish nationals might apply Directive 80/154/EEC, lays down the minimum qualifi­ for training in Belgium, for example, where the entry cations to which the practice of midwifery is subject requirements to training courses are considerably lower. throughout the Community. There is nothing to prevent This could result in a lower standard of training among a Member State from imposing additional conditions midwives in Denmark. with regard to the training given on its territory. If it does so, however, it is still obliged to recognize diplomas issued by the other Member States — provided these conform with the Community minimum Answer given by Lord Cockfield requirements — without imposing its own additional conditions. on behalf of the Commission (23 January 1987)

Pursuant to the provisions of Articles 2 and 5 of Council Directive 80/154/EEC of 21 January 1980 on the mutual (b) As is stated in Article 2 of Directive 80/154/EEC, the recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of training of midwives may take different forms in the formal training in midwifery and including measures individual Member States deriving from the systems of intended to facilitate the exercise of the right of establish­ training and traditions of those Member States. In view ment and the freedom to provide services ('), a Danish of the difficulty of assessing the qualitative aspects of national (male or female) is entitled to practise as a midwife these varying systems, the Commission finds it hard to in Denmark if she/he holds the 'diplome d'accoucheuse/ say whether one system is better than another. At the vroedvrouw diploma' issued by the competent Belgian same time, the Commission points out that the Advisory authorities and, where necessary, a statement certifying Committee on the Training of Midwives, set up by the 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/25

2 Council when it adopted the Directives in question ( ), Fabric of Geography by W. Farleigh, published by was instructed to help ensure throughout the Com­ Longman, Essex, which was approved by the Board of munity a comparably high level of training of midwives. Governors of the European Schools, because the publishers say that its sale is banned in Belgium ? (!) OJNoL33, 11.2.1980. 2 2. Does the Commission intend to take steps to ensure ( ) OJ No L 33, 11. 2.1980, Council Decision 80/156/EEC. that the principles of freedom of movement for goods also apply to school textbooks ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1585/86 Answer given by Lord Cockfield by Mr Rolf Linkohr (S — D) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (7 January 1987) (17 October 1986) (87/C 117/43) 1. The Commission is not aware that the sale of the book The Fabric of Geography is banned in Belgium. Subject: Mercury compounds used as wood preservatives 2. From the information supplied by the Honourable and for other external applications Member it is not possible to establish that Community law Does the Commission share the opinion of the Federal has been breached. The Commission will, of course, German Bundesrat, which on 16 May 1986 decided to ban consider, from the point of view of Community law, any the use of mercury compounds as wood preservatives and further information which might be provided, in order to for other external applications and, if so, what measures ensure that the principle of freedom of movement of goods does it intend to take in this connection ? is respected.

Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission (23 February 1987)

The Federal Republic's official gazette (Federal Law Gazette) (*) stipulates that mercury compounds and other chemical compounds or substances shall not be used in WRITTEN QUESTION No 1608/86 dangerous preparations which have specific applications by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) (antifouling paints) and are intended for clearly defined to the Commission of the European Communities activities. Nevertheless, the competent authorities may grant exemptions with regard to the use of these (17 October 1986) compounds if it is established that there is no alternat­ (87/C 117/45) ive (2). The Commission is currently examining these provisions and will, if necessary, propose suitable Community Subject: Participation by a state-owned Libyan company measures. in the capital of European undertakings The company FIAT, with the assistance of the Mediobanca (') Bundesgesetzblatt Part I, No 47 of 5 September 1986, Annex II, bank and the Deutsche Bank AG, has just decided to buy 2 p. 53. back 15 % of its capital which is held by the state-owned ( ) Point 4.3(2). Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company. Could the Commission say how large a share the Libyan company has in undertakings operating in Community territory, which undertakings are affected, and what is its opinion on the matter? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1606/86 by Mr Klaus Hansen (S — D) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Lord Cockfield (17 October 1986) on behalf of the Commission (87/C 117/44) (5 January 1987) Subject: Ban on the importation of school textbooks into Belgium The Commission does not have the information requested 1. Is the Commission aware that pupils of the Brussels by the Honourable Member. As matters stand at present, it European School II cannot obtain copies of the book The does not consider it necessary — if indeed it were feasible No C 117/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

— to investigate the extent of foreign holdings, either — whether it considers it possible to take active measures generally or in specific cases. to remedy the problems ?

Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 1635/86 (16 January 1987) by Mr Dario Antoniozzi (PPE — I) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission does not have any links with this (22 October 1986) organization. (87/C 117/46) The Commission does not therefore feel that it can intervene in this case, which is the responsibility of the ESO Subject: Aid under the New Community Instrument alone. (Ortoli facility) for Calabria Will the Commission give details of the aid, including the amounts of expenditure involved, granted to Calabria under the new Community instrument (the Ortoli facility) for Calabria during the period 1979 to 1986?

Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 1742/86 (20 November 1986) by Mr Willy Vernimmen (S — B) In the period 1979 to 1986, one loan for the equivalent of to the Commission of the European Communities 7,9 million ECU was drawn on the resources of the New (30 October 1986) Community Instrument to help finance investment in Calabria. The loan was granted to SNAM, through the (87/C 117/48) intermediary of ENI, in 1981 and went towards the construction of a 103 kilometre section, between Sant- Eufemia and Castrovillari, of the Algeria-Italia gasline. Subject: Use of the ECU to denominate grants from the During the same period, EIB loans for investment in Community's structural funds Calabria, including global loan allocations, totalled 266,4 Normally, grants for operations under the Community's million ECU. structural funds are denominated in national currencies. Does the Commission not believe that a procedure should be adopted laying down the use of the ECU to denominate grants to fund Community structural measures ? If so, has the Commission already taken action specifically to harmonize the procedures for granting aid from the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1677/86 Community's various structural funds and, in future, to by Mr Jochen van Aerssen (PPE — D) denominate the sums in ECU only ? to the Commission of the European Communities (29 October 1986) (87/C 117/47) Answer given by Mr Varfis Subject: ESO Staff Regulations on behalf of the Commission The ESO and in particular the Staff Regulations of this (28 January 1987) European organization have been the target of mounting criticism, particularly in view of a number of complex individual cases which have arisen. Except in the case of ERDF specific measures, the Commission currently makes structural fund grants in Can the Commission therefore indicate: national currency. However, in order to promote use of the — the degree to which it participates in the work of the ECU and simplify management of the programmes as a ESO and the extent of its influence on this organization, whole, IMP financings from the structural funds, with the — whether it is aware of the problems arising in exception of the EAGGF Guidance Section, and from the connection with the ESO and in particular its Staff additional allocation for IMPs, will be denominated in Regulations, and if not, whether it intends to obtain the ECU. IMP payments from the EAGGF Guidance Section necessary information in the interest of the Community, will be made in ECU as soon as possible. 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 117/27

The Commission will examine the case for paying more WRITTEN QUESTION No 1770/86 structural fund assistance in ECU. by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz, Mr Jose Garcia Raya Quite generally, the Commission considers that increased and Mr Jose Bueno Vicente (S — E) use of the ECU can contribute to the progressive to the Commission of the European Communities establishment of a large frontier-free market by 1992, as provided for in the Single European Act; it also believes (6 November 1986) that the ECU will benefit from the liberalization of capital (87/C 117/50) movements, which is an essential aspect of such a market. Subject: Exchange of young workers within the Com­ munity The Council Decision 79/642/EEC (J) of 16 July 1979 establishes a second joint programme to encourage the exchange of young workers within the Community. To what extent do these exchanges take place in the various WRITTEN QUESTION No 1753/86 Community countries ? by Lord O'Hagan (ED — GB) (!) OJ No L 185, 22. 7.1979, p. 24. to the Commission of the European Communities (30 October 1986) Answer given by Mr Marin (87/C 117/49) on behalf of the Commission (26 January 1987) Subject: Eurofog The Commission will be aware that its pronouncements are increasingly wrapped up in a fog of jargon, technocratic Council Decision 79/642/EEC which established a second verbal juggling, syntactical contortion and linguistic joint programme to encourage the exchange of young miscegenation. workers within the Community ended in December 1984. A total of 5 366 young workers participated in exchanges 1. Is the Commission attempting to invent a new language over this five year period. to equip it for its role as the thirteenth Member State ? A third joint programme to encourage the exchange of 2. Is the Commission trying deliberately to obscure what it young workers was established by Council Decision 84/ is doing ? 636/EEC of 13 December 1984 (!) and covers the period 1984 to 1989. The third programme is implemented in all 3. Will the Commission make a serious effort to use the 12 Member States. In 1985, 1 309 young workers languages of the Community rather than its own private participated in exchanges; in 1986 the figure was 3 109. argot or a peculiar introverted Eurospeak ?

4. Will the Commission accept that this is a serious (!) OJ No L 331, 19. 12.1984, p. 36. question, designed to provide an opportunity for the Commission to confirm that it still believes in explaining its actions to the citizens of the Member States ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1780/86 Answer given by Mr Delors by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz, Mr Jose Garcia Raya on behalf of the Commission and Mr Jose Bueno Vicente (S — E) (IS January 1987) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1986) The Commission is convinced of the need for the (87/C 117/51) Community institutions to explain their actions to the people of the Community. It therefore does its utmost to render the texts it publishes as lucid as possible. It must Subject: Earnings of agricultural workers add, however, that use of some technical terms is essential The Council Directive 82/606/EEC 0) of 28 July 1982 for dealing with certain matters. refers to the organization by the Member States of surveys on the earnings of permanent and seasonal workers The Commission would point out that it has no intention employed in agriculture. whatsoever of acting as a thirteenth delegation in the Community's institutional system. Are these surveys being duly carried out in the Member States ?

(!) OJ No L 247, 23. 8. 1982, p. 22. No C 117/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

Answer given by Mr Pfeiffer and the Portuguese Government to assess the restructuring on behalf of the Commission programme for the Portuguese iron and steel industry, is the W.S. Atkins Group. (16 February 1987) This firm of consultants has carried out similar studies on several occasions for the Commission and a number of Council Directive 82/606/EEC of 28 July 1982 provides Member States in connection with the restructuring that, in 1984 and every two years thereafter, Member States programme undertaken in the Community steel industry must carry out a survey of the actual earnings of permanent between 1980 and 1985. full-time and, where appropriate, seasonal male and female workers employed in agriculture. The results of the 1984 Survey were published by Eurostat (Earnings in Agriculture, 1984 — Theme 3 — C Series). In autumn 1986 the Member States embarked on the next survey, the results of which should be available by 31 July 1987; Portugal and Spain are expected to take part. Prior to 1984 the survey concerned full-time earnings; with the accession of the two new Member States, the survey is being extended to seasonal labour in countries where a significant proportion of workers is classed as such.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1800/86 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR — B) to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1986) (87/C 117/53) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1797/86 by Mr Jose Barros Moura (COM — P) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: The price of platinum (6 November 1986) (87/C 117/52) The price of platinum has recently risen above 600 US dollars an ounce in New York, for the first time since 1980.

Subject: Restructuring of the Portuguese iron and steel One of the main producers, the Impala firm, operates from industry South Africa. What quantity of platinum has the European Economic Community imported from South Africa over In the light of its answer to Oral Question No H-441/86 0) the last five years ? (on dismissals and unemployment resulting from the 'restructuring' of the Portuguese iron and steel industry), will the Commission provide me with the name and a What stance would the European Economic Community curriculum vitae of the independent adviser whom, jointly take if certain Member States were to impose a ban on with the Portuguese Government it appointed to assess the platinum imports? plan for the restructuring of the Portuguese iron and steel industry ?

(!) Debates of the European Parliament, No 343 (October 1986).

Answer given by Mr De Clercq Answer given by Mr Sutherland on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (9 December 1986) (21 January 1987)

The independent adviser referred to by the Honourable 1. The Community of Ten's imports of platinum over the Member, who was appointed jointly by the Commission last five years are as follows: Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/29

South Africa Non-EEC USA/Canada Switzerland Soviet Union (') (2) (') (2) (») (2) (") (2) (') (2)

1981 3 57 522 33 226 413 11 48 419 7 52 183 9 53 016 1982 13 173 617 79 319 081 48 39 070 6 52196 8 43 210 1983 9 56 203 52 300 489 26 60 816 12 111554 7 55 618 1984 7 66 966 48 371 415 11 79 503 15 141 420 8 65 808 1985 22 71159 58 356 723 13 78 690 11 113 992 9 60 884

(') Quantity in '000 kg. (*) Value in'000 ECU.

The location of the world's platinum resources is estimated as follows: South Africa, 85,6 %; Soviet Union, 13,3 %, others 1,1 %.

The bulk of imports from countries other than South Africa are in fact indirect imports of platinum originating in South Africa.

2. The Community's imports are governed by the provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 288/82 0). A Member State may take measures that do not comply with these provisions only under the conditions laid down in Article 224 of the EEC Treaty. Where appropriate, the Commission examines the measures with the Member State concerned pursuant to Article 225 of the Treaty.

(>) OJ No L 35, 9. 2.1982.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1803/86 Answer given by Mr Andriessen by Mr Luc Beyer dc Ryke (LDR — B) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (22 January 1987) (6 November 1986) (87/C 117/54) Under action being taken to promote the development of new cropping methods, spelt has been added to the list of crop species seed production which may qualify for aid. The aid has been set, for 1986/1987 and 1987/1988, at 11 ECU per quintal of certified seed produced in the Community. Subject: The production and use of spelt

The centre for the coordination of research on spelt (CIREP) at Walcourt in Belgium was the driving force behind the establishment of a private laboratory for analysing the quality of cereals produced in Wallonia, partly financed by the EAGGF.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1809/86 This Centre has rehabilitated spelt, a cereal with the advantage of being able to grow in unfavourable con­ by Mr Pol Marck (PPE — B) ditions, poor soil and difficult climates. to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1986) Is the Commission aware of the progress made in this field (87/C 117/55) of research, and does it intend to implement a programme of aid to encourage the growing of spelt in certain regions of the Member States ? Subject: Use of Belgian quota by other vessels No C 117/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

Recently an incident was reported in which a vessel WRITTEN QUESTION No 1818/86 belonging to a non-Belgian shipowner continued to sail by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) under the Belgian flag because it had been Belgian when he bought it. Moreover, he was making use of the Belgian to the Commission of the European Communities quota. (7 November 1986) Can the Commission give an assurance that such incidents (87/C 117/57) will not recur and can it state how it intends to ensure this ?

Subject: Effects of plant health products Will the Commission be taking any specific steps to provide Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha compensation for and/or prohibit the use of plant health on behalf of the Commission products on honey-bearing plants (colza, field bean and sunflower) ? (12 January 1987)

Where, in accordance with the rules on the right of establishment in the EEC Treaty, Belgium, like other Member States, grants its flag to vessels fitted out by Answer given by Mr Andriessen shipowners of a different nationality, such vessels perform on behalf of the Commission their activities within the framework of the quotas (27 January 1987) attributed to it.

The Commission considers that the question of possible harmful effects on bees and other beneficial insects should form part of the overall evaluation of plant protection products in the context of the approval of such products for marketing, particularly if they are to be used in integrated pest control. If necessary, special conditions of use should be imposed to avoid or minimise harmful effects. There is WRITTEN QUESTION No 1810/86 no adopted Community legislation in this field and the approval of plant protection products is the responsibility by Mr Pol Marck (PPE — B) of Member States. In 1976, the Commission made a to the Commission of the European Communities proposal concerning the type approval of plant protection (6 November 1986) products 0) which is still under examination by the Council. When adopted, it should provide a framework in (87/C 117/56) which Community criteria could subsequently be es­ tablished for the protection of bees and other beneficial insects. Subject: Auction requirement in the fisheries sector I have already tabled other questions about the auction requirement in the fisheries sector. It has repeatedly been 0) OJ No C 212 of 9. 9.1976, p. 3. demonstrated that the auction requirement, as it exists in Belgium, allows the exchange of quotas to operate in a more flexible manner. Would it not be appropriate to make this requirement generally applicable throughout the European Com­ munity ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1820/86 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S — B) Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (7 November 1986) (9 January 1987) (87/C 117/58)

The Commission considers that there is no relationship between the auction requirement and the exchange of Subject: Beekeeping: establishment of an information fishing quotas. centre Can the Commission propose the establishment of a beekeeping information centre which will bring together research results and the various publications on bees ? 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 117/31

Answer given by Mr Andriessen As the Commission emphasized in its 'Report on the scope on behalf of the Commission for convergence of tax systems in the Community' (•), there are however substantial but unquantifiable disparities in (13 January 1987) the taxation of businesses, including businesses in the agricultural and wine-growing sectors, in the different Member States. Closer alignment of provisions having a As there are no funds available for a project of this kind, the marked impact on the tax burden of businesses is therefore Commission does not plan to propose the establishment of essential if a system of fair competition is to be established. a beekeeping information centre, as suggested by the Honourable Member. However, there are specialized A first step in this direction has been the 1975 proposal for a scientific institutes and also training or information centres Directive concerning the harmonization of systems of in most of the Member States, from which the publications company taxation (2) which provides, inter alia, for some mentioned should be obtainable. degree of approximation of the rates of corporation tax. The second step is to draw up proposals aimed at harmonizing the rules on the determination of the taxable profits of enterprises; these rules cover many different aspects, including depreciation. Preparatory work on this matter is in hand.

(J) Supplement No 1/80 — Bulletin EC. (2) OJ No C 253, 5. 11. 1975.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1837/86 by Mr Michel Debatisse (PPE — F) to the Commission of the European Communities (7 November 1986) (87/C 117/59) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1844/86 by Mrs Sylvie Le Roux (COM — F) Subject: Tax on French winegrowers compared with tax to the Commission of the European Communities paid by their Spanish and Portuguese counter­ parts (7 November 1986) Spanish and Portuguese membership of the Common (87/C 117/60) Market has helped aggravate the already difficult situation in the Community winegrowing industry. Spain and Subject: Disposal of toxic waste Portugal benefit from advantages (lower labour costs than in other winegrowing countries), which may distort What progress has been made in techniques for disposing of competition between the Community producers, in France industrial toxic wastes ? in particular. What effect could the use of such techniques have on job Tax disadvantages should not be added to these disparities. creation possibilities ? This would be the case if there were considerable Does the Commission intend to draw up a directive on the differences in the tax systems and rates of depreciation, subject and, if so, when ? which favoured Spain and Portugal. Could the Commission say whether any assessment of these differences has been made ? If major disparities do exist has the Commission considered ways of offsetting them ? Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission (12 February 1987) Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission The Commission has not made a special study to assess the development of disposal techniques and of progress in this (28 January 1987) area. It does, however, take the view that the best techniques available should be used as far as possible for disposal and that waste recycling and regeneration should In the Commission's opinion, economic advantages such as be promoted. It is clear from research findings that progress below-average labour costs cannot be regarded as distor­ is constantly being made, particularly in the field of tions of competition. halogenated waste. The problem lies in transposing these As regards taxation, according to the information available findings into practical applications. On the question of to the Commission, neither Portugal nor Spain grants employment, the Commission is convinced that a more special tax concessions to the wine-growing sector. forceful environment policy will generally have a beneficial No C 117/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87 effect on job creation as it will promote new infrastructure part of a programme of works connected with the and investment in the areas concerned. construction of the Riano dam. These works are designed, amongst other things, to safeguard the socio-economic In its proposal for a second Regulation on action by the J environment of the region. The Commission is also Community relating to the environment ( ) the Commis­ prepared to examine any request for ERDF assistance sion proposes that financial support be given to promote which would have the effect of mitigating the adverse clean technologies and waste recycling and re-use tech­ consequences of the dam in question. niques. It is preparing a proposal for a Directive on waste incinerators to limit their emissions into the atmosphere. (!) OJ No L 175, 5. 7.1985, p. 40. (i) Doc. COM(86) 729 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1879/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1849/86 by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) by Mr Frank Schwalba-Hoth (ARC — D) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (13 November 1986) (7 November 1986) (87/C 117/62) (87/C 117/61) Subject: The storage of incorrectly labelled plutonium waste in Belgium Subject: Esla dam project near Riano in Northern Spain According to the weekly magazine Der Spiegel (No 43/ What view does the Commission take of the plan to build a 1986), some 600 kg of very dangerous plutonium from the dam and create a lake on the river Esla in the Province of Alkem nuclear plant at Hanau have, unknown to the Leon in Northern Spain, with particular reference to: Belgian authorities, been put into storage in Belgium 'under incorrect labels' in the course of the last few years. The 1. the environmental acceptability of the project; administrative body responsible, the Hessen Ministry of 2. the destruction of the locality of Riano, which is to be Economic Affairs, had 'feared diplomatic problems'; flooded; however, last Friday, the Hanau public prosecution lodged a detailed 658-page complaint against the management of 3. the land and property expropriations required for the Alkem. This complaint is also directed at the adminis­ project; trative body responsible for the incorrect labelling. 4. the protests of the local population against the project, How does the Commission assess the degree of respons­ and ibility of both those who carried out the incorrect labelling 5. the irrigation of the area? and the exporters/importers of the material. Which companies are involved (names, capital, objects, etc) ? In which areas of Belgium was the waste stored, and for how long ? What are the possibilities of compensation ? What measures could be taken to prohibit such abuses as between neighbouring states and EEC partners in the future ? How, Answer given by Mr Varfis in the future, will the Commission curb such activities, on behalf of the Commission which are quite clearly incompatible with the provisions of the Euratom Treaty and other relevant safety requirements (24 February 1987) relating to the protection of the public ?

The Commission has, not as yet received any request for financial assistance for the project referred to by the Honourable Member. It would point out that dams and other installations designed to hold or store water are listed Answer given by Mr Mosar in Annex II to Council Directive 85/337/EEC (*), which on behalf of the Commission stipulates that an assessment of the effects of such projects (18 February 1987) on the environment must be carried out where Member States consider that their characteristics so require. The Commission wpuld further point out that it has The Commission has no knowledge of any information approved a grant for a road infrastructure project forming which would corroborate the points made by the 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/33

Honourable Member. It does not, therefore, consider that WRITTEN QUESTION No 1920/86 it needs to comment on the statements made in the press. by Mrs Marie-Noelle Liencmann (S — F) With respect to the implementation of the provisions laid to the Commission of the European Communities down in Chapter VII of the Euratom Treaty, the Commission monitors the Alkem nuclear plant constantly (21 November 1986) and verifies the operations carried out there, in accordance (87/C 117/64) with the special safeguards arrangements agreed for this plant. Subject: Item 704 of Chapter 70 of the budget of the European Communities for the financial year 1986 In the draft budget for the financial year 1986, appropri­ ations of 25,2 million ECU were entered in Item 704 of Chapter 70 for the Community energy-saving programme. In the finally adopted version of the general budget of the European Communities for the financial year 1986 ('), provision is made for this item to be increased to 30 429 500 ECU in appropriations for commitment. What does the Commission intend to do with these extra WRITTEN QUESTION No 1887/86 appropriations and are they likely to alter the chronological by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED — GB) order of expenditure ? to the Commission of the European Communities (13 November 1986) (!) OJ No L 214, 4. 8.1986. (87/C 117/63)

Answer given by Mr Christophersen Subject: Recruitment to the Cabinets of Commissioners on behalf of the Commission Considerable myth and mystery surrounds the appoint­ (22 January 1987) ment of Cabinets of Commissioners. Will the Commission now describe precisely how the system operates, whether the concours is dutifully employed, and how staff of The commitment appropriations put in the 1986 budget (30 Cabinets originating in the Commission (or indeed, in 429 500 ECU) had been asked for by the Commission itself Parliament's and Council's employ) can migrate in and out in its preliminary draft budget. The Commission intends to of a cabinet with apparent ease. If these are political use this money in the framework of Council Regulation appointments in the gift of a Commissioner, what rules (EEC) No 3640/85 of 20 December 1985 (*) concerning the operate ? If the system amounts to a cocktail dictated by demonstration and pilot projects in the energy sector. competing necessity, how can the Commission be satisfied The Commission can assure the Honourable Member that — or satisfy Parliament — that principles of excellence, the credits added by Parliament's amendment will not rather than paternalism, rule ? cause any difficulty in the execution of the four-year programme concerned (1986 to 1989).

(») OJ No L 350, 27. 12. 1985, p. 29.

Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1987)

The Offices of Members of the Commission have a number WRITTEN QUESTION No 1926/86 of temporary posts which may be filled either by seconding by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S — B) i officials or by recruiting temporary staff. Appointments to the Commission of the European Communities under either procedure are decided by the President on proposals from Members, who quite naturally ensure that (21 November 1986) their Offices are manned by officials or temporary staff (87/C 117/65) ' with the best qualifications.

Subject: Law on competition — Philips of Belgium An interview was published in the Belgian press on 4/5 October 1986 in which the Belgian subsidiary of the Dutch No C 117/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87 multinational Philips expressed dissatisfaction with the the internal market'. British participation in the Arab allocation of government contracts. boycott of Israel should, it said, be viewed in this light. One of the threats made in this connection was a partial 1. Will the Commission confirm that this investigation is withdrawal by Philips from Belgium. to be completed within six months, given that it has said Can the Commission say whether economic retaliation of that it regards it as 'a matter of high priority, (to) be this kind is compatible with Articles 85 and 86 of the EEC completed in the quickest possible time' ? Treaty? If not, is there a case for intervention by the 2. Will it confirm that the findings of this investigation will Commission ? be forwarded in writing to the European Parliament ? This is, after all, a matter of great and direct importance for the completion of the internal market. Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission (!) Debates of the European Parliament, No 344 (October 1986). (10 February 1987)

The competition rules of the EEC Treaty aim at counteracting distortions of competition in intra-Com- Answer given by Mr De Clcrcq munity trade which are caused by two or more companies on behalf of the Commission acting together (Article 85) or by a dominant company (11 February 1987) engaged in some type of abusive behaviour (Article 86). The facts referred to by the Honourable Member, which relate to an independent reflection made by the company in question on the basis of seemingly commercially-motivated 1. At Question Time on 22 October 1986 the Commis­ grounds, do not seem to fall within the scope of those rules: sion confirmed that it had instructed its staff to look into the implications of existing restrictions on imports and — Article 85 requires common action of undertakings or a exports from and to member countries as regards the link with such action and therefore does not appear to completion of the internal market. The Commission did be applicable in this case, not, however, undertake to complete this investigation — Article 86 could only be relevant if the company enjoyed within six months. A longer period will necessarily be a dominant position in the products and geographical required for a serious investigation of the restrictions in market concerned, which it would be abusing for force. example by limiting production or markets; the 2. The Commission intends to keep Parliament informed withdrawal of production facilities would not in itself of every major step taken or proposed in connection with constitute such an abuse if the goods continued to be the completion of the internal market. offered on the market in question. The case at hand does therefore not, under the present circumstances, call for any action by the Commission on the basis of the competition rules, particularly as the company concerned has not actually taken any concrete steps, but has simply — according to the press — engaged in speculations about certain possibly perfectly legitimate commercial measures at some undefined future date.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1986/86 by Mr Horst Seefeld (S — D) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1971/86 (24 November 1986) by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR — NL) (87/C 117/67) to the Commission of the European Communities (24 November 1986) Subject: European Foundation (87/C 117/66) What progress has been made since the adoption of the European Parliament's resolution on the European Found­ Subject: Import and export restrictions ation on 12 December 1985 ? J In answer to my Question No H-190/86 ( ), the Commis­ Are national parliaments still delaying ratification of the sion stated, among other things, at Question Time on 22 agreement of 29 March 1982 and, if so, for what reasons ? October 1986 that it had 'instructed its staff to look into the implications of existing restrictions on imports and exports When can the European Foundation be expected to start from and to member countries as regards the completion of work? 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/35

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (16 February 1987) (23 February 1987)

Since Parliament passed its resolution on 12 December The Commission was not notified of the holding of the 1985, the Federal Republic of Germany has completed the arms fair 'Defendory 86' in Piraeus, Greece, in October ratification procedure. Consequently, eight Member States 1986 and did not in any way contribute to its organization. out of the ten signatories have now deposited instruments of ratification. From what has been learned from press reports, it appears to be a trade fair for armaments and related industrial Belgium and the Netherlands have not yet completed the programmes, held for the fourth time in Greece (previous ratification procedure. The Belgian national Parliament fairs were held in 1980, 1982 and 1984) by the Greek approved the agreement as long ago as June 1984 but the 'Institute of Industrial Fairs'. agreement of the three communities has still to be obtained. Its primary purpose would appear to be to provide a In the Netherlands the Agreement of 29 March 1982 has promotional forum for the armament industries of several not yet been approved by the Senate. countries, including a boost to the Greek industry. Under Article 26, paragraph 3 of the Agreement, the Foundation commences its functions and becomes operat­ ive as from the first meeting of the Board. It is therefore necessary for the Agreement first to enter into force and for the Member States and the Community to appoint the Members of the Board.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2005/86 by Mr Jose Barros Moura (COM — P) to the Commission of the European Communities (24 November 1986) (87/C 117/69)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1989/86 by Mrs Dorothee Piermont (ARC — D) Subject: The fall in Portuguese textile exports to certain EEC countries to the Commission of the European Communities (24 November 1986) At the beginning of November the Portuguese textile industry's employers' associations published through (87/C 117/68) Portex, their central office, statistics which show a sharp drop in Portuguese textile exports for the first half of 1986 compared with the same period in 1985. The slump — Subject: The 'Defendory 86' arms fair, Greece between 7 % and 10 % — is said to have been most noticeable in the subsectors of ready-to-wear clothing and A 'Defendory 86' arms fair was held in Piraeus, Greece, household textiles. The decline in textile exports occurred from 14 to 18 October. 730 exhibitors took part and 56 particularly in the American market and in certain member foreign military delegations were invited to attend by the countries of the European Economic Community. The Greek Minister for Defence. growing fears in the textile trade about the negative consequences of Portugal's integration in the European What was the primary objective of this ? Arms cooperation Economic Community thus appear to be justified. with other countries or a boost to the Greek arms industry ? Can the Commission explain: Does the Commission consider that arms fairs such as the 'Defendory' help to resolve conflicts such as the war 1. if there is any connection between the fall in exports to between Iraq and Iran ? the USA and that country's continued restrictions on Portuguese textiles and ready-to-wear clothing, restric­ Did the 'Defendory' receive financial support from the tions which do not affect the other Member States ? Community ? 2. if there is any connection between the fall in Portuguese If so, what was the amount ? textile exports to certain member countries of the No C 117/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

European Economic Community and competition from WRITTEN QUESTION No 2009/86 third countries in the Community market ? by Mr Stephen Hughes (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (24 November 1986) Answer given by Mr Narjes (87/C 117/71) on behalf of the Commission (22 January 1987) Subject: Cost of generating electricity Will the Commission provide details of the most recent costs of generating electricity within the Community ? The Commission does not consider that there is any connection between Portugal's accession to the Com­ munity and the fall in sales of Portuguese textile products in the United States of America or in the other Member States of the Community as recorded between the first half of Answer given by Mr Mosar 1985 and the first half of 1986. on behalf of the Commission The Treaty of Accession of Portugal provides, moreover, (17 February 1987) for quite substantially improved access to the markets of the other Member States for the limited number of Portuguese textile products covered by transitional The cost of generating electricity is published by some measures. At the same time, the conditions of access to electricity-generating companies in their annual reports, these markets for textile products from non-member but usually only in a general way, e.g. by origin (thermal or countries competing with Portugal have remained un­ hydroelectric) without giving a detailed breakdown by type changed. of fuel. A UNIPEDE (') working party of experts, with which the Commission is associated, periodically assesses the estimated production costs for power stations under construction, on the basis of a harmonized method. The results of the next assessment will be available at the end of 1987. The last assessment was made in 1984 and concerned the production costs (construction, operation, fuel) of the nuclear power stations and coal-fired power stations to be brought into service in the mid-1990s. The findings indicate WRITTEN QUESTION No 2006/86 that nuclear energy is very competitive where annual by Mr Alfred Coste-Floret (RDE — F) utilization time is in excess of 3 000 hours. A copy of this assessment will be sent direct to the Honourable Member to the Commission of the European Communities and to Parliament's Secretariat. (24 November 1986) (87/C 117/70) (*) International Union of Producers and Distributors of Electrical Energy.

Subject: List of committees Can the Commission provide the European Parliament with a list of the committees currently in operation ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2023/86 Answer given by Mr Delors by Mr Konstantinos Filinis (COM — GR) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (6 January 1987) (28 November 1986) (87/C 117/72) The list of committees assisting the Commission is published annually in the budget of the European Subject: Disasters recently caused by storms, floods and Communities (Section III, Commission, Part A, Adminis­ landslides in Pilion in Magnisia prefecture trative appropriations, Annex I). Incalculable damage has been caused by rainfall and landslides in Eastern Pilion. Dozens of houses have collapsed, a great many more are on the point of falling down, two bridges have collapsed and landslides have 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/37

blocked two roads so that a number of villages are cut off. 1. Is the Commission aware of this situation, Hundreds of acres of arable land have been turned into bog. Since these disasters will severely reduce the incomes of the Is it able to investigate the facts reported in the magazine people living in that peripheral region of Greece and Panorama, thereby exacerbate the disparities between the rich and poor regions of the Community, does the Commission Is it fully aware that one of the reasons why it is possible to propose to take action to express its solidarity with the subsidize vocational training courses is the bureaucratic people of Pilion who have suffered losses as a result of manner of assessing the projects submitted, natural disasters and for whom the consequences thereof are very serious ? If the funds in Article 690 of the budget Could it state whether checks were carried out on these have been exhausted in respect of 1986, could the courses, Commission give an assurance that aid will be given out of the 1987 budget? Does it realize that such cases may arise as long as it refuses to have direct contact with the persons requesting support from the European Social Fund for their projects ?

Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission (24 February 1987)

Answer given by Mr Marin On learning of the events described by the Honourable Member the Commission contacted the authorities on behalf of the Commission concerned to obtain details of the damage caused by the (26 January 1987) bad weather in Pilion. It was informed by the Health Minister that the Government had taken immediate and successful action to meet the urgent needs of the people affected by the flooding in the area. Given the effectiveness of the assistance provided, the Commission feels that the The Commission is aware of the article which appeared in conditions for it to provide additional aid have not been the magazine Panorama on 19 October 1986 and has asked met. the competent Italian authorities for details so that the necessary investigations may be carried out.

The Commission most carefully scrutinizes requests for aid from the European Social Fund and, should it discover discrepancies, carries out an investigation before deciding to accept or reject the application in question. However, it should be pointed out that the Member State in question is required to inform the Commission immediately if an investigation is being carried out because of a suspicion of irregularity (Article 7 of Commission Decision 83/673/ EEC) ('). WRITTEN QUESTION No 2040/86 by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) The Panorama article in question does not provide sufficient details to determine whether investigations to the Commission of the European Communities carried out in the past in the area in question were (28 November 1986) concerned with the courses referred to. (87/C 117/73) The Commission does not refuse to have direct contact with the beneficiaries of Social Fund projects; such contact Subject: Squandering of funds for vocational training in is made in cooperation with the Member States which Italy guarantee the successful outcome of the operations. The magazine Panorama of 19 October 1986 reports that some 700 billion Italian lire of Community funds have been (1) OJ No L 377, 31.12.1983, p. 1. poured into various vocational training courses in Italy. It would seem, however, that these courses have practically never existed and that finance from the European Social Fund was obtained by producing a certain number of documents. No C 117/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2052/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2055/86 by Mr Eusebio Cano Pinto (S — E) by Mr Julian Grimaldos Grimaldos (S — E) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (28 November 1986) (28 November 1986) (87/C 117/74) (87/C 117/75)

Subject: Cooperation with South America Subject: Economic agreements on integration between What development projects did the European Community Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay finance in the South American countries in 1985 and 1986 and what were the sums of money involved ? What political and trade measures does the Commission intend to take in order to establish a constructive relationship with Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay in their efforts to integrate ? Answer given by Mr Cheysson on behalf of the Commission (13 February 1987) Answer given by Mr Cheysson As part of its assistance for and economic cooperation with on behalf of the Commission Latin American countries and institutions, the Community in 1985 committed 60,5 million ECU to South America, i.e. (12 January 1987) not counting cooperation with Central America in this instance. The Act signed on 29 July 1986 between Argentina and To this should be added the development assistance and Brazil setting up a progressive programme of economic economic cooperation undertaken directly by the Member integration and cooperation was greeted with great interest States. by the Commission. The Commission welcomed this A breakdown of Community aid for Latin America is as initiative from countries which, having regained de­ follows: mocracy, were now involved in a process of cooperation. — financial and technical assistance, notably for the rural The Commission is willing to contribute, in so far as it is sector (29,0 million ECU), able, to the efforts in progress, as it does in the case of other — food aid (16,2 million ECU), groupings for integration purposes in the region. — aid distributed via NGOs, notably to finance social development microprojects (7,2 million ECU), — emergency aid (2,3 million ECU) for Colombia and Chile in response to natural disasters, plus projects concerned with: — trade promotion (1,3 million ECU), — energy cooperation, the aid in this context bein, subdivided as follows: general aid — 1,3 million ECU, and aid for energy programming — 2,2 million ECU (total aid: 3,5 million ECU), WRITTEN QUESTION No 2060/86 — cooperation in scientific research (0,7 million ECU), by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED — GB) — training (0,8 million ECU), in the form of regional to the Commission of the European Communities schemes, (28 November 1986) — aid for regional integration (0,4 million ECU), (87/C 117/76) — economic cooperation (0,3 million ECU) under econ­ omic cooperation agreements (Mexico and the Andean Group), Subject: Repatriation of UK owned assets The Commission does not have sufficient information to Whether it believes that the proposals advanced by the give a full summary of the various aspects of cooperation British Labour Party for the repatriation of UK owned with Latin America in 1986. assets held in other Community countries would, if enacted, be in breach of the Treaty of Rome's provisions governing the free movement of capital within the Community ? 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/39

Answer given by Mr Delors campaign which the Commission intends to pursue during on behalf of the Commission the European Year of the Environment. (22 January 1987) One of the objectives of the campaign will be to publicize the achievements of the Community's waste-reduction policy and in particular Directive 85/339/EEC (l) on The Commission's responsibility for examining whether containers of liquids for human consumption which was legislation, regulations or administrative measures adopted adopted by the Council on 27 June 1985. by the Member States are compatible with Community law extends only to decisions duly made by the national authorities. It is not, therefore, for the Commission to (•) OJ No L 176, 6. 7. 1985, p. 18. express any view in advance on matters forming the subject of internal political discussion within a Member State.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2090/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2082/86 by Mr Beyer de Ryke (LDR — B) by Mr Beyer de Ryke (LDR — B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (2 December 1986) (2 December 1986) (87/C 117/78) (87/C 117/77)

Subject: Recycling of glass Subject: Illegal fishing for spiny lobster in the fishing zone of the French Southern Lands European glass manufacturers have met the challenge of recycling glass containers offered to them in 1976 by On 11 October, after a 24 hour chase, a French patrol boat appealing to consumers and the general public for help. sank the 'Southern Raider', a Panamanian cargo boat Three million tonnes of glass containers, 27 % of overall caught in the act of illegally fishing for spiny lobster in the consumption, were recycled in 1985. This is undoubtedly a exclusive economic zone of the French Southern and success. Antartic Lands near the islands of St Paul and Amsterdam. Since the EEC directive provides for a reduction in liquid What are the quotas for the import of spiny lobster from containers in refuse, this policy might usefully be promoted Reunion into the European Economic Community (for the in 1987, Environment Year. last five years) and what share of the Community internal market does this production represent ? Does the Commission envisage strengthening further the impact of this recycling policy in 1987, in cooperation with What are the total amounts of spiny lobster imported from the Member States and local authorities, by means of a outside the European Economic Community (in tonnes and proper promotion and information campaign ? in monetary terms, for the last five years) ?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha (17 February 1987) on behalf of the Commission (22 January 1987) The Commission is aware of the remarkable results achieved by the container glass sector. As a result of a consumer information policy aimed at promoting glass recycling in Europe, the European Container Glass Reunion is a part of the French Overseas Territories Federation (FEVE) has announced that over three million (DOM), and a special import quota for lobsters from tonnes of glass were recycled in 1986. Reunion to the rest of the Community does therefore not exist. At the ceremony to mark the tenth anniversary of glass recycling in Europe, the FEVE expressed its intention of The EEC-10 import of lobsters, originating from Reunion, making an active and practical contribution to the recycling is shown below. No C 117/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 concerned subsequently undertook the resale by tendering procedure of the grain in the drought-stricken regions. In EEC-10 these circumstances, it is impossible to provide the details (France) (t) 95 108 135 163 48 requested by the Honourable Member. EEC-10 (*000 ECU) 1308 1849 2 554 3 176 1202 (!) OJ No L 250, 2. 9.1986, p. 5, Regulation (EEC) No 2718/86.

The total import of lobsters by EEC Member States (EEC- 10) were for the same period:

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985

EEC-10 (t) 2 040 1989 1928 1581 2 178 EEC-10 ('000 ECU) 27 639 30 927 31704 26 298 37 239 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2152/86 by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) The Reunion part of the total import varies between 2 and to the Commission of the European Communities 10 %, measured in quantities during the year in question. (16 December 1986) (87/C 117/80)

Subject: Harmonization of national laws on vaccines In its answer to the case raised by Petition 96/86 by Mr R. Coombes on caution with dangerous drugs, the Commis­ WRITTEN QUESTION No 2130/86 sion says that it is not competent to act on the petitioner's by Mr Louis Eyraud (S — F) three requests relating to the risks associated with the use of to the Commission of the European Communities the anti-asthma drug Norisen. (10 December 1986) The Commission also says that the harmonized provisions (87/C 117/79) on drugs (labelling, package inserts) do not apply to serums, vaccines and toxins.

Subject: Community aid to combat the effects of the 1. Can the Commission explain what kind of proposals it drought intends to make for the harmonization of national provisions on vaccines and serums, scheduled for 1987 ? The Community has granted special aid to French farmers who suffered from the drought. However, from the lists of 2. Could the Commission say whether the philosophy beneficiaries submitted to the local elected representatives, behind this harmonization will be the same as or close to it would appear that aid has not been allocated only to that with which we are already familiar in respect of farmers. The lists include the names of persons who have drugs and proprietary medicinal products? nothing to do with farming, public limited companies and even multinationals. Can the Commission clarify the position ? Can it provide assurances that this aid is in fact benefiting only those groups which have suffered professionally or have Answer given by Lord Cockfield undergone social hardship as a result of the drought ? on behalf of the Commission (13 February 1987) Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission 1. Article 34 of Council Directive 75/319/EEC (») (26 January 1987) excludes vaccines and other immunological products from the scope of the Community directives applying to proprietary medicinal products. The work currently in The special aid from the Community to French farmers progress should enable the Commission to propose that the who suffered from the drought was granted in the form of Council extend the existing provisions to cover these an authorization for the carriage within French territory to products by the end of 1987. the areas affected, of 400 000 tonnes of fodder grain in intervention storage, the fodder grain being intended for 2. The manufacture, batch inspection and testing of use as feedingstuffs in the regions concerned (*). The cost of immunological products raise specific problems requiring transport between the regions of storage and the regions of an adaptation of the rules in force. The general provisions destination was met by the EAGGF. The Member State governing authorization, labelling and the package insert 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/41 should, in principle, be aligned with the system applying to Answer given by Lord Cockfield other proprietary medicinal products. on behalf of the Commission (1) OJ No L 147, 9. 6.1975, p. 13. (19 February 1987)

In the White Paper concerning the completion of the internal market ('), a timetable relating to taxation was given only as regards the harmonization of VAT and excise duties. Nevertheless, the Commission shares the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2237/86 Honourable Member's opinion that, with a view to by Mr Roland Gaucher (DR — F) achieving the single market, an approximation of the tax systems applicable to companies is an indispensable to the Commission of the European Communities condition for the removal of distortions of competition and (22 December 1986) capital movements. (87/C 117/81) As announced in the abovementioned document, the Commission's attitude towards company taxation and the Subject: List of associations that receive Community measures it deems it necessary to take in this field will be financial aid indicated in a second White Paper to be submitted to the Can the Commission provide a complete list of: Council and to the European Parliament in the near future. — associations, — groups, (') Doc. COM(85) 310 final, 14 June 1985. — non-governmental organizations, — and other bodies active in the field of youth and culture that receive financial aid from the Community, stating the exact amount allocated to each of these associ­ ations ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2385/86 Answer given by Mr Delors by Mrs Ludivina Garcia Arias (S — E) on behalf of the Commission to the Council of the European Communities (26 March 1987) (20 January 1987) (87/C 117/83) The Commission is sending directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament the infor­ mation requested. Subject: Elimination of ECSC compensatory social meas­ ures How does the Council believe that the Spanish Government can set about converting its industry as required by Community regulations when the Council has decided to abolish funds for ESCS compensatory social measures almost before Spain has derived any benefit from them ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2268/86 by Mr Andre Fourcans (LDR — F) How does the Council think that this decision, which is anti-Community in spirit, can be explained to the Spanish to the Commission of the European Communities public ? (12 January 1987) (87/C 117/82)

Subject: Tax harmonization Answer With a view to achieving a single market and to promoting (26 March 1987) fair and healthy competition, it is essential that the tax systems to which companies and individuals within the Community are amenable be harmonized. 1. In 1981, 1982 and 1984 the Council granted special contributions to the ECSC amounting to 274,5 million However, there are substantial differences between tax ECU from the general budget of the Communities as a rates and arrangements as between the Member States of Community contribution to the costs incurred by the the Community. Member States in respect of the programmes of exceptional Will the Commission inform the European Parliament of compensatory social measures (viz. early retirement and the steps it intends to recommend with a view to achieving part-time working) connected with the restructuring of the harmonization of the tax systems ? European steel industry. No C 117/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

These additional funds were used mainly to co-finance Commission made to the current Greek administration national programmes in 1981, 1982 and 1983. concerning this new proposal with regard to environmental hazards ? 2. As regards compensatory social measures in connec­ tion with the restructuring of the coal industry, the Council granted the ECSC in 1984 a special contribution of 60 million ECU which was also used mainly to co-finance Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana national programmes. on behalf of the Commission 3. It follows from the foregoing that subsequent pro­ C25 March 1987) grammes, for both steel and coal, have not received assistance from the general budget of the Communities. Spain's situation, since its accession, is therefore the same The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission's as that of the other Member States. answer to Written Question No 914/86 by Mr Latail- lade (J) and to its written answer to Oral Question No H- 4. It should be pointed out, however, that the com­ 489/86 tabled by Mrs Lienemann during Question Time at pensatory social measures for the steel and coal industries the second part-session in October 1986 (2). do not depend solely on contributions made to the ECSC from the general budget of the Communities. Account must (!) OJ No C 31, 9. 2.1987. be taken of the aid granted by the High Authority from (2) Debates of the European Parliament, 22 October 1986 ECSC own resources to help finance the traditional social (Annex). measures for workers in the coal and steel industries provided for in Article 56(2) of the ECSC Treaty. Furthermore, at its meeting on 15 and 16 December 1986 the Council invited the Commission to take account of the problems arising in the industrial regions affected by the restructuring of the steel and coal industries when preparing future proposals concerning the Structural Funds. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2630/86 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (ED — E) 5. The situation cannot therefore be viewed in terms of the elimination purely and simply of all Community to the Council of the European Communities financial assistance for compensatory social measures for (6 February 1987) the restructuring of the coal and steel industries. (87/C 117/85)

Subject: Competitiveness and labour law At the end of 1986 Mr Marin, Vice-President of the Commission, told the Spanish newspaper El Pals the following: 'Spanish legislation is compatible with Community law and does not need amending. The different forms of labour contract offered in Spain are among the most advanced in Europe. Furthermore, social security cannot disappear since it is part of European history and culture, etc.'. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2479/86 In contrast with this statement, Article 17 of the Economic by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED — GB) and Social Agreement (AES) signed by the Spanish Government acknowledges the need to adapt Spanish to the Commission of the European Communities legislation in line with not only the 'acquis communautaire' (26 January 1987) but also the usual practice of other Member States. (87/C 117/84) Earlier, Mr Cuevas, Chairman of the Spanish Confeder­ ation of Business Associations (CEOE), had drawn up a report recommending that conditions in Spain should be brought into line with those in the rest of the European Subject: Alumina factory at Delphi Community, which would mean 'revising our labour law to follow the example of more competitive countries which The Greek Government has reached an agreement with the also provide modern and effective safeguards of workers' Soviet Union to construct an alumina processing plant near rights'. the historic site of Delphi. It is considered that the project will pose a serious and damaging environmental threat. In view of this and the fact that the Community framework The former Greek Government led by Mr Karamanlis is broad enough to accommodate different rules, which of abandoned a similar project when Mr Andreas Papan- course have different effects, can the Council say whether it dreou, then in opposition, opposed it. In view of the prime agrees that the Commission should limit itself to ascertain­ significance of Delphi, what representations has the ing that labour law in a particular country is in agreement 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/43 with Community law, or whether it should promote the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2678/86 aspects of labour law which experience in Europe has by Mrs Dorothee Piermont (ARC — D) shown are most favourable to business competitiveness ? to the Council of the European Communities (12 February 1987) (87/C 117/87)

Answer (23 March 1987) Subject: Threatened hunger strike by three victims of the toxic syndrome in 1981 (Manuel Henares, Pilar It is not for the Council to express an opinion on the Pans, Teresa Cejas) manner in which the Commission fulfils its duties of guardian of the Treaties. 1. Why have the three abovementioned persons (Pre­ sident, Vice-President and Secretary of the Fuentox Association for the victims of adulterated oil in Fuentelab- rada, Madrid), received no reply to the question covering 43 specific points submitted on behalf of Fuentox to the Spanish Minister for Health and concerning the true causes of the toxic syndrome and the behaviour of the Spanish authorities over this matter?

2. Is the Council aware that Manuel Henares, Pilar Pans and Teresa Cejas have announced their intention of embarking on an indefinite hunger strike, beginning on 30 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2672/86 March 1987, during which their only food intake will be the allegedly highly-toxic oil (which according to official by Mr Jaak Vandemeulcbroucke (ARC — B) sources was responsible in 1981 for the widespread to the Commission of the European Communities poisoning known as the 'toxic syndrome' which caused 24 000 cases of sickness and 532 deaths), unless full and (12 February 1987) exhaustive answers are given to their questions in the (87/C 117/86) meantime ?

3. What will the Council do to ensure that the three Subject: Translation subsidies representatives of Fuentox receive the comprehensive answers they seek, thus preventing them from embarking For a number of years the Commission has been granting on a hunger strike conceived as an experiment upon subsidies for translations of European literature, specifying themselves ? that the funds should always be used for works written in the minority languages. Can the Commission say which works have been translated in recent years and give the names of their authors ?

Answer Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana (26 March 1987) on behalf of the Commission (26 March 1987)

The Council is apprised of this case as a result of the The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to Honourable Member's question, but it does not have any its answer to Written Question No 3106/85 by Mr competence in the matter. Kuijpers 0).

(1) OJ No C 277, 3. 11.1986. No C 117/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2830/86 (d) ensure that conscientious objection is recognized as a by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B), Mrs Marie-Claude human right in the European Convention on Human Vayssade (S — F), Mr Willy Rothley (S — D), Rights and Fundamental Freedoms ? Mr Vincenzo Mattina (S — I), Mrs Carole Tongue (S — GB), Mr Roberto Barzanti (COM — I), Mr Roberto Cicciomessere (NI — I), Mr Mario Didd Answer (S — I), Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B), Mr Anselmo (23 March 1987) Guarraci (S — I), Mrs Ien van den Heuvel (S — NL), Mr Giovanni Papapietro (COM — I), Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B), Mr Dieter Schinzel The problems referred to by the Honourable Members are (S — D), Mr Gerhard Schmid (S — D), Mrs Vera not matters for the Council. Squarcialupi (COM — I), Mr Jef Ulburghs (NI — NL), The Council has moreover noted that in point 8 of the Mr Heinz Vetter (S — D), Mr Manfred Wagner European Parliament's Resolution of 7 February 1983 on conscientious objection the Parliament called on the (S — D) and Mr Enzo Tortora (NI — I) Governments and Parliaments of the Member states of the to the Council of the European Communities Community to examine their respective legislation in this (10 March 1987) field. (87/C 117/88)

Subject: Conscientious objection WRITTEN QUESTION No 2381/86 On 7 February 1983 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on conscientious objection declaring that the by Mr James Ford (S — GB), Mr Derek Prag right to refuse to perform armed military service and the (ED — GB), Mr Robert Chambeiron (COM — F), right to withdraw from such service for reasons of Mrs Hedy d'Ancona (S — NL), Mrs Nicole Fontaine conscience, was a fundamental right and should be (PPE — F), Mr Otto Habsburg (PPE — D), enshrined as such in the European Convention on Human Mrs Jessica Larive-Groenendaal (LDR — NL), Rights. Mr Bram van der Lek (ARC — NL), Mr Giorgio Rossetti (COM — I), Mr Willi Rothley (S — D), Mr Gustavo Selva (PPE — I), Mrs Marijke In particular Parliament called on the governments and Van Hemeldonck (S — B) and Mr Frank parliaments of the Member States of the Commission of the European Communities to examine their respective Schwalba-Hoth (ARC — D) legislation in order to bring it into line with the principles to the Council of the European Communities invoked in the resolution of the European Parliament. (10 March 1987) 1. Can the Council say which Member States have (87/C 117/89) amended their legislation in line with the resolution of the European Parliament and what is the nature of these Subject: The rise of fascism and racism in Europe amendments ? Could the Council give its views on the conclusions and recommendations of the report on the results of the 2. What practical steps do the governments of the Member Committee of Inquiry into the rise of fascism and racism in States intend to take in order to Europe ? Could it state what actions it envisages to give effect to (a) eliminate any checks to ascertain whether the these recommendations? grounds cited by the objector reflect his deeply-held beliefs? Where there is such a check: is a written procedure necessary or is there a requirement that Answer the objector must show no evidence to the contrary (reversal of the burden of proof) ? (23 March 1987)

(b) enable service to be performed within institutions The Council has noted the European Parliament's with no links with either the armed forces or the Resolution of 16 January 1986 on the rise of fascism and Ministry of Defence ? racism in Europe. The Council attaches very great importance to the (c) ensure that civilian service reflects its name and problems engendered by racism and xenophobia. That is includes as wide a range of activities as possible why on 11 June 1986 it signed, together with the European which are essentially humanitarian in aim: develop­ Parliament, the Representatives of the Governments of the ment cooperation or the Community's cross-border Member States and the Commission, a Declaration against programmes and to ensure that those performing racism and xenophobia. The Declaration also stresses the civilian service do so on the same financial terms as prime importance which all the Community Institutions those doing military service ? attach to the principle of the freedom of movement of 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/45 persons as laid down in the Treaty of Rome. While racism Answer and xenophobia as such are a matter of public policy in (23 March 1987) each individual Member State, they may however be an obstacle to the actual exercise of freedom of movement of persons, and in particular of workers within the Com­ Although the Council understands the Honourable munity. Members' concern, it should be pointed out that space research and technology is a matter for the European Space Agency and the Council is not qualified to comment on the activities of that organization.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2858/86 by Mr Xavier Rubert de Ventos (S — E), Mr Paras- kevas Avgerinos (S — GR), Mr Jorge Campinos (S _ P), Mr Ove Fich (S — DK), Mr Rolf Linkohr WRITTEN QUESTION No 2855/86 (S _ D), Mr Vincenzo Mattina (S — I), Mr Francois by Mr Jose Bueno Vicente (S — E), Mr Louis Eyraud Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B), Mr Henri Saby (S — F), Mrs Colette Gadioux (S — F), Mr Ernest (S _ F), Mrs Lydie Schmit (S — L), Mr John Glinne (S — B), Mr Rolf Linkohr (S — D), Mr Luis Tomlinson (S — GB) and Mr Eisso Woltjer (S — NL) Planas Puchades (S — E), Mr Henri Saby (S — F), to the Council of the European Communities Mrs Marie-Claude Vayssade (S — F) and (10 March 1987) Mrs Phili Viehoff (S — NL) (87/C 117/91) to the Council of the European Communities (10 March 1987) Subject: The agreement between France and New Zealand (87/C 117/90) on the release of the French agents It has been revealed that the agreement between France and New Zealand on the release of the French agents implicated Subject: The future of the European aerospace pro­ in the attack of Green Peace and the death of Fernando Pereira contains two provisions to the effect that: gramme 1. France will not oppose the sale of New Zealand butter On 31 May 1986, officials of the European Space Agency to the United Kingdom when the new quotas come to be (ESA) had to order the destruction in flight of an Ariane-2 authorized by the European Economic Community on 1 rocket owing to a fault in the third-stage booster, which August. was constructed by SEP. The rocket was intended to place 2. France undertakes not to challenge the sales of New into orbit systems incorporating thousands of mtra- Zealand sheepmeat, beef and veal to the European European telephone lines and two TV channels, represent­ Economic Community under the 1980 agreement. ing the first stage of a European TV network. Does the Council consider that it is acceptable that a In view of the lead enjoyed by Europe in the development of Member State should publicly use Community policy in satellite launchers and of the economic losses, sectoral this way, and does it not consider that this may disruptions and loss of prestige which a shutdown or undermine the coherence, credibility and international interruption of the European space programme would respectability of the criteria governing this Community entail, what plans does the Council have for the future of policy ? that part of the programme which is concerned with satellite launchers and which may well have suffered a setback as a result of the failure described ? Answer Will the current launching schedules and, consequently, the (26 March 1987) orders placed with the Ariane space agency be maintained ?

Will the failure affect the policies pursued by the ESA ? 1. The Council would point out that it is for the Commission to ensure that the Treaty is applied, notably in What future political and technical strategies will the the case in point concerning common commercial policy. European Communities be implementing in the aerospace 2. With respect to the specific case of imports of New sector with a view to maintaining Europe's prestige and Zealand butter, the Regulation adopted by the Council on superiority in the area in question ? No C 117/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

22 July 1986 fixes the quantities allocated to New Zealand surpluses. The Honourable Member has furthermore and the arrangements for imports into the Community in alluded to this aspect in asking the Council about the 1987 and 1988. desirability of achieving production control at inter­ national level. As indicated in the reply given to Mr Hoon in the first part- session of October 1986 (H-257/86) (*), the Community's attitude in this matter was largely dictated by a desire to improve the existing situation on the world milk products market through cooperation with the principal third Developments in the production of agricultural pro­ country producers. ducts such as milk products, beef and veal and cereals pose a problem which is extremely complex, not only 3. There is no contractual arrangement between the because it involves at one and the same time economic, Community and New Zealand on beef and veal. social and financial aspects of Community policy, but With respect to sheepmeat, the arrangements between the also because the situation varies from one Member State Community and New Zealand are governed by the to another and from one sector to another. In addition, voluntary restraint Agreements concluded by the Council imports of certain products from third countries, such on 18 October 1980 (2) and complemented by the Exchange as for example cereal substitutes, have made the of Letters approved by the Council on 12 July 1984 (3). problem even more difficult. The Council, in close These Agreements provide for imports from New Zealand collaboration with the Commission and the European Parliament, has continually tried to find appropriate of 245 500 tonnes and will remain in force until 31 remedies for the creation of surpluses and is firmly December 1988, or until a later date to be agreed by mutual resolved to continue along this path. consent. The limit on New Zealand's exports to the Community is a quid pro quo for the Community limiting the levy applicable to imports to 10 % ad valorem. As a consequence of binding under GATT, the Community could only challenge imports of New Zealand sheepmeat in Thus, following the decisions on cereals in May 1986, exchange for compensation in other areas. the Council has just decided on a series of measures relating to the milk and milk products and beef and veal sectors which should help to keep production under 0) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2-344 (October 1986). better control and bring it into line with market (2) OJ No L 275, 18. 10.1980, p. 13, Decision 80/982/EEC. demand. Since the details of these measures have (3) OJ No L 187, 14. 7. 1984, p. 75, Decision 84/362.EEC. already been widely commented on, the considerations which were decisive for the Council need merely be highlighted in broad outline in the present context.

(a) The main objective of a further reduction in quotas in the milk sector and the application of stricter WRITTEN QUESTION No 2859/86 discipline in intervention as far as beef and veal and milk are concerned is to discourage the production by Mr James Provan (ED — GB) of agricultural products where it takes place with the to the Council of the European Communities sole aim of benefiting from the guarantees offered by (10 March 1987) the intervention arrangements. The idea is therefore the same as that which was the decisive factor in the (87/C 117/92) Council's action in May 1986 with regard to cereals and certain fruit and vegetables. Subject: Agricultural surpluses 1. How do the Council intend to dispose of agricultural surpluses ? (b)In parallel with the measures described above, 2. Will the Council further consider negotiating produc­ penalties for continued excess production have been tion control on an international basis through GATT ? stepped up. Thus, in the case of milk producers, production in excess of the quota is subject to the full additional levy, taking into account the volume of production below the quota which can be re­ distributed. In the case of cereals, the co-respons­ Answer ibility system has been completely revised and (26 March 1987) tightened up.

The Council believes that the problem of the disposal of agricultural surpluses cannot be dealt with without at the (c) Thridly, the Council is aware that application of this same time considering the question, which is at least policy is likely to cause difficulties for quite a equally important, of how to prevent the creation of number of farms. For that reason, the Community 4. 5. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 117/47

and, where appropriate, the Member States will included in that figure. Other products such as grant compensation or aid in cases where such action skimmed-milk powder, butteroil, sugar and dried is found to be justified. fish are also allocated to food aid. 3. Finally, the Council and the Commission are pursuing an active policy with third countries. As regards (d)In conclusion, these measures — which will, imports, the Council is aware of the problems resulting moreover, be supplemented at structural level — from the lack of Community preference arrangements should enable production in surplus to be adjusted to in a number of sectors. In the case of exports the market requirements and the financial consequences Community has always striven to maintain its role as a of the surpluses involved for the EAGGF budget to traditional exporter of milk products, cereals and other be reduced. high quality food products (pasta, wine, etc.), although the multilateral and bilateral international commit­ ments entered into by the Community have of course to be observed when disposing of these agricultural 2. As regards the disposal of existing surpluses, the products on the world market. It is indeed in the common organization of markets does in fact already Community's own interest to ensure an orderly possess a considerable number of instruments enabling functioning of the world market by consultations in the possibilities for disposal to be opened up in a flexible relevant international bodies or with the trade partners manner. Naturally, it is primarily for the Commission concerned. It is in this spirit that the Community gave its to use these instruments under its market management support to the declaration on agriculture appearing in powers. The Council, for its part, has energetically the conclusions of the Conference of the Contracting supported the Commission in its efforts to widen the Parties of the GATT at Punta del Este in September possibilities for disposing of stocks, either by releasing 1986. For this reason too, the Community will try to the necessary funds or by adopting various measures ensure that the efforts it has already made are taken into which are additional to the other instruments already at account by its trading partners in international the Commission's disposal. I shall therefore confine negotiations, so that they too may contribute to the myself here to mentioning no more than a few examples. stability of world markets.

(a) Firstly, the Council welcomes the Commission's firm intention of pursuing a rigorous destocking programme. The Council awaits a financial pro­ posal from the Commission in this regard. The Council has already committed, during the budget procedure, substantial appropriations to help the Commission finance part of this programme. When agricultural prices were being fixed for the 1986/ 1987 marketing year, the Council achieved substan­ tial savings, which were made available to the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2871/86 Commission to enable it to carry out the sup­ by Mr Vincenzo Mattina (S — I), Mr Mario Dido plementary programme almost in its entirety. In fact (S — I), Mr Giorgio Rossetti (COM — I), the Council went further, by achieving savings Mr Michelangelo Ciancaglini (PPE — I), through appropriate amendments to the financial Mr Antonio Iodice (PPE — I), Mr Franco Borgo regulations governing agriculture, such savings to be (PPE — I), Mr Anselmo Guarraci (S — I) used exclusively for financing the Commission's and Mr Roberto Formigoni (PPE — I) destocking programmes. to the Council of the European Communities (10 March 1987) (b) Furthermore, the Council has taken numerous steps (87/C 117/93) to enable the socially weak sections of the popu­ lation to benefit from the surpluses at attractive prices. Thus, butter has been and will be sold at a Subject: Aid to the shipbuilding industry reduced price to persons in receipt of social welfare and fruit and vegetables withdrawn from the market In view of the fact that the Commission's proposals for are made available to charities, schools, penal tighter control over aid to the shipbuilding industry provide institutions and other recipients. for substantial reductions in productive capacity through the shedding of 30 000 jobs, would the Council not agree that it is desirable and necessary for each decision to be preceded by full discussions with Parliament and an (c) Outside the Community I would mention food aid exhaustive study of the state of the sector with representat­ measures. In 1985 the Community decided to ives of the metallurgical, mechanical and other workers allocate 1 159 300 tonnes of cereals to food aid, affected and with the fitting-out and shipbuilding firms direct contributions by the Member States not being concerned ? No C 117/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 4. 5. 87

Answer — Why has the Council not yet adopted the proposal for a (23 March 1987) directive ? — What obstacles, if any, are preventing it from being The European Parliament was consulted by the Council on adopted ? the proposal for a 6th Directive on aid to shipbuilding on 16 — Does the Council not agree that the new impetus given October 1986, and delivered its Opinion on 12 December to the campaign for a People's Europe by the European 1986. The European Parliament has thus had the oppor­ Council in Fontainebleau (1984), Brussels (1985) and tunity to examine and debate the situation, particularly in Milan (1985) should make it possible to overcome these the light of the Commission communication on policy obstacles ? guidelines for aid to shipbuilding after 1986. The Council approved this 6th Directive on 22 December (*) Report from the ad hoc Committee on a People's Europe, 28/29 1986. March 1985, paragraph 22. (2) Petition No 232/85. (3) Petition No 124/85. (4) OJ No C 207,17. 8.1979; OJ No C 188, 25. 7.1980; and OJ No C 171, 10. 7.1985. (*) OJNoC117,12.5.1980, p. 48, Gonella report (Doc. 1-40/80) and resolution of 17 April 1980.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2875/86 Answer by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE — B), (23 March 1987) Mr Dieter Rogalla (S — D), Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR — NL) In the light of the conclusions on a People's Europe reached and Mrs Jeannette Oppenheim (ED — DK) by the European Council at its most recent meetings, the to the Council of the European Communities Council has speeded up and intensified its work on the proposal for a Council Directive on the right of residence of (10 March 1987) nationals of the Member States in the territory of another (87/C 117/94) Member State. This proposal has highlighted the complex questions which would have to be resolved before reaching Subject: Shortcomings of the right of residence of agreement. nationals of Member States in the European Some progress has been possible during recent proceedings, Community particularly towards the solution of the problem of The right of a citizen of a Member State of the Community students. to reside in any other Member State of his free choice is an The major questions still unresolved are as follows: essential element of the right to freedom of movement 0). — conditions for granting the right of residence to However, certain categories of Community citizens, such students; as retired persons, are still deprived of this right because — the sickness insurance scheme of the holder of the right they are not covered by existing directives on the free of residence; movement of workers and persons providing services. For example (2), a Belgian woman, married to a retired French — determination of the beneficiaries of the right of national, is obliged to report to the police once every three residence; months to have her French residence permit extended. — the legal basis and form of the act to be adopted. Similarly (3), the unrestricted residence permit of a All these points were examined at the Council meeting on 3 Luxembourg national resident in the Federal Republic of November 1986. Germany with her Belgian husband became invalid as a At that meeting, the Permanent Representatives Commit­ direct result of the expiry of her passport. tee was requested to continue examining the problems still Such situations could be avoided if the Council decided to unresolved. On 5 and 6 December 1986, the European adopt the proposal for a directive on a generalized right of Council requested that decisions be taken in 1987 to speed residence (4), which has been pending since 1980, when up the creation of a People's Europe, involving greater Parliament endorsed the proposal (5). freedom of movement for persons.