ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C270 Volume 29 of the European Communities 27 October 1986

English edition Information and Notices

Notice No Contents Page

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer: 86/C 270/01 No 1902/85 by Mr Piet Dankert to the Commission Subject: Implementation of the Community rules for granting aid to the dairy sector in the Netherlands 1

86/C 270/02 No 2203/85 by Mr Ray Mac Sharry to the Commission Subject: EEC/Canada beef markets 2

86/C 270/03 No 2342/85 by Mr Spiridon Kolokotronis to the Commission Subject: Decrease in energy intensity and primary energy consumption in EUR-10 since 1979 . . 2

86/C 270/04 No 2352/85 by Mrs Philli Viehoff to the Commission Subject: EDF, nuclear energy and international debt 3

86/C 270/05 No 2391/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Bonn Convention on migratory birds 3

86/C 270/06 No 2624/85 by Mr Manfred Wagner, Mrs Lydie Schmit and Mr Victor Abens to the Commission Subject: Licensing procedure for the French nuclear power station at Cattenom in the immediate vicinity of the border with the Federal Republic of Germany and Luxembourg 4

86/C 270/07 No 2688/85 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission Subject: Soil erosion 5

86/C 270/08 No 2691/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Development of nuclear energy — priority need of developing countries 6

86/C 270/09 No 2817/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Radioactivity of cinder blocks used in the contructions of sea walls 6

86/C 270/10 No 2819/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Threat to fish stocks by dredging operations 7

(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued)

86/C 270/11 No 2821/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Cadmium pollution in the Limburg area 7

86/C 270/12 No 2847/85 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission Subject: Imports to the Canary Islands 7

86/C 270/13 No 2861/85 by Mr Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission Subject: Supposed restrictions on imports of so-called 'curds' into Italy 8

86/C 270/14 No 2868/85 by Mr Raphael Chanterie to the Commission Subject: Unused funds from the European Social Fund in 1984 9

86/C 270/15 No 2869/85 by Mr Raphael Chanterie to the Commission Subject: Unused funds from the European Social Fund in 1983 9

86/C 270/16 No 2870/85 by Mr Raphael Chanterie to the Commission

Subject: Unused funds from the European Social Fund in 1982 9

Joint answer to Written Question Nos 2868/85, 2869/85 and 2870/85 9

86/C 270/17 No 2898/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Central termica de Ceres, Bergueda 10 86/C 270/18 No 2910/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Emissions from the French nuclear power station in Cattenom 10

86/C 270/19 No 2913/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Limit value applicable to radioactive effluent from French nuclear power stations .... 11

86/C 270/20 No 2930/85 by Mr Pieter Dankert to the Commission Subject: Involvement of the Member States in promotion campaigns for national products .... 11

86/C 270/21 No 2932/85 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission Subject: EEC financial aid to redundant steel workers on Merseyside 12

86/C 270/22 No 2952/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: International trade in the soft cheese 'Mont d'Or' 12

86/C 270/23 No 2972/85 by Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji to the Commission Subject: Participation of professional agricultural organizations in the COPA 13

86/C 270/24 No 2991/85 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Recruitment of officials 13

86/C 270/25 No 3003/85 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission Subject: Directive on organically grown foodstuffs 14

86/C 270/26 No 3011/85 by Mr Ray Mac Sharry to the Commission Subject: Community imports of agricultural products 14

86/C 270/27 No 3014/85 by Mr Ray Mac Sharry to the Commission Subject: Cost of disposing of farm surpluses 16

86/C 270/28 No 3028/85 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: World Food Conference 16

86/C 270/29 No 3039/85 by Mr Alberto Tridente to the Commission Subject: Sales of chemical weapons to Iraq by European arms manufacturers 17 Notice No Contents (continued) Page

86/C 270/30 No 3051/85 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission Subject: Refunds for exports to the Canary Islands 17

86/C 270/31 No 3070/85 by Mr Horst Seefeld to the Commission Subject: Withdrawal of the Wurttemberg wine trade from the Community's wine regime 18

i/C 270/32 No 3076/85 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: Development of 'anti-freeze' for vegetables in France — EEC aid 18

86/C 270/33 No 3090/85 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject: UK water privatization — checks on quality 19

86/C 270/34 No 3097/85 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: EIB loan of 30 million ECU for a power station in Egypt 19

86/C 270/35 No 3115/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Mercury content of pilot whales 20

86/C 270/36 No 3138/85 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: European bees (Apis Mellifica) — destruction of hives by varroa mite disease 20

86/C 270/37 No 3141/85 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: Aids to the steel industry 21

86/C 270/38 No 3159/85 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission Subject: European Press Centre 22

86/C 270/39 No 39/86 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Compliance with the Directive laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations 22

86/C 270/40 No 66/86 by Mr Alfred Lomas to the Commission Subject: Crisis in the tin industry 23

86/C 270/41 No 127/86 by Mr Raphael Chanterie to the Commission Subject: The 'numerus clausus' at universities in the Member States 24

86/C 270/42 No 142/86 by Mr Jorge Campinos and Mrs Ludivina Garcia Arias to the Commission Subject: Pilot schemes or projects on behalf of women 24

86/C 270/43 No 143/86 by Mr Jorges Campinos and Mrs Ludivina Garcia Arias to the Commission Subject: Priority measures under the European Social Fund 25

l/C 270/44 No 172/86 by Mrs Anne-Josee Andre to the Commission Subject: European Road Safety Year and the standardization of the 'Baby on board' sticker as a European sign 25

86/C 270/45 No 212/86 by Mr Horst Seefeld to the Commission Subject: Expensive Commission programmes 25

86/C 270/46 No 228/86 by Mr Willem Vergeer to the Commission Subject: Compatibility of exceptional measures for the early retirement of European civil servants and re-employment overseas within the EAC 26

86/C 270/47 No 234/86 by Mr Karl von Wogau to the Commission Subject: Landing cards at Spanish airports 26

(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Pa e

86/C 270/48 No 237/86 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: Procedures for the storing and handling of chemicals 26

86/C 270/49 No 252/86 by Mr Winston Griffiths to the Commission Subject: Fuel bio-ethanol 27

86/C 270/50 No 283/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Hazards arising from chemical fertilizer dumps 27

86/C 270/51 No 290/86 by Mr David Martin to the Commission Subject: Community staff and disability 28

86/C 270/52 No 307/86 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Contravention of Article 51 of the Treaty 28

86/C 270/53 No 314/86 by Mr Giovanni Starita to the Commission Subject: Role of the Community structural funds in the Community's economic and social development 29

86/C 270/54 No 325/86 by Mr Luc.Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: EEC aid for Afghan refugees in Pakistan 30

86/C 270/55 No 331/86 by Mr Bram van der Lek to the Commission Subject: Military use of nuclear material designated as non-military in the United Kingdom ... 30

86/C 270/56 No 340/86 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Eulate Penaranda to the Commission Subject: ECU travellers cheques for tourists 31

86/C 270/57 No 354/86 by Mr Lambert Croux to the Commission Subject: Irrigation projects in the Sahel 31

86/C 270/58 No 355/86 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: Numbers of EEC officials in retirement 32

86/C 270/59 No 381/85 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Euregio office in Enschede/Gronau 32

86/C 270/60 No 396/85 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Proposals to amend the Regulations on international passenger transport 33

86/C 270/61 No 398/85 by Mr Natalino Gatti and Mr Tommaso Rossi to the Commission Subject: Storage contracts in respect of olive oil 33

86/C 270/62 No 399/85 by Mr Natalino Gatti and Mr Tommaso Rossi to the Commission Subject: Financing of specific measures to improve the quality of olive oil 33

86/C 270/63 No 417/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Fraud in connection with sales of summer homes in Spain 34

86/C 270/64 No 419/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: European Social Fund assistance for a vocational training project in Turnhout for young poorly qualified unemployed persons under 25 34

86/C 270/65 No 427/86 by Mr Fernand Herman to the Commission Subject: Road signs 35

86/C 270/66 No 433/86 by Mrs Dorothee Piermont to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the European Community meeting in political cooperation Subject: Control of exports of certain chemical products that can be used in chemical weapons . 35

i (Continued on inside back cover) Notice No Contents (continued) Page

86/C 270/67 No 445/86 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Local employment initiatives 36

86/C 270/68 No 448/86 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: Status of British Nationals in Hong Kong 36

86/C 270/69 No 449/86 by Mrs len van de Heuvel to the Commission Subject: Equality of treatment as regards the payment of benefits 36

86/C 270/70 No 455/86 by Mrs Anne-Josee Andre to the Commission Subject: Labour market 37

86/C 270/71 No 461/86 by Mrs Barbara Castle to the Commission Subject: Social Fund 37

86/C 270/72 No 476/86 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission Subject: New Italian unit of currency 38

86/C 270/73 No 493/86 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: The 'wood, a renewable raw material' programme — reduction by the Council of the resources earmarked for the programme 38

86/C 270/74 No 571/86 by Mr Michel Debatisse to the Commission Subject: Utilization of the emergency aid for Madagascar in the wake of cyclone Honorinina in March 1986 38 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/1

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1902/85 conditions specified in the EEC regulation(s) gave been by Mr Piet Dankert (S—NL) satisfied, and does the Commission also share my view that the imposition of conditions not provided for in to the Commission of the European Communities the relevant EEC regulations is prohibited under (20 October 1985) Community law, on penalty of a claim for damages {86/C 270/01) against the national agency responsible for implementing the scheme concerned? Subject: Implementation of the Community rules for granting aid to the dairy sector in the 5. Does the Commission also agree with me that, if Netherlands 'supplementary' bank guarantees have indeed been required, the Netherlands is thereby evading its Recently the European Commission took a decision on the responsibilities and is in fact passing them on to the final accounts of the European Agricultural Guidance and applicants for aid? Guarantee Fund for the years 1980/81. As regards the Netherlands, the Commission took the view that expenditure 6. What action does the Commission intend to take on this on incorporating skimmed-milk powder into animal issue? feedingstuffs contravened the formal European rules. In this (') OJ No L 148, 28. 6. 1968, p. 13. connection may I invite the Commission to answer the (2) OJNoL 199, 7. 8. 1979, p. 1. following questions on the implementation of a Community aid scheme for the dairy sector in the Netherlands in 1982. Answer given by Mr Andriessen 1. Is it true that in 1982, in implementation of Regulation on behalf of the Commission x (EEC) No 804/68 ( ), the Netherlands gave aid to (23 May 1986) undertakings which had not observed the formal 2 requirements of Regulation (EEC) No 1725/79 ( )? If 1. No. The Commission's decision not to finance some of so, what were the consequences of this? the expenditure declared for 1980 and 1981 as incurred 2. Is it true that one or more undertakings received the pursuant to Regulation (EEC) No 1725/79 was based on the above aid on condition that it or they put up failure of the Netherlands to apply the control provisions laid 'supplementary' bank guarantees to satisfy the down in Article 10 (2) (c), (d) and (e) of the said Netherlands authorities and that these would be forfeit Regulation. if the Commission did not accept the interpretation of Community law applied by the Netherlands 2 and 3. The Commission has no information to suggest authorities? that the Netherlands authorities required bank guarantees for which there is no provision in the Community rules;, the 3. If so, was the Commission duly informed of the checks made by Commission staff have not revealed the procedure adopted by the Netherlands and did the latter existence of such guarantees. ask the Commission's opinion on the Netherlands interpretation of Community law in the cases where the 4. The Commission shares the Honourable Member's Netherlands authorities insisted on a 'supplementary' view that the beneficiary qualifies for the aid once he has bank guarantee? provided evidence that he has satisfied all the conditions laid down in the Community rules. The Member States are not 4. Does the Commission share my view that EEC authorized to lay down additional conditions. Any conflict legislation gives processors of skimmed-milk powder an between the Member State concerned and the beneficiary unqualified right to aid as soon as all the formal may be the subject of proceedings under national law. No C 270/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

5. The Commission shares this view. The Commission will maintain a watching brief to ensure that the relevant GATT provisions are observed. It does not 6. For the reasons outlined in 2 and 3 above, the have factual information to show that any non-Community Commission sees no need to take action on this issue. supplier country is dumping on the Canadian market.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2342/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2203/85 by Mr Spiridon Kolokotronis (S—GR) by Mr Ray Mac Sharry (RDE—IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (10 January 1986) (5 December 1985) (86/C 270/03) (86/C 270/02) Subject: Decrease in energy intensity and primary energy consumption in EUR-10 since 1979 Subject: EEC/Canada beef markets In its written reply to the working document by Mr Staes, What is the position of the Commission in relation to the MEP, on the costs of the nuclear-powered production of allegations by the Canadian Cattlemen's Association that electricity (Doc. PE 96.973), the Commission states on page beef imports from EEC countries are undercutting Canadian 11, section II, lines 5 to 8 of Doc. XVII/326/85: meat prices? Would the Commission accept that such allegations may damage the EEC's beef export trade? Is the 'The document — page 16, last paragraph, page 19, Commission taking steps to point to the factors having a real paragraph 3.1 first sentence, page 20, comments on the table impact on Canadian beef prices, i.e. the dumping of — paints a general picture of a systematic trend towards an Australian beef in the first half of the year and the weakening overall reduction in electricity consumption. In fact, current in prices on the American market? estimates show a growth of the order of 2,3 % until 1995, which is lower than during the 'seventies but still substantial.'

Does the Commission deny the fact that there has been a Answer given by Mr Andriessen decrease in energy intensity (Doc. PE 96.973, page 20, table) on behalf of the Commission and in primary energy consumption in EUR-10 since 1979, on the basis of current estimates of future growth rate, whilst (23 April 1986) past experience shows that such estimates have always been too high (Doc. PE 96.973, page 19, paragraph 3.1)?

The allegations by the Canadian Cattlemen's Association concerning imports into Canada of beef from EEC countries are set out in a complaint to the Canadian authorities by that association. The purpose of the complaint is to have countervailing duties imposed on beef imports. The Answer given by Mr Mosar Commission has denied the allegations both bilaterally and on behalf of the Commission within GATT. The Canadian market has indeed been (18 June 1986) directly affected by the fall in prices recorded on the neighbouring American market and by imports from other suppliers. Community exports were virtually halted during There was a sharp fall in the intensity of both final and the early months of 1985 following the unilateral primary energy demand between 1973 and 1982, although introduction by Canada of an annual quota of 2 700 tonnes. since then energy intensity has hardly changed. Inland Subsequently, following negotiations, a quota of 10 668 primary energy consumption fell by nearly 11 % between tonnes was introduced for the entire year. The Commission 1979 and 1982, but in the last two years it has been has drawn the attention of the competent authorities to the increasing: the latest estimates suggest inland demand of factors which, in its view, have a determining effect on beef around 940 mtoe in 1985, up by 3 % on 1984. prices in Canada. But, despite an undertaking by the Community to limit subsidized exports of boneless beef Despite the fall in the intensity of primary energy demand for processing to Canada, countervailing duties were 1973 to 1982, electricity demand grew by over 21 % over the nonetheless imposed by Canada after further objections by same period. Since 1982 electricity demand has grown by a the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. further 11% and by an estimated 4% in 1985 alone. 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/3

The reference scenario in the Commission staff study 'Energy In other words, there are advantages, for alternative sources 2000' (SEC(85) 324) suggested that electricity demand with comparable costs, in having to raise capital rather than would grow at an average rate of 3,1 % for the period 1983 remaining dependent on specific raw material sources. to 1990, whith some slowing down towards the end of the decade and that in the 1990s demand would slow further to an average of a little less than 2 % as a result of the combined effects of structural and technological change and improvements in energy efficiency. These forecast growth rates of electricity demand, though lower than assumed before, are nevertheless well above the growth rates projected for either primary or final energy demand as a WRITTEN QUESTION No 2391/85 whole. Electricity demand is expected to remain more closely by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) linked to GDP growth than will be the demand for other to the Commission of the European Communities fuels. (16 January 1986) (86/C 270/05)

Subject: Bonn Convention on migratory birds

The Bonn Convention for the protection of migrant species WRITTEN QUESTION No 2352/85 was established in the 1970s. by Mrs Philli Viehoff (S—NL) Will the Commission state: to the Commission of the European Communities (10 January 1986) 1. Which countries have signed this convention? (86/C 270/04) 2. Which routes are at present covered by the convention? Subject: EDF, nuclear energy and international debt 3. Was the Commission a participant or observer at the UN In its written reply to the working document by Mr Staes, Conference in Bonn (at the end of October) on the MEP, on the costs of the nuclear-powered production of protection of migratory birds and if so, what was its electricity (Doc. PE 96.973), the Commission states, on page attitude in this regard? 26, section HI, first two lines of Doc. XVH/326/85: 'It is wrong to link France's debts, and especially EDF's debts, to its nuclear programme.' Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis In the Commission's opinion, to what extent does France's on behalf of the Commission nuclear reactor network make it independent of third (16 May 1986) countries, given that annually it pays out a total of 7,9 billion in repayments on this network, much of it in foreign currency {The Economist, 3 July 1985)? The Bonn Convention was adopted on 23 June 1979 and entered into force on 1 November 1983. The Community signed the Bonn Convention on 1 August 1983.

The Honourable Member will find attached the position Answer given by Mr Mosar regarding signature, ratification and accession as at 1 April on behalf of the Commission 1986. (23 June 1986) Article II of the Bonn Convention states that the parties: France, like many European countries, does not have in her — shall promote research work relating to migratory own territory enough energy sources to meet her needs. She is species, cooperate in this work or give it their support, therefore obliged to seek her supplies from diversified and — shall provide immediate protection for migratory species reliable external sources. included in Appendix I, The past experience of the countries relying on running — shall conclude agreements covering the conservation and cost-intensive sources has shown how far they are vulnerable management of migratory species included in Appen­ to supply interruptions. dix II.

In this respect, a capital-intensive source like nuclear energy All migration routes are concerned, Appendix I contains has a certain advantage. This is because it is dependent species belonging to the Western Palearctic, Eastern mainly on the international financial market which is Palearctic, Central Palearctic, Neorctic and Pelagic Systems, sufficiently well articulated and differentiated to spread the and Appendix II contains the species belonging to most necessary borrowing widely. migration routes. No C 270/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

The first meeting of the Contracting Parties to the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2624/85 Convention was held in Bonn from 21 to 26 October by Mr Manfred Wagner (S—D), Mrs Lydie Schmit (S—L) 1985. and Mr Victor Abens (S—L) to the Commission of the European Communities The Community, as a Contracting Party to the Convention, was represented by the Commission. It was decided at the (31 January 1986) meeting, with a vote in favour from the Community, to (86/C 270/06) establish a Standing Committee and a Scientific Council. Subject: Licensing procedure for the French nuclear power On a proposal from the Community, the Federal Republic of station at Cattenom in the immediate vicinity of the Germany and Hungary a number of amendments were border with the Federal Republic of Germany and adopted which provide for the inclusion of new species in the Luxembourg appendices to the Convention. The French authorities are currently conducting the licensing procedure for the 5 200-MW nuclear power station at Cattenom (four 1 300-MW reactors). The radioactive- Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals emission values quoted during the procedure do not reflect of 23 June 1979 the state of the art and, as noted by the Saarland Government in its official objection, are many times higher than the usual values for comparable nuclear power stations in the Federal Date or Date of Date of Contracting Republic of Germany. According to press reports, and signature of deposit of entry into Convention instrument contrary to earlier information, the future operators of Cattenom intend to set an annual emission level for liquid discharges of 16,3 Curie per reactor; as noted by the press, Egypt 23. 6. 1979 11. 2.1982 1. 11.1983 licensing limit values in the Federal Republic are about 3 Benin 14. 1.1986 1. 4.1986 Curie. Chile (accession) '15. 9. 1981 1. 11.1983 Denmark 23. 6. 1979 5. 8.1982 1. 11.1983 The Saarland Government's objection has been endorsed by a whole range of local-government bodies and organizations Fed. Rep. of Germany 23. 6. 1979 31. 7. 1984 1. 10. 1984 and public-campaigning associations in the Saarland and Ivory Coast 23. 6. 1979 Luxembourg. EEC (accession) 1. 8.1983 1.11.1983 France 23. 6.1979 Can the Commission therefore answer the following? Greece 23. 6. 1979 1. Has the French Government now finally honoured its India 23. 6. 1979 4. 5.1982 1. 11. 1983 obligation to the Commission under Article 37 of the Ireland 20. 6. 1980 5. 8.1983 1.11.1983 Euratom Treaty? Israel (accession) 17. 5.1983 1.11.1983 2. If not, what specific steps has the Commission taken, and Italy 23. 6. 1979 26. 8. 1983 1. 11. 1983 when, to prevail upon the French Government to observe Jamaica 20. 6. 1980 Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, and with what Cameroon 10. 6. 1980 1. 9.1981 1. 11. 1983 outcome? Luxembourg 26. 3. 1980 30. 11. 1982 1.11.1983 3. Should no action have been taken thus far, what Madagascar 23. 6. 1979 immediate steps does the Commission intend to take Morocco 23. 6.1979 and, in particular, will it deliver its opinion in this matter Netherlands 20. 6. 1980 5. 6. 1981 1. 11. 1983 as provided for in Article 37 of the EEC Treaty? Niger 23. 6.1979 3. 7.1980 1.11.1983 4. Is the Commission prepared to support the legitimate Norway 23. 6. 1979 30. 5.1985 1. 8.1985 demands, formulated in the German and Luxem- Paraguay 23. 6.1979 bourgish objections, for maximum safety based on the Philippines 20. 6. 1980 state of the art, as has already been achieved in German Portugal •23. 6. 1979 21. 1.1981 1. 11. 1983 nuclear power stations, and how does it intend to gain Sweden 23. 6. 1979 9. 6.1983 1. 11. 1983 acceptance for this, with a view to ensuring the most effective protection of the inhabitants and environment Somalia 23. 6. 1979 11. 11.1985 1. 2.1986 of the region concerned? Spain 23. 6. 1979 12. 2.1985 1. 5.1985 Sri Lanka 23. 6. 1979 Togo 23. 6. 1979 Chad 23. 6. 1979 Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis Uganda 22.6.1980 on behalf of the Commission Hungary (accession) 12. 7.1983 1.11.1983 (5 June 1986) United Kingdom 23. 6. 1979 23. 7.1985 1. 10.1985 South Africa 23. 6. 1979 The general data concerning Cattenom nuclear power station were received on 30 April 1986, by the Commission 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/5 from the French government under the terms of Article 37 of a set of specific regulations for the improvement and the Euratom Treaty. conservation of soil in the Mediterranean regions of the Community: The Commission is proceeding to consult the independent group of experts appointed for the purposes of Article 37 as a — Council Regulation (EEC) No 269/79 of 6 February preliminary to formulating its opinion. The Commission will 1979 establishing a common measure for forestry in 3 be pleased to write directly to the Honourable Members on certain Mediterranean zones of the Community ( ), completion of these procedures taking into account the particular concerns they have expressed. — Regulation (EEC) No 1975/82 of 19 July 1982 on the evaluation of agricultural development in certain regions of Greece (4),

— Council Regulation (EEC) No 619/84 of 5 March 1984 extending the common measure provided for by Regulation (EEC) No 1975/82 (5).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2688/85 Member States interested are also invited to establish by Lord O'Hagan (ED—GB) intervention arrangements assisting the conservation of to the Commission of the European Communities soil under Council Regulation (EEC) No 2088/85 of (6 February 1986) 23 July 1985 concerning the integrated Mediterranean 6 (86/C 270/07) programmes ( ).

Subject: Soil erosion Also, the Commission has laid before the Council a proposal for a Regulation establishing a common measure for the The Commission will be aware that permanent damage to promotion of agriculture in certain less-favoured areas of the land can be caused by erosion, which itself can be northern Italy (7), an important part of which concerns exacerbated by intensive agricultural methods. efforts to combat soil erosion.

1. What studies has the Commission made of the problems of soil erosion, particularly in the Mediterranean In connection with agricultural research, a Council Decision 8 Member States? of 12 December 1983 ( ) includes a research programme entitled 'Land and water use and management'. This 2. To what extent does the present CAP make these programme has four subprogrammes: (i) degradation and problems more likely? fertility, (ii) control and management of water in agriculture, (iii) management systems, and (iv) land suitability and 3. What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that soil resource evaluation. The sharp budget cuts made by the erosion does not increase throughout the EEC? Council have seriously encroached on this programme, which is concerned for the moment only with the problem of land degradation connected with intensive agricultural practices and with the optimum utilization of natural resources. The programme concerns all the regions of the Answer given by Mr Andriessen Community, including the Mediterranean regions most on behalf of the Commission threatened by erosion. (24 April 1986) It is clear enough that intensified agricultural production can More intensive farming does not necessarily exacerbate soil severely damage the environment if special attention is not erosion. For example, the very extensive terracing carried out accorded to harmful practices entailing excessive use of the by farmers on steep slopes has helped to stabilize soil. On the soil. In this connection, the diversification of agricultural other hand, the spread of certain farming practices on sloping production, in particular for the southern regions of Europe, land, prompted by high production costs, could well speed could well constitute a useful weapon for the preservation of up erosion. In this connection, mention must be made of the quality of soil, provided these new types of production the contribution made by the support for farmers in are conducted and managed so as to dovetail properly with less-favoured areas as defined in Article 3 of Council rotation systems already well established. Directive 75/268/EEC of 28 April 1975 on mountain and hill farming and farming in certain less-favoured areas (*), through compensation paid against permanent natural The Commission has also tabled in the Council a proposal handicaps within the meaning of Article 13 of Council for a decision adopting three multiannual research and Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 of 12 March 1985 on development programmes in the field of the environment (9). improving the efficiency of agricultural structures (2). Two of these are directly related to the questions raised by the Honourable Members — the protection of the environment, Pursuant to the socio-structural measures adopted under the which covers the problem of the quality of soils and common agricultural policy, the Council has also approved ecosystems, and climatology, which covers aspects relating NoC 270/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

to the impact of change or variability of climate on land The Commission has noted that at the Third Review resources (desertification) and on water resources. Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which took place in The Honourable Member may also wish to refer to the August/September 1985, the Conference recognized the answer to Written Question No 1301/85 (10). growing nuclear energy needs of the developing countries as well as the difficulties which the developing countries face in (') OJNoL 128, 19. 5. 1975, p. 1. (2) OJ NoL 93, 30. 3. 1985, p. 1. this regard. The Conference called upon States party to the (3) OJ NoL 38, 14.2. 1979, p. 1. Treaty to promote the establishment of favourable (4) OJ No L 214, 22. 7. 1982, p. 1. conditions in national, regional and international financial (s) OJNoL 68, 10. 3. 1984, p. 1. institutions for financing of nuclear energy projects including (6) OJ No L 197, 27. 7. 1985, p. 1. nuclear power programmes in developing countries. (7) COM(85) 759 final, 18. 12. 1985. Furthermore, the Review Conference called upon the IAEA (8) OJ No L 358, 22. 12. 1983, p. 36. to initiate, and the Parties to the Treaty to support, work on (9) COM(85) 391, 8.7. 1985. I0 mechanisms to assist developing countries in the promotion ( ) OJ NoC 48, 3. 3. 1986. of their nuclear programmes.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2691/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2817/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC—D) by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (6 February 1986) (19 February 1986) (86/C 270/08) (86/C 270/09)

Subject: Development of nuclear energy — priority need of Subject: Radioactivity of cinder blocks used in the developing countries contructions of sea walls

According to press reports the main focus of the IAEA's Research findings indicate that the cinder blocks used in the programme for technical aid and cooperation is to develop constructuion of sea walls along the Western Scheldt give off further the technological bases in the nuclear sector. a high level of radioactivity. According to the IAEA the programme takes particular account of the needs of developing countries. People should therefore be advised not to sit and sunbathe on these cinder blocks. 1. Does the Commission share the view that development of Can the Commission say: nuclear energy is a priority requirement for developing countries? — Whether this information is correct? — Whether it intends to take any action on this matter? 2. If so, what are the advantages of nuclear energy compared with the use of further development of other sources of energy? Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis 3. Does the European Community participate in on behalf of the Commission encouraging the further development of the nuclear facilities in Third World countries? (12 June 1986)

According to information available to the Commission, in the construction of sea walls along the Western Scheldt two Answer given by Mr Mosar types of material are used which may have higher than on behalf of the Commission normal natural radioactivity, namely phosphorus slag used for embankment construction and copper slag blocks used (12 May 1986) for dyke facing.

1 and 2. The Commission believes that it is for Both types of slag may have an increased concentration of governments of developing countries to decide whether or radium and uranium, depending on the ore from which they not the development of nuclear energy should be a priority in originate. their national circumstances. These governments will presumably also evaluate the potential for using other energy Measurements carried out in the Netherlands have shown, sources. however, that the radiation they emit is not such that any new regulations affecting the use of the sea walls for recreational 3. The Community is not at present participating in the purposes need to be laid down. development of any nuclear power facilities in Third World countries. 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/7

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2819/85 According to a report by the Ministry for the Environment by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) for the Flemish community a number of samples taken show cadmium pollution of more than 3 mg/kg of soil, the to the Commission of the European Communities maximum permissible level in the Community. (19 February 1986) (86/C 270/10) As a result, the local population has been asked to stop growing their own vegetables. Subject: Threat to fish stocks by dredging operations Can the Commission say: The Zealand fishermen are extremely unhappy about the plans to deepen the Western Scheldt. — Whether it is aware of this cadmium pollution in the North and South Limburg area? According to their President, this project threatens to destroy or seriously disrupt the breeding grounds of shrimps and — Whether it does not consider that the maximum young fish. permissible level of 3 mg/kg of soil is too high? The Western Scheldt, like the Eastern Scheldt, the Wadden — Whether it intends to take any action on this matter? Sea and the whole coastline from Calais to Denmark, is an important breeding ground for numerous species of fish including flat fish, cod and whiting. Any disruption of the underwater environment represents a threat and this is particular true of large-scale dredging operations. Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission Can the Commission say whether it is aware of this (22 April 1986) situation?

Has any research been carried out into the financial The Commission was not aware of the levels of cadmium in implications for fishermen and the consumer of such the soil in Limburg and thanks the Honourable Member for large-scale dredging operations? drawing its attention to them. If so, can it provide examples? The proposed Community Directive on the use of sewage sludge in agriculture (*) lays down a maximum permissible concentration in the soil of 3 mg/kg and a recommended Answer given by Mr Cardoso E Cunha value of 1 mg/kg for cadmium. These values concern on behalf of the Commission agricultural land on which sewage sludge can be used. (25 July 1986) In the light of Parliament's opinion (2) the Commission has The Commission is not aware of plans to deepen the Western sent an amended proposal (3) to the Council. The Scheldt, nor is it aware of any research into the financial Commission hopes it will be adopted shortly. It also intends, implications for fishermen and the consumer of such on the basis of current studies, to prepare soil protection dredging operations. Environmental impact assessments are measures which will form a central part of the fourth the responsibility of the national authorities. environment action programme. The Commission would note that the coastal area from (M OJ No C 264, 8. 10. 1982. Calais to Denmark is not a breeding area for flatfish, cod and (2) OJ No C 77, 19. 3. 1984. whiting but a nursery area; spawning takes place well (3) OJNoC 154, 14. 6. 1984. offshore. To the extent that dredging in the Western Scheldt causes this area to become unfavourable as a nursery area, there may be consequent effects on juvenile fish populations, which could be evalutated as part of any environmental impact assessment.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2847/85 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (ED—E) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2821/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) (21 February 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (86/C 270/12) (19 February 1986) (86/C 270/11) Subject: Imports to the Canary Islands Subject: Cadmium pollution in the Limburg area Serious ambiguity is arising out of the application of specific A number of reports have appeared on cadmium pollution in provisions of Protocol 2 concerning the Canary Islands of the North Limburg. Act of Accession of the Kingdom of Spain. No C 270/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

Can the Commission therefore say whether it believes that WRITTEN QUESTION No 2861/85 Spain is entitled to impose duties on imports of agricultural by Mr Ferruccio Pisoni (PPE—I) products and foodstuffs to the Canary Islands from the enlarged Community? to the Commission of the European Communities (21 February 1986) (86/C 270/13)

Subject: Supposed restrictions on imports of so-called 'curds' into Italy Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission Considering that in November 1985 the Commission sent (13 May 1986) Italy a second note alleging infringements in respect of supposed restrictions on imports of 'curds' from other Member States, and since this is a particularly important and delicate matter for Italy, does the Commission not Under Article 6 of Protocol 2, concerning the Canary Islands, consider: annexed to the Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal, the arrangements for imports into the Canary Islands of various 1. that it acted too hastily in accusing Italy of infringements products (including agriculture and food products) while the bodies responsible were calling for further originating in the customs territory of the enlarged investigations to be carried out? Community consist in exemption from customs duty and charges having equivalent effect. 2. that the technical legal soundness of the Italian point of view has not been properly understood? In practice, the exemptions will apply as follows: 3. that, going beyond the economic aspects, an incorrect — the customs duties and the charge called 'arbitrio insular appreciation of the problem would represent a serious — tarifa general' will be phased out as follows: blow to the milk- and cheese-producing economy of certain Italian regions which is based on the production — on 1 March 1986, each duty was reduced to 90 % of the of types of cheese which use fresh local milk? basic duty, 4. that the action taken by the Italian legal authorities is — on 1 January 1987, each duty will be reduced to 77,5 % grounded in national law and precedent, since there is no of the basic duty, EEC standard for so-called 'curds'? — on 1 January 1988, each duty will be reduced to 62,5 % 5. that what is incompatible with Italian law is not so much of the basic duty, the importing of 'curds', which is not being obstructed in — on 1 January 1989, each duty will be reduced to 47,5 % any way, but the fact that they are intended to be used for of the basic duty, the manufacture of typical natural cheeses which require as their raw material milk and not some other product — on 1 January 1990, each duty will be reduced to 35 % of such as 'curds', which in any case possess particular the basic duty, properties entitling them to be defined as 'cheeses'?

— on 1 January 1991, each duty will be reduced to 22,5 % 6. that there is a contrast here with the Community policy of the basic duty, of safeguarding dairy products against the various forms of imitation or substitute products? — on 1 January 1992, each duty will be reduced to 10 % of the basic duty, 7. and to conclude, is the Commission aware that 'imported curds' and 'home-produced curds' are, as far as their use — the last 10% will be eliminated on 1 January 1993, is concerned, treated equally under Italian law, and that — the 'arbitrio insular — tarifa esferial' was discontinued on even 'home-produced curds', where they are passed on 1 March 1986 for all products except those listed in to other cheese factories following processing and Annex B of the Protocol. It should normally be eliminated preservation, may not be used in the production of 'soft' for the latter products by 1 January 1993. cheeses?

Protocol 2 makes it clear that the arrangements for imports into the Canary Islands of products originating in the customs territory of the enlarged Community must at least Answer given by Mr Andriessen match the arrangements applied to imports into the Canary on behalf of the Commission Islands of products from non-member countries. (19 June 1986)

1. As a large number of complaints had reached the Commission in the early months of 1985, a detailed request 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/9 for information was sent to Italy on 11 April 1985. After WRITTEN QUESTION No 2869/85 careful examination of the Italian reply, made on 10 June by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE—B) 1985, an infringement procedure was started by the dispatch of a formal notice on 16 August. The Commission having to the Commission of the European Communities learned subsequently that some of the practices criticized had (21 February 1986) a basis in the Italian legal system, a supplementary formal (86/C 270/15) notice referring to the provision challenged was sent on 19 November. Subject: Unused funds from the European Social Fund in 1983 In the circumstances, the Commission cannot agree that it acted too hastily in its representations to Italy. In 1983 the unused funds earmarked for the European Social Fund amounted to 115 million ECU, which were carried 2. The complex technical and legal aspects of this case over into the 1984 budget. have always been studied carefully by the Commission's staff. The Commission maintains its view of these aspects, Can the Commission give an outline of how much of this was which differs on some points from that of Italy. Only certain accounted for by each of the Member States? factual points are still to be clarified before a decision concerning the action to be taken on this case can be In the case of Belgium, can it make a distinction between taken. Flanders and Wallonia?

3. As is clear from the answer to the second question, the Commission is confident that it will not make an incorrect appreciation of this problem. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2870/85 by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE—B) 4. In so far as standards for the definition of a product are to the Commission of the European Communities liable to interfere with its freedom of movement within the (21 February 1986) Community, the basic principle is that the marketing in a single Member State of a product legally manufactured in (86/C 270/16) another Member State may not be thereby affected. Subject: Unused funds from the European Social Fund in 5. 6 and 7. As a number of points of fact to which 1982 the questions refer have not yet been established, the Commission cannot reply to these. In 1982 the unused funds earmarked for the European Social Fund amounted to 190 million ECU, which were carried over into the 1983 budget.

Can the Commission give an outline of how much of this was accounted for by each of the Member States?

In the case of Belgium, can it make a distinction between Flanders and Wallonia?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2868/85 by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE—B) to the Commission of the European Communities Joint answer to Written Question Nos 2868/85, 2869/85 and 2870/85 given by Mr Marin (21 February 1986) on behalf of the Commission (86/C 270/14) (16 July 1986)

Subject: Unused funds from the European Social Fund in The data requested by the Honourable Member on the 1984 distribution of unused European Social Fund appropriations are not available. These appropriations are added to the budgetary appropriations for the current financial year, and In 1984 the unused funds earmarked for the European Social the amounts concerned are distributed in the form of Social Fund amounted to 240 million ECU, which were carried Fund assistance in accordance with the rules and guidelines in over into the 1985 budget. effect at the time. The appropriations for the current financial year are distributed between the Member States Can the Commission give an outline of how much of this was without distinction as to the origin of the appropriations, accounted for by each of the Member States? whether from the budget for the current financial year or those of previous financial years. In the case of Belgium, can it make a distinction between Flanders and Wallonia? No C 270/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2898/85 4. Once the proposed Directive has been adopted by the by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) Council, the Commission will actively monitor progress and adherence to its provisions by the Member States. to the Commission of the European Communities (5 March 1986) 5. With regard to the alleged effects of the Central termica (86/C 270/17) of Bergueda it should be noted that one must take into account the total of emissions of the relevant pollutants and the possible contribution by transboundary imports of Subject: Central termica de Ceres, Bergueda pollutants as well.

It seems premature to affirm that the emissions from one The 'Termica de Ceres en el Alt Bergueda' is a coal-fired particular plant, even if it is a large emitter, are responsible power station in Catalonia, Spain, running on coal with a for forest die-back without investigating the whole very high sulphur content (at least 5%). This station has picture. been in operation since 1971 without any waste-gas desulphurization facilities. As a result, thousands of hectares of woodland have been destroyed or are on the point of being The Commission is not of the opinion that this case warrants destroyed. a specific investigation at Community level as apparently no existing Community legislation is violated. The responsibility of dealing with the alleged problem is with the Could the Commission state: competent Spanish authorities.

H OJ No L 188, 16. 7. 1984, p. 20. 1. whether it has already carried out an inquiry into this 2 case of acid rain or whether it intends to do so; ( ) OJ No C 49, 21. 2. 1984 and OJ No L 76, 22. 3. 1985.

2. whether it is prepared to bring an action for failure by a State to comply with Community rules where there is a clear breach of Community standards?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2910/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC—D) Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (5 March 1986) (S June 1986) (86/C 270/18)

1. The Commission is aware of the fact that the Spanish Subject: Emissions from the French nuclear power station in authorities are faced with special problems, one of these Cattenom being the high sulphur content of the indigenous coal reserves. The first of four planned blocks of the nuclear power station in Cattenom (Lorraine), which is situated in the immediate vicinity of the frontier with Luxembourg and the Federal 2. With regard to the problem of air-pollution from Republic of Germany, is to be put into service some time industrial plants the Commission proposed and the Council during 1986. adopted Directive 84/360/EEC (:). This Directive lays down the framework for combating air-pollution from industrial sources. Important points to note are that for new 1. Have the planned limit values for liquid and gaseous plants the Directive requires the use of the best available (radioactive) emissions been notified to the technology, that does not involve excessive costs. Commission?

2. By how much do these limit values exceed those which 3. Within the framework of Directive 84/360/EEC the apply in the Federal Republic? Commission has prepared a proposal for the limitation of air-pollution from large combustion plants (2).

This proposal calls for overall reduction of emissions of S02, dust and NOx of 60%, 40% and 40% respectively, at the Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis latest by 31 December 1995 taking as a basis the 1980 on behalf of the Commission emissions and for respect of emission standards for new (12 May 1986) plants. However, it is left to the Member States to choose the appropriate measures for achieving the overall reduction, objectives, i.e. they are not obliged to require a 'retrofitting' The Commission has not as yet received from the French of all existing large combustion plants and power station. Government any information on radioactive discharge limits 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/11 for the Cattenom nuclear power plant. The submission, In practice, the French authorities have fixed the discharge under the terms of Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, of the limits for liquid effluents for all 1 300 MWe stations at 15 Ci Cattenom general data on radioactive effluent discharges is per unit, corresponding to 11,5 Ci per 1 000 MWe. expected in a few weeks.

However, a convention between the Governments of France and Luxembourg was signed on 12 March 1986 on the construction and the operation of certain industrial plants on the Moselle. The convention states that discharges of liquid radioactive effluents (excluding tritium) should not exceed WRITTEN QUESTION No 2930/85 3 Ci/year per 1 300 MWe unit at Cattenom. by Mr Pieter Dankert (S—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities For comparison the discharge limits of some recent German nuclear power plants are: (5 March 1986) Philippsburg 2 (PWR, 1 268 MWe) 1,5 Ci/y (86/C 270/20) Gohnde (PWR, 1 290 MWe) 1,5 Ci/y Mulheim-Karlich (PWR, 1 226 MWe) 1,6 Ci/y Subject: Involvement of the Member States in promotion Krummel (PWR, 1 268 MWe) 5 Ci/y campaigns for national products

The convention does not quantify gaseous discharges. In answer to my Written Question No 1533/85 0), the Commission stated that it intended to put forward proposals to deal with aid for the promotion and advertising of agricultural products.

1. When did the Commission decide to draw up such proposals and what progress has been made?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2913/85 2. Has the Commission since been notified of the specific campaigns referred to in paragraphs 1 and 4 of my by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC—D) Written Question No 1533/85? to the Commission of the European Communities (5 March 1986) 3. Does the Commission consider that it should be notified (86/C 270/19) of such promotion campaigns by the Member States in accordance with the EEC Treaty?

Subject: Limit value applicable to radioactive effluent from 4. Can the Commission provide details of the national French nuclear power stations promotion and advertising campaigns for agricultural products of which it has been notified by the Member According to a letter dated 30 July 1985 from the French States? State Secretary Edmond Herve to the German State Secretary Franz Kroppenstedt, the permitted maximum radioactivity 5. Can the Commission say which government bodies, of the effluent discharged from French nuclear power or organizations financed directly or indirectly by stations in any one year is 15 curie per block (1 300 MW). On government funds, have carried campaigns which are the other hand, the departmental order of 10 August 1976 incompatible with the requirements of Community refers to a permitted maximum of 40 curie per 1 000 MW law? block.

Which of these two values is the actual permitted maximum? Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission (12 May 1986)

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis 1. On 30 May 1984, the Commission instructed its staff on behalf of the Commission to draft appropriate measures, within the meaning of Article J (13 May 1986) 93 ( ) of the EEC Treaty, with regard to aids to advertising of agricultural products. Since then, there have been many discussions between the departments and in the Commission. The French ministerial decree of 10 August 1976 stipulates The Commission is planning to adopt in the near future final that the maximum activity discharged by nuclear power guidelines in this field, which will then be referred to the stations with liquid effluents should not exceed 40 Ci for all Member States within the Working Group on competition in radionuclides except tritium per reactor of 3 000 MWth agriculture. (which corresponds to about 1 000 MWe). This value is to be considered as an overall envelope within which the discharge 2. No, as stated in the answer to Written Question No limits for each individual power station have to be fixed. 1533/85 by the Honourable Member (J). No C 270/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

3. This question refers in fact to one of the problems to be Would the Commission agree: solved by the measures referred to above yet to be adopted; in 1. That in view of the promises made these payments this connection, it should be remembered that it is in practice should be made forthwith? impossible for the Commission staff and the officers available to monitor all the procedures for each individual 2. That an inquiry by the Commission should be made into advertising operation, and in particular each televised the acts of the UK Government in failing to keep their announcement, poster or newspaper advertisement. obligations to these workers, who accepted these conditions in good faith? 4. Yes. A summary of the information provided by the Member States will be sent directly to the Honourable 3. That the protracted negotiations with the Chinese to Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament. reopen the plant would appear to be fruitless, and doubtful economically, for the Chinese? 5. The Commission is not in a position to express a final view on this subject before it has adopted the definitive guidelines referred to at point 1 above. (») OJNoC 78, 7. 4. 1986. Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (13 June 1986)

The Commission has agreed to grant financial aid under the terms of Article 56 of the ECSC Treaty in respect of the 200 workers of the Rod Mill plant, formerly of Manchester Steel WRITTEN QUESTION No 2932/85 Ltd and now of Allied Steel and Wire Ltd. by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities A further application for assistance under Article 56 was received in respect of workers affected by the closure of this (S March 1986) company's Bidston Works but so far not sufficient evidence (86/C 270/21) to satisfy the Commission could be provided on the permanent nature of the closure — one of the fundamental conditions to qualify for assistance. Since this condition Subject: EEC financial aid to redundant steel workers on could not be fulfilled the Commission for the moment has Merseyside had to refuse the application for aid for these workers. Is the Commission aware: However, the Commission is now considering a revised application which includes the necessary assurances that the 1. That the Community and the Commission are being works has closed permanently. This may provide the basis accused of conning redundant steel workers on for a satisfactory outcome. Merseyside, because EEC cash they were promised has been stopped by the UK Government? The Commission is aware that the procedural link in the national legislation between ISERBS and the ECSC aid 2. That because the Shanghai Bureau for the Metallurgical renders the commencement of payment of national benefit Industry expressed some interest in reopening the under the Scheme conditional upon Commission agreement. Birkenhead works of Allied Steel and Wire, the UK It recognizes that this situation can give special hardship to Department of Trade and Industry cannot authorize the redundant workers. the grant if there is a remote chance of the plant reopening? On the question of the discussions concerning the future of the plants the Commission has no comment to make. 3. (The Iron and Steel Trades Confederation says 'workers were told they were 99,9% certain of getting various benefits under a common market scheme to cushion the unemployment blow'. The money would be used to pay for inexpensive retraining courses vital for many of the steel workers wanting skilled jobs in other industries.) That the chairman of the company has written to the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2952/85 Commission, pointing out the facts, and even if the by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) Bidston operation were to reopen (which is nign to the Commission of the European Communities impossible) the men would not be reemployed, and (18 February 1986) asking for the workers to be paid? (86/C 270/22) The Commission should be aware that 300 redundancies took place at Bidston plant of Allied Steel and Wire in the Subject: International trade in the soft cheese 'Mont d'Or' summer of 1985, 62% of those workers, 186 of them, have applied for retraining courses and are being prevented from It appears that Mont d'Or (registered designation of origin), taking up their places because the money has been a soft cheese made from untreated milk, is subject to withheld. Community trade restrictions. 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/13

Will the Commission state the precise reason for restricting Answer given by Mr Andriessen trade in this product? on behalf of the Commission (21 April 1986)

Answer given by Mr Andriessen The Commission cannot reply to the first part of the on behalf of the Commission Honourable Member's question since this is a matter for Parliament itself. (7 May 1986) In response to the second part of the question, objections to The material given in the question does not suffice to enable the admission of the COAG to COPA came, as far as the the Commission to determine which Community regulations Commission is aware, from other Spanish organizations and the Honourable Member is referring to. However, the not from COPA itself. Commission has received information concerning a unilateral measure adopted by a Member State the effect The Commission will make every effort to help reconcile of which is potentially to restrict, from 1 January 1987 opposing viewpoints but must point out that COPA is an onwards, intra-Community trade in soft cheese made from independent private organization. unpasteurized milk. The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the Written Questions Nos 2226/ 85 by Mr Wettig (») and 2313/85 by Mr Beyer de Ryke (2) for fuller information and the Commission's attitude to this measure.

I1) OJNoC 61, 17. 3. 1986, p. 18. (2) OJ No C 69, 24. 3. 1986, p. 15. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2991/85 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (13 March 1986) (86/C 270/24) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2972/85 by Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji (S—E) Subject: Recruitment of officials to the Commission of the European Communities (7 March 1986) Is it true that the Commission is no longer recruiting (86/C 270/23) administrators at grades A 5 and A 4?

Does the Commission not believe that this recruitment policy Subject: Participation of professional agricultural is too restrictive, particularly as regards the more specialized organizations in the COPA posts? Since the establishment of democracy in Spain in 1977, the Spanish authorities have recognized the representative nature Can the Commission state to what extent this limitation of of five professional organizations in the Spanish farm sector. recruitment has been imposed by the staff associations? The organizations concerned are the Confederation Nacional de Agricultores y Ganaderos (CNAG), the Union Does the Commission not believe that too much weight is de Pequefios Agricultores — Federation de Trabaj adores de given to the representation and influence of the staff la Tierra (UPA-FTT), the Union de Federaciones de associations in the composition and recommendations of Agricultores (UFADE), the Centro Nacional de Jovenes official selection boards? Agricultores (CNJA) and the Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Agricultores y Ganaderos (COAG).

Although it was one of the democratic organizations which did most to contribute to the establishment of democracy in Answer given by Mr Christophersen rural Spain, the COAG has not yet been recognized by the on behalf of the Commission COPA, which has however recognized the four other Spanish (11 July 1986) professional organizations.

Can the Commission say: What procedure is available to the It is not true that the Commission has stopped recruiting staff European Parliament to enable it to make the COPA aware from outside to A 4 and A 5 posts. of the discontent felt in many quarters of the Spanish farm sector at its failure to recognize the COAG and to determine Such recruitment takes place whenever a post requires the reasons why this organization has so far disregarded particular qualifications. The number of such competitions is the existence of the Coordinadora de Organizaciones de nevertheless limited and they generally only involve a single Agricultores y Ganaderos del Estado Espanol? post. No C 270/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

Otherwise, policy is normally to recruit to starting warranted that the foodstuff has the essential characteristics career-brackets as is appropriate to European public service, of products obtained by such processes'. with experience being acquired through working within the Community institutions. At its session of 11 March 1983 the European Parliament issued an opinion (2) expressing certain reservations The role of staff representatives is exercised as provided for in regarding the Commission's proposal. The Commission the Staff Regulations, which state that all Selection Boards nevertheless felt that it had to maintain its proposal must include an official appointed by the Staff unchanged. Subsequently, however, it transpired that only a Committee. minority of national delegations in the Council supported the principle of the proposal and that a majority, influenced in The policy outlined above is the one followed under normal part by the opinion of the European Parliament, expressed circumstances and does not, of course, take account of the reservations. special arrangements made in connection with enlargement of the Community. Recruitment of Spanish and Portuguese The Commission therefore had to acknowledge that there nationals is currently being carried out at all levels in was no chance of its proposal being accepted in the present accordance with the special Regulation adopted by the circumstances and withdrew it at the end of 1985. Council. 2. Restrictions on harmful substances have to be observed in respect of all foodstuffs for reasons of public health, regardless of the methods of cultivation used.

(') OJNoC 198, 6. 8. 1981, p. 4. (2) OJ No C 96, 11. 4. 1983, p. 94.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3003/85 by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S—D) to the Commission of the European Communities (13 March 1986) (86/C 270/25) WRITTEN QUESTION No 3011/85 by Mr Ray Mac Sharry (RDE—IRL) Subject: Directive on organically grown foodstuffs to the Commission of the European Communities (13 March 1986) More and more products marketed in the Member States are (86/C 270/26) labelled 'organic'. In many cases, however, such designations are false. Subject: Community imports of agricultural products 1. Does the Commission believe that, in the interest of the consumer, directives should be drawn up to clarify the The European Community imports 20 million tonnes of nature and origins of such products? substitute agricultural products annually which absorb a huge proportion of farm spending and constitute a heavy 2. Does the Commission believe that limit values should be burden on the Community's budget. fixed for harmful substances in respect of organically grown produce? What measures have been taken by the Community to encourage a move towards self-sufficiency in these products or their equivalents and can the Commission state the level of progress to date?

Answer given by Mr Varfis on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1986) Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission 1. On 13 April 1981 the Commission put before the (28 May 1986) Council a proposal for a Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to claims made in the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs for sale In 1984 the Community imported 46,5 million tonnes of to the final consumer (x). Article 3 (5) of this proposal stated agricultural products intended mainly as livestock feed, that claims that foodstuffs were 'biological' or 'organic' were including 7,6 million tonnes of grain, 21,4 million tonnes of permissible only if: 'they refer to cultivation processes which oilcake and oilseeds (oilcake equivalent) and 13,6 million do not involve recourse to synthetic products and which tonnes of cereal substitutes as specified in Annex D to the avoid environmental pollution, and provided that it is basic Regulation on cereals ('). 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/15

The total quantity imported has fallen appreciably since Thailand and the imposition of quotas on imports from 1982 (by 8 million tonnes in two years), thanks to the other supplier countries, combined effect of several Community measures: — in the case of cereal brans, by altering the method used for calculating the levy. Within the Community — the price of cereals was reduced, enabling them to The impact of these measures is reflected in the table below, compete with imported products, which gives the figures for the Community's imports of agricultural products intended mainly for feeding livestock — the production of oilseeds and protein crops (peas and since 1980. field beans) was encouraged. (!) Council Regulation (EEC) No 2727/75 of 29 October 1975 on In trade with non-member countries: the common organization of the market in cereals (OJ No L 281, 9. 11. 1975), as amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1451/82 (OJ — in the case of manioc, via a cooperation agreement with No L 164, 14. 6. 1982).

Community imports of agricultural products intended mainly for feeding livestock

(million tonnes)

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985

Common wheat (grain) 3,2 3,5 3,0 2,3 2,2 2,0 Barley (grain) 0,5 0,7 0,5 0,2 0,4 p.m. Maize (grain) 9,9 9,5 7,2 5,6 4,7 3,3 Other cereals (grain) 0,3 0,3 0,2 0,2 0,3 0,1

A. Total; Cereals 13,9 14,0 10,9 8,3 7,6 5,4

Soya cakes and beans (cake equivalent) 16,6 16,5 18,5 18,3 16,4 18,5 Other cakes (') and seeds (cake equivalent) 6,3 5,3 5,2 6,0 5,0 5,7 Other high-protein products 1,1 0,7 1,0 0,9 0,9 1,0

(a) Total: High-protein products 24,0 22,5 24,7 25,2 22,3 25,2

Cereal substitutes 13,0 14,8 16,2 14,1 13,6 14,7 Molasses 2,7 2,2 2,8 2,8 3,0 2,9

(b) Total: High-energy products 15,7 17,0 19,0 16,9 16,6 17,6

B. Total imports not including cereals (a + b) 39,7 39,5 43,7 42,1 38,9 42,8

C. Grand total (A + B) 53,6 53,5 54,6 50,4 46,5 48,2

(') 'Other cakes' does not include maize-germ cakes, which are counted as cereal substitutes (1 million tonnes in 1984). 'Other high-protein products': meat meal and fish meal (0,6 million tonnes in 1984) and fodder such as lucerne and lupins (0,3 million tonnes in 1984). 'Cereal substitutes': the products listed in Annex D to the basic Regulation on cereals (Regulation (EEC) No 2727/75). N.B.: Some of the products listed in the table, in particular cereals and molasses, are not used solely as livestock feed. Source: Eurostat/Comext. No C 270/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3014/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 3028/85 by Mr Ray Mac Sharry (RDE—IRL) by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (13 March 1986) (14 March 1986) (86/C 270/27) (86/C 270/28)

Subject: Cost of disposing of farm surpluses Subject: World Food Conference

1. What proportion of the costs of disposing of farm After the war, the Bretton Woods conference achieved production exceeding the 'guarantee threshold' has been considerable success in the management of international borne: currency fluctuations. The EMS today draws to a great extent on that experience. As a direct parallel, is it not now (a) by farmers; time for the Community to seize the initiative by summoning, in Europe, a 'World Food Conference' which would attempt (b) by the Community institutions in: (1) 1983, (2) 1984, to resolve the growing international conflict over food (3) 1985? policy, addressing in particular: — unacceptable levels of subsidy in many countries, which 2. How much does this represent in cash terms for each of distorts output beyond reasonable demand, the sectors? — the impact on consumers who face equally unacceptably high prices, — the impact on Third World producer countries, whose price and output are threatened by over-production,

Answer given by Mr Andriessen — the appalling consequences of massive surpluses in on behalf of the Commission practically all crop sectors, and not only in Europe by any (5 May 1986) means, — the urgent necessity to develop a coherent food strategy and agricultural development policy for countries In accordance with the relevant Regulations with regard to seriously deficient in food, the various products, where the guarantee threshold is exceeded for a given marketing year, the institutional price — recognition of the fact that grossly excessive subsidy for the item concerned for the following marketing year is threatens a wider impact on world trade, and on patterns reduced in proportion to the quantities produced beyond the of international trade in general, guarantee threshold. Mainly because of this time lag between — the possibility of developing a coordinated global cause and effect, it is practically impossible to make the strategy in concert with all major 'food powers', aimed at estimates requested by the Honourable Member: such management of markets, protection of self-sufficiency estimates would require too many assumptions and notional without generating glutinous excess, avoidance of costly figures to have any real economic value. duplication in production, satisfaction for Third World producers, and, not least, guarantee of effective price It is nonetheless true that the introduction from 1982/83 levels for consumers? onwards of guarantee thresholds for many agricultural products represents a milestone along the road to partial or full involvement of Community farmers in the costs resulting from increased production. Nor should it be forgotten that the aim of the thresholds is not only financial, but also — indeed, mainly — economic: that of inducing farmers to Answer given by Mr Andriessen relate ever more closely to real conditions on the agricultural on behalf of the Commission markets and thus curb the growth of output of products of (13 May 1986) which there are surpluses or of which surpluses are likely to arise. With a view to fuller achievement of these various objectives, the Commission proposed, in connection with the Following the World Food Conference in 1974, a World 1986/87 price proposals, that the guarantee thresholds Food Council was set up which meets each year at ministerial system now in force for cereals and oilseeds should be level to discuss the main problems and general political issues replaced by new systems ensuring both more direct influencing the world food situation. involvement of farmers in the cost of disposing of output and better control of production trends for these products. The Commission considers that these meetings are the proper forum for treating general problems so that each government can establish the overall framework of reference for its food and agricultural policies. 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/17

As regards finding workable solutions to the problems for the export of certain chemical products used in the arising in international trade as a result of the agricultural manufacture of chemical weapons (l). After ascertaining that policies pursued by the various countries or groups of all the Member States had already taken or were preparing to countries, the Commission considers that the most take the required measures at national level, the Commission appropriate forum is GATT, and in particular the new round did not consider it necessary to take steps at Community of multilateral trade negotiations. The Commission also feels level. The Member States have since then been working to that these negotiations should be accompanied by progress in coordinate their action in this matter in the context of other international bodies, including those dealing with European political cooperation. monetary and financial matters and those administering the international arrangements for individual products. (») COM(84) 248 and 256 final.

Thus, the Commission does not feel that it should take the initiative of summoning a new 'World Food Conference' as suggested by the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3051/85 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (ED—E) WRITTEN QUESTION No 3039/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Alberto Tridente (ARC—I) (14 March 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (86/C 270/30) (14 March 1986) (86/C 270/29) Subject: Refunds for exports to the Canary Islands

Subject: Sales of chemical weapons to Iraq by European The refunds available from the Commission for exports of arms manufacturers agricultural products from the enlarged Community to the Canary Islands could, if used, inflict serious losses on the 1. Is it true that Italian, Spanish, French and German production sectors operating in the Canaries. arms manufacturers are producing chemical weapons? Will the Commission therefore state what quantities and 2. Is it true that the arms factories concerned export such types of goods exported to the Canary Island were covered by weapons in Iraq — which is using them in the war with Iran refunds to exporters in the various Community countries in — under the designation ESP MU 09.40T 8301? 1985?

3. If the above is indeed true, what action does the Commission intend to take to put an end to this disgraceful trade? Answer given by Mr Andriessen 4. Is the Commission able to supply a list of the firms on behalf of the Commission within the EEC which manufacture chemical weapons? (5 June 1986) 5. In particular, where are: (a) mustard gas; The possibility available to the enlarged Community of granting refunds on exports of agricultural produce to the (b) yellow rain; and Canary Islands must be seen not as a threat to the economy of (c) Tabun manufactured? the Canary Islands but as a factor favouring its development. 6. What action does the Commission intend to take to put an end to the production of chemical weapons by In fixing the amount of Community export refunds great care Community arms manufacturers? is taken to ensure that they do not distort competition on the world market. There is no indication that such refunds might harm the agricultural industry in the Canary Islands since traditional Community exports to the Canary Islands Answer given by Mr De Clercq comprise mainly milk and milk products and beef/veal, of on behalf of the Commission which the Canary Islands do not produce nearly enough for their own requirements. It should also be pointed out that the (14 July 1986) Commission is in the course of preparing proposals for the Council on how to improve the arrangements in force for In April 1984 the Commission put before the Council a products exported from the Canary Islands to the proposal for a Regulation setting up control arrangements Community. No C 270/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

Because of the way in which export refunds are applied, the the Wurttemberg wine-growers' cooperatives to see the amounts paid on products exported to the Canary Islands need for a Community wine policy and a certain degree of cannot be isolated from the total amount of refunds financed solidarity with the other wine-growing areas. by the Community. — It is a well established Wurttemberg tradition to demand care and thrift from the authorities. Since expenditure by the EAGGF Guarantee Section on the wine market organization rose from 61,9 million ECU in 1979 to 1 222,6 million ECU in 1984, the Wurttembergers of all people should appreciate that the Community had to make every effort to cut the costs of the wine market organization substantially by adjusting production to WRITTEN QUESTION No 3070/85 demand. by Mr Horst Seefeld (S—D) — It is obvious that the Community cannot exempt to the Commission of the European Communities individual wine-growing areas from the start from (14 March 1986) Community measures to support table wine prices and (86/C 270/31) prevent an excessive expansion of production. It goes without saying that the measures must be adapted to the economic situation in the individual wine-growing areas. Subject: Withdrawal of the Wurttemberg wine trade from This has indeed been done in the case of the rules on the Community's wine regime compulsory distillation.

According to reports in the press (*), the Wurttemberg wine The Commission is always prepared to look into suggestions trade is to comply with the wishes of its wine-growers' from aggrieved producers' organizations and to take action cooperatives and withdraw from the European Community's on them where appropriate. wine market regime. The reports state that the cooperatives 'will themselves ensure that production and sales keep in step'. In future, the cooperatives would 'voluntarily and indefinitely forego Community support measures. They wish to be unfettered by 'European coercion' or national regulations on output or sales volume.'

Is the Commission aware of this plan, and if so, what is its WRITTEN QUESTION No 3076/85 view thereof? by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (CDR—B)

(') e.g. Siiddeutsche Zeitung, 26. 2. 1986, p. 5. to the Commission of the European Communities (21 March 1986) (86/C 270/32)

Answer given by Mr Andriessen Subject: Development of 'anti-freeze' for vegetables in on behalf of the Commission France — EEC aid (29 May 1986) French INRA (National Agronomic Research Institute) scientists at the Aupers vegetable pathology station have The Commission is aware of press reports that the discovered, following studies carried out during the hard Wurttemberg wine-growers' cooperatives are calling for winter of 1984/85, that one of the reasons for vegetables 'withdrawal' from the common organization of the market in freezing was micro-organisms living on them. The first wine. The Commission considers it unlikely, however, that observations involved vines, and a system of forecasting frost the intentions of the leadership of the Wurttemberg has now been devised for vines. This method of protection wine-growers' cooperatives have been accurately reflected in could be extended to other crops. the press reports that have appeared so far. For they must be aware that the EEC Treaty and the common organization of Is the Commission aware of this research? Is it involved in it? the market in wine derived therefrom apply equally in all the Has it provided for aid for the industrial development of the Member States of the Community. Individuals or groups of crop protection findings? individuals cannot be exempted from the binding rules of the Community.

The Commission would also draw attention to the following: Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission — Wurttemberg is one of the wine-growing areas in the (13 May 1986) Community which have benefited particularly from investment aids from the EAGGF Guidance Section. It would seem reasonable therefore, while having every The Commission is well aware of the research on certain sympathy for their special regional problems, to expect epiphytic bacteria (Pseudomonas spp. and Erwinia 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/19 herbicola) found on crops and which may, under certain Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis circumstances, encourage frost formation on the on behalf of the Commission above-ground part of the plant. (17 July 1986)

This research was initiated in 1976 on maize in the United Observance of Community directives relating to water States of America by Dr S. Lindow who has since extended quality and discharges to water is the responsibility of his investigations to a number of other crops. Member States. This responsibility remains whether water undertakings are themselves in private or public These micro-organisms were then isolated on plants in Italy ownership. and France and their presence was associated with increased sensitivity to frost damage. The Commission is, of course, following with close interest the proposed privatization of the water authorities in the Whilst it considers the results obtained to be of great interest, United Kingdom. It is therefore studying Her Majesty's the Commission shares certain fundamental doubts recently Government's White Paper on the subject which explains the expressed by researchers in the United States about the privatization proposals in fairly general terms and a recently possibility of protecting frost-sensitive plants by attacking published consultative document entitled 'The Water these micro-organisms. The main doubts are as follows: Environment: The Next Steps — The Government's Consultative Proposals for Environmental Protection under — these micro-organisms do not play any significant role a Privatized Water Industry'. When this study is completed, during frosts that are accompanied by wind, the Commission will inform Her Majesty's Government of its opinion on the privatization proposals in respect of the — a cause-effect relationship has not always been shown to obligations faced by Britain, and indeed all Member States, exist between the presence of these micro-organisms and under the relevant Community Directives. the frost-sensitivity of the plants, — during long periods of frosty weather, frost is formed even when there are no micro-organisms present, — the field trials that were supposed to have taken place in California involving the introduction of strains of P. syringae believed to have lost the ability to trigger off frost formation as a result of genetic manipulation were WRITTEN QUESTION No 3097/85 banned by the authorities following a distinctly adverse by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE—D) opinion relating to the environmental risk. to the Commission of the European Communities (21 March 1986) In light of these doubts, the Commission has not included the development of such frost-protection techniques amongst the (86/C 270/34) priorities for its agricultural research programme. Subject: EIB loan of 30 million ECU for a power station in Nevertheless, the Commission is following with interest the Egypt progress of research in this extremely important sector. The European Investment Bank has granted a loan of 30 million ECU for the purpose of adding a fourth unit of 320 MW to the Suubrah El Keima power station in Egypt. This new unit will normally be driven by natural gas, but crude oil will be used exceptionally when it is necessary for practical reasons.

When granting this loan, did the European Investment Bank take into account the impact on the environment? WRITTEN QUESTION No 3090/85 by Mrs Christine Crawley (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (21 March 1986) Answer given by Mr Pfeiffer on behalf of the Commission (86/C 270/33) (22 May 1986)

Subject: UK water privatization — checks on quality The European Investment Bank has confirmed that the environmental impact of all projects it finances are assessed In any future government programme to privatize the British when deciding on the granting of a loan. As a minimum, the water authorities, what would the Commission's opinion be EIB ensures that national, Community and international on the need for public control over checks on water quality, environmental regulations are applied in the projects it effluent purification and water conservation? funds. No C 270/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

In addition to the EIB loan of 30 million ECU referred to by The meat is not reported as being in international trade and the Honourable Member for a fourth generating unit, the import into the Community for commercial purposes is EIB in 1979 granted the Egyptian Electricity Authority 25 prohibited under the provisions of Council Regulation (EEC) million ECU for two generating units in the first phase of the No 3626 / 82 on the implementation in the Community of the construction of the Shoubrah El Kheima power station. A Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of further 40 million ECU was granted in 1984 for financing the Wild Fauna and Flora (a). interconnection transmission system linking the power station with the national grid. (>) OJNoL 384, 31. 12. 1982.

A detailed environmental assessment of the project was made by the EIB and the financing is covered by contractual undertakings that the primary fuel would be natural gas, the least polluting fuel available, and that the use of fuel oil would be strictly limited. For the first five years following commissioning of each of the power units (the first having been in 1985 and the fourth and last will be in mid-1988), WRITTEN QUESTION No 3138/85 during completion of the national gas supply grid fuel oil will by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) not exceed 20 % of primary energy input for each unit. The fuel oil supplied will have the lowest sulphur content to the Commission of the European Communities available in Egypt. After this period the power station will be (24 March 1986) given priority in natural gas allocation and the use of fuel oil (86/C 270/36) will be limited to technical emergencies only.

Subject: European bees (Apis Mellifica) — destruction of hives by varroa mite disease

Are bees about to die out? Farmers in the south of France fear that they are and are calling for a disaster relief operation to save their hives from the deadly varroa mite disease. WRITTEN QUESTION No 3115/85 This mite, which is about 1 millimetre long, attacks hives by by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) means of parasitic larvae. In less than four years it can to the Commission of the European Communities destroy on average 40 000 bees. (21 March 1986) , (86/C 270/35) It appeared in Europe, in Alsace, in 1982, it originated in five Eastern European countries and is moving west and south (it has spread to Germany and Greece, where it has been Subject: Mercury content of pilot whales declared a national disaster).

It has recently been discovered that the North Atlantic pilot Scientists, including Professor Borneck, have no solution to whale has a high mercury content. The public is therefore offer and consider that the funds that the Institut Technique advised not to eat pilot whale meat more often than once a de PApiculture has allocated for research into this plague week. (FF 175 000) are quite inadequate.

Is the Commission aware of these facts? Is the Commission aware of this situation? Is it possible to release appropriations as a matter of urgency to combat this Does it agree that, in view of this state of affairs, hunting for disease effectively, particularly by the development of an the pilot whale makes even less sense? anti-varroaparasite, so that hives will not be totally destroyed and an economic activity, which is important to certain Community regions depend will not collapse?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission (17 June 1986) Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission (S June 1986) Recent reports on increased mercury levels in the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melaena) in certain areas of the North Atlantic have come to the Commission's notice. In view of the rapid spread of varroasis, in 1984 the Commission launched a research programme into the disease The species concerned is, however, taken in small quantities on the basis of Regulation (EEC) No 1196/81 C1), as in the traditional fishery in the Faeroe Islands and a few are amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1994/83 (2). This initial caught in Greenland waters. short term programme, in which the French Institut .27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/21

Technique d'Apiculture participated alongside other Can the Commission say exactly how the situation stands, Community research institutes, made it possible to develop giving a table of aid granted up to 31 December 1985 and aid effective methods for the chemical control of the varroa mite still outstanding? and to define the future strategy to be followed in developing biological methods.

This research will be continued under the research 3 Answer given by Mr Sutherland programme adopted by Council Decision 83/641/EEC ( ). on behalf of the Commission The Commission recently concluded new research contracts concerning the development of methods for: (27 May 1986)

— studying the mite's biology and selecting resistant strains of bees, It is correct that the Commission has asked Member States to submit a detailed report of their aid payments during the last — controlling and preventing the spread of the mite, quarter of 1985 so that the Commission can verify that the 31 December 1985 deadline for aid payments laid down in — studying the role of chemical mediators in the bee-mite Commission Decision No 2320/ 81 /ECSC of 7 August 1981 relationship. establishing Community rules for aid to the steel industry (1) has been observed. Since 1984 a total of 365 000 ECU has been committed for activating eight research contracts. The Commission has now received this information from all Member States in question.

The Commission also intends to organize a second The Commission is presently examining the replies, but symposium on varroasis in 1986, which should make it already it can be established that they contain no elements possible to discuss current research results and practical which give the Commission immediate reason to doubt that experiments in depth as a basis for making recommendations the deadline for aid payment has not been complied with by concerning the eradication of varroasis in the Community. Member States.

(») OJNoL 122, 6. 5. 1981, p. 1. This is also the case with regard to the two Member States (2) OJ No L 196, 20. 7. 1983, p. 8. (3) OJ No L 358, 22. 12. 1983, p. 36. particularly referred to by the Honourable Member.

While in several Member States not all the aid authorized by the Commission under the previous aid codes has been disbursed — a final table showing the difference cannot be established until the Commission has received the last half-yearly reports on aid payments to be submitted according to Article 9 of Decision No 23 20 / 81 / ECSC — this does not mean that the undisbursed aids are being held in suspense, but simply that Member States have renounced payment of these aids. WRITTEN QUESTION No 3141/85 The only aid presently in suspense under the aid code is that by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) which according to Article 2(1) last indent of Decision No to the Commission of the European Communities 2320/ 81 /ECSC can legally be paid after 31 December 1985, (24 March 1986) i.e. interest rebates or payment to honour guarantees on (86/C 270/37) loans disbursed before that date. In most Member States the steel industry will be benefiting during the subsequent years from loans at reduced interest granted before the expiry of the aid code, an advantage which with the present decreasing Subject: Aids to the steel industry interest level within the Community is losing its importance. The Commission has sent a questionnaire to the EEC governments to assess the situation as regards national steel In three Member States (Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg) subsidies, which have been prohibited since 1 January interest rebates are being granted in the form of an interest 1986. subsidy paid to the steel undertakings by the State. In these cases a direct disbursement of aid continues for a certain time, but being linked to the interest reference rate of the One of the main aims of Mr Sutherland's letter was to ensure country concerned, the aid element contained in these that all the aid authorized by the Commission in recent years interest subsidies is presently of rapidly decreasing value. has been received by the undertakings. The following table sets out the amount of aid approved by According to various sources, subsidies in Italy or Germany the Commission for the period 1 February 1980 to may not have been paid. 31 December 1985 under the aids code. No C 270/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

(million ECU) The Commission, and its Spokesman's Service in particular, needs a press room as close at hand as possible in order to Belgium 4 257 perform its daily information activities. The benefits in terms Denmark 81 of efficiency are clear to anyone at all familiar with the way Federal Republic of Germany 3 844 such activities are organized. Greece — France 9 141 Its press room is therefore currently located within the Ireland 264 Berlaymont itself. Any press centre to be used jointly by the Italy 13 443 Community institutions would, by definition, have to be Luxembourg 631 sited outside the Berlaymont and therefore away from the Commission and its departments. The Spokesman's Service The Netherlands 456 would no longer be able to function with the necessary United Kingdom 5 640 efficiency and speed. Total EEC 37 792 Moreover, the International Press Association, the mouthpiece for journalists accredited to the Commission, (') OJ No L 228, 13. 8. 1981, p. 14. has on numerous occasions expressed a strong desire to go on ( working under conditions at least equal to those currently offered by the Berlaymont press room. The Commission clearly ought to take account of this specific wish on the part of its daily interlocutors.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3159/85 by Mr Pol Marck (PPE—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (24 March 1986) (86/C 270/38) WRITTEN QUESTION No 39/86 Subject: European Press Centre by Mr Gijs de Vries (DR—NL) The Commission's answer to my Oral Question to the Commission of the European Communities H-895/85 (*) seems to me to contradict the answer given to (10 April 1986) the Oral Question H-849/85 0) by Mr Ephremidis. (86/C 270/39) In the latter answer the Commission says that it hopes to be able to have at its disposal a press room that meets the Subject: Compliance with the Directive laying down a requirements of journalists both in terms of space and of procedure for the provision of information in the interpreting facilities. field of technical standards and regulations His question, concerning a European Press Centre related specifically to this point and not to the International Press Under Directive 83/189/EEC ('), Member States are Centre in Brussels which, as a matter of fact, is scarcely used required to inform the Commission in advance of any rules at all by the European institutions. and standards relating to technical specifications which they intend to introduce in their territories. Is the Commission prepared to provide a press centre for the European institutions that could be used by the Council, the On 18 December 1984, when addressing the Council of Commission and Parliament with all the budgetary Ministers for the Internal Market, Commissioner Narjes advantages and benefits in terms of image involved or does it observed that 'there is widespread failure to observe the wish to go it alone with the result that the Council and notification obligation and numerous infringements Parliament must make provision for separate press thereof . . . (It) is already apparent that far more technical centres? regulations are adopted and published in the official gazettes of the Member States than are notified in accordance with the (l) Debates of the European Parliament No 2-335 (February procedures laid down in Directive 83/189/ EEC He warned 1986). the Member States that with effect from 1985, the Commission would systematically take action against infringements. Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission Does the Commission consider that the Directive was (16 July 1986) properly complied with in 1985? How many infringement proceedings have been instituted by the Commission under Article 169, for each Member State ? How many of them were The Commission sees no contradiction between its answers brought to a satisfactory conclusion? to Oral Question H-895/85 by the Honourable Member and Oral Question H-849/85 by Mr Ephremidis. (') OJNo L 109, 26. 4. 1983, p. 8. 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/23

Answer given by Lord Cockfield I urge the Commission to treat this as a matter of urgency, on behalf of the Commission recognizing that delaying a decision while the International (16 July 1986) Tin Council sorts out its internal problems may be disastrous for the Cornish tin industry. I would also ask the Commission to recognize officially the strategic value of the Cornish tin industry within the United Kingdom and the Mr Narjes was speaking after Directive 83/189/EEC had EEC. been in force for barely eight months. Since then, the situation has developed highly satisfactorily. In 1985, 80 draft technical regulations were notified, as against 29 in the eight months of 1984 during which the Directive was applicable. Between 1 January and 28 April 1986, the Commission received 40 notifications, which is already a Answer given by Mr Narjes substantial improvement on the number registered during the on behalf of the Commission same period of 1985, namely 25. (26 May 1986) Despite these results, the Commission does not overlook instances where Member States fail to fulfil their obligation The Commission is fully aware of the great difficulties caused to notify under the Directive. by the tin crisis, throughout the world and in Cornwall in particular. The Commission takes the view that Directive 83/189/EEC satisfies the criteria outlined by the Court for a Community provision to have direct effect; it considers that the Production costs in the Cornish mines are considerably above notification and standstill obligation enshrined therein has the current market price which is expected to remain at such a direct effect and confers right on individuals which the level for many years to come. It is possible that some national courts are bound to protect. In its interpretation of contraction of the industry will occur. In any case there is no the Directive, the individuals concerned are entitled to apply direct way for the Community to intervene in order to save to the national courts for a ruling that a national measure the Cornish mines. adopted in violation of the Directive cannot be invoked against those enjoying one of the rights conferred by the EEC World production capacity lies some 65 000 tonnes above Treaty. normal consumption. Over and above at least 85 000 tonnes of tin resulting from the operations of the Fifth and Sixth International Tin Agreement are going to be delivered to the market in order to pay part of their debts to brokers and bankers. The American Government Supply Agency (GSA) is under instruction from Congress to sell at least 50 000 tonnes of tin from its stockpile over the next five years.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 66/86 It is therefore impossible to legitimate a protection of the by Mr Alfred Lomas (S—GB) Community industry, which produces only 5 000 tonnes per to the Commission of the European Communities year on the basis of security of supply. The licencing of (10 April 1986) imports from third countries would entail negotiations in GATT with countries which would demand adequate (86/C 270/40) compensations for other products. The Community tin-plate industry would obviously not be prepared to accept to pay Subject: Crisis in the tin industry twice as much as the normal price for its supplies for the sake of the Cornish mines. The Commission will be aware of the great difficulties in the tin industry generally, and in particular the threatened Even the British smelter is equipped to process Bolivian collapse of the Cornish tin industry. If the tin industry should concentrates and in the past, British authorities have not been fail, the economic consequences would be dire. In Cornwall able to block tin entering the Community originating from approximately 1 500 jobs would be directly lost in the producer countries, non-members to the Sixth Tin industry, and an estimated 4 000 jobs in ancilliary industries Agreement. and local services within the mining area and communities; this would lead to a loss of £ 27 million to the Cornish economy and a male unemployment rate of around 40 %. ' The future of the Cornish tin industry is uncertain but if a significant contraction of the industry should occur, the Will the Commission give maximum assistance to the tin Community has a number of possible means of financial industry, particulary the Cornish tin industry, and take interventions and the Commission will obviously do its action to protect the tin industry in Europe? utmost in order to resolve the regional problem in the most constructive way. Will the Commission examine the levels of imports of tin and demand for tin, which should be met by EEC tin producers before other imports are considered? No C 270/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

WRITTEN QUESTION No 127/86 action programme to promote equal opportunity for women by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE—B) in the European Social Fund, is the Commission in a position to give information about pilot schemes or projects which to the Commission of the European Communities could be applied to Spanish and Portuguese women? (IS April 1986) (86/C 270/41)

Subject: The 'numerus clausus' at universities in the Member States Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission Can the Commission indicate in what Member States the 'numerus clausus' is applied as a condition of entry to (16 July 1986) universities? Several interesting projects have been implemented or are under way under the Community's policy on equal Answer given by Mr Marin opportunities for women, not only operations carried out by on behalf of the Commission the Commission, but also operations carried out at national level with Community participation. (17 July 1986)

In the following Member States there are formal provisions An initial series of operations concerns women and the even for the limitation of the number of students being admitted to mix of jobs. A report on the progress of these operations in individual higher education institutions: the banking sector was forwarded to the European Parliament at the time and is being sent directly to the Denmark, Honourable Members and the Secretariat-General of Federal Republic of Germany, Parliament (doc. V/2778/82). Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Since these types of operations registered a measure of Netherlands, success, the Commission decided to extend them to United Kingdom. industry.

The manner in which the numerical limitation operates Such positive actions are envisaged likewise in the media, the differs from State to State, and relates to institutional and cooperative and related undertakings sector and the civil subject-related student numbers. service. Additionally, there are other forms of limitation on admission figures in higher education, such as entrance A second series of interesting project is being carried out in examinations or qualified acceptance of school-leaving the field of education and training and vocational options, qualifications in Member States such as: and a report on this is being sent directly to the Honourable Members and the Secretariat-General of Parliament (doc. Belgium, V/1817/84. France, Greece, Ireland, A third series of pilot schemes is concerned with the setting up United Kingdom. of local employment initiatives for women, a summary of which is likewise being sent. These limiting measures apply differently depending on the type of higher education institution concerned and the Commission departments are currently drawing up a list of particular course of study concerned. the positive actions carried out in the Member States which may serve as examples for the public and private bodies concerned with achieving equal opportunities for women.

Furthermore, the Commission is drafting a code of conduct for the implementation of positive actions at the WRITTEN QUESTION No 142/86 workplace. by Mr Jorge Campinos (S—P) and Mrs Ludivina Garcia Arias (S—E) As regards the ESF, the Commission is sending directly to to the Commission of the European Communities the Honourable Members and the Secretariat-General (IS April 1986) information on those specific operations on behalf of women which seem to have had the greatest impact on the area of (86/C 270/42) desegregation of the labour market. Subject: Pilot schemes or projects on behalf of women It must, however, be pointed out that the projects were Having regard to the recent accession of Portugal and Spain chosen on the basis of the descriptions included in the to the EC and to the Community's experience through its applications for Fund aid before the operations began and 27. 10. 86 - Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/25 that the worth of these operations is thus an estimated one. WRITTEN QUESTION No 172/86 Since these were multi-annual projects approved by the by Mrs Ahne-Josee Andre (LDR—B) Commission in 1984 and 1985, there is as yet no assessment or analysis of their results. to the Commission of the European Communities (21 April 1986) (86/C 270/44)

Subject: European Road Safety Year and the standardization of the 'Baby on board' sticker as a European sign

WRITTEN QUESTION No 143/86 There is great confusion concerning the 'Baby on board' by Mr Jorges Campinos (S—P) and Mrs Ludivina Garcia sticker, both as regards its placing and its graphical Arias (S—E) representation. to the Commission of the European Communities As part of European Road Safety Year, does the Commission (IS April 1986) plan to remedy this shortcoming, so that a standard (86/C 270/43) European 'Baby on board' sticker, placed on a specific part of the vehicle, is used consistently in all 12 Member States?

Subject: Priority measures under the European Social Fund Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis Having regard to the recent accession of Spain and Portugal on behalf of the Commission to the EC, would the Commission state whether it intends to publish information for Spanish and Portuguese women (28 May 1986) about priority measures under the European Social Fund designed specifically to promote vocational training and jobs As far as the Commission has been informed there is no and the employment of women in occupations in which they national or international legal 'significance attached to a are under represented? sticker containing the words 'Baby on board'. Nor, in its view, is there any practical significance, since the conduct of drivers should not depend on the nature of the occupants of other vehicles, but on driving with the necessary care and attention and obeying the prescriptions of the Highway Answer given by Mr Marin Code. Moreover, since such stickers are often fixed to the on behalf of the Commission vehicle, they do not necessarily indicate the actual presence (23 July 1986) or otherwise of a baby. In view of these circumstances the Commission does not intend to take any action in the matter. The general and specific measures cofinanced by the European Social Fund are not granted specifically for men or women. Priority operations under the guidelines for the management of the Fund — vocational training or recruitment for additional jobs are accessible to both men and women. In 1985 75% of the operations concerned a variety of activities which included mixed groups of men and WRITTEN QUESTION No 212/86 women, of which only 8 % were directly related to operations to train women for occupations where they are by Mr Horst Seefeld (S—D) under-represented. to the Commission of the European Communities (24 April 1986) Information on the various operations for women is given to (86/C 270/45) the national authorities responsible for the submission of applications for assistance and payment claims in each Member State, and which guarantee the completion of Subject: Expensive Commission programmes operations and to members of the European Social Fund Committee. The Commission is required to present an 1. In connection with the initial deliberations on a annual report on the operations cofinanced in the previous reference framework for the 1987 Community budget, does year; it also contains descriptions of the programmes and the Commission agree with the view expressed by a national priority operations for women. government representative that it is getting carried away by its enthusiasm for programmes? The Member States are responsible for all other information measures. 2. What does the Commission think of the view that it was likely to propose an increasing number of expensive new programmes in the field of culture, research and technology? No C 270/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

Answer given by Mr Christophersen the Staff Regulations which forbids the concurrent payment on behalf of the Commission of a retirement pension with the salary payable by a (18 July 1986) Community institution. The salaries of EAC staff in the Delegations to the ACP States are charged to Title 9 of the Commission section of the budget. 1. The Commission does not share the view of the national government representative on this subject.

2. On the contrary, the Commission feels that its proposals for programmes are justified, both as policy options and with respect to budgetary constraints. Furthermore, it can assure the Honourable Member that it takes particular care to see that any new programmes can be WRITTEN QUESTION No 234/86 covered by the resources available. by Mr Karl von Wogau (PPE—D) to the Commission of the European Communities (24 April 1986) (86/C 270/47)

Subject: Landing cards at Spanish airports

WRITTEN QUESTION No 228/86 Even after Spain's accession to the European Community, citizens of other Community countries are required to by Mr Willem Vergeer (PPE—NL) produce landing cards for passport control at Spanish to the Commission of the European Communities airports. (24 April 1986) (86/C 270/46) 1. Is this in accordance with current agreements? 2. By what date is this non-Community practice to be Subject: Compatibility of exceptional measures for the early abolished? retirement of European civil servants and re-employment overseas within the EAC

In contradiction to the reply which the Commission gave to Answer given by Lord Cockfield Written Question No 1447/82 by Mr Victor Michel H, on behalf of the Commission does it intend to continue employing civil servants who have benefited from early retirement under very favourable (4 August 1986) conditions, as is the case with its delegate to the island of Mauritius, and does it not consider that such unjustifiable After representations from the Commission the Spanish pluralism should be stopped? authorities have cancelled (on 20 June 1986) the practice of H OJ No C 47, 17. 2. 1983, p. 9. which the Honourable Member rightly complains.

Answer given byvMr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 237/86 by Mr James Ford (S—GB) The answer given to Mr Michel (Written Question No to the Commission of the European Communities 1447/82) does not give rise to any contradiction. The (24 April 1986) statement that 'it has never been usual practice for officials (86/C 270/48) who have taken early retirement ... to be re-employed in bodies . . .' continues to be the rule that is strictly applied. Subject: Procedures for the storing and handling of chemicals The Commission would draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the provisions of the regulations on In answer to by Written Question No 399/85 I1), the the early retirement of officials, which prohibit the Commission stated that it was preparing proposals for the concurrent payment of pecuniary benefits. The delegate adoption of Directive 82/501/EEC (2) on major accident referred to in the Written Question has retired but is not in hazards of certain industrial activities. Can the Commission receipt of a pension, pursuant to Article 40 of Annex VIII to give details of its new proposals? I am particularly interested 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/27 in finding out whether any proposals have been put forward Why does the Commission believe EEC money should be to increase the distance between chemical plants and offered for further study in the field of fuel bio-ethanol — residential housing. when sugar- and cereal-based fermentation technology is

1 already well developed, including the evaluation of I ) OJ No C 259, 10. 10. 1985, p. 18. alternative feedstocks, the energy balance and pollution (2) OJ No L 230, 5. 8. 1982, p. 1. control — on large-scale bio-ethanol demonstration projects in Germany?

Furthermore, given the economic case against fuel Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis bio-ethanol in terms of raw material cost alone, which will on behalf of the Commission not be fundamentally altered by any minor improvements to (12 June 1986) the primary technology, what significant benefits does the Commission foresee from its funding of research in this field? The Commission presented to the Council on 4 November 1985 a proposal for a Council Directive (l) amending Directive 82/501/EEC on the major accident hazards of certain industrial activities. This proposal, as requested by Article 19 of the Directive, concerns only the revision of Answer given by Mr Narjes Annexes I, II and III. on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1986) In particular, this proposal contains some amendments to Annexes II and III in order to reinforce the provisions of the The Community launched in 1985 a call for proposals of Directive with respect to the industrial activities which ! involve particularly dangerous substances (ex: Chlorine, R&D projects in the field of Energy from Biomass ( ). Carbonyl chloride, Methyl isocyanate, Sulphur trioxide, About 80 proposals have been selected. Only a part of them Sulphur dioxide, etc.). concerns R & D on bioethanol. A list of supported projects with indication of the EC financial contribution will be With regard to the question of the distance between chemical provided after detailed negotiations of contracts have been plants and residential housing, the Directive requires an completed. evaluation on a case-by-case basis. In fact, for the dangerous industrial activities covered by Article 5, a detailed One important aspect to be treated in the European notification should be submitted to the competent Community's R&D programme is hydrolysis of cellulose authorities. This notification contains, amongst other and hemicellulose. Hydrolysis holds out considerable things, information relating to the geographical location of promise for lower cost production of bioethanol in that it the installation, the source of danger arising from the may give access to cheap biomass feedstocks to replace location of the site and the emergency plans for possible high-value sugar and starch. major accident situations. On the basis of this notification, the competent authorities should evaluate the hazard posed Research within the EC programme is enabling important by the industrial activity and ascertain that the manufacturer sections of European industry to become involved in work on has taken the most appropriate measures to prevent major acid hydrolysis and other pilot projects, as well as permitting accidents and to provide the means for limiting the numerous academic institutions to focus their interest on consequences thereof. enzymatic degradation for the production of cheap feedstocks. (») OJ No C 305, 26. 11. 1985, p. 9. H OJ No C 69, 16. 3. 1985.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 252/86 by Mr Winston Griffiths (S—GB) WRITTEN QUESTION No 283/86 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) (12 May 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (86/C 270/49) (12 May 1986) (86/C 270/50) Subject: Fuel bio-ethanol Subject: Hazards arising from chemical fertilizer dumps Would the Commission please provide a list of those projects, demonstration or otherwise, in the field of fuel Twice in the last three months Belgium has had two major bio-ethanol which have received aid under Community fires at chemical fertilizer dumps. In the second of these cases support schemes, together with a statement of the value of 500 people even had to be evacuated for fear of their being the aid in ECU in each case? poisoned. No C 270/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

Could the Commission say: WRITTEN QUESTION No 290/86 by Mr David Martin (S—GB) 1. Whether it knows of any other similar cases; to the Commission of the European Communities 2. Whether the explanation that these fires were caused by (13 May 1986) spontaneous combustion is well-founded; {86/C 270/51)

3. What the risks associated with the burning of a Subject: Community staff and disability hundred or so tonnes of chemical fertilizers (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) are in terms of 1. What proportion of the institution's staff are disabled? environmental pollution and as regards public health; Are they evenly distributed through all grades?

4. What basic precautions have to be observed when storing 2. Does any target figure exist for proportions of staff chemical fertilizers; with disabilities?

5. What should be the minimum conditions laid down in 3. What procedures exist for assisting any servant of the authorizations granted by the public authorities for Communities who acquires a disability to remain in their storing chemical fertilizers? post or to transfer to another position?

4. Would the dismissal of a member of staff who acquired a disability be regarded as an acceptable practice?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission (4 August 1986) Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission The two industrial accidents in Belgium to which the (IS July 1986) Honourable Member refers occurred in Forville on 12 January 1986 and in Sombreffe on 28 March 1986. 1 and 2. The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question No 1478/84 by The Commission has been informed of these accidents Mr Vandemeulebroucke ('). through the media; the Belgian authorities have not yet officially informed the Commission nor provided the detailed 3. As long as a member of staff of the institution still report on these accidents as required by Article 11 of possesses the qualifications necessary to perform his duties, Directive 82/501/EEC on the major accident hazards of there can be no objection to his continuing to do so even certain industrial activities (1). while suffering from a disability acquired after his entry into service. If it should transpire that a change of post is either The Commission has officially requested the Belgian requested by the member of staff or recommended on Government to give details of these accidents and to verify medical grounds, every effort is made to ensure that this is whether they are to be considered major accidents under the possible. terms of the Directive. 4. The provisions of the Staff Regulations for invalidating As soon as the Belgian authorities have provided reports on staff out of the service apply to all officials without these two accidents, the Commission will examine them and discrimination. analyze their causes with experts in order to develop useful I1) OJ No C 145, 13. 6. 1985. information and experience to be used for prevention purposes.

As regards the precautions to be taken for storage of chemical fertilizers and the safety standards to be required by authorities for the licensing of such storage, the Directive requires an evaluation on a case-by-case basis. In fact, on the basis of the notification to be submitted by the manufacturers WRITTEN QUESTION No 307/86 for the storage of ammonium nitrate fertilizers which are by Mr Terence Pitt (S—GB) covered by Article 5 of the Directive, the competent to the Commission of the European Communities authorities should evaluate the hazard posed by such storage and ascertain that the manufacturer has taken the most (13 May 1986) appropriate measures to prevent major accidents and to (86/C 270/52) provide the means for limiting the consequences thereof.

(]) OJ No L 230, 5. 8. 1982. Subject: Contravention of Article 51 of the Treaty Will the Commission take up with the Council of Ministers and the Government of the United Kingdom the 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/29 government's proposals to remove the right of appeal against Does a method exist for measuring their impact? the decisions made by the officials of the Department of Health and Social Security on matters covered by the Social Fund to be set up under the provisions of the Social Security Has the Commission made plans to evaluate the effectiveness Bill 1985? of the structural funds when drawing up its subsequent proposals? Furthermore, is the Commission aware that these proposals, which will affect the operation of Article 51 of the Treaty, contravene the European Convention on Human Rights which, as the Treaty countries are also signatories to the Convention, is an implied obligation under Article 51?

Answer given by Mr Varfis on behalf of the Commission (15 July 1986) Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1986) The Commission already gives quite detailed information on the results of the financial assistance it provides (for example, in the form of the number of jobs created or preserved or the Council Regulations (EEC) No 1408/71 H and (EEC) No cost of the investment projects supported) in the periodic 2 574/72 ( ) on social security, as amended by Regulation reports on the use of its financial instruments. (EEC) No 2000/83 (3) and based on Article 51 of the EEC Treaty, do not envisage a harmonization of the various social security systems existing within the Community, but only a Although the Commission is not in a position to give precise coordination of these systems. As the Court of Justice of the figures for the impact of its assistance on all the factors European Communities has pointed out on several contributing to the Community's economic and social occasions, the legislative power of the Council, based on development, it is constantly endeavouring to increase the Article 51 of the Treaty, is limited. It is not up to the Council, effectiveness of its financial instruments. For example, the but to the Member States themselves to determine the changes made to the various instruments in recent years have structure and characteristics of their social security systems. led to greater concentration of aid on the least favoured Social security legislation, including the right of access to the countries and areas and maintenance of an economic activity courts, is thus to a very ample extent a matter for the Member (creation or preservation of jobs) has become the prime States themselves subject to the observation of certain objective underlying their use. conditions, namely that they do not practise any discrimination based on nationality, provide equal treatment and the payment of certain benefits on their territories. At the same time, the Commission is constantly improving the means of providing a better estimate of the results of using (!) OJ No L 149, 5. 7. 1971, p. 2. its instruments. For example, progress has been made 2 ( ) OJ No L 74, 27. 3. 1972, p. 1. towards that objective through the adoption of the new 3 ( ) OJ No L 230, 22. 8. 1983, p. 1. ERDF legislation (!), which provides for a prior assessment of the Community interest and economic effectiveness of programmes, and through the adoption of Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 on improving the efficiency of agricultural structures (2), which provides for a procedure for establishing close cooperation between the Member States and the Commission to permit an annual examination of the effects of the Community and national measures taken.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 314/86 In the context of the IMPs Regulation too, the Commission by Mr Giovanni Starita (PPE—I) will regularly monitor the implementation of the to the Commission of the European Communities programmes, mainly through the Monitoring Committee, (11 July 1986) and, starting in 1987, it will each year produce a detailed report covering both the financial aspects of the (86/C 270/53) implementation of the IMPs and an economic and social assessment of the results obtained.

Subject: Role of the Community structural funds in the Community's economic and social development Finally, and on a more general level, the Commission would point out that a thorough examination of the results of using Could the Commission indicate how the Community the financial instruments will constitute the basis of the work structural funds influence the Community's economic and needed to carry out the task assigned to the Commission in social development? Article 130 D of the new Title V of the Single Act, namely to No C 270/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86 transmit to the Council a comprehensive proposal for WFP) in order to assess the refugees' needs and, where making such amendments to the structure and operational necessary, to adjust the amount of Community food aid. rules of the structural Funds as are necessary to increase their efficiency and so to improve the Community's economic and social cohesion.

H Regulation (EEC) No 1787/84 of 19 June 1984 (OJ No L 169, 28. 6. 1984, p. 1). (2) OJNo L 93, 30. 3. 1985, p. 1. WRITTEN QUESTION No 331/86 by Mr Bram van der Lek (ARC—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (13 May 1986) (86/C 270/55)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 325/86 Subject: Military use of nuclear material designated as non-military in the United Kingdom by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) to the Commission of the European Communities 1. Is the Commission aware that on the 'TV Eye' (13 May 1986) programme on 21 March 1986 Lord Marshall, the chairman (86/C 270/54) of the United Kingdom Central Electricity Generating Board, admitted that plutonium from British civil nuclear power stations has been transferred to military stockpiles? Subject: EEC aid for Afghan refugees in Pakistan 2. Does the Commission consider that Lord Marshall's remarks indicate that Euratom agreements concerning the According to one of the leaders of the Afghan resistance who separation of military and non-military nuclear material have is currently in Europe, more than 1 million Afghans have been breached? been killed or wounded since the Soviet invasion of 27 December 1979, and nearly 5 million Afghans have fled their 3. Was the Commission already aware of these transfers country, most of them seeking refuge in Pakistan. of non-military plutonium to military stockpiles?

What is the level of food aid given to these refugees by the 4. What steps does the Commission intend to take in view Community since 1980? Does the Commission plan to of Lord Marshall's remarks? increase this aid to mitigate the suffering of the Afghan people, most of whom reject the political regime which is being imposed on them?

Answer given by Mr Mosar on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1986) Answer given by Mr Cheysson on behalf of the Commission 1. Yes. (20 June 1986) 2. Transfers from the civil to the military cycle, provided that the material involved is not subject to a civil pledge, Between 1980 and 1985 the Community provided Afghan deriving from an international or contractual commitment, refugees with food aid worth 66 million ECU at world are not contrary to Community law. To this effect the market prices, an average of 11 million ECU a year. This Commission calls the attention of the Honourable Member food aid is supplied via the UNHCR (or the WFP), mainly in to Article 84, last paragraph, of the Euratom Treaty and to the form of cereals (a yearly average of 35 000 tonnes), but Article 35 (1) of Commission Regulation (Euratom) No also, in accordance with available supplies and requests, as 3227/76 (>). milk, butteroil, vegetable oil and sugar. 3. The Commission was aware of these transfers, through The 1986 supplies of food aid to the Afghan refugees (45 000 the operators' report pursuant to Regulation (EEC) No tonnes of cereals, 2 000 tonnes of sugar, 1 000 tonnes of 3227/76. butteroil) are an increase on the quantities for 1985 and are proof of the Commission's commitment to maintain the level 4. None. of Community food aid to the Afghan refugees. H OJ No L 363, 31. 12. 1976, p. 1. The Commission is in constant contact with the Pakistan authorities and international agencies concerned (UNHCR, 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 270/31

WRITTEN QUESTION No 340/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 354/86 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Eulate Penaranda (S—E) by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE—B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (13 May 1986) (28 May 1986) (86/C 270/56) (86/C 270/57)

Subject: Irrigation projects in the Sahel Subject: ECU travellers cheques for tourists According to a recent report by the World Bank, the With the approach of the summer holidays, Community low-income countries in Africa at the present time have a tourists will have to make the necessary currency good chance of increasing the prosperity of their peoples as a arrangements before travelling. This involves inconvenience result of lower oil prices and favourable climatic conditions. and loss of purchasing power because of bank charges and However, the glaring absence of irrigation facilities remains a other costs incurred in obtaining the relevant currency. serious obstacle, particularly in the Sahel. As a result, thousands of cubic metres of ground and river water remain unused. This once again raises the issue of whether ECU travellers cheques should be issued generally to enable tourists and other travellers to safeguard their money and its purchasing The Commission is asked to indicate: power and make it easier for them to budget their spending. 1. what irrigation or water supply projects in the Sahel it is aiding or will be aiding?

Can the Commission therefore say whether it intends to see 2. what sums are involved with these projects or that ECU travellers cheques are widely used in the interests of programmes? facilitating travel in EEC countries, bringing the ECU into general use and making the citizens of the European 3. what difficulties are encountered at the stage of Community feel that they really belong to a monetary implementation ? Community? 4. what results have already been achieved to date?

Answer given by Mr Delors Answer given by Mr Natali on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (16 July 1986) (24 July 1986)

The Commission is doing everything within its power to 1 and 2. The irrigation projects in the Sahel financed by promote the use of the ECU for all suitable purposes; it is Community aid are so numerous that they cannot be listed in therefore very interested in the development of ECU an answer to a written question. travellers' cheques, a symbol of the availability of the new currency unit to the man in the street. EDF contributions over the last five years total 67,4 million ECU for irrigation projects in the Sahel and 35,3 million ECU for village and pastoral water-engineering schemes. In its communication to the Council on Community action in J the field of tourism ( ), the Commission stressed the Under Lome III the emphasis in the case of most Sahel advantages to tourism of greater use of the ECU. Referring to countries is on increasing food security by boosting the availability of ECU travellers' cheques and credit cards, agricultural production through improved water control. In and to the possibility of displaying hotel prices in ECU, the their indicative programmes, all the Sahel countries will be Commission said it would endeavour to promote the use of channelling substantial resources to small- or medium-scale the ECU wherever possible. irrigation schemes.

The Commission intends to take the practical step, in 3. Agricultural production based on 'modern' irrigation collaboration with the relevant national authorities, of methods clearly requires human adaptation and considerable drawing up a travellers' guide, in which the availability of changes in the traditional working methods of producers, travellers' cheques and other means of payment denominated necessitating the gradual introduction of new techniques. in ECU will be mentioned. A second constraint concerns the organization and H Doc. COM(86) 32 final, 5. 2. 1986. management of areas once they have been equipped. The Commission favours self-management by groups of farmers or agriculture based on a pre-cooperative or village plot system. No C 270/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

4. A large number of schemes have been undertaken: 570 No staff left the Commission in 1985 under the special wells sunk or repaired, 1 621 boreholes drilled and six solar termination-of-service arrangements. pumps installed, at a total cost of over 35 million ECU.

Irrigation has been extended to over 20 000 ha at a cost of 67,5 million ECU.

More detailed information may be obtained from the Commission's relevant departments and from the annual reports on the administration of financial and technical WRITTEN QUESTION No 381/85 cooperation. by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S—D) to the Commission of the European Communities (29 July 1986) (86/C 270/59)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 355/86 Subject: Euregio office in Enschede/Gronau by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities 1. Is the Commission aware of the disgraceful situation which has arisen with regard to the proposed installation of a (28 May 1986) local-network telephone connection for the Euregio office in (86/C 270/58) Enschede/Gronau with the two neighbouring countries, the Netherlands and the Federal Republic of Germany? If not, is Subject: Numbers of EEC officials in retirement it prepared to ask the German and Dutch governments for information on this matter? Please indicate the year of such officials leaving their service (annual totals and grand totals per nationality). 2. Does the Commission share my view that this is a classic case of administrative narrowmindedness, not to say In 1985, how many Commission officials from each Member deliberate anti-European maliciousness, which has dragged State, on for almost two years, throwing up financial conditions and obstacles out of all proportion to the issue? Will the 1. have left on normal retirement; Commission see to it that the matter is promptly settled in talks between the Commission President and the two heads 2. have left under voluntary severance arrangements; of government concerned, reverting to the original concept and perhaps allowing for a three-year trial period? 3. have retired with pensions termed 'invalidity allowances'? 3. Does the Commission share my view that there have been similar instances in many other areas and that the officials on both sides, ignoring the advice of the Commission Answer given by Mr Christophersen and colleagues, have given the impression that their one aim, on behalf of the Commission contrary to the Community clause in Article 5 of the EEC Treaty, is to prevent the success of any attempt to unify the (15 July 1986) European Community? Is the Commission prepared to oppose such attitudes resolutely and on a broad political and The Honourable Member will find details about the number administrative front? If so, how does it intend to act and of Commission officials and temporary staff who terminated according to what timescale? their service between 1 January and 31 December 1985 in the table below. 4. Who are the persons responsible for the adoption of such anti-European decisions? What disciplinary measures Invalidity does the Commission consider might be applied to the Retirement pension officials concerned and with what effect? Belgian 10 30 British 5 5 Danish 1 1 German 10 10 Answer given by Mr Pfeiffer French 14 16 on behalf of the Commission Greek 1 1 (29 July 1986) Irish 1 — Italian 10 12 The Commission is aware that the Secretariat of Euregio, Luxembourg 4 8 which is situated in German territory (in Gronau, Dutch 9 7 Westphalia) is seeking to be connected to the Dutch telephone network, an arrangement prohibited by both Total 65 90 Dutch and German legislation. 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/33

Under existing legislation on telephone services, all WRITTEN QUESTION No 398/85 telephone calls to another country — as in the case of Euregio by Mr Natalino Gatti and Mr Tommaso Rossi (COM—I) (calls from the Federal Republic of Germany to the Netherlands) — are defined as international calls. to the Commission of the European Communities (28 May 1986) The Commission regrets hard cases that may arise from these (86/C 270/61) rules, which are at present of general application. However, its policy on telecommunications includes efforts to achieve Subject: Storage contracts in respect of olive oil rapid further development of international telephone links within the Community, both technically and from the point In view of of view of the user. 1. the extremely good production levels during the 1985/86 marketing year in areas not affected by frost during the winter of 1985,

2. the fall in the prices for virgin olive oil, which are now on a par with the intervention price, and

3. the need to safeguard higher-quality production and the objective of restricting the practice of buying-in, WRITTEN QUESTION No 396/85 does the Commission intend to authorize storage contracts by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR—NL) with producers' associations in respect of olive oil as of the to the Commission of the European Communities 1985/86 marketing year, as provided for under Regulation J (28 May 1986) No 136/66/EEC ( ), as amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2260/84 (2)? (86/C 270/60) H OJ No 172, 30. 9. 1966, p. 3025/66. (2) OJNoL 208, 3. 8. 1984, p. 1. Subject: Proposals to amend the Regulations on international passenger transport

Answer given by Mr Andriessen The Regulations on international passenger transport No 1 2 on behalf of the Commission 117/66/EEC( ), (EEC) No 516/72 ( ) and (EEC) No 517/72 (3) are out of date. Can the Commission explain why (15 July 1986) it has still not proposed amendments thereto, which are imperative, despite being urged to do so by the Council of As it had announced in connection with the 1986/87 price Transport Ministers and despite its assurances to the Council proposals (!), the Commission is planning to render in this regard? operational the olive oil storage contracts for the recognized producers' organizations referred to in Article 20d (3) of H OJ No 147, 9. 8. 1966, p. 2688/66. Regulation No 136/66/EEC. (2) OJ No L 67, 20. 3. 1972, p. 13. (3) OJ No L 67, 20. 3. 1972, p. 19. For this purpose, it will be adopting in the near future, and at latest for the beginning of the 1986/87 marketing year, appropriate detailed rules of application. (M COM(86) 20 final, volume 1.

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission (16 July 1986)

The Commission has drafted a proposal for a Regulation WRITTEN QUESTION No 399/85 amending the Council Regulations on international by Mr Natalino Gatti and Mr Tommaso Rossi (COM—I) passenger services by road, i.e. Regulations No to the Commission of the European Communities 117/66/EEC, (EEC) No 516/72 and (EEC) No 517/72. Several meetings have been held to discuss the proposal with (28 May 1986) government experts from each Member State and with all (86/C 270/62) interested parties. A proposal taking account of the points raised at these meetings will be put to the Council, probably Subject: Financing of specific measures to improve the this summer. quality of olive oil

In view of the fact that, pursuant to Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 1502/85 of 23 May 1985 (!), 'for the 1985/86 No C 270/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86 marketing year, 2% of the production aid earmarked for marks the beginning of a prolonged court case, in which the olive oil producers in Italy, Greece and France shall be owner, being a foreigner, cannot always rely on the best legal allocated to the financing of specific measures to improve the assistance. quality of olive oil in those countries'. 1. Is the Commission aware of this situation? Can the Commission say: 2. What measures is it planning to take in this matter? 1. what measures it intends to take and what sum the figure of 2% referred to represents? 3. Is there a 'black list' of Spanish firms known to be untrustworthy? 2. whether it is considering contractual arrangements with the Community's recognized producers' associations to 4. Has the Commission already discussed this matter with implement these measures? the Spanish authorities and if so, what has come of the talks? 3. whether plant-health-related measures to combat parasites, which are detrimental to quality, can be provided for in this context?

(») OJ NoL 151, 10. 6. 1985, p. 27. Answer given by Mr Varfis on behalf of the Commission (28 July 1986)

Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission 1. The Commission is aware that a certain number of foreigners have experienced difficulty in connection with the (22 July 1986) purchase of properties in Spain.

The programme for improving the quality of olive oil 2. It is investigating the matter in collaboration with production will be implemented in 1987 in certain government experts from all Member States and with some Community production areas. It will concentrate on control private experts. of the olive fly (Dacus oleae). Action against other pests may also be taken. 3. The Commission has no such list.

A sum of approximately 10 million ECU should be 4. Contact has been made and discussions are available. proceeding.

In order to define and set up a programme the Commission is now consulting scientific experts, producers' representatives and the national administrations.

When it reaches the stage of assessing the facilities available in individual regions for implementing the programme, the Commission may decide that it should seek the assistance of WRITTEN QUESTION No 419/85 producers' organizations. by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 May 1986) (86/C 270/64)

Subject: European Social Fund assistance for a vocational WRITTEN QUESTION No 417/85 training project in Turnhout for young poorly by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) qualified unemployed persons under 25 to the Commission of the European Communities In its resolution of 11 March 1986 on the Commission's (28 May 1986) guidelines for the management of the European Social Fund (86/C 270/63) the European Parliament emphasized that vocational training had to be based more extensively on training models Subject: Fraud in connection with sales of summer homes in adapted to meet the needs of modern technology. At the same Spain time it said that training in the field of the new technologies had to be promoted most in those areas with little high-tech Disappointed owners of summer holiday homes in Spain industry which suffer from high structural unemployment. have informed me of how they have become victims of a fraud. Turnhout falls into the latter category: in 1984 almost a quarter of the insured population was out of work. In Summer homes are bought through companies but later turn cooperation with local industry (especially the printing trade) out to have been resold to another owner. In most cases this the town council set up a special regional vocational training 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/35

programme aimed at promoting employment for poorly — if so, what timetable would it set to achieve qualified unemployed young people (under 25), with the standardization? accent on adapting to the new technologies in the profession of maintenance engineer. The application for assistance for this project from the European Social Fund was nevertheless refused. Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis Can the Commission explain why it refused to grant on behalf of the Commission assistance to this project, which meets the criteria of the Commission Decision of 30 April 1985 on the guidelines for (11 July 1986) the management of the European Social Fund in the years 1986 to 1988 and whether it is willing to review its decision and award ESF assistance to this project? Road signs worldwide are governed by the 1968 Vienna Convention, administered by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Geneva. The Convention does not lay down a uniform colour for motorway signs but simply shows white or dark symbols. However, all the examples in Answer given by Mr Marin Annex V to the Convention have white symbols on a blue on behalf of the Commission background. (24 July 1986) The Commission regrets the differences between motorway 1. The project referred to by the Honourable Member signs in the Member States but is well aware of the expense could not be approved by the Commission since certain of the that any change would entail for countries using green at the conditions provided for in the applicable guidelines for the moment. It feels that any such change should be undertaken management of the European Social Fund were not complied by the European Conference of Ministers of Transport with. (ECMT), to which nine European countries belong. As far as its resources allow, the Commission is prepared to contribute The decision was taken on 7 May 1986 under No C(86) 736, to any fresh move at ECMT. and was notified to the Member States on 10 June 1986. The competent Belgian Government authority is able to provide the Honourable Member with all the information which he requires.

2. The Commission does not intend to amend its decision.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 433/86 by Mrs Dorothee Piermont (ARC—D) to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the European Community meeting in political cooperation WRITTEN QUESTION No 427/86 (28 May 1986) by Mr Fernand Herman (PPE—B) (86/C 270/66) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 May 1986) Subject: Control of exports of certain chemical products (86/C 270/65) that can be used in chemical weapons

Subject: Road signs 1. Would the Foreign Ministers state in response to my Written Question No 2287/85 what measures have been I have read in the magazine Touring Secours of 15 April 1986 taken by which Member States? that the colours (green or blue) which enable road-users to distinguish motorway signs from those indicating major secondary roads are not identical in all the Member States of 2. What was the outcome of the bilateral talks between the Community. those Member States and the Commission pursuant to Article 224 of the EEC Treaty? This situation, which is perceived by the public as a lack of 'Europeanism', could give rise to unsettling confusion but 3. When is the Council to discuss the implementating and could also cause accidents (differences in speed limits, the coordinating measures necessary for effective control? etc.). 4. When is the Permanent Representatives' Committee to Would the Commission state: begin and complete the 'study of the legal, technical and — whether it intends to propose standardization of colours jurisdictional problems which, in the light of the provisions for road signs in the European Community in order to of the Treaty, might be raised by this type of measure' as avoid any confusion, and decided on 14 and 15 May 1986? No C 270/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

Answer (*) these replies and also on the results of seminars, (18 September 1986) consultations and studies recently carried out with a view to taking stock of local employment creation initiatives. The Council can only confirm the reply given in March 1986 to Written Question No 2287/85 (2). There have been no further developments regarding this matter since that time. WRITTEN QUESTION No 448/86 (') This reply has been given by the Council of the European by Mr James Ford (S—GB) Communities, within whose province the question came. (2) OJ No C 130, 28. 5. 1986, p. 44. to the Commission of the European Communities (3 June 1986) (86/C 270/68)

Subject: Status of British Nationals in Hong Kong

Is the Commission aware that when Britain hands back Hong WRITTEN QUESTION No 445/86 Kong to China in 1997 about 4 000 Indians and 6 000 other by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC—B) ethnic minorities will receive British National Overseas to the Commission of the European Communities (BNO) passports to replace their present British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC) passports? (3 June 1986) (86/C 270/67) Does the Commission agree that the BNO status will deprive these ethnic minorities the right of abode to live in Britain and elsewhere in the world? Subject: Local employment initiatives Does the Commission agree that it is up to Britain to provide Almost two years ago the Council adopted a resolution (on effective citizenship for these ethnic minorities? 7 June 1984, OJ No C 161, 21 June 1984) on the contribution of local employment initiatives whose importance it acknowledged for the combating of unemployment. The resolution invited the Member States to Answer given by Mr Marin take account of these initiatives in their policies. The on behalf of the Commission penultimate paragraph of the resolution also requested the (25 July 1 986) Commission to inform the Council periodically of progress made in the implementation of the proposed actions. Definition of the term 'national' of one Member State and the conditions governing the acquisition or loss of citizenship are In reply to a question on this subject, the Council informed matters coming under the sovereignty of each Member State me that the Commission had to date not given the Council and are outside the Commission's jurisdiction. any information on the subject. Please could the Commission give me the reason for this and state what progress has been made as concerns the implementation of these actions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 449/86 by Mrs Ien van de Heuvel (S—NL) Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (28 July 1986) (24 July 1986) (86/C 270/69) The field of action of the Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the contribution of local employment creation initiatives Subject: Equality of treatment as regards the payment of to efforts to combat unemployment is very extensive. The benefits Commission did not consider it appropriate to produce its The Commission has no doubt become acquainted with the first report on the progress achieved before the end of a two plans of the Netherlands Government concerning equality of year observation period. treatment for men and women in respect of the Netherlands laws on the payment of benefits to sick and /or invalid war In Autumn 1986, the Commission intends to present a victims (the 'WUV and 'WUBO' laws) 0). communication to the Council containing detailed information on the measures undertaken at Member State In this connection can the Commission state: and Community level. 1. Whether it considers that these laws, that provide for To this end, one measure undertaken by the Commission was compensation for loss of income suffered as a result of to send a questionnaire to the Member States in January illness or infirmities, fall within the sphere of the 1986, the replies to which have almost all been received. The Directive on equal treatment for men and women in communication will be based essentially on an evaluation of matters of social security? 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/37

2. Whether it shares the view that equal treatment in respect Answer given by Mr Marin of these benefits should have been effected by 23 on behalf of the Commission December 1984 at the latest? Does this not suggest that (25 July 1986) the Netherlands Government is obliged to introduce this equal treatment retroactively? The Commission has already given details of its plan for a 3. How it views the criteria put forward by the Netherlands forward-looking labour market policy in a working Government in respect of: document submitted by the Commission to the Standing Committee on Employment at its meeting on 24 April (a) the date (the loss of income must have arisen after 1986 (J). This document describes the Commission action 1 January 1976)? programme on the development of the employment market (b) the income (the applicant's income must be at least at local level, of which the pilot projects form a part; it has 15% of the 'minimum basis', i.e. about Fl 400 a been sent directly to the Honourable Member and the month)? General-Secretariat of the European Parliament. In view of the fact that many married women only have a small income, must this not be seen as indirect The 1986 action programme is financed under budget discrimination? heading 'cooperation in the field of employment' to the amount of some 400 000 ECU. At this stage, the programme Is the Commission prepared to notify the Netherlands itself is not financed by the structural funds, but the localities Government of its views in this matter? selected for pilot projects might have received assistance from them outside the programme. In the future, these localities i1) Memorandum on equality of treatment in the 'WUV and might receive appropriate funds either under the programme 'WUBO'. or from other sources.

A Commission communication to the Council on the development of the labour market at local level is planned for Answer given by Mr Marin the beginning of 1987, it would put forward proposals for on behalf of the Commission future action based on the results of the pilot projects and the (24 July 1986) recommendations contained in the final report on the action programme.

The Commission is at present examining the problem of the H SEQ86) 539. applicability of Directive 79/7/EEC 0) to the legislation concerned, in the context of a complaints procedure against the Government of the Netherlands (Complaint 2086/86).

A reply to the questions put by the Honourable Member depends on the result of this examination which has not yet been concluded. WRITTEN QUESTION No 461/86 by Mrs Barbara Castle (S—GB) OJ NoL 6, 10. 1. 1979. to the Commission of the European Communities (3 June 1986) (86/C 270/71)

Subject: Social Fund WRITTEN QUESTION No 455/86 by Mrs Anne-Jo see Andre (LDR—B) Has the proposal for a Council Regulation (COM(85) 451 final), submitted to the Council by the Commission on 19 to the Commission of the European Communities August 1985 been adopted? If not, on what grounds is it (3 June 1986) being held up in the Council? Who would be eligible to (86/C 270/70) receive this wage subsidy?

Subject: Labour market

Can the Commission give details of its plan for a future Answer given by Mr Marin labour market policy? on behalf of the Commission (22 July 1986) Can it give an indication of the size of the contribution from the structural funds to this initiative? The proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation Can it state how it will 'exploit' the results of the pilot projects (EEC) No 2950/83 implementing Decision 83/516/EEC envisaged? concerning the tasks of the ESF (J) was adopted by the No C 270/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 10. 86

Council on 20 December 1985. Regulation (EEC) No WRITTEN QUESTION No 493/86 3824/85 appeared in Official Journal of the European by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) Communities No L 370 of 31 December 1985. It extended the scope of application of Article 1 (c) of Council Regulation to the Commission of the European Communities (EEC) No 2950/83 (2) (aid for recruitment to additional (S June 1986) jobs) to include subsidies for the creation of self-employed (86/C 270/73) activities, excluding the liberal professions.

0) COM(85) 451 final. Subject: The 'wood, a renewable raw material' programme (2) OJ No L 289, 22. 10. 1983. — reduction by the Council of the resources earmarked for the programme

The 30 million ECU endowment proposed by the Management Committee for the 'wood' programme, which forms part of the materials programme, was reduced to 10 million ECU by the Council on 10 December 1985.

Through its rapporteur, Mr Roux, the European Parliament WRITTEN QUESTION No 476/86 has expressed regret at this reduction and indicated that it by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S—B) cannot accept it. to the Commission of the European Communities Parliament wants the budget to be maintained at the level (5 June 1986) proposed, since forests are playing an increasingly important (86/C 270/72) part in European life, in the environment and in the CAP.

What is the Commission's definitive positive position on the Subject: New Italian unit of currency question of maintaining the 'wood' programme for 1986, having regard to the Council's decision and Parliament's The Italian Minister for Finance has said in an interview that proposal? Italy will be introducing a new unit of currency, at one thousand times the value of the present lira, towards the end of 1986. Answer given by Mr Narjes Is the Commission aware of this? on behalf of the Commission (16 July 1986) Was it consulted? The Commission regrets that the second sub-programme, What will the new unit of currency be called? 'Wood, a renewable raw material' (1986 to 1989), has been seriously affected by the Council Decision of 10 December Does the Commission consider that such an adjustment falls 1985, which reduced the amount concerned from 20 million within the Community's competence at monetary level and ECU to 10 million ECU. As a result of this Decision, it has that it can only be implemented in consultation with the other inevitably been necessary to cut back the research Member States? involved.

What preparatory steps is the Commission taking in order to However, during the European Parliament/Council give the new Italian unit of currency a place in the EMS? conciliation procedure the Council agreed in principle to a programme review, as a result of which the amount in question might be revised. If so, the revised amount could be submitted a the end of 1987 to take effect in 1988.

Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission (28 July 1986)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 571/86 On 3 June 1986 the Italian Council of Ministers approved a draft law for submission to Parliament on the introduction of by Mr Michel Debatisse (PPE—F) a new currency unit equivalent to a thousand existing lire, the to the Commission of the European Communities Nuova Lira. The appropriate Community bodies have been (9 June 1986) duly informed by the Italian authorities: the introduction of the new currency unit would entail a revision of the central (86/C 270/74) rates and of the amount of lire in the ECU. It would therefore be merely a technical adjustment which would not affect the Subject: Utilization of the emergency aid for Madagascar in exchange rate of the Italian currency. the wake of cyclone Honorinina in March 1986 Further to the motion for a resolution tabled by Mr Debatisse and others on the cyclone which struck Madagascar (J), can 27. 10. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 270/39 the Commission assess utilization of the 500 000 ECU the League of Red Cross Societies, which act through the emergency aid voted on 21 March 1986, with particular local Red Cross, of 2 000 blankets and supplementary food reference to its own cooperation with local NGOs and the for the most needy (flour, milk); also the provision of 75 000 Malagasy communities affected, but also as regards linear metres of corrigated-sheeting for the speedy repair, it rehousing the homeless and the renewal of destroyed or being the rainy season, of public buildings (schools, health damaged equipment and infrastructures? care centres, leper unit). Orders were placed on 4 April after I1) See Doc. B 2-140/86, 14 April 1986 (PE 105.381). consultations with suppliers. Aid delivered to Toamasina on 7 May was immediately distributed by the bodies named above. The first batch of corrigated-sheeting was bought in the island of Reunion and work on the schools, involving Answer given by Mr Natali 10 000 linear metres, was begun in mid-May. The rest was on behalf of the Commission unloaded in Toamasina in June and is to be distributed (IS July 1986) forthwith so that repairs to the roofs can be completed before the schools open again for the new term. The emergency aid decided on by the Commission on 21 March, i.e. six days after cyclone Honorinina had struck, Regarding steps to replace infrastructure, which fall outside comprised: the supply of medicine and medical equipment emergency aid, contacts at the highest level in Brussels and for Toamasina hospital and health care centres in the area; Madagascar have been held to consider the opportunities for the purchase on the spot, through Caritas Madagascar and rapid action within the appropriations currently available. COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

THE AGRICULTURAL SITUATION IN THE COMMUNITY

1985 REPORT

Report published in conjunction with the 'Nineteenth General Report on the Activities of the European Communities'

This report is the eleventh published version of the annual Report on the Agricultural Situation in the Community. It contains analyses and statistics on the general situation (economic en­ vironment and world market), the factors of production, the structures and situation of the markets in the various agricultural products, the obstacles to the common agricultural market, the position of consumers and producers, and the financial aspects. The general prospects and the market outlook for agricultural products are also dealt with.

439 pp., 11 fig.

Published in: Danish, German, Greek, English, French, Italian and Dutch

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DOCUMENT

EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

Tenth Annual Report (1984)

The ERDF, one of the Community's structural funds was set up in 1975 to correct the principal regional imbalances within the Community. ERDF aid is accordingly granted in areas and regions suffering from imbalances resulting in particular from the predominance of agri­ culture, industrial change and structural under-employment. Such regions, which are determined in agreement with the Member States, are generally the areas covered by national regional aid schemes, these areas being approved by the Commission in accordance with Articles 92 and 94 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community. The ERDF provides assistance by making grants which support and supplement national regional development efforts

119 pp. ISBN 92-825-5875-4 CB-45-85-195-EN-C

Published in: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian.

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DOCUMENT

COMPETITION EUROPEENNE ET COOPERATION ENTRE ENTREPRISES EN MATIERE DE RECHERCHE-DEVELOPPEMENT

Les accords de cooperation interentreprises dans le domaine de la recherche-developpement se sont multiplies au cours des annees recentes, a travers deux formes principals: le contrat de collaboration qui permet, dans une perspective de court terme et avec une structure legere, de poursuivre des objectifs limites et Pentreprise conjointe (joint venture) qui correspond a la cons­ titution d'une entite nouvelle ayant ou non la personnaIit6 juridique, mais dotee d'une large autonomic et capable d'assurer des relations plus etendues et de longue duree. L'objet de la presente etude est d'analyser certains aspects de ces accords de cooperation en recherche-developpement (ACRD) dans la perspective du nouveau reglement europeen qui pre­ cise les conditions dans lesquelles l'article 85 paragraphe 3 du traite de Rome leur est appli­ cable.

124 p. Publie seulement en langue fran9aise. CB 45 85 414 FR C ISBN 92 825 5893 2

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