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Europe stands up for women's rights Do MEPs really live the life of Riley? More fighting talk , from Barbara Castle '~~------~----~ EUROPE81 Social programmes -and getting the help to where it's needed

Published by the Colllllllssion ofthe European Communities, 20 Kensington Much ofthe Community's work behind the European scenes consists Palace Gardens, London W8 4QQ. oflook.ing at ways offurthering social policies to which all member Tel: 01-727 8090 states are committed. In this issue we have reports on two such Editor-in-Chief: George Scott aspects of the Community's involvement in the issues of modern life: Editor: John Greenwood women's rights, byMela.nie Davis (page 7), and safeguarding the Associate Editor: Denis Thomas environment (Ron Barry, page 17). Design: Lawrence Edwards Printed by Lawrence-Allen Ltd, Roy Stemman's latest investigation into how European aid gets to Weston-super-Mare, Avon those who need it, is from one of the most popular holiday areas of Europe SI does not necessarily reflect, in all Britain, the West Country (opposite). S1milarly, our story on the particulars, the opinions of the Community Community's action programme to combat poverty in deprived areas institutions. Unsigned material may be (page 10) focuses on two localities in London, and one in Brussels, quoted or reprinted without payment, where this scheme (now sadly curtailed) has been shown to work. subject to suitable acknowledgement.

Europe, 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1110, Onawa, We have an interview with the MEP and former Labour minister, Ontario, Canada KIR 7S8. Barbara Castle (page 19), and an account by Noel Goodwin of an Td. (613) 238·6464 30Jound'Europe,61 ruedesBdles annual course for choreographers and musicians, supported­ Feuilles, 75782 Paris Cedex 16, among others-by the European Community, photographed by Ben France. Tel. 50158 85 J ohnson (page 14) during a. session last summer under the eye of the Communita E uropeo, Via Poli 29, 00187 Rome, Italy. Tel. 67897 22 legendary Merce Cunn.ingha.m. EF-afliunGammel Torv4, Post Bolt 144, 1004 Copenhagen K, Denmark. Tcll4 4140/14 55 32 EG Magamta, Zitclmannstrasse 22, 5300Bonn, W. Germany Tel. 23 8041 Communidad Europea, Serrano,41-5a planta Madrid-1, Spain Td.4741199 Europaiki Koinoru, 2 Vassilissis So6.as, T.K.l602,Atbens 134,Grcece Td. 7439821314 Euroforum Lwcmrbm.trg, Biriment Jean Monnct, Lllltcmbourg· Kircllbcrg Td.43011 A.vrupa Toplulugu, 13 Bogaz Sokak Kavaklidcre,Ankara, Turkey Tel. 27 614576 Belfast Office: Windsor House, 9/15 Bedford Slreet, Belfast BT2 7EG Td. (0232) 40708 CardiffOffie~ : 4 Cathedral Road, CardiffCF19SG Tei. (0222)371631 EdinburgJtOf/iu: 7 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH Td. (031) 225 2058

Associated editions: EuropeanCommuniry, 2100M Street, NW, -J Suite 707, Washington DC 20037, USA Tel. 202 8629500 Community Rtp()J't, 39 Moles worth Street, Dubli.o2, lreland. Tel. 712244 2 EUROPE81 Forecast tor the West Country: brightening slowly

The fortunes of the south-west of England have which has a miner on one side and a fisherman on the changed dramatically since the days when there were other. Today, only a handful of tin mines are to be hundreds of tin and copper mines in Devon and found in Cornwall, and the south-west fishing fleet is Cornwall, and the fishermen of the area could expect hard pressed to make a profit. But now that both a good living from their catches. Those times are industries are receiving European financial support, recorded for posterity on the Cornish county crest, they can view the future with rather more optimism.

ot many years ago, the spider crab they have a £1 '12 million turnover and the would have provoked a Cornish curse spider crab makes a handsome contribution to from any fisherman unfortunate ROY STEMMAN reports that total. They also have an impressive new Nenough to find one in his pots. It was from a part of England building, standing on the south quay at New­ regarded as vermin because it ate the bait lyn, which can hold 24 tons of live shell fish­ intended for marketable shellfish. So spider where old trades and new crab, lobster and crayfish - in 16 sea-water crabs would be thrown back in the sea. industries are making tanks. Now, this same creature is treated with Built in 1980, it was partly financed by a respect. It is caught intentionally, kept alive headway- with financial £56,517 grant from the European agricultural with care, then transported to France and help from Europe fund. Harvey's was one of three Cornish fish Spain, where it is regarded as a delicacy. processing companies (the others being Ship­ The largest company specialising in the ham's at Penzance and lnterfish at Saltash) to export of live and processed shell fish to the share more than £250,000 from the fund. Continent is W. Harvey and SonsofNewlyn. The Harvey brothers operate from a new Until the new building was constructed, The business was started in 1955 by three quayside building at Newlyn, built with the Harveys had to keep their catches alive in brothers, Ronnie, Jack and Gerald. Today, help from the European agricultural fund. boxes floating in the harbour. But pollution ...

a "'~ CD u< i¥ w

The institute was founded in 1980 'to Preparing the stimulate the vitality oflocal communities' by applied research, not-so-young practicalexperiment and close contact with others of like mind. Its director, Michael Dower, will have behind him the for a new career resources ofthe Dartington Hall Trust, It is not only the young who have trouble which is a large local employer. Its finding work. With mass redundancies training department has been made being announced every week, more and available for the scheme. more workers aged between 40 and SS As well as training in a relevant skill, are finding themselves unemployed , the participants will also receive often with the prospect ofneve r having counselling to help rebuild their another job. confidence. Dartington-the famous In the South-West, the Dartingron Devon community concerned with the Institute of Community Studies has just arts, crafts and self-help in particular­ begun a two-year training programme employs over 600 people in the area west through which 30 qualified but jobless ofTor bay, which is an area ofhigh Training the people will be helped to find new unemployment. Applicants for places on employment, or set UJ? new enterprises. the courses are expected to includes many handicapped for Halfthecostofthe£57 ,000 project is from the over-40 age group of jobless in working lives being met by a Social Fund grant. the Totnes area. Finding a job is difficult enough for most . young people today, but for those with physical handicaps the outlook must seem bleaker still. St Loye's College at Exeter, Devon, has demonstrated that this need not be so. With the help ofa £90,999 grant from the Social Fund, it has given training to 127 such youngsters over a three-year period. Ofthose, 80 per cent have been successfully placed in open employment­ either at fully skilled level after progressing through vocational training in the College's adult training department, or in semi-skilled jobs on completion of the work preparation course. Because ofthe college's location, many of the youngsrers are from the South-West. They have included a boy who spent 18 months at the unit, then went on to get work experience under the Youth Opportunities scheme. He now has Learning the and marketing is Viscount Linley, a full-time job with a firm ofsolicitors in 20-year-old son of Princess Margaretand Bristol. Lord Snowdon. The Development The unit, which is run by Peter craftsman's skills Commission and the Crafts Council are Johnston, gives training in a variety of among those who have contributed skills, including secretarial, engineering from a master towards the costs ofsetting up the school. and electronics work. An £8,000 grant Students pay fees to attend. from the Social Fund has been given to Money from the Social Fund is being Ten students are selected each spring the college for a follow-up study. used by a top British designer, J ohn for entry the following September. They Makepeace, to train young men and receive an intensive, fully residential women to become craftsmen in wood. two-year course, and are encouraged to T he Community aid has gone to the set up their own workshops after leaving. Parnham T rust Ltd, a non-profit· John Makepeace, who is a consultant to making educational charity established the EEC, is noted throughout the design in 1977 to run the SchoolforCraftsmen world and among enthusiasts for in Wood at Beaminster, Dorset, to help hand-made modern furniture. His the venture as an experimental pilot workshops are at Parnham House, a project. superb building in beautiful gardens. It Among the 20 students currently was in the Oak Room at Parnham that receiving an integrated training in design, General Eisenhower prepared the plans wood-working, production, management for the invasion of Europe in 1944.

4 EUROPE81

When shell-fish catches dwindle in the winter months, W. Harvey & Sons keeps its 40 employees busy filleting mackerel. Some 12lfz tons a day- the entire catch- goes to a single local buyer, for smoking. West Country fishermen welcomed the news in October that the Ministry of Agricul­ ture, in lifting its ban on mackeral fishing off the south-west coast, had imposed a limit on trawlers of more than 40 ft~o a weekly catch quota of 90 tons. This is likely to make it uneconomic for large trawlers from other are~s, particularly Scotland, to fish in these waters. It is not only the Harveys who have gained from European aid - every fisherman in the area has benefited as a result of a £165,000 grant towards the new fish quay and market at Newlyn, which Her Majesty the Queen opened in November 1980. A £23,781 agricultural fund grant has also been made towards the cost of extending a quay at Brixham, Devon, for landing fish. Direct fish exports from the famous port, at which William of Orange landed in 1688, amount to an estimated £1 Vz million a year. The fish-eating habits of the British differ considerably from those of other Europeans, and the Community-wide market for prime fish, such as sole, turbot and monkfish, has been a lifeline to the inshore industry, says David Harris, MEP for Cornwall and Ply­ mouth. But he is unhappy about the attitude of French authorities to contraventions of European agreements. At the same time as a West Country skipper was being made to dump herring that he had caught off Devon, at the end oflast year, the French were apparently turning a blind eye to illegal landings of herring at Boulogne. ~

Left: the Harveys' premises at Newlyn. Below: the new J .I. Case factory at Redruth, also backed with European money. 'Every fisherman in the area has benefited as a result of a £165,000 grant towards a new fish quay and market'

4 madethatariskybusiness. Nowtheycankeep their crabs for up to a month, so that they have sufficient for full loads to be taken to France and Spain in large, specially-equipped trucks, for sale -live- to discerning customers who prefer fresh seafood to the frozen kind: The Harvey brothers are also doing a thriving trade in brown crabs, which are processed and shrink-wrapped individually for the Swedish market. Because they have been pasteurised, the dead crabs can be kept fresh for six weeks before being eaten. 5 EUROPE81

Tin mine extensions at South Crofty-with the help ofo loon from Europe.

tration of industrial activity in western Corn­ wall. Today there are four, two of which are controlled by South Crofcy Ltd, Europe's largest producer oftin concentrate. South Crofcy has been in existence since 1906 - it was one of the first tin mines to becomealimitedcompany-andattributesits continuing success to investment, enabling it to acquire 'lame duck' mines in the vicinity when they ran into trouble. Its recent investment has been helped by loans at low interest rates from the EIB. The first, for about£1 million, isenablingit to sink its shaft even deeper, in order to mine new tin lodes. Another loan, for £2.46 million, is to enable its second mine to be sunk deeper and also to help towards modernising the mill and re-equipping and sustaining production at South Crofty. A third European loan, for £226,000, is being spent in deepening a Cornish slate quar­ ry which dates back to the year 1450. The Delabole quarry is the deepest in Europe, with a 510 foot deep pit and a perimeter of 11/z miles. South Crofty acquired the quarry in 1978. As well as producing roofing slates, Delabole also provides slate granules which are used in powder form in plastics, rubbers, paints, bitumen and other products. T he combined quarry and tin-mine work­ force is 681. Since tin is of strategic import­ ance because of its use in armaments, the difficult and expensive process ofextracting it from the ore is likely to continue at Camborne for many years yet. Lately, a modern industry has moved to the area, where it will provide as many jobs as the tin mines: over lOO people now work at the Redruth factory of J. I. Case (UK) Inc, the British subsidiary of the Amer­ ican Tenneco group. The Case building, the largest single span ofindustrial space in Corn­ Mr Harris complained to the Commis­ Asmanyas 150tin wall, is used to produce crawler loaders and sioner for Agriculture and Fisheries about dozers, mostly for the European Community this breach of the conservation measures and mines once flourished market. provided him with a dossier of photographs. intheCambourne­ Until recently the company's base was The Commission has initiated proceedings Redruth area. Today Leeds. When it decided to do its own fabrica­ which could lead to a prosecution in the Euro­ tion and assembly, in a purpose-built factory, pean Court. there are four the management chose Cornwall- partly be­ Fish which travels from Newlyn by road, cause of the advantages it offered as a De­ bound for export, is likely to pass through velopment Area, and also because it believes Penzance, perhaps crossing the rebuilt Ross contributing some £2 million - just under a the Cornish people have the right attitude to Bridge across the harbour, which was built third of the total cost. The grant - which is work. Long-term, it is hoping to provide jobs with the help of £150,000 from the Regional probably the largest single payment from for up to 500. Development Fund. Brussels to a West Country recipient- was The company's director and general mana­ The fish-laden vehicles will almost certain­ authorised partly because the conference ger, D. Malcolm Churchouse, says that in ly be heading for Plymouth, where Brittany complex will attract visitors to the city and the time the Cornish factory could also be sup­ Ferries provide a link with Roscoff, in surrounding region. plyingtopartofAfricaand the Middle East, as France. There is also a roll-on, roll-off ferry A much larger sum - in excess of £3.6 well as the Continent. link between Plymouth and Spain. The exist­ million - has been loaned to a Cornish com­ In addition to itsEIB loan, the company has ence of both has done much to encourage pany by the European Investment Bank for received a grant from the ERDF of around trade between the South-West and the Conti­ one of the oldest industries in Cornwall. Tin £1 million and an interest relief grant of nent. once shared with wool the distinction ofbeing £864,000. Says Mr Churchouse: 'The EEC Plymouth, the largest city in the West Britain's chief export, and the tin mines of financial help certainly made it easier for me to Country with its population of 250,000, will Cornwall were the main source of supply in sell the concept of a factory in Cornwall to soon be able to enjoy the amenities of a new the western world. As many as 150 tin mines Tenneco. What it did was to enable us to build civic theatre and conference centre to which are believed to have flourished in the Cam­ a new factory instead ofhaving to use old ones the European Regional Development Fund is borne-Redruth area- the only large concen- for separate assembly and fabrication.' [I 6 EUROPE81t 11

European law. This case was brought against Lloyds Bank by two women employees be­ How Europe stands up cause female employees had different occupa­ tional pension scheme arrangements from men when they were under the age of25. The for women issue to be decided by the European Court was whether this pension scheme qualified as ot so long ago, uttering the words 'pay'. 'women's rights' and 'the European MELANIE DAVIS looks at The Court decided that it did, even if the Community' in the same breath the Commission's record in contributions were immediately deducted by might have provoked polite securing a fair deal for an employer and paid into a pension fund. N Moreover, it was no less applicable if actual scepticism on the one side, or downright disbelief on the other. More recently, women at work-and how sums were refunded to the employee under though, women have become increasingly the European Court certain circumstances. The European Court, aware ofthe contribution the Commission in its deliberations on this case, stressed again is making to promote equal opportunities interprets equal rights under that Article 119 has direct effect within mem­ for women at work. the Treaty of Rome ber states and can be relied on in national The European Parliament's debate on courts oflaw; and also that those courts have a women in the European Community last duty to ensure the protection ofthe rights that February, and the commitment by the Com­ confused with the Court of Human Rights­ Article 119 vests in individuals. mission to respond to the European Parlia­ part of the Council of Europe-in Strasbourg) The European Court then, in effect, ap­ ment's demands for further action, have done interprets EEC law. plied the concept of equality to at least one much to publicise the European perspective The European Court's role in equal pay and aspect of private occupational pension on this sometimes cdntroversial issue. sex discrimination cases began with a Belgian schemes, holding that victims of this type of Women throughout Europe have benefited air hostess, a Mile Defrenne, who worked for discrimination have a right to take their cases from the Commission's three directives on Sabena Airlines. In 1978 she successfully to British tribunals and courts under Euro­ equal pay, equal treatment at work, and claimed equal pay with a male cabin steward, pean law. equality in social security benefits. Many even though the Belgian parliament had not The third case, also heard early this year, people even see the Community as giving itself legislated for equal pay. Since that pre­ was an all-important case on part-time work. national governments a little push to imple­ cedent was set, it has been possible for a Its recommendations, in the end, were not ment legislation - where otherwise the pro­ complainantinanequalpaycasetorelyonthis as clear-cut as the previous two cases; but cess may have been a lot slower. provision because Article 119 confers rights the Equal Oppominities Commission con­ The raison d'8tre behind the Community's directly on individuals. sider it to be an important step in the direction commitment to a policy of equal rights for Following the Defrenne case, the UK's of achieving equal pay and conditions for women at work rests on one article laid down Equal Opportunities Commission has backed Britain's 3% million women part-timers. in the Treaty of Rome. Article 119 clearly a total offive cases sent to the European Court, It remains to be seen to what extent Article states: 'Each member state shall, during the each requesting an interpretation on the ap­ 119 will further influence the development of first stage, ensure and subsequently maintain plicability ofEuropeanlaw. One other impor­ British equal pay and sex discrimination case the application of the principle that men and tant precedent was the European Court's rul­ law. It depends on how many cases are taken women should receive equal pay for equal ing that, whenever there is an inconsistency to the British Courts. Britain's record of sex work.' between Community law and the legislation discrimination and equal pay cases taken to Its original intention was not, in fact, to of a member state, Community law can over­ courts by individuals stands higher than any further the rights of working women, but to ride the domestic legislation. other European country, as does Britain's prevent women being used as cheap labour The first British equal pay case to return record of cases taken to the European Court. and therefore create unequal conditions be­ with a European ruling was Macarthy's Ltd But, undoubtedly, Article 119 will continue tween competing European companies. But versus Smith. Wendy Smith was a man­ to wield an important influence, not just on a the changes in the social and economic climate ageress in a pharmaceutical company, Macar­ case-by-case basis but also because of a Euro­ in the Sixties and Seventies which led to so thy's Ltd. Her job had previously been done pean Commission action which is taking the many more women working, gave Article 119 by a man who had left four months before she UK government to the Court in Luxem­ an altogether different dimension. It became took over the job. She was paid £50 per week bourg. the legal basis for the Community's directive whereas her male predecessor had been paid This is the final stage of the Commission's on equal pay in 1975, for two subsequent £60. Under British law, women must be em­ infringement proceedings, which have been directives, and for a policy on women at work. ployed for the same length of time as a man instigated because the Commission believes The story ofArticle 119 does not, however, before they can claim equal pay. that the Equal Pay Act only allows for equal rest there. Distinct from the role it has played The British Court ofAppeal was undecided pay where a woman is doing 'like work' with a in Commission policy is its contribution to about Mrs Smith, and referred the case to man, or where her work has been rated equal pay and sex discrimination law cases Luxembourg for an opinion on the applica­ equivalent to his under a job evaluation that have been referred to the European Court bility of Article 119. The European Court's scheme. The Act does not, however, oblige of Justice. Its interpretations have had a par­ decision in early 1980 was unequivocal. It employers to carry out job evaluation ticular bearing on some British cases. ruled that, under Article 119, a woman can schemes, and the Commission therefore con­ European Law is an independent legal sys­ legitimately compare her pay with that of a siders that the principle of'equal pay for equal tem comprised of the Treaty of Rome and man previously doing the same job. The case work' is not being properly implemented. what is called the 'secondary legislation'. made legal history. It means that, in future, The case against the British Government is These are the directives and other legislation theEqualPayActwillhavetobeappliedinthe expected to be heard early in 1982. Once implemented by the Community and subse­ light ofthat judgement. again, British women will be looking to quently incorporated in the legislation ofeach The second case to receive a European Europe and Article 119 for a decision that may individual member state. In some instances ruling was concerned with whether or not help to raise their earnings to 100 per cent of the Treaty of Rome confers rights and duties the 'death or retirement' exemption clause in men's, instead of hovering around the 70 per not just on governments but on individuals as the British Equal Pay Act, which excludes cent mark and dispite the progress of equal well. The European Court ofJustice (notto be occupational pension schemes, was legal in pay legislation so far. [I 7 EUROPE81 THE LONDON SUMMIT No deal-but change is in the air

he 10 heads of state and government 'I am confident that we shall The Commission then supplemented its at the Lancaster House meeting had original recommendations with more detailed the task ofchanging the direction and do it'-Gaston Thorn proposals. This preparatory work provided emphasis of Community policies. the basis for the Summit deliberations. TThe progress they made was substantial. The negotiations at Lancaster House were But it was still not enough to produce a final ones where political decision had to be ex­ on three main chapters: the development of package ofdetailed measures. pressed in detailed technical terms. These common policies, the common agricultural The Community foreign ministers have were the milk problem; support for policy and the UK budget problem. now taken on the job. They will try to Mediterranean agriculture; containing the There was broad agreement on the develop­ reconcile remaining differences, in the costs of the common agricultural policy; and ment of common policies. The heads of gov­ course of a series of informal meetings to dealing with the British budget problem. ernment accepted the need to concentrate the be held before the Community's leaders Mrs Thatcher said that it was not enough resources of the regional fund on the least meet again. for Community leaders just to give general prosperous regions of the Community and to The full package had to be discussed as a guidance on these four issues, leaving officials provide some useful alternative such as tech­ whole. So, until it is adopted, individual ele­ to work out the details later. These, she said, nical training to young people unable to find ments cannot be formally adopted. Commis­ were matters where the political substance lies work. The Commission's proposals for im­ sion President Gaston Thorn, at a press con­ in the detail, since the ways in which the proving the working of the common market, ference, said that the problems had been com­ policies are actually applied touch the vital stimulating the development of new indus­ plex, involving intense preparation. It was interests of individual member states. tries, and increasing the funds for investment regrettable, he said, that in this difficult It was on May 30 1980 that the foreign were also accepted. period it had not been possible to show more ministers agreed a short-term formula for The agricultural chapter raised some of the spirit of compromise and solidarity. cutting Britain's budget contribution and in­ greatest difficulties. So sensitive were the de­ However, it was clear, he said, that the structed the Commission to submit proposals cisions to be taken that the French and Irish governments wished to move forward. 'We for the development of Community policies agriculture ministers were on the spot to keep would not try to repeat the same experience, which would avert 'unacceptable situations' an eye on the drafting ofdetailed texts. but would hope to deal with the problems at in the future. The Commiss.:on presented its On cereals, where the Commission had the foreign affairs council. I am confident that policy paper in June 1981 and a group of proposed that guaranteed prices should be we shall do it,' Mr Thorn added. senior officials from member countries then brought closer to world levels in the coming Mrs Margaret Thatcher, who had chaired set to work on these proposals, reconciling years, there was broad agreement, but on milk the London meeting, told the closing press differences where possible. there was a clear difference of view, both on conference that there had been more detailed the need to limit expenditure and on the discussion at the Lancaster House European Mrs Thatcher, with Gaston Thorn and extent to which smaller farmers should have Council than at any previous Community press secretary Bernard lngham otthe special treatment. summit. The four unresolved issues were all post-summit press conference. The general ceiling on expenditure on agri­ cultural support proved another contentious issue which the foreign ministers must now try to resolve. The Commission had proposed that farm spending should not increase faster than the growth in the Community's own resources, but some governments were reluc­ tant to see such a definite commitment. There was general acceptance ofthe need to find a formula to deal with the high level of Britain's net contribution to the Commun­ ity's budget, but differences as to how the costs ofany rebate should be met and over the time the arrangements should last. The British were arguing for a review'after seven years or until the balanceofCommunity spending had been achieved. Chancellor Schmidt was not happy that Germany should bear the full costs ofany rebates, which in turn put the pressure on wealthier agricultural producers like Denmark. The Lancaster House European Council ended in disappointment, but not in crisis. To quote Commission President Gaston Thorn in the final press conference: 'It was quite clear that the ten governments do not wish to wait any longer, but wish to move forward and get in tune.' 01

8 II • lEUROPE81 ~ • <. ·"· The convener of the Labour-. The European Commission has The British government, in its role It has been calculated Qlat under the controlled Strathclyde Regional stepped in to recognise the crisis of as current president ofthe EEC present CAP, rigidly applied, Council yesterday described his Britain's special steelmakers, Council of Ministers, has issued a Portugal, the poorest country in party's desire to take Britain out of concentrated in Sheffield. in a veiled warning to the military western Europe, would have to be a the Common Market as a 'crazy statement issued last night it says the regime in Turkey that its recent net contributor to the EEC budget. notion.' steels, mostly made by privately behaviour may lead to the cutting Besides such an injustice, the Councillor Charles O'Halloran was owned companies, will be covered for off of economic aid from the complaints of Britain and West speaking in Toulouse on Saturday at the first time by rigorous price Community. Germany, at present the ouly net the end of a Strathclyde industrial checks, from which they were Under the EEC aid agreement contributors, fade into and tourism promotion in the Midi previously excluded. Turkey is entitled to receive some insignificance. A system will have to Pyrenees. The move amounts to a form of $140m(about£70m)ayearduring be devised which derives from 'We are Europeans, and only special protection for Britain. It is the current five-year period. measurements of economic needs together can we survive this recession also expected to follow up its and strengths. and give hope to our young people. three-paragraph statement next -The Times None of all this will be attainable Of course the EEC is not a perfect month with tougher guidelines on unless the heads of government send institution-the common agricultural levels of special steel imports into Opening the Bradford 'Export out a clear signal to their ministers, policy needs to be modified in the Britain. This crisis measure will Europe' conferenceon21 October, officials, and peoples that they are opinion ofmany and the inclusion of drastically cut cheap imports here. British Overseas Trade Board chief serious about developing a real Spain and Portugal will impose executive John Caines said that Community. Such a Community -Guardian additional strains. But the bonus for western Europe is a prime market, requires transfers of resources, not us all in Europe has been peace.' the UK's greatest oportunity. With the pursuit of balanced national 350 million consumers right on the accounts with Brussels. It also needs -Scotsman After this year's haroest, theEEC's doorstep and virtually no tariff enhanced democratic control by lnter'DentionBoard officers in London barriers, it has five times the giving more power to the European report a barley surplus, at the end of population of the UK and more than Parliament. Few of the shoppers who find 'Extra September, ofaround 320,000 tonnes. six times the buying power. 'It's a Jam' in theirsupermarketsftlrthe It seems absurd that farmers inAlkham, tough, sophisticated and -Financial Times first time today will know that it or Norfolk or Yorkshire, might be quality-conscious market.' marks the introduction of official tempted to remo'Oe fragments of Eurojam to the tea tables of Britain. irreplaceable countryside in order to -British Business Those unfamiliar with the Jam and prO'Dide a few more superfluous tonnes. ~ Community civil servants are getting Similar Products Regulations 1981 _Spectator down to the autumn's work with a will not realize that 'Extra Jam' is new rash of'Eurospeak'-the more than a brand name invented by marketing experts. It is a legal term at ~(~::.n:~:n~~r;:cy) the heart of a campaign by the M4 ~ ~ toMFA(Multi-FibresAgreement) European Commission to harmonise ) -, and GPS (Generalised Preferences jam laws throughout the Scheme). Community. For cognoscenti there is Em Those regulations have been ~ (European investment Bank), POCO published and show that jam will be (Political Co-operation) and MCA defined either as 'jam' with at least 35 per cent weight of fruit, or 'extra jam' with 45 per cent fruit content. -TheTimes spending too much on agriculture British beefis third rate, according to a with no spare cash for the 'structural new European meat grading system. funds' (money to alleviate Common Market officials say most of unemployment in areas hit by the it is 'R4' -a'Derageandfatty-while top recession). French beef qualifies for an'E 1', -Observer excellent rating. ft~ The system, based on the word EUROP, grades the beeffrom excellent toP for poor and from 1-5 for The Common Market's full potential ~ The Belgian and French steel fat content. has yet to be realised, Viscount industries are in even more parlous Davignon, vice-president of the condition than our own. The -Daily Express EEC, said yesterday. He also said Common Market authorities in that ifBritain pulled out, the Brussels have at last stepped in to consequences would be worse for her Car firms throughout Europe were attempt to instil some order. Election pledges to take Greece out than the Community. urged yesterday to adopt one The EEC's system of national ofthe Common Market and NATO For the market's full assets to be pricing policy for all EEC countries. quotas for steel production is now have helped Socialist leader exploited, there had to be a better A report by the European Bureau beginning to have some effect on Andreas Papandreou to a sweeping balanced industrial structure, he told of Consumers' Associations over-production. Last summer victory-and a long night ofwild industrialists, local government showed that by buying a car in other Brussels introduced a price control celebration in Athens. officials and trade unionists at an Common Market countries, British system designed to stop heavy But yesterday, faced with the international forum at Aviemore. motorists could save up to halfthe discounting by producers and responsibility ofpower as Premier, He told the forum, organised by price on some models before tax. ultimately force prices up. he already had a hangover of second the Scottish Council for A survey carried out by the BEUC A huge European steel cartel has thoughts-especially about leaving Development and industry, that the covered the prices of25 models.lt been created which in the next year or the EEC. response to the challenge of recession showed that the average pre·tax two may do inore to make British Dropping the EEC benefits could had to come primarily from industry. prices for new cars in Britain were Steel's balance sheets appear be a nightmare for Greek farmers. The process would be long and up to 90 per cent higher than in respectable than anything Mr They are due to receive £1,200 painful, but events had forced Deumark, SO per cent higher than in MacGregor could have accomplished million in aid over five years. industry to re-think and reorganise. Bc;lgium and 35 per cent higher than on his own. in Germany and France. -Daily Mirror -Daily Telegraph -Daily Mail -New Standard 9 .• ·-. EUROPE81 JOHN FISHER reports on ways in which EEC social schemes are helping to beat the poverty trap

hat is poverty? Can it be defined? And ifs o, are there better ways of fighting it than handing out cash Wben efits ? The European Commission believes that the answers may be found in the grass-roots projects which it has helped to fund, both in individual EEC countries and the Community as a whole. The trends towards a new anti-pover ty campaign within the EEC emerged as people came to realise that poverty is a relative condi­ tion, and that individuals and families feel poor - and are seen as poor, whatever their absolute standards - when their lack of re­ sources cuts them offfrom the ordinary living patterns of the mass ofsociety. As early as 1972, leaders of the European Community admitted as much at their sum­ mit meeting in Paris, when they declared that economic expansion should not be an end in itself but rather the means of improving the quality of life of those living in the Commun­ ity. A Social Action Programme to combat poverty in the EEC was accordingly devised. In 1975, the Council of Ministers of the EEC approved a decision for the European Com­ mission to 'test and develop new methods for helping persons beset by or threatened with poverty'. So the campaign covered not only those already in want ofthe barest necessities, but also those whose circumstances placed their own social and economic future and that of their families at risk.

10 EUROPE81

The work was to be related to problems minee of volunteers which had already been Similar schemes, adapted to the needs of existing in more than one member state and set up in the Marolles, a picturesque but the homeless, the elderly and families living in was to be carried out as far as possible with the delapidated area near the Palais de Justice, high-rise blocks, have been part-funded by participation of(i.e. self-help from) those who where residents were living in constant fear of the EEC in Copenhagen, Cologne, Stuttgart, were to benefit. This was a distinct advance on being moved out to allow re-development. Duisburg, Amberg, and at Roubaix, Rheims former relief schemes, in which those who The committee's policy was to combat re­ and elsewhere in France, as well as in Italy and benefited were given no responsibility and development blight by encouraging residents other member states. lapsed into apathy and resignation. to take a pride in the area, by circulating news Some British projects have proved highly At the outset, two surveys were under­ of forthcoming events and meetings, and by successful. One is the Gingerbread Play taken. One, carried out in all EEC member promoting economic, social and cultural acti­ Centre, nicknamed Gingerbread Corner be­ states, was an all-class survey, not confined to vities. It set up local small-scale enterprises, cause its premises are on a street corner in the destitute. It was designed to discover how including an office cleaning service, a TV Croydon, South London, presided over by a the general public would respond to the anti­ repair shop and a team of house renovators. Mrs Corner. The Gingerbread Play Centre poverty campaign - for example, to what Here was a pilot scheme that might serve as a provides a service for 100 lone parents extent poverty was believed to exist, what model. (widowed, separated, divorced etc) who have ~ were its presumed causes and the suggested remedies, what proportion of people, irrespective of their incomes, considered themselves to be deprived, and how many of these would be ready to contribute time or money to help an anti-poverty campaign. The other survey-in Britain, Germany and France-wasconcentratedforthemostpartin areas where incomes might be expected to be less than two-thirds of the national average, and examined how far the existing social ser­ vices met the needs of the poor. These surveys helped the Commission to decide which of the many already existing voluntary projects should be supported and monitored with a view to extending self-help methods more widely. Nineteen projects were originally selected as test cases, and six more were added in 1977. In Brussels, for example, the EEC gave financial support to a General Action Corn-

In the Morolies district of Brussels (left and below), and in on area of south Croydon (right), the Social Action programme helps old and young alike.

11 EUROPE81 full-time jobs, and school-children aged 5 to OThe children in these photographs can all 11. The clllldren are collected from 17 schools look forward to a present or two in their every day after classes, and transported to the stockings tills year, thanks to the Gingerbread Play Centre in m.irllbuses driven by volun­ Play Centre. teers. European money, from a pilot programme Parents who might otherwise be partly or to combat poverty, enabled Gingerbread to wholly unemployed are able in tills way to start a play centre for 40 children in 1976. accept full-time jobs and so escape from the When another application for financial sup­ 'poverty trap'. The scheme is managed by a port was turned down, the Community came committee oflocal parents, two ofwhom act as to the rescue. resident caretakers, and there is a permanent Gingerbread was concerned that many one­ waiting list of people wanting to join in. parent families fell into the 'poverty trap', Another project, the Downtown Family because the wage-earner had either to take a Centre, operates from number 566 job that coincided with school hours, pay for child-minders, or stay at home. The play centre solves that problem. 'Schemes to help the With the help of Community money homeless1 the elderly, guaranteed for afive-year period, it was able to and famihes living in start the project and build it to its present size, taking lOOcruldren, aged between4Vzand 11, Helpers keep children occupied until o high-rise blocks, have after school. It collects them from 18 local J:>arent picks them up after work. Below: been part-funded by schools in three mini buses, then takes them to Gingerbread Corner, decked with flags. a large sprawling house in Fairfield Road, the EEC' where a team of helpers keeps the cruldren when the Council of Ministers, meeting in occupied until parents collect them after 1une last year decided not to proceed with the work. interim programme, due largely to pressure Rotherlllthe Street, in an isolated and econ­ During school holidays the centre takes frorh the Federal German Government. omically declining area between the Thames them from 8 in the morning until6 pm, filling Two Croydon mothers who have been able and the Surrey Docks. It is a 'drop-in' day­ the day with outings, film shows and enter­ to escape the poverty trap, because Ginger­ centre with special facilities for clllldren tainment to keep its lively charges occupied. bread looks after their children, joined 31 under three, and a coffee bar where parents About a quarter of them live with single others (mainly unemployed parents from can talk over problems and perhaps help each fathers, the rest with mothers. Each parent Scotland and Wales) on a weekend visit to other to solve them. pays just £7 a week, regardless of how many Brussels in November, financed by a grant The Centre offers courses in sewing, adult children he or she sends to the centre. The rest from the Gulbenkian Foundation. They literacy and keep-fit, and a weekly manage­ ofthe money comes from grants. attended an international get-together, orga­ ment meeting is held in wruch users partici­ 'Our EEC money ran out at Easter tills nised by Jacques Van Der Biest, to lobby the pate wi~h the staff. At first, some local families year,' says Mitzi Moore, who runs the centre, European Parliament to make more funds resented the centre, which they believed has 'and we thought we might have to close down. available for anti-poverty projects. been set up to deal with them as 'problem Butwe'venowgot£15,000ayearforfiveyears With more financial aid, Gingerbread families'. Tills hostility has since been over­ from Urban Aid.' C01fld perhaps extend its activities to single come by running the centre with locally re­ The European Parliament decided, in May parents with toddlers, or to those with chil­ cruited staff, and it now provides·an antidote 1980, to spend £6 million on an interim dren over 11. Similar centres in other parts of to the loneliness and sense of social rejection poverty programme over two years while the the country could also be set up. which formerly prevailed. full results of the pilot scheme were being Meanwrule, 'Gingerbread Corner' is a re­ Other 'quality of life' projects, aimed at evaluated. Hopes were dashed, however, rninderofhow much can be done with so little. dealing with social maladjustment and de­ privation, have been set up elsewhere in Lon­ don, as well as in Liverpool and Edinburgh. Apart from tills, the Voluntary Services THE HOUSE CALLED GINGERBREAD Unit of the Home Office has set up six Area Resource Centres, each covering a region, district or group of towns, to give encourage­ ment, managerial advice and practical assist­ ance, to local grass-roots groups. Three of these centres were originally part-funded by the European Commission. Nevertheless, the Commission has recently found difficulty in raising the money needed to continue funding these new and ex­ perimental methods of combating poverty, and the EEC Council of Ministers is due to review the programme as a whole towards the end of tills year. In the meantime, the Council's proposed cuts in the 1982 budget gives rise to fears that some national governments, faced with rising unemployment, will wish to concentrate on short-term 'job-creation' schemes rather than dealing with poverty problems that existed even when times were good. 1'.1 12 lead in view of how difficult it is for the Council to reach a decision. For this reason the Commission must try and )'\ win~ack~eright~finitiativeinCom- 0 J • mumtypolicy-making. _p~r r,~/ L ~======~ FRANSANDRIESSEN Member ofthe Commission

TALKING POINT Since the first oil crisis of the early Seventies, governments in Europe and elsewhere have been struggling to cope with the two modem phenomena it spawned­ galloping inflation and unprecedented unemployment. APolitical Europe Most governments perceived these products of international uncertainty as twin evils, to be It can be said without exaggeration that the European citizen's tackled in tandem. More recently, interest in Community matters is dwindling rapidly. doubts have begun to be Euro-barometers remain steadily on bad weather', and to the expressed about the wisdom of this approach as the dole queues man in the street the Berlaymont, where the Commission has its grow longer. headquarters, is an ivory tower. Knowing that in 1984 it will have to ment of real European authority and Battle lines have been drawn between those who believe that face the European electorate directly clearly recognisable as such to the priority must be given to the fight for the second time, the European Par­ European citizen. against inflation and those who liament is already trembling at the When it comes to tackling this indif­ incline more towards spending prospect. Why should this be so? ference of the citizen, and offering him their way out of the crisis, generally This is a question to which there is no the possibility of identification in spite on borrowed money. simple answer. It is my belief, however, of the somewhat abstract nature of the thatanuijorcauseoftheindtlferenceof Community, we cannot neglect the Each point of view has its merits. citizens vis-a-vis the Community, even European Parliament, which is, after But, with unemployment in the after 25 years of hard work, lies in the all, the only institution directly elected Community now topping nine absence of a genuine political authority by the people. million for the first time, the in Europe. Co-operation among mem­ The Parliament must become the pressure is mounting for more ber states, which remains limited to the public platform of Europe. It is of concerted efforts to create jobs without necessarily waiting for economic field, is obviously not enough course, in the first place, up to the Par­ inflation to be brought under to generate enthusiasm. liament itself to achieve this; but the control. A genuine European identity which Council and the Commission on their European voters can recognize has part should make an effort to give im­ While greater investment is simply failed to materialise. The great­ portant political issues a thorough air­ needed, it must also be er the economic problem, the more we ing before the Parliament. This is not recognised that the Community is are aware of the lack of an authentic possible without according the Parlia­ suffering a structural crisis, with political basis. This brings home to us ment political recognition as a repre­ too many jobs depending on the fallacy of the artificial distinction sentative organ, and without giving declining sectors. We need to made so far between economic co­ Parliament a bigger say in the decision­ move more rapidly into expanding operation on the one hand and political making process. areas like high technology and co-operation on the other. The Commission itselfshould not lag energy creation and conservation. Personally, I am quite glad that the behind, either. It has scope for boosting debate on European Union has got off its profile as a political organ whose At the same time, training, the ground again, mainly as a result of task is to defend the common interests particularly for young people, must be stepped up and more flexible the Genscher plan. Whether or not one of member states. A strengthening of working patterns-earlier agrees with all the elements of this the Community's political basis should retirement, shorter hours and so plan, the fact that it stimulates debate not result in a strengthening of its in­ on-introduced to make room for has to be welcomed. Where it will lead ter-governmental character. Moves in those without jobs. The thrust of to is in the lap of the gods. But I hope this direction should be strongly and the European Social Fund needs that, at least, agreement will be courageously resisted by the Commis­ to be redirected towards job reached on the need for a central deci­ sion. creation. sion-making body, representing an ele- It is up to the Commission to give the

DECEMBER1981 (i) r'------'EUROFORUM,.. THE MONTH IN EUROPE

search and other trade developments. exporters. The announcement has The money will be contributed by the already begun to have this effect. Trade signatories to the agreement, which currently number about 55 out ofthe 90 The extra sugar to be stocked is being needed ifthe agreement is to come into taken from A and B grades on which Japanese hear clear force before the deadline of March, ex:pOrtrefundswouldhavehadtobepaid 1982. out of Community funds to compensate message from exporters for the lower world price. As a Commission result of the Community action, the world price increased by 11 per cent in two weeks. The Community's trade deficit with Restrictions on textile The Community sugar harvest is ex­ Japan-$12 billion last year an:d pected to reach a record 14 million ton­ possibly $15 billion this year is imports may be nes this year, compared with 12 million approaching limits which are no extended tonnes last year. Almost halfof this will longer'tolerable economically and have to be exported. politically, European Commission Vice-President Wilhelm The European Commission has Haferkampwarned a group of proposed to the Council of high-ranking Japanese Ministers that the Community open businessmen who toured negotiations with 20-odd countries Community capitals in October. producing textiles and clothing to Farm spending shows extend until1987 the system signs of dropping The declared aim of the tour was to whereby these countries limit their examine the possibilities of greater in­ exports to the Community. dustnal cooperation with the Com­ SpendingundertheCommuni~s munity in the field of investment, The present arrangements, which Farm Fund reached a record £6.7 transfer of technology and joint ven­ were negotiated to enable the Commun­ billion last year, compared with£6.1 tures in third countries, as well as the ity to restructure its own ailing textile billion the previous year. Spending promotion of European imports to and clothing industries, expire at the is expected to drop this year as a Japan. end of next year. Between 1973 and result of world market price However, Commission President 1980, employment in these industries movements. Gaston Thorn told the group that the throughout the Community dropped by Tokyo government's undertakings one-third to 2.3 million, which now rep­ The success of the European Commis­ over the last few years to regularise its resents about 10 per cent of industrial sion's efforts to control controversial trade with the Community had not employment. farm spending is indicated by two been followed by concrete action and he The Commission is proposing that figures: the annual rate of increase, warned that unless there were tangible special arrangements should be made which averaged 23 per cent between signs of change Japan could not expect for the least developed of these export­ 1975 and 1979, was held back to 8.4 per the Community nor the United States ing countries, but that state-trading and cent last year, and the gross cost of the to keep their markets open. , newly-industrialised countries should Farm Fund in relation to GDP dropped be asked to offer better access to the from0.6percentin1979to0.57percent Community's own exports. last year. The Commission also wants to take The Commission is also having to de­ measures to clamp down on fraud by vote more time to the battle against Community to sign tightening control of rules governing fraud. There were 246 cases uncovered labels indicating the country of origin of last year, amounting to £12.4 million, of common fund pact its textile and clothing imports. which only £9.44 million have been re­ covered. This was a massive increase The Community is to become a· over the 1979 total of 116 cases involv­ signatory to the UNCTAD ing 1.2 million. agreement to setup a common fund to stabilise the world's trade in Agriculture commodities. Individual member states are also expected to ratify Action to boost sugar the agreement. Fr~nce, Italy end The common fund was agreed last prices year following four years of negotia­ w1newar tions between the industrialised, de­ The Community is to increase its veloping and oil-producing countries. It carryover stocks of sugar for the consists of two accounts, one of $4 70 1981/82 season by 600,000 tonnes to A wine war between Italy and million to finance stocks and the other 1.8 million tonnes as a measure to France ended inmid-October after of $350 million to promote exports, re- firm up world prices for its two months of tension which posed

(ii) I .a EURO FORUM

one ofthe most serious threats to Common Fisheries Policy has been Smaller juggernauts date to the smooth functioning of made by Community Fishery The European Commission, the common market. Ministers. swayed by the opinion of the Euro­ pean Parliament and the Econo­ The situation arose over opposition of The agreement, after 10 hours of mic and Social Committee, which French wine growers in the Midi to talks, allowed the Community to ratify represents special interest groups, imports of cheap Italian wine which is fishing agreements with Canada, has dropped from 44 to 40 tonnes used tofortifysomeofthe French wines. Sweden and the Faroes. These had ear­ the maximum weight it is proposing for lorries. There has been con­ It came to ahead when acargoofltalian lier been blocked for fear thay would siderable opposition from environ­ wine was destroyed in the French port have resulted in cheap fish entering the mentalists and others in some ofSete. Community and threatening the liveli­ member states since the proposal Subsequently, the French customs hood of some European fishermen. was sent to the Council of Mimsters refused to allow the importation of a Tis threat melted away when Mini­ in January, 1979. See article, p.S. million hectolitres of Italian wine on sters agreed to set up a marketing sys­ the grounds that the cargoes were not tem, loosely on the lines to that used in Dearer steel accompanied by adequate documenta­ the Common Agricultural Policy, to en­ Steelmakers belonging to the tion. sure fishermen a minimum price for Eurofer club have decided to in­ After intense negotiations through their catch. crease their prices from January 1 September and October, in which Euro­ The final element in the package will by between 15 and 20 per cent, pean Commission President Gaston see £15 million spent from this year's according to reports. This follows Thorn played an important "honest Community budget to encourage boat increases in the cost of raw mate­ broker'' role between the two govern­ modernisation and fish farming. rials and energy of around 50 per ments, the French began to release the The Commissioner responsible for cent during the past year. wine in mid-October. Fisheries, George Contogeorgis, said A similar row, overimportsofpoultry afterwards that the political will now into the United Kingdom and Ireland, existed among the Ministers to reach NEWS IN because of different national regula­ final agreement by the end of this year tions designed to control fowl pest, had on the other outstanding issues, mainly BRIEF still not been resolved as Euroforum fixing the total allowable catch, quotas went to press. and access for the fishermen of one For the regions A new batch of grants from the member state to the waters of another. European Regional Fund worth £118 million brings total grants from the fund since it was set up in 1975 to £2.5 billion. The United Cut-price gas leads to Third World Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Bel­ guim, Greece,ltalyandthe Federal demo Republic of Germany benefit from New strategy to the latest allocation. Hundreds of angry farmers took to combat hunger the streets ofBrussels at the end of Less work= less pay UNICE, which represents national September to protest at the A crusade against hunger in the emloyers' federations at Commun­ subsidised heating gas for world has been launched by the ity level, ·has come out strongly greenhouses provided by the new European Commissioner against any further reduction in the Dutch government to its growers. responsible for relations with the working week unless there is a cor­ Third World, Edgard Pisani. responding cut in wages. The dispute has simmered for years but has now come to the boil as green­ The Commission has approved his Producing less house producers in other EEC countries plan of action to relieve hunger which Industrial production in the Com­ face increasing difficulties. results from the conference in Paris in munity fell by 3.6 per cent in the The Dutch say they are ready to September, dealing with the plight of year to June, according to Euro­ phase out the aid by 1984. But this is the least-developed countries and the stat.ln France, Italy, Belgium, Lux­ considered too slow for their competi­ recent initiative of the Italian Govern­ embourg and the United Kingdom, tors who want the European Commis­ ment calling for a coordinated effort by however, some signs of recovery sion to initiate legal proceedings, un­ industrialised eountries. It now goes to or stabilization were evident. less the timetable is speeded up. the Council ofMinisters for approval. Mr Pisani has proposed a four-point Fair trading? strategy: an immediate additional aid France and Ireland are being taken programme of £24 million which would to the European Court of Justice enable the Community to send 250,000 because of their government­ Fisheries tonnes of cereals to the most needy coun­ backed campaigns to promote tries; better coordination of the aid ac­ domestically-produced goods in Common fishing policy their own markets. The European tions of the member states; regional Commission is asking the Court to in sight? programmes to combat desertification, decide if certain promotion prac­ stripping of forests and pests which can tices are contrary to the Commun­ mean the loss of up to one-third of the ity's competition laws. The first major breakthrough in harvest in some countries; and more ac- over six years of talks on a tive Community participation in inter- .....

(ill) ~======~~~--~~~EUROFORUM . Budget economic and monetary affairs de­ scribed as ''realistic", were made neces­ / sary by the decline in the value of the / Cuts mean more money U.S. dollar. This sent money flooding into the Deutsche mark which conse­ for new projects quently threatened to go beyond its per­ mitted margin of fluctuation with other For the second time this year the EMS currencies. aid prog- European Commission has been rammes. able to make substantial cuts in At their meeting in Community budget spending as a / Brussels on September 14, the result of a rise in V AT revenue and a / Community's Foreign Ministers reduction in farm price support Clearer picture of agreed on rules for defining food aid measures due to increases in world objectives and the procedures for im­ agricultural prices. banks sought plementingthe measures involved. The aim is to make food aid, which amounts Member states will be reimbursed to more than 1 million tonnes this year, The European Commission has just over £413 million in total. The Com­ suggested to the Council of an instrument of the Community's mission has also been able to reduce general Third World policy. Ministers that the larger banks in envisaged agricultural spending under the Community should be subject to The issue must now go before the next year's budget by £224 million. surveillance on the basis of European Parliament. One of the main It is proposing that, of the money consolidated accounts. points it will be considering is whether saved, £24 million be devoted to in­ the Council ofMinisters or the Commis­ creased food aid to the poorest Third This would apply only to banks which sion should have the final say on the World countries, £37 million this year have a majority stake in another credit distribution offood aid. and£29 million next year for social mea­ of:financial institution. sures in the steel industry, and £18 mil­ The move is seen as a logical follow-up lion as the first payment for a massive to Community legislation adopted four regional reconstruction programme in years ago laying down norms for the · Third World Northern Ireland. setting up and operation of a credit in­ During its September session, the stitution. The aim is to give a clearer European Parliament approved re­ picture ofa bank's total operations. Spotlight on South duced budget spending this year which · effectively ends a dispute between the Africa's 'aggression' Commission and certain member states which objected to the level of their con­ Energy The situation in Namibia and other tributions to the budget. SouthemAfricannations which Community signs have suffered from South African aggression in recent months was nuclear pact with one of the key issues discussed by Money Australia European parliamentarians and their.AfricB.n, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) counterparts at a More realistic rates Conditions for the transfer of recentmeetinginLuxembourg. fixed within EMS nuclear material from Australia to the Community have been agreed. Although the meeting condemned the 'repeated and persistent' South African Central rates within the European The agreement, which will remain in aggression against other countries in Monetary System were adjusted for force for 30 years, provides the Com­ the region, ACP proposals calling for the fourth time since the system was munity with a further diversification of stronger criticism of European states introduced in 1979 when Finance its nuclear suppliers and marks a sub­ and multinational companies which Ministers met in Brussels on stantial step forward in the develop­ continue 'through their activities to October4. ment ofits relations with Australia. give active support and encouragement The conditions include prohibition of totheapartheidregimein South Africa' The Deutsche mark and the Dutch explosive and military use, application were rejected by the Europeans. guilder were revalued by 5.5 per cent, of a system of safeguard applied by However, a resolution adopted by the and the French franc and Italian lira Euratom and the International Atomic parliamentary meeting 'deplored the devalued 3 per cent vis-a-vis the Danish Energy Agency, fallback safeguards fact that European governments had kroner, the Belgian franc, the Luxem­ and adequate physical protection for not drawn up reports on the results of bourgfranc and the Irish pound. workers in the industry and for the the application of the Code of Conduct Neither the United Kingdom nor general public. for Community companies operating in Greece is a member ofthe system, which The agreement also sets out condi­ South Africa. is designed to limit exchange rate fluc­ tions under which nuclear materials European states were also urged to tuations between its members' curren­ could be reprocessed and retransferred 'observe strictly the embargo on Arms cies. to third countries, as well as procedures andoilagainstSouthA:fricaimposed by The new rates, which Fran!:Ois­ for consultations on conditions under the United Nations' and to suspend all Xavier Ortoli, Vice-President of the which high enrichment can be carried cultural agreements with Pretoria. European Commission responsible for out.

(iv) agreement with Turkey, as was done programmes to avoid nuclear Davignon nudges Ten during the seven years of the Greek accidents like Three Mile Island has military dictatorship. been proposed by the European to closer cooperation Commission. It must now be al!p~oved by the Council of Energy Commissioner Etienne Ministers. Davignonhas unveiled a new Community strategy for Disquiet over Korea's For almost two years the Community conducting a joint energy policy has been conducting research to prevent that would give the European surplus such accidents by means of the Super Commission a more central role in Sara project which simulates the Three coordinating the policies of the The Community's trade deficit of Mile Island fuel leakage. Ten. more than$1 billion with South The strategy covers energy tax­ Korea last year, double the 1979 ation and pricing, the development of figure, was one of the main points nuclear energy (and security research), emphasised by European naturalgasimportsandcommonaction Commission President Gaston The economy to prevent price distortions in the event Thorn when he met the Korean ofworld shortages. Prime Minister Duck-WooNamin Nearing the end of the The case for Community action is Brussels recently. particularly relevant with regard to recession? natural gas since five member states The Korean leader assured the Presi­ are currently negotiating with the dent that his government was gradual­ Soviet Union to pipe gas from Siberia to ly introducing more liberal arrange­ The Community is coming to the Western Europe. ments for imports and that 90 per cent end ofthe recession caused by the of its market would be opened up by second round ofoil price rises, 1985. according to the European Mr Thorn also underlined the im­ Commission's annual economic portance ofa respect for democratic and report. Real GDP will fall slightly External relations human rights as a condition of the de­ this year but should grow by two velopment of trade and cooperation be­ percentnextyear. Turkey urged to tween the Community and Korea. Efforts to control inflation have met restore democracy with little success and there are wide differences in performance between the The importance the Community Nuclear swop Ten. attaches to the restoration of Next year, the level of price rises democracy in Turkey was should be somewhat checked to around emphasised by Commission An agreement between the 10.5 per cent and unemployment, now Vice-President Wilhelm Community and the United States running at 8.3 per cent of the working Haferkampwhen Turkish Foreign foranexchangeofinformationand population and worsening, should sta­ Minister llter Turkmen visited the carrying out ofjoint bilise at 8.5 per cent. Brussels recently to discuss his country's relations with the Unfilled vacancies (end ofMay, 1981), 000 Community. He also met Commission President Gaston Thorn in Luxembourg.

Mr Haferkamp said he hoped the programme announced by the Ankara government, which took over following 242;4 74,6 25,4 5,3 0~96 106,6 a coup d'etat a year ago, to restore a pluralist parliamentary democracy, would be implemented without dealy. Turkey has an association agree­ Unemployment (end of August, 1981), 000 ment with the Community which is designed to pave the way for its even­ tual accession. Only those European countries whose democratic credentials are acceptable to the existing member states are entitled to apply for mem­ bership. The European Trade Union Confed­ erationhas sent letters toMrThornand to Lord Carrington, the current Presi­ dent of the Council ofMinisters, calling for the suspension of the association ®0CD@®CD®®@

*n.a. =not available (v) 1EUROFORU][L______~ EUROPE AND YOU

and Community experts have met with OECD representatives to consider Community action in ways to improve the social integration of the young handicapped. Four pilot schemes on the mobility and exchange of young handicapped people are being Year of Disabled setup. In another field, a feasibility study The International Year ofDisabled People, as the United has been done for a proposed data bank Nations has designated 1981, has done a lot to focus attention on covering the technical aids for the dis­ abled produced or sold in Europe. As a the needs ofthe handicapped. As well as increasing public result, a catalogue may be published. A awar~ness a}Jout the problens, and encouraging more effective handbook is also being prepared on prevention ofdisability, IYDP (as it has come to be known) has technical resources to improve com­ emphasised the importance ofintegrating disabled people munication for the disabled, and regu­ socially and economically into the life ofthe community, on a par lar cooperation meetings have begun between laboratories to improve in­ with their fellow citizens. formation for users oftechnical aids. All too often, inadequate housing, dependent life fully integrated into More generally, an enquiry has been problems of transport, access to public society. This general aim applies to all -carried out on the practical consequ­ buildings and entertainment, and dif­ age groups, all types of handicaps, and ences of disability as seen by the dis­ ficulties in getting a job - particularly all rehabilitation measures'. In 1976 abled themselves, and polls have been in a time of crisis - conspire to cut the the Community started financing pilot organised in three Member States disabled off from contact with other projects for building and adapting Utaly, France and the UK) concerning people. And with the best of intentions, housing facilities, and this work the attitude ofthe general public to the , special education, sheltered housing goes on. disabled. and sheltered workshops reinforce the The European &cial Fund offers Links have been strengthened with "ghetto mentality''. financial aid to v~tional rehabilita­ European associations of disabled per­ The European Commission feels that tion efforts, especially in the less sons, and discussions have taken place the Community has an important role prosperous regions of the Community, with local authority associations to to play here. and for projects demonstrating new prepare for a conference in 1982 on There·are about23 million handicap­ methods. Financial support has been "Policies concerning living conditions ped people in the Community, and ev­ requested in the draft 1982 budget for and social integration in the experience ery country makes special resources special measures to help young handi­ oflocal authorities". available to help disabled people over­ capped people in the transition from With the aim of ensuring that the come the practical and social problems school to work. numerous activities involving various they face. These problems overlap with A number of specific actions have sectors are in future combined into one almost all sections ofCommunitysocial been completed or prepared for comple­ cohesive and strategic programme of policy-employment, vocational train­ tion in 1981. In the field of employment work, theCommissionispreparingnew ing, social security and assistance, a statistical study on 'The Handicapped Community-level proposals in support health, and so on. The Community can and their Employment' is being up­ ofthe social integration ofthe disabled. help member states benefit from each dated, and data on disabled job-seekers With the year of the handicapped in others' experience, and explore ways of is being collected to contribute to re­ mind, the proposed new Community combining individual actions into a forming the quota system under which Action Programme aims to involve all coherent strategy. between 2 per cent and 6 per cent of the the sections concerned - education, 1 want to see norms set from the best workforce in larger firms in most Com­ training, employment, health, welfare, practices in the Community m~mber munity countries has to be made up of transport and housing - and all age­ states', says Ann Clwyd, rapporteur for handicapped people. groups and categories of handicapped the European Parliament's resolution An evaluation of the action assisted people. In particular, it aims to empha­ on the economic, social and vocational by the Social Fund was held in October, sise the importance of the local com­ integration of disabled peopl~ in the andanevaluationstudyisunderwayori munity. European Community, which was pas­ the Community assisted pilot schemes The idea is to set up a network of sed in March this year. for housing disabled workers. Two con­ district development projects based on Though IYDP has intensified Com­ ferences on related subjects have also more than a dozen districts throughout munity action in this field, concern for been held. the Community. The aim would be to the integration of handicapped people A study on transport for disabled peo­ make it easier to carry out and evaluate at a European level goes back to a Com­ ple is being set up by the Commission, at a local level the national policies to mission mandate in 1969, and in 1974 and a comparative study on special promote the social integration of the the Community launched an action education throughout the Community handicapped. A central steering group programme for the vocational rehabi­ is being updated and extended to in­ would help with the exchange ofexperi­ litation ofhandicapped persons. As the clude Greece, Spain and Portugal. ences and evaluate the European signi­ Council of Ministers stated, its general A conference on 'The Preparation of ficance ofwhat was being done. aim must be 'to help these people to Handicapped Children and Young Peo­ Preference would be given to projects become capable ofleading a normal in- ple for Active Adult Life' is being held, which stimulated innovations which

(vi) ~------~------~EUROFOR~.R~IL_ __~JL~·------~~----~--~1 could be maintained in the long term, or supplement the budget it receives from level we work at means we are not multiplied elsewhere, rather than the European Commission and the ten solely concerned with the musicians those which depended on a high level of member state governments. Mrs Bryer but are involved with their families Community support, which might fal­ is confident of getting that private who come to understand what they are ter once that support was removed. finance in time for the 1982 season. doing, that they are part of a Commun­ Action would be concentrated in As she puts it: 'I don't mind seeing ity which has perhaps been a little alien education and training, particularly 2,000 businessmen and telling them to them. the training of staff, participation by how they should use their money - 'It is simpler to identify with Europe parents, provision oflearning aids, and maybe its because I'm American. We're through music and through the work of training for independence. In health seeing a number of possible sponsors these young people. At the cultural and welfare, the emphasis would be on throughout Europe and are hopeful of a level this is a unique way of involving education, prevention and diagnosis, major sponsor coming through'. them'. She adds: 1 would like to see a and on supporting the disadvantaged. The European Community Youth European jazz orchestra, a European In employment, guidance and place­ Orchestra (ECYO) is made up of 130- soccer team-the field is open to anyone ment systems, retraining, and incen­ odd musicians between the ages of 14 whowantstogooutanddoit'. tives to employers would be empha­ and 23 from the ten member states. The ECYO was born as a result of an sised. Competitions are held throughout the all-party resolution agreed by the In transport, housing and access, the Community every year and the young European Parliament in 1976. Its aims aim would be to help disabled people to musicians are chosen on merit, and ideals are to demonstrate the co­ participate not only in employment but although the organisers try to aim for operation and creativity of European also in the full cultural and social, and as even a proportion of musicians from youth, giving them a chance of living leisure life ofthe community. the ten countries as possible. and working together and developing As far as technical aids are con­ There is a nucleus of regular players friendships in a bid to break down cerned, the emphasis would be on im­ in the orchestra although they still national barriers, thus producing more proving information about the full have to re-audition for their places. enlightened Europeans equipped to range of aids available for learning, The prize for being chosen is the play a part in the welfare and better­ communication and mobility. chance to work with top conductors and ment of Europe. The Commission is also aware that soloists on a tour that annually sees the 'We cannot bring up young Euro­ there is an important job to be done in orchestra playing in venues through­ peans today simply by putting together information, communication and pub­ out Europe. The competition and tour a Community which exists solely for lic awareness, as well as in cooperation are fully subsidised, so no young musi­ economic reasons,' says Mrs Bryer. and coordination between the statutory cian should be prevented from taking The enthusiasm the young people and voluntary services. part for financial reasons. have for their orchestra has led to an In each district the Community prog­ 'The main commitment on my part', ECYO Chamber Orchestra being ramme would be responsible for re­ says Mrs Bryer, 'is to make sure we formed from the cream of the ECYO, a search, facilitating innovation, orga­ have the funds for national competi­ project put forward by the musicians nising the exchange of experiences, tions and to ensure that everyone is themselves. The young musicians have evaluating and disseminating in­ given a chance'. Mrs Bryer does not given concerts in the major capitals and formation both nationally and at a expect governments to come up with regional towns of the Community and European level. Ifthe Council ofMinis­ more money than they already do. 'We have performed with many leading ters approves this sort of integrated must be the last thing that anyone musicians. Daniel Barenboim claims programme, work could probably start wants to give money to because we're they compare favourably with most of in earnest in 1983. basically youth and we're amateur', she the world's famous orchestras. says. 'We wouldn't anyway want gov­ The orchestra received rave notices ernments to withdraw money from .a wherever it played this summer with professional outfit to give it to an the most adventurous concept per­ ECYCneeds amateur one, which is why we approach formed at St Albans' Abbey in St the private sector for finance. We have Albans, Hertfordshire. The Brahms found a number of companies in­ Violin Concerto with Shlomo Mintz more cash to terested in the arts and also interested was followed by the Berlioz Te Deum, in the European ideal'. involving a massed choir of about 500 keep going The orchestra is unique in that it is voices, tenor Francisco Araiza and subsidised by the European Commis­ organist Martin HaselbOck. The Te An energetic American lady with a sion, the ten member state govern­ Deum was simultaneously broadcast passion for Europe and its youth, ments and the private sector working by BBC Radio, filmed by Polytel and and a persuasive way of putting together to accomplish a common goal­ recorded by Deutsche Grammaphonfor her point across, is currently a Community Symphony Orchestra. the ECYO's first record. touring Europe looking for Mrs Bryer sees the ECYO as a natural Auditions have started for the 1982 businessmen who are willing to stepping stone· for musicians from European Community Youth Orches­ help finance her dream•. school orchestras and national youth tra and the new orchestra will be Joy Bryer is the Secretary General of orchestras. announced at the end ofFebruary. The the European Community Youth 'In a way we represent the best and successful musicians will have the un­ Orchestra, and is committed to wink­ the finest the Community is doing for rivalled opportunity to work with some ling out the money needed to keep it its young people. There must be projects of the world's finest conductors, giving going. like ours and I hope there will be more concerts in about eight cities. And Mrs Fresh from its fourth season, and with young people meeting together. Bryer is determined that the 1982 sea­ flush with accolades from the critics, Otherwise it is hard for people to under­ son will prove even more of a success the orchestra needs private sponsors to stand why they are Europeans. The than1981.

(vii) ~------~EUROFOR~------~------~ EUROPEAN" REVIEW

Wanderlust pays household gadgets and other see any reason why the Dover blew hot and cold on the products become more Community should not be idea in recent years. little heed to complicated. capable ofdeveloping the A few days after the Downing economic crisis An information network is know-how for performing Street talks, French Transport Though clouds ofdoom, being set up between the rendezvous and docking in Minister Charles Fiterman blackened by the energy crisis, member states'which, working space, unmanned space flights discussed the idea in more darken the economy to the in collabor'ation with consumer and re-entry and recovery detail during a meeting he had colour ofan oil slick, there still groups, hospitals and other operations. in Brussels with Transport appears to be a silver lining for interested bodies will monitor The Parliament approved Commissioner George the travel trade. accidents. The system will be the motion and called on the Contogeorgis. The Shortages ofenergy and capable ofhandling more than European Commission to Commissioner subsequently income have not stopped people 300,000 cases a year. submit proposals within six held talks with the British travelling. Indeed, last year Attheendofa30-month months for an ambitious Transport Minister David was yet another record for experimental period, Community space programme. Howell. world tourism, up 2 per cent in information relating to the Commissioner Etienne Community aid could be receipts on the previous year. accidents will be collated and it Davignon said he saw the chief available for the project as it is In money terms, according to is hoped in this way to identify problem as being whether seen as an important rail and the OECD, receipts were up 15 the frequency ofinvol vement of space fell within the possibly road link between the per cent for its members, which certain dangerous products. Community's competence or UnitedKingdom-andtoa include all the Community Community legislation could not. lesser extent Ireland-and countries. Australia led the then follow to remove them their continental Community field with an increase of36.5 from the market. partners. percent. Looking to our The Community fell a little health short ofthe average on 11.5 per Keeping pace Proposals for a Community cent, with a wide range of Consumer price rises in the health research programme MEP sees Mum as performance among the Community were exactly in which would cost more than password to unity individual member states: the line with those in other £118 million have been drawn Should all Community member Netherlands (+ 21.2), France industrialised European up by the European states celebrate Mother's Day (20. 7), Ireland (16.1), and the countries during the first six Commission and now must be on the same date each year? United Kingdom (15.3) above months ofthe year, according approved by the Council of That is a question which was the OECD average, and totheOECD. Ministers. posed recently by Euglme Germany (14.2), Belgium/ Theriseduringthesix The five-year programme, a Remilly, a French member of Luxembourg (10.8), Italy (8. 7), months to July for Community follow-up to an existing the European Progressive Greece (4.3) and Denmark and non-Community countries programme started in 1978, Democrats in the European (1.9) below .6 was 6 per cent. For the 12 would concentrate on three Parliament. monthstotheendofJuly, the main areas-health problems The question of celebrating increases in the OECD were connected with critical stages Mother's Day and similar 11.2 and 12.3 percent oflife such as birth or ageing; important events on the same Reading between respectively. the improvement ofmedical date throughout the the lines technology and personnel Community is currently a Book prices in different training; and the effects of matter of discussion in the member states are being nutrition and pharmaceutical Parliament's Political Affairs investigated by the European Should Tenjoin the products on health. Committee. Commission to determine space race? Mr Remillywanted to know whether various agreements A former chieftest pilot ofthe ifthe European Commission which exist in the trade are in Concorde aircraft, Andre could persuade national contravention of the Turcat, took advantage ofhis Fog lifting over authorities to come to some Community's laws designed to latest appearance in the Channel arrangement on Mother's Day prevent monopolies. European Parliament during The Channel Tunnel, which at least. He felt this would help Initially, studies ofthe its September session to appeal has been a topic for to promote the idea of book-publishing industry are for a greater European intermittent discussion since European unity. being confined to English and commitment to space. the days ofNapoleon, who first The Commission said that it French language areas, but it is MrTurcat, a member ofthe suggested it (and of would await the outcome of the proposed to extend this to European Progressive Wellington, who didn't like the Committee's deliberations German and Dutch areas next Democrats group, tabled a idea) is back in the news again with interest, but it pointed out year. motion on behalfof the following the recent visit to that account should be taken of Parliament's energy and London ofPresident the fact that traditions vary research committee callipgfor Mitterrand ofFrance. from one Community region to a Community follow-up to the Both he and the British another. Bid to reduce European Space Agency's Prime Minister Mrs Thatcher accidents in the Arianeprogramme. revealed that they had agreed, home The French parliamentarian among other things they The Community has decided to would like to see the discussed, that there could yet set up an Interpol to identify Community develop its own be light at the end ofthe EUROFORUM is prepared by dangerous products which heavy launcher and to be in a Chunnel, a project which was the information services of the cause accidents in the home, a position to place heavy satellite kept alive at Community level European Commission in phenomenon which has stations in geostationary or low while national authorities on Brussels. Editor: Peter Doyle. reached worrying levels as orbit before 1990. Nor does he either side ofthe Straits of

(viii) EUROPE81 The Left faces isolation over Europe

istance, it is said, lends enchantment KEN COLLINS, MEP for priorities in the Community itself, so that it to the view. But looking back to the would be more acceptable to socialists Labour Party conference in Brighton Strathclyde East, deputy throughout Europe. this year it is equally true that things leader of the Labour Party It is, of course with precisely this in mind Dwhich seemed clear and sharp at the time are that, in recent weeks, a new group within the perha:ps now more blurred and indistinct. group in the European Labour Party has been formed, with George The European debate was a good example. Par~ent,suggeststhere Foulkes as vice-chairman. They are called Here is an issue which, for good or ill, could be second thoughts Red Rose (using the popular symbol of so affects profoundly Britain's trading links, our many socialist parties) and they are campaign­ lifeline to the rest of the world, for the rest of about Labour taking Britain ing for a socialist Europe. They are not pro­ this century and beyond. Our international out ofthe Community Market in the old starry-eyed right-wing political relationships in a sometimes uncom­ sense, but wish to see Britain remain within fortably hostile world, our capacity to contri­ the present Community of Ten so that they bute to the development of the Third World, can work with socialists and the broad Labour olir attractiveness to inward investment from movement to build a proper community in North America and Japan are all affected in Again, of course, we are told that we would social and political terms. some degree by membership of the EEC. The benegotiatingfromapositionofstrength.But debate at Brighton was over in little more than itisalittlediffficulttoseehow,iftherearenow halfan hour, and itfailed\o examine any more problemsintradingandcompetingwithother Pfhe Labour Party than a handful of the issues involved. Community countries, we can suddenly be­ The European Community, it seems, is come powerfully competitive from outside. could learn from simply the embodiment ofall Britain's nation­ Clearly, there are implications for employ­ MiHerrand's al ills. Self-evidently, therefore, we ought to ment ifwe withdraw. The UKcurrentlytakes experience' withdraw from it as soon as possible to build about 50 per cent of Japanese and North again in our new Jerusalem amid the dark American inward investment in Europe, and satanic shells of disused and bankrupt factor­ all of the production from that investment is ies in post-Thatcher Britain. Having said aimed directly at the Community. BL's new that, we can safely consign the European issue Triumph Acclaim is designed for such a mar­ Far from being in love with the present to the file marked 'not to be thought about'. ket in conditions of free trade, and we must priorities and the present relationships, Red Or can we? Have we in the Labour Party ask ourselves whether such a venture, and Rose are at least as critical as any of the perhaps allowed ourselves to be taken over too such investment trends, would continue if traditional 'antis'. But instead of retreating completely by anger at some of the priorities Britain were outside the Community. defensively into our own island, they are con­ and practices of the Community? Have we It is said that the real socialist case for cernedtoattack,toforgelinks,andtochange. even perhaps allowed ourselves to be dazzled withdrawal from the EEC is the effect that our The fact is that, in the two years or so since by the powerful oratory in favour of with­ membership has had on our own independ­ direct elections to the European Parliament, drawal, to the point where we can accept the ence and our own parliamentary sovereignty. cracks have begun to appear in the structure of superficial? The Treaty of Rome (so runs the argument) the Community. Farm spending is down as a Have we in the Labour Party thought care­ would not allow. us to intervene to save our proportion of the total budget, and it is now fully enough about the alternatives that may industries; and it is therefore necessary for accepted that no one country (least ofall a poor be available to us after withdrawal? Is it possi­ socialists to advocate dissociation from the one) should be the paymaster of Europe. blethat, even as socialists, we have committe4 burdens of Common Market membership. The Parliament itself, although an uncer­ the sin ofletting our hearts rule our heads? The curious thing about this argument is tain and clumsy fledgling of an institution, is In pragmatic terms, the argument about that it is only in Britain that the Left can be slowly learning how to scrutinise sharply, trading patterns needs further examination. found using it. The idea of sovereignty and how to influence, and how to be a uniting It is certainly true that Britain's trade deficit socialism in one country hardly appears on platform for peoples whose political views are with the EEC grew alarmingly iil the first few: any other left-wing party's agenda. And in­ often separated by the narrower concerns of years ofmembership, butinmorerecentyears deed it is not at all uncommon to find that it is nation states. this has turned into a visible trade surplus. Of theLeftwhoarguemoststronglyinfavourofa The Labour Party are, of course, central to course, it is argued that the figures are dis­ convergence of member states, in political as all of this. They could ignore the signs of torted unfairly because a proportion (13 per wellasineconomicterms. Inotherwords, the change, and they could ignore the implica­ cent in 1980) is accounted for by oil. That issue is generally not seen as the touchstone of tions for their future policy when they form argument has never been used about other left-wing politics anywhere except Britain. thenextGovernment. Theycouldevenignore similar, but more historically accepted, ex­ Secondly, the activities of President thecaseofthepragmatistsforremainingwith­ ports. And it ignores both the effect of being Mitterrand's new socialist government in inEurope. an oil producer on the exchange rate and the France would suggest a different approach The Labour Party, however, are a canny fact that investment in the oil industry in the anyway. He has refused to become enmeshed party; and although the voice of conference past is now clearly reflected in the pattern of in speculation about the grand theory of the appeared clear, it seems increasingly likely British industrial production and exports. .Treaty of Rome. He has his economic that the thought of being isolated from the In the event of Britain's withdrawal from strategy, and it appears he has the political will mainstream of socialist activity in Europe in the EEC, careful negotiations would there­ to put it into practice .. favourofmajorcbangein the Community will fore be necessary to safeguard these existing Is it so ridiculous to suggest that the Labour become more unpleasant, and that the clear export markets; and it must be borne in mind Party could perhaps learn from his experi­ imageofBrightonin 1981 will blur. that, whereas we depend on the Community ence? It may even be the case that, by so doing, to take around 45 per cent ofour exports, only the Party could contribute enormously to the DThis article is reproduced with 7 per cent of EEC exports come into Britain. achievement of serious change in the order of acknowledgements to The Scotsman. 13 -·· ~·· •·. EUROPE81

hose who survive it often say the xperience has changed their lives. ] ctually, nobody has been lost- only taken aback that it is so tough, concentrated and demanding, intellectually as well as physically. It is- to give its unavoidably clumsy title­ the International Dance Course for Profes­ sional Choreographers and Composers. Its purpose is to benefit the art of dance in the widest sense, through a unique opportunity for collaboration between choreographers, composers and dancers from several differenr countries at a time. Held for two weeks each August at the University of Surrey at Guildford, 30 miles from London, it has been partly funded since 1979 by the European Commission, through bursaries to participants from member coun­ tries. It originated in 1975, from support given to dance in Britain, by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, on whose advisory panel for dance I was then serving, which set it up to meet a need for more creative opportun­ ity in the profession. Dance companies operate under such eco­ nomic pressure that it is seldom possible, in a busy performing schedule, to set aside time, space and dancers for emergent choreo­ graphers to try out ideas and gain creative technique and experience. We also found that Young choreographers develop their talents under the experienced little or no attempt was made in musical train­ eye of the American director ofthe 1981 course, Merce Cunningham. ing to encourage composers to write for 14 EUROPE81

Invitations to the dance

'Creative self-discovery' is ofeach, with a pool ofabout 24 dancers. From each course, in reconciling fifty or so assorted the high level at which we began, it was soon tempc:.aments for smooth day-to-day opera­ the aim of an annual course apparent that no one country could fill all the tion. for choreographers and places on an annual basis. Australia and Cana­ Those taking part do so entirely free of da, where similar courses have since been charge as individuals. So quality alone can be musicians, supported by started, sent nominees from 1976. The fol­ the first consideration in a rigorous selection European grants, which was lowing year the first German choreographer process, undertaken by representative and directed this year by Merce heralded wider European participation; and funding bodies in the countries of origin. In seven member countries of the EEC were Britain this is carried out by the trustees ofthe Cunpingham, writes represented by 1981. independent operating body, Creative Dance NOEL GOODWIN Each course takes its character from the Artists Ltd, a registered charity (on which the personality of its director, for whose task Arts Council of Great Britain is represented), there are only a handful of suitable candidates with a pool of dancers chosen from applicants in the world. None were available in 1980, so of known professional reputation, or from dance, to study its particular needs, and to we suspended the course that year. After auditions held in London. find that-contrary to ingrained prejudice-it initiating the first course in 1975, Glen Tetley There has never been any lack of appli­ could be a satisfying and profitable market for returned in 1979. Norman Morrice, now cants, even when it became known that the their talents. Director of the Royal Ballet, consolidated its course involves a working day of 13 to 14 Robert Cohan, artistic director of London first impact in 1976. Robert Cohan extended hours, from the first technique class at nine Contemporary Dance Theatre, who has twice its character and content in 1977 and 1978. o'clock each morning to the performance and directed the course, told those taking part: The New York composer, John Herbert discussion of creative projects at night. Ex­ 'What you have put together here in two McDoweU, was music director from 1976 to cept for a slightly different pattern set this weeks would have taken you two years to do 1979. year by Merce Cunningham, the usual prac­ elsewhere.' The essence of it is creative self­ In 1981 a new character and method of tice has been for the director to set creative discovery, in a practical but deliberately in­ working were brought to the course by Merce projects at or after lunchtime, often allowing tensified working situation, undertaken with­ Cunningham, with John Cage, his long-time no more than three hours to compose what out the pressures of public performance, box­ associate, as music director. It is too soon to original choreography and music can be office success or competitive rivalry. assess the results, but individual comments achieved in the time. The prototype course was worked out in suggest that a few more lives have been duly With such artifical time-pressures con­ association with its first Director, Glen Tet­ changed. None of this would have been sciously applied, the object is not necessarily ley, an American choreographer based in achieved, however, without the forethought to produce a finished work but to make the Europe, and was confined to choreographers in planning and care for detail of Gale Law, best use of available time - in discussing, and composers then working in Britain-eight the indefatigable administrative director for composing, relating, perhaps polishing . .... 15 EUROPE81

What emerges may be no more than a minute documentary, and a short TV film on its work with funds, as does the EEC. What is still or two in duration. The process reflects, in is available for showing in other centres. The needed is some guarantee of a basic sum for concentrated form, the professional need to nature of the course makes it cost-intensive­ preparatory organisation each year- a credit work within specified limits. At the end ofthe operating costs have risen from some £14,000 balance in hand to work with, to assist a course, each choreographer receives a in 1975 to more than£35,000 in 1981. For the project which is not a matter of public pre­ videotape ofhis or her project-work. first three years it was funded almost entirely sentation (and is, indeed, deliberately kept Usually the eight choreographers and eight by the UK branch ofthe Calouste Gulbenkian away from the public eye for the benefit ofthe composers work in pairs, permutated from Foundation, which then began reducing its artists involved), but which is now making an day to day to bring about as much variety as commitment when the course was seen to be increasingly significant contribution to the art possible. Some directors, especially towards successfully working. of dance in many countries. the end of a course, may spread a project over Individual bursaries have been awarded to 0 Noel Goodwin, a trustee ofthe more than one day. The composers involve British participants by the Arts Council. International Dance Course, is chairman themselves in the performance ofeach other's Equivalent organisations in Belgium, Den­ of the Arts Council's dance advisory works, with uptofourextramusiciansinvited mark, France, Germany, Ireland, the (Janel and associate editor, Dance and as instrumentalists. The scores may range Netherlands, Sweden and Greece also help Dancers. from a solo instrument or synthesiser study to a fully-scored chamber ensemble. Obviously, the course requires facilities beyond residential and catering accommoda­ tion for upwards of 60 people. It needs a hall large enough for over 30 dancers to take class at one time, and in which project work can be performed. It also needs not less than eight individual studios for project work to be simultaneously prepared, and other space for composers to work and rehearse. Since 1976 the course has been well housed at Guildford, where the University has made available the advanced technical resouces of its Tanmeister degree music department, as well as other facilities.

'lt is now becoming possible to observe the influence of the course on modern dance'

So far, the courses have involved 48 choreographe.rs and 48 composers. More than 150 dancers have benefited from working with them, and from taking class with the outstanding teachers who have also been en­ gaged. From the first five courses, we know that all the choreographers, and most of the composers, have later created professional work for dance, whether in their own coun­ tries or elsewhere. Some choreographers have gone on to become directors of companies; and some composers have made careers with­ in dance they would never previously have contemplated. Within the last 10 years or so, classical and modem dance has become a universal growth area in the arts. Much ofits health depends on the nurturing of new talent for new works, without which any art must stagnate. The International Dance Course exists to help artists realise their creative intentions, with a practical and imaginative awareness they would not otherwise have acquired at the outset of their professional careers. It is now becoming possible to observe the widening influences of the course on modem dance, on classical ballet, and on the musical element of both. It has been the subject of a BBC Television 16 ACAUSE FOR EUROPE

-fh~fight against pollution

RON BARRY reports on the Community's efforts to make its environmental policies stick-and on what it is ready to spend on ecological research

When the Community's member states signed the that economic progress is not enough: it needs to Treaties of Rome, it was with the aim of be accompanied by an improvement in the quality improving the standard of living for all their of life-which is largely conditioned by the citizens. In recent years they have come to realise physical environment. ollution in one form or another affects Cadiz and To.rrey Canyon disasters have illus­ The first action programme along these the daily lives of us all- in particular trated the dangers of oil pollution at sea. lines was drawn up and adopted in 1973- the 70 per cent of the Community's The heads ofstate or government attending backed by the formation of a unit for the population who are city-dwellers. Sub­ the EEC Paris summit in October 1972 agreed prevention and control of environmental urbs are extending and merging. Concentra­ that an acceptable Community policy cover­ pollution within the European Commission. tions of men and industry generate pollution, ing all aspects ofenvironmental control would This has been followed by a five-year pro­ to a point where one wonders to what extent not only overcome such suspicions, but could grammefor 1977-81. Itisnowwellunderway, the environment is capable of absorbing also lead to savings. These could be achieved and a third programme is at the discussion Man'sassaultonNature. through better use of renewable and non­ stage. The level of public awareness has been renewable raw materials; by rationalising The objectives within the Community's heightened in recent years by some spectacu­ often fragmented and expensive scientific re­ environmental policy are achieved by assign­ lar disasters, notably at Seveso in Italy and at search through the regular exchange of re­ ing to member states responsibilities falling Flixborough in the UK, demonstrating the sources and ideas; and by giving authority to under four main headings. First of these is the risks inherent in the industrial processing of Community rules relating to the manufacture reduction, by remedial means, of pollution dangerous substances. Similarly, the Amoco and use oftoxic substances. and nuisances detrimental to natural re- ~ 17 EUROPE81

-'Toxic wastes can It is in areas such as these that the combined balance between the main function of timber­ weight of the Community membership has growing and the rational use of the land. find their way into some meaning in negotiating rules applicable There are procedures and norms for the to toxic products and their safe transportation elimination and recycling of waste oils, and of human stomachs' with the United States and with other nations toxic and dangerous wastes. Joint research through such international bodies as OECD, programmes are helping to develop the re­ UNEP, ECE and the Council of Europe. cycling of urban and industrial waste and Control of atmospheric pollution is largely sewage sludge, as well as paper and card­ sources. The second objective is to protect an internal affair, with European directives board, of which the Community is largely a natural resources and the environment by already limiting air pollution by motor ve­ net importer. regulation or - in the longer term - legal hicles, the level of sulphur in heating-oils, and As for the financing of such projects, restriction. Thirdly, member states are the lead content of petrol. Other directives set between 1980 and 1983 the EEC's Joint pledged to organise back-up measures in the out quality levels and pollution limits for Research Centre will allocate more than 43 form of research, publicity, economic studies sulphur dioxide and suspended particles. million EUA to research into the ecological and educational campaigns. Finally, they Maximum noise levels have been laid down impact of traditional electricity generatfug must seek international solutions where this is for cars, lorries, motor-cycles, tractors and stations and of certain chemicals. Similar most appropriate. subsonic aircraft used or manufactured with­ work to be undertaken during the period To be wholly effective such a policy must in the Community. Another directive defines 1981-85, backed by a similar grant of Com­ observe certain· basic rules. The polluter methods to be used in measuring the noise munity funds. It will concentrate on climatol­ should meet the costs ofpreventing or remov­ emitted by manufacturing industry, both ogy and the improvement ofweather forecast­ ing the nuisance; but in certain circumstances within the plant and outside. ing methods; the study of pollution - its he should have recourse to Community In an attempt to control the impact of causes, effects and possible reduction; the finance in setting up, say, a pilot scheme on chemicals on the environment, several Com­ protection and management of the natural technologies likely to be of benefit to other munity directives define 'biodegradability' environment; the improvement of related member states. Prevention is given a high standards for detergents, as well as classifica­ data banks; and a study of the relationship priority. And the appropriate level for effec­ tion, packaging and labelling norms for pesti­ between mankind and the environment. All tive action should be chosen- whether local, cides, solvents and paints. The use of several this is overdue. But it may still be in time. regional, national, Community or interna­ dangerous chemical substances, such as PCB, tional- so that effort is neither repetitive nor certain phytopharmaceutical preparations, fragmented. and fluorocarbons in aerosols which destroy -'The difficulties are More specifically, the Community should the earth's ozone layer, has also been speci­ real-but they should only step in ifaction at a national level needs to fically limited. be placed within a wider authority to become New provisions, drawn up following the not be allowed to fully effective, or if it· involves a common Seveso accident, aim to prevent the risk frustrate aspirations interest (such as the safeguarding of water); of major disasters in certain industrial pro­ for better control of or when the adoption of divergent national cesses, and to limit their consequences by measures would cause major economic or so­ requiring the publication and dissemination the environment' cial problems within the Community. ofsafety procedures and disaster plans. Such collective action in this field is al­ It is becoming clear that all the things we ready extensive. It covers the safeguarding of dump into the environment return in one Examining the problems and producing all natural resources which could be harmed form or another. Atmospheric pollutants are possible solutions is one thing. Implementa­ or over-exploited by economic or social de­ dispersed by the winds and then brought tion throughout the member states is another. velopment. The work completed or in prog­ down to earth again by the rains. Pesticides, Itis here that most ofthe stumbling blocks lie. ress revolves around a double axis: the battle herbicides or fertilisers, when extensively or To begin with, there appears to be a consider­ against pollution and nuisance and, in­ indiscriminately used, can have serious able imbalance between the vast amount of creasingly, better management of the coun­ effects on wildlife, watercourses, soil com­ work to be undertaken and the number ofstaff tryside, environment and natural resources. position and so on. available - and qualified - to undertake it. The means to achieve such goals range from Toxic wastes - particularly lead, mercury Unanimous agreement is always difficult; so scientific study and research to the adoption of and other heavy metals - can enter the food there often remains considerable scope for specific directives obliging member states to chain at any point and find their way to human interpretation once an individual study has draw up their own laws or regulations in line stomachs. In the Mediterranean, the level of been undertaken. Industrial health and safety with Community provisions. Some 60 Euro­ pollution has reached disturbing levels. The is a case in point - age of plant, depth of pean directives have already gained approval Rhine and the Schelde have been virtually technological development, and national atti­ within the European Parliament. turned into sewers. tude to risk-acceptance, can lead to differ­ Sea pollution is the subject of two series As reported in the October issue of EUROPE ences ofopinion and delay the adoption of the of provisions: one covering the control and 81, the Commission is involved in drawing up ·remedies proposed. gradual reduction of titanium dioxide waste­ an ecological 'map' to help visualise the differ­ The difficulties are real enough. They the origin of the 'red sludge' which destroys ing environmental data, so that it can be should not, however, be allowed to frustrate plankton growth - and a second aimed at related to economic and social demands. or circumvent Community aspirations for controlling and reducing hydrocarbon dis­ There is now provision for all major indus­ better control of the environment. Sizeable as charges, the present level of which is a fright­ trial, ~cultural or infrastructural projects it is, environmental control expenditure is ening 6 million tonnes per annum. to undergo a prior study of their impact on the running at less than 0. 3 per cent of the annual An action programme, adopted in 1978 environment. This embraces the use of rate ofinflation in the Community. By cutting following the Amoco Cadiz disaster, formu­ effluents from intensive farming such as pig­ down damaging losses and the wasteful use of lates disaster plans which embrace inven­ geries; the protection of plant species; the certain raw materials it is possible not only to tories of pollutant substances, methods of ecological aspects of large drainage or irriga­ purify the air we breathe, the water we drink, treating them where they occur, and an inter­ tion projects; and the use of pesticides, some and the surroundings in which we live - but national list of tankers in service for which ofwhich have been banned. also to create job opportunities, estimated at existing Community directives already re­ Two Commission reports have been dedi­ several hundred thousand, throughout the quire certain safety standards. cated to forest policy, seeking to preserve a Community. [I 18 EUROPE81

like some of the French and German right wingers who are against enlargement. I am m favour of enlargement. In favour! 'But... enlargement is only possible within the context of the abandonment of the Treaty of Rome, the abandonment of the parameters of the Europe of the Six. There's got to be a fundamental, root-and-branch reconsidera­ 1 tion and rebuilding. There should have been Thereisno that when Britain, Denmark and Ireland joined. 'There's got to be a complete change in the sense of bargain struck between F ranee and Germany. Germany wanted the free market in manufac­ tured goods. France said "We will only come equality for in"-Francesaidit, and they talk about Britain laying down terms, for God's sake!-"We will only come into your Common Market in us in Europe manufactured goods ifyou give us a common agricultural policy which will underpin French agriculture". -none at all' 'France's terms meant that the enlarge­ ment of the Community from six to nine was he Europe of the Six is BARBARA CASTLE, in an unworkable. The terms France got made the omprehensible ... The Europe ofthe enlargement from six to twelve .... explosive! Ten is in crisis ... The Europe of the interview with Frank 'Now - I understand France's anxieties. l Twelve-without fundamental Entwisle, shows that she is I am an internationalist. I hope I have sensi­ changes-is impossible. Impossible! Put tivity towards the problems and needs ofother that in your article. Put it in there!' still fighting- this time, for countries. I am a bad hater. I am a natural- I The scene is a farm cottage in the Chiltern drastic changes in the was going to say lover- but my instincts are Hills, forty miles from London. Brilliant structure ofthe Community towards tenderness, understanding and adap­ beechwoods illuminate autumn dusk. Red tability. pantiles half hidden in a dell. 'The Treaty of Rome must be re-written The speaker-preacher, rather-is Barbara before there can be any love, tenderness and Castle, MEP, Member ofthe British House of people ofAfrica and Asia. sensitivity. Commons from 1945 to 1979 n•m the York­ 'Our fight is now against European exclu­ 'I became a European MP because I'd shire girl who ended the Wars of the Roses by siveness ... a rich nations' club patronising studied the set-up. I'd suspected that the representing a Lancashire constituency - the poor nations in a worldoftherich, and not whole purpose of admitting Britain was to Blackburn'), Britain's first Minister of Over­ really believing in their equality.' make her finance European agriculture - to seas Development with cabinet rank, first Inevitably, we come to the apparent contra­ make Britain take her food purchases away woman Minister of Transport, Secretary of diction of her membership of the European from cheaper sources like New Zealand. State for Employment and Productivity, then Parliament. Europe is notindustry. Europe is agriculture- for the Social Services. 'It's a very good question. A lot of Labour 70 per cent of the budget. And only three per She sits in a plain armchair in country people ask me this. One example- I voted in cent ofour working population in agriculture. woollens, a wrought silver pendant her only the British Parliament against direct elections 'And I'll tell you the price we're paying elegance, the once flaming hair now russet. -againsttheRichMens'Clubhavingtheright now. When we say, "But look, Britain does ln such a setting Brussels, Strasbourg, even to say that anyone who goes into this directly not want to multiply hertax on beer to help the Westminster might be remote abstractions. eJected Parliament must have a European French wine industry"- and that's only one But her language, her rhetorical pauses, the salary. The European salary would be the example-"Oh", they reply, "But when Bri­ way she lifts her arms, modulates her voice, highest - the German salary. Twenty-four tain joined she accepted the rules, so you must are part of the immediate evangelism of the thousand a year in 1979. Nonsense! Grotes­ just subsidise the French and blow the British hustings rather than of conversation before a que! I relate to the British people who elected brewing industry ..." banked Jog fire in the Buckinghams.hire coun­ me. And I was notgoing to ask them to vote me 'There is no sense ofequality in Europe for tryside. a European salary when they were on British us. None at all! AsfarasEuropeisconcerned, We have talked of old campaigns. 'My wages.' Britain is a slightly awkward offshore island. obsession was colonial freedom. I remember 'That is still not an answer to the question­ 'When Britain negotiated they cooked the Winston Churchill viciously attacking the which is why you became a Euro-MP.' books. They cooked the books! They knew Prime Minister, Clem Atlee, when we made 'I'm coming to that. I don't disagree with they'd got a fellow-traveller in T ed Heath. the centrepiece of our policy the indepen­ the Market of the Six. I can understand You know- he was so obessed by the Euro­ dence oflndia. And this class! ... this group! why they got together. It was historically and pean idea that he just did not look at the small ... these predecessorsofTed Heath! ... they economically relevant in the aft~rmath ofwar. print- or even the large print! There was a were so outraged when we said India must be I can understand why young people in France terrible surrender by Britain. A surrender'of free. To us, freedom and equality had to be and Germany should wish to leap the barriers equality.' world-wide. The world was our stage - not and become one. I could understand why Italy 'What would you reply to a European who Europe. It had to reach into Africa, Asia and -always weak and afraid-should wish to take listened to this and said that you had gone into Latin America. protection. their Parliament as a saboteur?' 'One ofthe things that turned us against the 'I could understand why Benelux should 'Oh well, ifyou like todescribeas a saboteur European Economic Community was that it say "Well-it's nota bad deal for us." But the someone who says you are trying to finance was a little closed shop for western privilege­ Europe of the Twelve is impossible. Let me yourselves on a basis which won't work, who with gracious relationships with some of the explain that. I do not wish you to say that I am says that the poor dear British infantry come ... 19 EUROPE81 lfhere's got to be a 'I believe that the European Community French are totally antagonistic. has taken to a path of mythology which won't 'We must not drown ourselves in .a myth­ complete change in work. They believe-they pretend they believe ology that Europe is about everybody sinking the 6argain struck - in economic and monetary union. They their self-interest. Baloney, my dear Frank! pretend they believe in a federal Europe. This Baloney! The Community is the most between France and has kept the exponents of the European idea nationalistic group I have ever met.' Germany' going. My experience is that theonlypeoplein But if Barbara Castle got the reforms she the Community who really believe in an eco­ wants, could she see Britain ever joining in­ nomic and monetary union are the Italian or would it still be a rich mans' club? in and buy your dearer food and then pay the communists. 'Since I entered the European Parliament I second highest contribution to your inflated 'Yes, it's very interesting this. It's part of have worked for change - and I cannot say agricultural budget . . . if you call that a the sophistication of European politics. The with much success. Now it is up to the Com­ saboteur I would call it a truth-teller. Germans don't want a federal Europe. The munity to prove.it can reform itself. ' 1.1

and Strasbourg. But what country with our economic record BRITAIN AND EUROPE­ can expect to be independent in a world where multinationals are more powerful than some nation states? ATRADE UNION VOICE A policy for withdrawal from the EEC which has no considered alternative might win easy acclaim in the conference baD. But that is not the environment in which the next Labour government will have to live and succeed. Has any serious investigation been undertaken by the National Executive Committee of what we are to do with our trade after 1985? Take the steel industry: more than one million tonnes ofsteel products were sold to the EEC in 1980, a bad year from an exporting point ofview . We have been steadily closing the gap between exports to and imports from the Community. A million tonnes was about 10 per cent ofour output last year, roughly equal to the output of Llanwern steel works. Where are the proposals to maintain these sales, either by somehow getting them into Europe or by gaining alternative markets? To decide to withdraw and then work out what to do seems a severe case of putting the cart before the horse. My main interest now is in what we do with our proposals. Let us suppose that we study the prospects for every industry and work out how each is to survive outside the EEC. It will still be a gamble. It will require the full attention ofeveryone in the country on such a momentous decision. It cannot be allowed to slip by on the grounds that it is an integral part of the Alternative Strategy. The proposal must be isolated and voted for on its merits. Opponents ofthe Common Market seem to believe that coming out now is even more important than not going in. What were they saying at the time Edward Heath took us in? Why, they were calling for a referendum of course I At our conference in 1973, Michael Foot promised us 'a General Election in which the matter would be settled, or a referendum in which it will be settled.' WeU, we had the election in 1974 and we won it OD the pledge quoted in our resolution- a pledge to consult the British people on the renegotiated terms. We held the referendum-and it produced a two-to-one majority after an impassioned and informed national debate. I respect everyone's right to their views OD the EEC. But ' It is now fairly clear that the Labour movement is taking up memories are short. I seem to recall Tony Bean in the aftermath withdrawal from the European Economic Commwtity as a ofthat referendum-a referendum he had done so much to major policy plank for the next Labour government. achieve-declaring that the British people had spoken and that I caaaot disguise my lack ofenthusiasm for this trend. It we must tremble before their voice. seems to me that many of our supporters and members have At the time, doubts were expressed about whether there been misled by prominent party spokesmen into believing that should be a referendum. But, once one has taken place, who will there is one cause for Britain's economic decline. I still believe be arrogant enough to deny that it takes a further referendum to we will deceive ourselves ifwe suggest to the electorate that this reverse the people's verdict?' decline began in 1973, or that it would ead in 1985 when a Labour government takes us out. -BILL SIRS, General Secretary ofthe Iron and Steel Trades We bear much talk about our loss of sovereignty to Brussels Confederation, speaking at the 1981 Labour Party Conference.

20 EUROPE81

emerged. The conventional wisdom in Com­ Why Latin America feels it is munity circles has long been that Spain and Portugal, as Community members, will act as a bridge between Europe and Latin America, being cold-shouldered by Europe easing cooperation. Latin Americans are less Sanguine. The present Ten will have tariff­ free access to the Spanish and Portuguese markets, and vice versa, unlike the 'outsiders' tin Americans generally look on the MARTIN MAUTHNER, in Latin America and elsewhere. One eco­ uropean Community as a successful nomist asked me: 'If the Lome Convention is xample ofthe integration they reporting from Caracas, supposed to help former colonies, where is the themselves have tried to achieve finds this is a part of the U logic in Spain, when it becomes an EEC mem­ since they won their independence in the world that would welcome ber, allowing duty-free entry to products last century. At the same time, from the from France's ex-colonies, while having to Community's earliest days, they have the Community's favours charge the full tariff on similar products-say watched its development with sugar and coffee-from its former colonies in apprehension. Today, there are few signs Central America?' that their concern is diminishing. On the na, Chile and Uruguay. When the common It is factors like these that are now leading contrary, Latin American leaders believe agricultural policy took shape, with its special LatinAmericanstoclaimthattheircontinent, that the Community continues, however guarantees for 'home-produced' beef, wheat, more than any other, is bearing the burden­ benignly, to neglect them and their and dairy products, the 'Southern Cone' or paying the price-of European integration. aspirations. countries really began to protest at what they Their economists state that, by 1978, the Carlos Alzamora, the head of SELA, the saw as unfair treatment. In Buenos Aires I was economic body groupin'g all Central and lectured: 'First, you virtually close the Euro­ Community's imports from Latin America bad fallen to only 2.9 per cent of its total South American countries, clearly conveyed pean market to our products through your this sentiment when he met European Com­ excessive protection. Then, just as we begin to imports, compared with 6.3 per cent in 1962. Put another way, they argue that Europe mission President Gaston Thorn in Brussels capture new markets elsewhere, you start last July. dumping your subsidised surpluses on those should have spent $29 billion on their goods in 1978, rather than the actual $13 billion. And To support this complaint, Latin Amer­ markets, hurting us again.' they note that EEC exporters have fallen be­ icans refer to the Community's preferential Further blows came when Britain - tradi- . hind in the Latin American market. links with the African, Caribbean and Pacific tionally a vital trading partner of countries countries through the Lome Convention. such as Argentina and Uruguay- joined the 1 They also point to the trade arrangements Community in 1973, and when the Commun­ Latin America is with the Mediterranean and EFfA countries, ity negotiated free trade agreements with the not iust Euro_pe1 s and look enviously at the South East Asian remaining EFfA countries shortly after­ 1 nations, who seem to have won the attention wards. forgoHen rerative of Brussels. Other grievances concern the By this time, the Community bad made one Community's common agricultural and trade significant concession to Latin America, and policies; recent measures to 'restructure' or toothernon-Lomedevelopingcountries,par­ All in all, Latin Americans maintain that 'protect' (depending which side of the Atlan­ ticularly in Asia. It introduced its generalised the European Community has not taken them tic you live on) traditional industries such as system of tariff preferences for manufactured seriously enough. The 'dialogue' in Brussels steel, sh~, textiles, and shipbuilding; and goods - a step designed to help the Latin started in 1971, has, in their view, been ster­ the potential harm that they see being done to Americans become less dependent on exports ile. Unlike the Community's trade agree­ their economies following the expected acces­ of food and raw materials. Mexico, Brazil, ments with the EFfA and North African sion of Spain and Portugal. Argentina and Venezuela were already mak­ countries, those with Latin America contain These misgivings go back to the 1950s, as ing huge efforts to build up a wide range of little substance,... Argentina declined to renew the negotiators ofthe Rome Treaties prepared industries, often relying heavily on European its trade agreement last year. to associate pre-independence African col­ finance, know-how and equipment. In some However oversimplified, that is how Latin onies with the Community, in what has since sectors, their industries became competitive Americans tend to present the state of play grown into a privileged relationship. To Latin and started exporting to the European and between the two continents. That trade be­ Americans, the special trade and aid pri­ other industrialised markets. Brazilian shoes, tween them has declined, is not in dispute. vileges offered under the Yaounde and Lome textiles and steel products are well-known That the Community is primarily to blame is, Conventions have amounted to discrimina­ examples. however, an allegation that Brussels chal­ tion against them, as members, in varying When, in the Tokyo Round, the Commun­ lenges vigorously. degrees, of the Third World. The fact that ity agreed to reduce its already low tariffs on With their political systems, economies some of their Caribbean neighbours are in the imports from all other countries, this was, and degrees of development so diverse, the Lome 'club' has not helped. They note that paradoxically, unwelcome in Latin America. Latin Americans obviously acknowledge the European Community favours Jamaica It threatened to narrow their margin ofprefer­ Europe's difficulties in treating them as a and Trinidad, but not Honduras and Haiti. ence, under the generalised system of prefer­ homogeneous grouping. On the other hand, Haiti being the only one of these Latin Amer­ ences, over goods from such major exporters their very variety, and therefore com­ ican countries to be classified by the United as Japan and the United States. plementarity, should facilitate their economic Nations as 'least-developed.' Meanwhile, the energy crisis and subse­ integration, a process in which the Commun­ The 'Southern Cone' countries are likewise quent mounting unemployment led the Com­ ity is only too anxious to share its experience. neglected. For them, the formation of the munity to apply a series of measures which Above all, the Latin Americans-generally Community's customs union and common caused the more advanced developing coun­ moderates in the rich-poor confrontation - external tariff stimulated trade among the tries in Latin America to complain that the are impatiently awaiting the outcome of member states- that is, diverted trade from EEC was curbing the growth of their exports the 'North-South Dialogue'. Here the Com­ elsewhere-and raised the average tariff level of industrial goods, notably steel, shoes and munity has an unequalled opportunity to in Germany and the Benelux countries, which textiles. prove that Latin America is not just Europe's were important trading partners of Argenti- More recently, a new complaint has forgotten relative. 1!11 21 EUROPE81 ----· ·- attendant pressure groups, press corps and processions of visitors on Community busi­ Europe on the trot ness. The French are equally unbending over Strasbourg, seat of the original Council of Europe, and the Luxemburgers over Luxem­ .e most people, I get my inklings of JOYCE BETTS finds a book bourg. Also, I suppose, officials and their owthe European Parliament works families who are well dug in with homes, from newspaper reports, topped up by which gives a realistic idea of schools and congenial neighbours are likewise llarticles in specialist journals such as what it means to be a not volunteering to uproot themselves. this one. Perhaps most ofus may be We must expect the European Parliament, forgiven ifour mental picture of EEC member ofthe European like other human institutions, to reflect our democracy is somewhat hazy. What is Parliament several weaknesses as well as strengths. Mr needed is an unprejudiced handbook which Palmer writes as ifhe reckons it still has some L tells us all we want to know, written from way to go before we can be really proud of it. the inside. He sums it up rather gradually, as 'a remark­ I have been reading a publication that meets - able experiment in transnational democracy'. these requirements very well. It is called 'The He obviously believes the European Parlia­ European Parliament: what it is, what it does, ment needs stronger backing from member how it works', and it is written by Michael governments, and he warns that it could be Palmer, who is himself deputy director­ sold short by the European Council. If that general ofthe European Parliament*. I am left happened, 'direct elections could prove a with a feeling that, with all the admitted sham, and the future of democracy in the frailties of the system, the men and women European Community could be a mere who are part of it rutve a job to make it work; charade.' [I and in particular that most MEPs are not - contrary to popular belief- living the life of Riley. In a letter to a friend who was thinking about putting his name forward as a candidate MORE EEC CASH for the European Parliament-included here as a real-life warning to others - Mr Palmer TO HELP THE begins by telling him how splendid it would be to have him aboard, then sets out the snags typical stoniness, the Inland Revenue regard UNEMPLOYED which might persuade him to think better of this£50 as part ofa member's salary, and insist it. Thereisthephysicalstrain,imposedbythe on taxing it accordingly. British courts have The European Commission has announced number and length of meetings. There is the upheld the Revenue's action, on a point of the third and final allocation of the 1981 incessant travelling, plus hanging around law. It now awaits a word from the European Social Fund grants for the UK totalling airports in fog or snow. There are the com­ Court of Justice. £100.5 million. Money from the Fund is mittees, the delegations, the consultative Meanwhile, MEPs can also draw a travel­ used to assist vocational training, sessions. There is the lack of a place of your ling allowance ofabout 23 pence per kilometer retraining and resettlement schemes in the own to go home to. And-healsowarns-there for the first 400 kilometers of a journey, and 9 member states of the Community, with is the diet of cream sauce and fried potatoes. pence for every additional kilometer, for emphasis on helping the unemployed. The As incentives, Mr Palmer cites elsewhere in travel from halfway between their national UK has received a total of£140.88 million his book 'the challenge ofthe job-making the capital and their home to wherever the Parlia­ in1981. Parliament an effective political instrument.' ment is meeting, regardless whether they In order to be eligible for assistance from Hemention8 promotion-there are important travel by road, rail or air. the Social Fund, a training scheme must have rapporteurships, subcommittee and commit­ Much of this moving about is due to what financial support from a public authority. For tee chairmanships, even the possibility of Mr Palmer calls 'one of the most aggravating schemes run by public authorities them­ rising to Vice-president or President of the problems in the lives ofmembers of the Euro­ selves, the Commission will meet up to half Parliament. No prospect of Cabinet office, pean Parliament-the fact that it is not in one the cost of the project, while for schemes run you notice, since there is no Cabinet; or eleva­ place, but three.' by private organisations, the Commission tion to the Lords, since there is no Other This, he tells us, costs the European Parlia­ may match public authority support. Place. ment about 15 per cent ofits budget, amount­ In the UK, most applications for assistance Promotion as a committee-person might ing to some £12 million, every year. Mr Pal­ from the Fund are made by the Manpower not be seen as too tempting a prospect by mer adds, with some warmth: 'Even if all Services Commission, which has had support some. However, the money is enough, I these meetings were held in one city, the for the Youth Opportunities Programme, the would guess, to attract the right kind ofideal­ str8ins of constant travelling would be con­ Training Opportunities Programme (TOPS) ist who also has a few mouths to feed. MEPs' siderable. Working in three different places, and a number of other schemes concerned salaries, I discover, have not been set at com­ and without being able to install oneself in a with helping the unemployed and young peo­ monlevels: there is no question ofsame wage, permanent flat or office, the pressure on a ple enter the job market, especially in poorer same job. Generally, an MEP receives the member is even greater. How can the Parlia­ regions. Grants are also requested by other same salary as that of a member of his or her ment carry out its work efficiently if, during a public bodies such as the Industrial Training national parliament. Strasbourg session, half its staff remain in Boards and local authorities. However, ap­ The daily expenses allowance - £50, pay­ Luxembourg?' plications have increasingly come from pri­ able for every working day spent in attend­ A good question; and Mr Palmer does not vate companies and voluntary bodies sup­ ance at a European Parliament meeting-is on sound as ifhe expects a good answer. He says porting local unemployment and training top of the MEP's salary. British MEPs, alone that 'vested national interests' make it hard to initiatives. of the Ten, have to pay income tax on it. With change the status quo. Belgium profits from In this last allocation for 1981 over £25 the 12,000 Euro-officials, plus their families, million has been granted to help handicapped *PergamonPress,£4.50.Hardback:£7.95. who live or are based in Brussels, plus the people enter open employment. (I 22 EUROPE81 ECSC GRANTS FOR EX-STEELMEN

The European Commission has announced readaptation grants totalling £4,398,000 to finance measures to help workers in the British steel industry affected by plant closures and modernisation. The grants, announced at the end ofOctober, are made under Article 56 ofthe European Coal & Steel Community. They will be used to help fund current schemes for early retirement, retraining and income support. The breakdown is as follows: Sheffield: £55,000 for 22 workers affected by the closure ofthe hot rolling mill at Cocker Bros Ltd Fitzalan Works; £34,000 for 18 workers affected by modernisation at Spartan Sheffield's Attercliffeand Huntsman Works; £140,000for 69 workers affected by cutbacks at the Ecclesfield Works of Aurora Steels; and£3,790,000for 1,900 workers affected by the closure and cutback at Hardfields Ltd's plants. Leeds: £116,000 for 44 workers affected by the closure of the Coghlan Forge & Rolling Ataste of Spain Mills Ltd, Hunslet Forge. Wednesbury, West Midlands: £13,600 for seven workers displaced at J . G. Hughes & in London Company, following closure of the Patent Shaft Steelworks Ltd plant. panish art has been prominent in the Wishaw, Scotland: £250,000 for 94 workers affected by closure of John Williams London galleries this winter. At the (Wishaw) Ltd's works. National Gallery, works on loan from public and private collections S Time warp reflected the taste for Spanish painting­ from El Greco to Goya- in Britain and I think we should all recognise that Mozart Ireland. At the British Museum, Goya has was way ahead ofhis time. But not to the an exhibition to himself-a comprehensive point of wearing a wrist watch with a metal survey ofthe incomparable prints. band, as depicted by Richard O'Callaghan on Just why Spanish art should have made pageS of your October issue. such a strong appeal to British taste over the (Dr) Keith Thompson years is not clear. Perhaps the qualities of the Croydon, Surrey classic Spanish artists strike a chord in a peo­ ple whose own imperial rise and fall has 'Euro·art' affected the national character. I am finding your magazine a more and more However that may be, the wealth of necessary counterweight to the 'traditional' Spanish painting in British collections is, we media treatment ofthe EEC. are told, unrivalled in Europe. Murillo, for Congratulations especially on the example, has enjoyed stupendous popularity 'Amadeus' article in the October issue. The Greek siesta in Britain - there are more of his works here I hope for continuation of the 'Euro-art' than there are in Spain. Mr Gert Hohler's article on the Greek siesta page, featuring not only British artists but The exhibition included a dozen fine ex­ (July issue) is full ofarbitrary generalisations other European ones as well. amples, including the famous pair from the and inaccuracies. MattKelly Dulwich Gallery. Gainsborough copied He should let your readers know that Reading, Berks Murillo with deep admiration. With Velas­ Greek shops open 42 hours a week, that large­ quez, a master who has enjoyed even greater scale industries work on a 24-hour basis, and Buying a car acclaim in Britain, he left a mark on English that it was the Greek labouring classes, not I have recently ordered a car from a German art. Greek governments, who disliked the siesta dealer on the basis ofa quoted price much Goya 's admirers used to refer to him as 'The and had a strong preference for working lower than the British retail price for an Hogarth of Spain'. This was due partly to the continuously, so avoiding extra commuting equivalent model. I wonder if you can now element of caricature in his portraits, but from home to work and vice versa. confirm that the Commission intends to limit equally to the sardonic bite ofhis prints. Some Y annis Schizas the variation in car prices between one of them proved too strong for Ruskin, who Athens, Greece country and another. had them burnt. Too pro-Europe? }.Corby The magnificent show of Goya's prints at Low Fell, Gateshead the British Museum includes several capable I was rather horrified at the views expressed of jolting more hardened sensibilities than by Messrs Pedley and Tivey in the Letters D The Commission is looking closely at his. Most have been made familiar through page, October issue. IfEUROPE 81 is indeed car price differentials, which seem to be reproduction, but confrontation with the ori­ too pro-Europe, it is in sharp contrast to the against the spirit of the Treaty ofRom e. ginals comes as a totally new experience. They anti-EEC bias being fanned by some sources announce, with ferocity and pity, the arrival in Britain. Rolling on of an age in which common people have to The idea ofachieving the simple objectives Regarding the letter in your October issue, bear the enormities of terrorism and war. set out in the preamble to the Treaty of Rome 'Fair play for monsters', the definition ofa Goya's captions are exclamations of help­ seems so good and advantageous that I juggernaut today is: 'A heavy goods vehicle lessness and despair. The images are beyond wonder anyone should wish to oppose it. Many which has overreached its potential in words. Their bitter urgency has never been thanks for what you and your colleagues weight, speed, size and intimidation'. more appropriate than now, in times as blood­ are trying to put across. soaked as his own. Norman Webster Eric T. Rawlins DEN IS THOMAS Slackhead, Cumbria Thornton Heath, Surrey 23 THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY Member States, Regions and Administratin Units