ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C299 Volume 29 of the European Communities 24 November 1986

English edition Information and Notices

Notice No Contents Page

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer: 86/C 299/01 No 2103/85 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Application of Decree No 1 of the United Nations Council for Namibia 1

86/C 299/02 No 2112/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Depositing of salt in potassium mines in Alsace 4

86/C 299/03 No 2124/85 by Mrs Jessica Larive-Groenendaal to the Commission Subject: Equal treatment of married and unmarried cohabiting officials and other servants of the European Communities and of officials of the Netherlands diplomatic service 4

86/C 299/04 No 2290/85 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Relations between Greenland and the Community 5

86/C 299/05 No 2303/85 by Mrs Yvonne van Rooy and Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission Subject: Subsidies for the Belgian pharmaceutical industry (supplementary answer) 5

86/C 299/06 No 2358/85 by Mr Jef Ulburghs to the Commission Subject: Good and bad effects of increasing carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere 6

86/C 299/07 No 2365/85 by Mr Alberto Tridente to the Commission Subject: Doc. XVII/ 326/85 by the Commission departments 6

86/C 299/08 No 2423/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Code of conduct on public health and environment for multinationals 7

86/C 299/09 No 2484/85 by Mr George Cryer to the Commission Subject: Destruction of food 7

86/C 299/10 No 2507/85 by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission Subject: Recognition of diplomas in orthoptics (treatment of strabismus by eye-muscle training) 8

2 (Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents^contmaed^ ^ ^

86/C2^^/ll No 2534/85 by Mrs r^hse Boot to the Commission Subject: Dissemination of Community information 8

86/C2^^/12 No 2552/85 by Mrs Ondme^OtaBlo^h von Blottmtz to the Commission Subject: ^aste tip forawkwardwaste in Montois la Montague in Lorraine ^

86/C2^/13 No 2586/85 by Mr Cac Beyer der^yl^e to the Commission Subject: Tmmarket — position of the European Community 10

86/C2^^/14 No 258^/85 by Mr A^el barges to the Commission Subject: Hunting, wildlife and the environment 10

86/C2^^/15 No 25^4/85 by Mrs AnneManeMzm to the Commission Subject: Tubemeuse it

86/C2^/16 No 2603/85 byMr Franco Borgo and Mr Giovanni Giavazzi to the Commission Subject: Conservation of wild birds 12

86/C2^/t^ No 2623/85 by Mrs ^vaGredal to the Commission Subject: restrictions on salmonfishmginthe^orth Atlantic Ocean 13

86/C2^/t8 No 2648/85 by Mr Moras ^senbee^ to the Commission Subject: Measures to conserve fish stocks 14

86/C2^/t^ No 2650/85 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission Subject: Threat to revoke dredging licence of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company 14

86/C2^/20 No 265^/85 by Mrs Barbara Casde to the Commission Subject: Transport of live animals 15

86/C2^/21 No 2668/85 by Mrs Mane Jensen to the Commission Subject: Harmonization of thermoglass standards 15

86/C2^/22 No 266^/85 by Mrs Mane ]eosen to the Commission Subject: ^aste disposal difficulties encountered by Community glass manufacturers 16

86/C2^/23 No 26^5/85 by Mr Gerhard ^chmid to the Commission Subject: t^se of paradichloroben^ene in lavatories 16

86/C2^/24 No 2^26/85 by Mr laa^Vandemealebroac^e to the Commission Subject: Appropriations for biological research underArticle412 of the!984 budget 1^

86/C2^/25 No 2B3B/85 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject: Harmonization of certain social legislation relating to road transport 18

86/C2^/26 No 2^40/85 by Mr Ah^onsBoesmans to the Commission Subject: Cleaning of tankers at sea 18

86/C2^/2B No 2^62/85 by Mr CambertCroa^ to the Commission Subject: reprocessing of nuclear waste 1^

86/C2^/28 No 2^65/85 by Mrs Manjl^e Van Flemeldonc^ to the Commission Subject: Standards for telecommunications interconnections for computers 1^

86/C2^/2^ No 2801/85 by Mr Bryan Cassidy to the Commission Subject: Belgian and Luxembourg exchange controls 20

86/C2^/30 No 28^5/85 by Mr t^olMar^ to the Commission Subject: gutter surpluses 20 Notice No Contents (continued) p

86/C 299/31 No 2883/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Sale of oil containing PCBs 21

86/C 299/32 No 2892/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Mussel and oyster farming on the Belgian coast — Ecological problems 22

86/C 299/33 No 2911/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Breakdowns in, and part-closure of, the nuclear power station in Paluel (France) 23

86/C 299/34 No 2914/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Secret list of the 181 most dangerous polluters in Lombardy (Italy) 23

86/C 299/35 No 2918/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: Minimum size of fattening pens for veal calves 23

86/C 299/36 No 2920/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: Amount of, and conditions for, student grants in the 12 Member States 24

86/C 299/37 No 3030/85 by Mrs Mary Banotti to the Commission

Subject: Access to higher education 24

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2920/85 and 3030/85 25

86/C 299/38 No 2927/85 by Mr Heinz Schreiber to the Commission Subject: European Regional Development Fund 25 86/C 299/39 No 2941/85 by Mrs Beate Weber to the Commission Subject: Discharges of cadmium into Community waters — Exclusion of phosphoric acid and fertilizer manufacturers from the scope of Directive 83/513/EEC 25

86/C 299/40 No 2943/85 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: Closer cooperation on defence procurement between Member States 26

86/C 299/41 No 2960/85 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission Subject: Creation of a uniform personal-computer market 26

86/C 299/42 No 2974/85 by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi to the Commission Subject: Pollution caused by lifting trucks 27

86/C 299/43 No 2976/85 by Mr Alfons Boesmans to the Commission Subject: Discharge of phosphogypsum wastes 27

86/C 299/44 No 2985/85 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission Subject: Commission publications 28

86/C 299/45 No 3012/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Industrial use of agricultural products 28

86/C 299/46 No 3023/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Milk prices 29

86/C 299/47 No 3025/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Consultation with the fishing industry in allocating total allowable catches (TACs) ... 29

86/C 299/48 No 3026/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Common fisheries policy (CFP) — Scientific data 30

86/C 299/49 No 3035/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Industrial waste disposal taxes 30

86/C 299/50 No 3044/85 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission Subject: Food surpluses 31

(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Pa

86/C 299/51 No 3047/85 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Christmas parcels sent to England 32

86/C 299/52 No 3049/85 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission Subject: Imports of apples 32

86/C 299/53 No 3050/85 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission Subject: Catch-up levy 33

86/C 299/54 No 3053/85 by Mr Karl von Wogau to the Commission Subject: International passenger transport 34

86/C 299/55 No 3066/85 by Mr Gene Fitzgerald to the Commission Subject: Employment in health care 34

86/C 299/56 No 3077/85 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: Westland — European industrial integration 35

86/C 299/57 No 3080/85 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: Nuclear energy — Pollution of the Moselle. Luxembourg challenges the EDF 35

86/C 299/58 No 3082/85 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin to the Commission Subject: Eureka — Meeting in London 36

86/C 299/59 No 3087/85 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin to the Commission Subject: Action programme on cancer prevention 36

86/C 299/60 No 3094/85 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject: United Kingdom water privatization — Experience of change of control 37

86/C 299/61 No 3095/85 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject: United Kingdom water privatization — Maintenance of supply 37

86/C 299/62 No 3108/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Charge levied in Belgium on 50 (unused) telephone units 37

86/C 299/63 No 3125/85 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Research programme for the coal sector 38

86/C 299/64 No 3130/85 by Mr Thomas Raftery to the Commission Subject: Excise duties on wine 38

86/C 299/65 No 3133/85 by Mr Thomas Raftery to the Commission Subject: Export of meat products from Ireland 39

86/C 299/66 No 3137/85 by Mr Alexander Falconer to the Commission Subject: Level of toxic content in animal feed produced in Member States of the Community as compared with that produced in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries 39

86/C 299/67 No 3143/85 by Mrs Eileen Lemass to the Commission Subject: Radiation from computer screens 40

86/C 299/68 No 3154/85 by Mr Bram van der Lek to the Commission Subject: Spending on energy in the 1984—1987 framework programme 41

86/C 299/69 No 3155/85 by Mr Bram van der Lek to the Commission Subject: Costs of nuclear energy 41

86/C 299/70 No 3160/85 by Mrs Bodil Boserup to the Commission Subject: Depreciation of Community olive oil stocks 42 Notice No Contents (continued) Page

86/C 299/71 No 2/86 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject: Modification of Airbus aircraft for a three-man flight crew 42

86/C 299/72 No 20/86 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Parliament access to the Commission's Asmodee data base 42

86/C 299/73 No 37/86 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Technical barriers to trade in the form of certification requirements 43

86/C 299/74 No 42/86 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Labelling requirements 44

86/C 299/75 No 53/86 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Academic support for the development of the customs union 44

86/C 299/76 No 59/86 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission Subject: Sale of non-detectable hand-weapons in Europe 45

86/C 299/77 No 107/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission

Subject: Use of plastic weapons 45

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 59/86 and 107/86 45

86/C 299/78 No 75/86 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: Emergency food biscuit 45 86/C 299/79 No 77/86 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: Nitrate levels in EEC member countries 46

86/C 299/80 No 103/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Advertising on television — Code of ethics 46

86/C 299/81 No 105/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Radiation treatment of foodstuffs 47

86/C 299/82 No 113/86 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: Proper implementation of the Rhine Salt Convention by France 47

86/C 299/83 No 118/86 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission Subject: Trade in human skeletons 47

86/C 299/84 No 129/86 by Mr Raphael Chanterie to the Commission Subject: Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2167/83 of 28 July 1983 48

86/C 299/85 No 144/86 by Mr Geoffrey Hoon to the Commission Subject: European Regional Development Fund 48

86/C 299/86 No 150/86 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission Subject: Outgoers scheme 49

86/C 299/87 No 156/86 by Mr Axel Zarges to the Commission Subject: Financial assistance for organizations at Community level concerned with animals, game, nature conservation and the environment 49

86/C 299/88 No 157/86 by Ms Joyce Quin to the Commission Subject: Anomalies in the system of student exchanges within the European Community 50

86/C 299/89 No 158/86 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Warning label on pharmaceutical products 51

(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page

86/C 299/90 No 159/86 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Colour additives in food 51

86/C 299/91 No 164/86 by Mr Ernest Miihlen to the Commission Subject: Assistance for the black people of South Africa — Victims of apartheid 52

86/C 299/92 No 178/86 by Mr Fernand Herman to the Commission Subject: Consultation of the Council by the Commission pursuant to Article 50 (2) of the ECSC Treaty 52

86/C 299/93 No 182/86 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: US import regulations 53

86/C 299/94 No 195/86 by Ms Carole Tongue to the Commission Subject: Exclusion of women from work on off-shore oil rigs 53

86/C 299/95 No 201/86 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission Subject: Cooperation agreement between Beckaert and BHP 53

86/C 299/96 No 208/86 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: Compensation for loss of employment through milk quotas 54

86/C 299/97 No 218/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Member States' reactions to the Commission's announcement of 4 October 1984 concerning border crossings by vehicles equipped with Citizens' Band radio 54

86/C 299/98 No 223/86 by Mr Thomas Megahy to the Commission Subject: Retirement ages of women 55

86/C 299/99 No 243/86 by Mrs Marijke van Hemeldonck to the Commission Subject: Freedom of movement for workers — Security required by Belgium 55

86/C 299/100 No 261/86 by Mr Jorge Pegado Liz to the Commission Subject: Community payments to Portugal 55

86/C 299/101 No 281/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Risks associated with certain vaccines 56

86/C 299/102 No 287/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: PCB substitutes 56

86/C 299/103 No 301/86 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission Subject: Dumping of chips 57

86/C 299/104 No 302/86 by Mr Michel Debatisse to the Commission Subject: Spanish protectionism in respect of cutlery and glassware 57

86/C 299/105 No 303/86 by Mr Raphael Chanterie to the Commission Subject: Belgian customs document No 705 58

86/C 299/106 No 342/86 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Commission Subject: Steel production 59

86/C 299/107 No 344/86 by Mr Michael Hindley to the Commission Subject: Importation of cement ; 60

86/C 299/108 No 356/86 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject: Restrictions on the admission of non-Belgian students to the National Institute of Translators and Interpreters in Brussels 60

(Continued on page 80) Notice No Contents (continued) Pa e

86/C 299/109 No 364/86 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission Subject: American jurisdiction over certain production facilities in the Community 60

86/C 299/110 No 366/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Contamination of buildings by asbestos 61

86/C 299/111 No 368/86 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: Food sales to Libya 61

86/C 299/112 No 375/86 by Mr James Provan to the Commission Subject: Application of EEC legislation to off-shore operators 62

86/C 299/113 No 376/86 by Mr James Provan to the Commission Subject: Implementation of Council Directive 76/207/EEC 62

86/C 299/114 No 391/86 by Mr Terence Pitt to the Commission Subject: Payments to the 1985 Community budget 62

86/C 299/115 No 401/86 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Oil pollution in the North Sea 63

86/C 299/116 No 408/86 by Mr Willy Vernimmen to the Commission Subject: Cooperation between the Community and India 64

86/C 299/117 No 413/86 by Mr Michael Welsh to the Commission Subject: Government assistance to the French trailer manufacturer Trailor' 64

86/C 299/118 No 414/86 by Mr Mauro Chiabrando to the Commission Subject: Use of malic acid for the acidification of wine 65

86/C 299/119 No 418/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Discrimination against foreign students in Belgian higher education 65

86/C 299/120 No 420/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Iron in baby foods 66

86/C 299/121 No 470/86 by Ms Joyce Quin to the Commission Subject: Fire resistance of furniture 66

86/C 299/122 No 692/86 by Mrs Jeanette Oppenheim to the Commission

Subject: Fire safety provisions for furniture 67

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 470/86 and 692/86 67

86/C 299/123 No 478/86 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Citizens' Band radio 67 86/C 299/124 No 479/86 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Standardization of digital cellular radio systems 67

86/C 299/125 No 483/86 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: 'Red book' listing endangered marine species in France — A European inventory 68

86/C 299/126 No 484/86 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke to the Commission Subject: ECU clearing operations — BIS 69

86/C 299/127 No 500/86 by Mr Ernest Muhlen to the Commission Subject: Involvement of small and medium-sized undertakings (SMUS) in the BRITE programme (Basic Research in Industrial Technologies for Europe) 69 Notice No Contents (continued) Page

86/C 299/128 No 501/86 by Mr Fernand Hermann to the Commission Subject: Publication of decisions in the Official Journal 70

86/C 299/129 No 504/86 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: The role of the USA's Central Intelligence Agency as a trade monitor between Member States 70

86/C 299/130 No 510/86 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin to the Commission Subject: Nuclear safety —- Population-evacuation plans 70

86/C 299/131 No 518/86 by Mr Manuel Cantarero del Castillo to the Commission Subject: Establishment of a European Cultural Development Fund 71

86/C 299/132 No 519/86 by Mr Manuel Cantarero del Castillo to the Commission Subject: Freedom of movement for Community sportsmen 71

86/C 299/133 No 529/86 by Mrs Dorothee Piermont to the Commission Subject: Refusal of support within the biotechnology research programme for military projects involving biotechnology and genetic engineering 72

86/C 299/134 No 572/86 by Mr Raphael Chanterie to the Commission Subject: European Social Fund assistance for persons occupied in the textiles and clothing industries 72

86/C 299/135 No 585/86 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: Nationality of officials 72

86/C 299/136 No 600/86 by Mrs Eileen Lemass to the Commission Subject: Illiteracy 74

86/C 299/137 No 604/86 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission Subject: Bicycles and public transport 75

86/C 299/138 No 611/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Destruction of waste in cement kilns 75

86/C 299/139 No 644/86 by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde to the Commission Subject: Research into wind power 76

86/C 299/140 No 649/86 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Labelling on imports of Spanish and Portuguese produce 76

86/C 299/141 No 658/86 by Mr Jose Barros Moura to the Commission Subject: Transfer of funds between Portugal and the Community 77

86/C 299/142 No 695/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Consultation between Member States on transfrontier pollution 77

86/C 299/143 No 731/86 by Mr Axel Zarges to the Commission Subject: Maltreatment of the Turkish minority in Bulgaria by the Bulgarian State and Amnesty International's reports thereon 78

86/C 299/144 No 851/86 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Grants or loans to companies in the constituency of Durham and Blaydon 78

86/C 299/145 No 873/86 by Mr Ray MacSharry to the Commission Subject: Farm fertilizer 79

86/C 299/146 No 1166/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Stock density of pigs and cattle and origin of feed 79 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/1

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2103/85 on behalf of the said Council, may be seized and shall be by Mr Ernest Glinne (S—B) forfeited to the benefit of the said Council . . .; to the Commission of the European Communities 5. Any vehicle, ship or container found to be carrying (27 January 1986) animal, mineral or other natural resources produced in or emanating from the Territory of Namibia shall also (86/C 299/01) be subject to seizure and forfeiture by or on behalf of the United Nations Council for Namibia . . .'.

Subject: Application of Decree No 1 of the United Nations 1 Council for Namibia With reference to my Written QuestionsNos332/74( ) and 162/75 (2), I should like to have answers to the following questions: In September 1974, the United Nations Council for Namibia, which is the sole legal authority in Namibian 1. Does the Euratom Supply Agency check the origin of territory, adopted Decree No 1 on the protection of the the fissile materials imported into the Community in country's natural resources. This decree includes the application of the contracts approved by it? How does it following provisions: satisfy itself that materials in question cannot be reclaimed or seized because they originate in '1. No person or entity, whether a body corporate or Namibia? unincorporated, may search for, prospect for, explore for, take, extract, mine, process, refine, use, sell, 2. To what extent would the Commission be responsible export, or distribute any natural resource, whether and what measures would it be required to adopt if animal or mineral, situated or found to be situated certain consignments of uranium originating in within the territorial limits of Namibia without the Namibia whose importation it had authorized were consent and permission of the United Nations Council reclaimed and/or seized in application of Decree No 1 for Namibia or any person authorized to act on its of the UN Council for Namibia? behalf . . .; 3. Is the Commission aware that, on the initiative of the UN Council for Namibia, legal proceedings are shortly 3. No animal resource, mineral, or other natural resource to be initiated in the Netherlands against the Urenco produced in or emanating from the Territory of consortium, which includes the British State enterprise Namibia may be taken from the said Territory by any Nuclear Fuels Ltd, the private German company Uranit means whatsoever to any place whatsoever outside the and the Dutch State undertaking Ultra-Centrifuge, territorial limits of Namibia by any person or body, situated at Almelo? With the approach of this legal whether corporate or unincorporated, without the action, what steps is it taking, especially vis-a-vis the consent and permission of the United Nations Council UN Council for Namibia? for Namibia or of any person authorized to act on behalf of the said Council; 4. Is the Commission aware of the proceedings instituted by the Belgian legal authorities against a distributor of 4. Any animal, mineral or other natural resource produced Swakara furs originating in Namibia, following the in or emanating from the Territory of Namibia, which action taken by consumers affiliated to 'Socialist shall be taken from the said Territory without the Solidarity' in Brussels on 27 September 1984? What consent and written authority of the United Nations steps is the Commission taking vis-a-vis the Belgian Council for Namibia or of any person authorized to act authorities and the UN Council for Namibia? No C 299/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

5. Is the Commission aware that production at the paragraph 12 of which explicitly condemns the Rossing uranium mine in Namibia has been vastly plundering of Namibia's uranium and calls on expanded since 1976 and that the target of the governments to ban their companies from engaging in development programme is to supply more than any operations involving that uranium? one-third of 'South Africa's' total output by the mid-1980s? What conclusion does the Commission 9. In the present circumstances, with Article 116 of the draw from the fact that the shareholding in Rossing is EEC Treaty stipulating that 'Member States shall . . . divided between Rio-Tinto (46,5 % direct + 10 % via proceed within the framework of international Rio Algon Canada Ltd), IDC (a South African public organizations of an economic character only by enterprise: 13,2 %), the Compagnie francaise des common action', does not the Commission consider petroles (public company: 10 %), the General Mining that it should instruct its New York representative to and Finances Corporation of South Africa (6,5 %), review the problems in close cooperation with the UN Minatome (France: ? %) and Urangesellschaft (which Council for Namibia? withdrew in 1972)? Is the Commission aware that part of the Rossing output is probably disguised as 'South 10. What line does the Commission take on non- African' ore? What conclusions does it draw from all cooperation with South Africa in the nuclear sector? this, bearing in mind that shareholders, exporters, More precisely, what is its attitude towards the distributors and carriers are all covered by Decree No 1 importation of South African uranium and, more of the UN Council for Namibia? importantly Namibian uranium? 11. Can the Commission give an assurance that European 6. Is the Commission aware of the contract concluded airline companies (see the accusation made against in 1978, with the assistance of the Office Public UTA by 'Liberation' in its issue of 4 December 1979) du Ducroire, between the South African company have ceased to transport Namibian uranate destined for Harmony Gold Mines and the Belgian company European nuclear power stations? Synatom (Intercom, Unerg, Ebes, private electricity 12. In view of the adoption of the report by Mr Derek companies, which have recently been joined, with Enright (PE 89.662/fin. of 2 April 1984), how is the a 50 % holding, by the Societe national Commission updating its answer to my Written d'investissements, a public enterprise)? Does the Question No 163/75 (3) on aid for the victims of South Commission know that Synatom has held, or continues African oppression in Namibia? to hold, a 45 % stake in the Societe beige pour renrichissement de l'uranium (Soben), which 13. How does the Commission view the necessary collaborates with the Nuclear Energy Research Centre diversification of the EEC's sources of uranium with the aim of coordinating Belgium's contributions to supplies? Eurodif? Has the Commission checked, either directly or indirectly, that the uranium delivered by Harmony (') OJNoC3,7. 1. 1975, p. 6. 2 Mining Company to Synatom in application of the ( ) OJ No C 285, 13. 12. 1975, p. 1. 3 contract of 31 March 1978 and with the support of a ( ) OJ No C 272, 28. 11. 1975, p. 2. loan guaranteed by the Office Public du Ducroire and authorized by the Comite ministeriel de coordination economique et social (CMCES), has not come, either Answer given by Mr De Clercq wholly or in part, from Namibia? Can the Commission on behalf of the Commission specify the nature of any checks carried out (nature of the evidence and frequency of analyses)? (30 May 1986)

1 and 2. The Euratom Supply Agency concludes 7. In its answer to my Written Question No 162/75 the contracts for supplies of nuclear materials intended for Commission states that it 'intends to ensure that an Community customers in accordance with the provisions of exchange of views with the Member States takes place the Euratom Treaty and, more precisely as regards raw on problems raised by the UN Council for Namibia in natural uranium, in accordance with the Implementing the near future'. How frequently have discussions been Regulation published in Official Journals Nos 60 of 11 May held on Decree No 1 and what has been their 1960 and L 193 of 25 July 1975. The contracts have to outcome? specify the origin of materials imported into the Community so that the latter can ensure that any external undertakings as regards control which are stipulated in the cooperation 8. As regards the legal validity of Decree No 1, which was agreements concluded by the Community with non- adopted by the UN General Assembly in December Community supplier countries are complied with. The only 1974, does the Commission consider itself to be bound States with which an agreement of this type has been reached by the Paris Declaration on Sanctions against South are Australia, Canada and the United States. Africa of 27 May 1981, which was adopted on the basis of the votes cast by 122 of the governments that Furthermore, each supplier is responsible for indicating the participated in the International Conference on origin of materials. Sanctions against South Africa organized by the UN and the OAU (Organization of African Unity)? Does No legal proceedings concerning the reclamation or seizure the Commission base its approach on the special of materials of Namibian origin have been referred either to declaration adopted at this Conference on Namibia, the Commission or to the Euratom Supply Agency. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/3

Under the provisions of Chapter VI of the Euratom Treaty 9. In view of the considerations set out in point 8, the (supplies), raw materials which are the subject of contracts Commission has not as yet proposed any common action concluded by the Agency do not become the property of the under Article 116 of the EEC Treaty as regards the drawing latter, ownership being transferred directly from the up of the decree in question. producer to the user. Furthermore, the Commission delegation to the United 3 and 4. In the event of legal proceedings such as those Nations in New York maintains regular contacts with the described by the Honourable Member in paragraph 3 of his Commission and the UN Council for Namibia. question, the Commission will define its position in the light of the content of such proceedings and the interests of the Community. The latter regularly sends representatives to consult the Member States, Parliament and the Commission. The resulting discussions are mentioned in the report of the UN To date, the Commission has not been notified of any legal Council for Namibia (Doc. A/39/24). proceedings on the lines of those referred to by the Honourable Member in paragraph 4 of his question. 10. As regards non-cooperation with South Africa in the nuclear sector, the Commission, by virtue of the 5. According to information published by the Organi­ responsibilities entrusted to it under the Euratom Treaty, zation for Economic Cooperation and Development monitors compliance with the Ministerial Declaration of (OECD), the Rossing mine began production in 1976. At 10 September 1985 in so far as it is unanimously interpreted present annual output stands at around 3 700 tonnes, having by the Member States in the context of political cooperation peaked at slightly above 4 000 tonnes. and by the Council.

The Commission draws no conclusions from the 11. In view of the situation in South Africa, the Member composition of the shareholding in Rossing. States decided in the political cooperation context on 10 September in view of the situation in South Africa to harmonize their attitude with regard to certain restrictive and The Commission is not aware of any efforts to disguise part positive measures. A ban an air transport form South Africa of Rossing's output as 'South African' ore and is therefore does not form part of the measures decided on by the unable to draw any conclusion as regards the shareholders Member States. If a consensus on such a measure were to and operators referred to by the Honourable Member. emerge in the context of political cooperation, the Commission would endeavour to ensure with the Council its 6. The contract referred to by the Honourable Member coordinated implementation. was concluded by the Supply Agency in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VI of the Euratom Treaty. Nothing in 12. For details of the Community's current aid the contract referred to by the Honourable Member suggests programme to Namibian refugees, the Commission would that the materials sold do not come from South Africa. It draw the Honourable Member's attention to its answer to should also be borne in mind that it is impossible to establish Written Question No 1058/85 from Mr Pirkl (l). As to with any degree of certainty the geographical origin of recommendations made in Mr Enright's report, the uranium be means of scientific or technical analysis. The Commission has now provided some 0,5 million ECU for Commission is moreover aware of the Synatom holding in church and independent community projects through its Soben. co-financing programme with European non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It further considers that budgetary 7. By letter of 9 June 1975, the Commission com­ line 953 originally introduced by Parliament in the 1986 municated to the Council the text of Decree No 1. budget should permit the Community to provide direct humanitarian aid to Namibia through independent organizations such as the churches as well as related 8. The legal appraisal of Decree No 1 adopted by the UN organizations for educational and social welfare purposes. Council for Namibia in September 1974, particularly as As regards assistance to Namibian refugees in Angola and regards its applicability and effects in legal systems, is highly other neighbouring countries, the Community provided the complex and controversial as can be seen from the legal study UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with some drawn up at the request of the Council (Doc. A/AC 131/194 750 000 ECU for food-aid programmes in 1984 and 1985. of 23 October 1985 of the UN General Assembly). As concerns self-help programmes sponsored by the UNHCR designed to help refugees improve their standard of In view of the foregoing, the Commission has made no living by giving them the tools and equipment to become judgment as to the legal validity of the Decree. more self-reliant, the possibility of assisting projects of this kind under Article 204 of Lome III is currently under discussion with the UNHCR and European NGOs. As regards the Paris Declaration of 25 May 1981 on sanctions against South Africa and more particularly the special declaration on Namibia adopted at that time, these As regards the Community's programme for cooperation declarations have no legal effects and therefore cannot serve with non-associated countries, the Community provided to clarify the legal validity of Decree No 1 regardless of any some 200 000 ECU in 1984 and 1985 for training potential importance they may have. programmes in European institutions, as well as some No C 299/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

850 000 ECU over the same two-year period through These hydraulic trials involve the injection of fresh water co-financing with European NGOs for training schemes in under high pressure, with no injection of saline waste as neighbouring African countries. In this period some 50 000 yet. ECU were made available for training programmes of the UN Institute for Namibia in Lusaka. A report giving the technical conclusions of the test drillings has been made to the committee of international scientific As regards the relationship between the Community and an experts, which has four members, one each from France, independent Namibia, during the Lome III negotiations Italy, the Federal Republic of Germany and Switzerland. Community representatives underlined their wish to join with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group in supporting Before there can be any injection of saline waste, this expert any initiative to accede to Lome III membership from a committee must deliver its independent opinion on the Namibian Government securing independence under the suitability of the Chalampe site for saline waste injections arrangements foreseen in UN Security Council Resolution and the absence of any damaging ecological censequences. 435. As concerns cooperation programmes with an independent Namibia, the Community has supported a series of economic studies sponsored by European NGOs working in consultation with Namibian church bodies on the future development of the leading sectors of the Namibian economy and the future prospects for international cooperation.

13. The Community's rate of dependence on imports is between 70 and 75 %, its external supplier countries are seven in number and none provides more than 25 % of total WRITTEN QUESTION No 2124/85 imports. The Commission feels that this degree of by Mrs Jessica Larive-Groenendaal (L—NL) diversification is adequate in the present state of the to the Commission of the European Communities market. (27 November 1985) (») OJ NoC 119, 20. 5. 1986. (86/C 299/03)

Subject: Equal treatment of married and unmarried cohabiting officials and other servants of the European Communities and of officials of the Netherlands diplomatic service WRITTEN QUESTION No 2112/85 1. Does the Commission consider that, having particular by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) regard to the First Community Directive on equal pay for to the Commission of the European Communities equal work for men and women (J) and to the Second (27 November 1985) Directive on equal treatment for men and women at work (2), (86/C 299/02) the Staff Regulations of officials and other servants of the European Communities should be applied in such a way that officials living with a partner should receive equal treatment, Subject: Depositing of salt in potassium mines in Alsace whether or not they are married?

Since last year, salt has been deposited in the potassium mines 2. Is the Commission prepared to change the said Staff in Alsace. Regulations so that the rules concerning in particular (1) the household allowance, (2) the installation allowance, (3) the Can the Commission say whether there has since been an expatriation allowance, (4) travel expenses for a member of ecological study of the effects on farmland, and if so, what the family, (5) rates of taxation and (6) the survivor's were the findings? pension, should no longer be dependent on whether the official or other servant of the European Communities living with a partner is married or not?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis 3. Does the Commission consider that, if the Netherlands on behalf of the Commission Foreign Ministry carries out its intention to maintain the (23 May 1986) unequal treatment of married and cohabiting partners in the new staff rules for the diplomatic service (as from 1 January 1986), this will be in contravention of the said Directives? The Commission is aware that under the 1972 Bonn Convention, as amended by the exchanges of letters in April 4. If so, is the Commission intending to take steps to make and May 1983, test drillings to a depth of 1 800 metres have its opinion clear to the Netherlands Government. been made at the Chalampe site in order to study the feasibility of injecting saline waste from the potash mines in (') OJNo L 45, 19. 2. 1975. Alsace. (2) OJ NoL 39, 14.2. 1976. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/5

Answer given by Mr Christophersen concerning relations between Greenland and the on behalf of the Commission Community, and are they, as a result, divided between (25 April 1986) several different Directorates, (DG VIII, DG XIV, etc.)? Does the Commission intend to take steps to remedy this situation in the near future? 1. The aim of the Directives referred to by the Honourable Member is to ensure equal treatment for men and women, not for married couples and unmarried couples living together. Answer given by Mr Natali on behalf of the Commission 2. (a) Given the current status of legislation in this field, the Commission does not consider it advisable to present the (10 June 1986) Council now or in the near future with a proposal to amend the provisions of the Staff Regulations of officials and the Since Greenland is one of the Overseas Countries and conditions of employment of other servants of the European Territories (OCT's) pursuant to the Treaty signed in Brussels Communities on sickness insurance, survivor's pension, or on 13 March 1984 amending, with regard to Greenland, the reimbursement of the travel expenses provided for in Articles Treaties establishing the European Communities, the 7 and 8 of Annex VII, which refer specifically to the official's Directorate-General for Development is the leading 'spouse', along the lines suggested by the Honourable Directorate-General for the relations between Greenland and Member. the Community in consultation with other competent Directorates-General. (b) The Commission has been studying Article 1 of Annex VII to the Staff Regulations on the household allowance for Nevertheless, as for any other OCT, specific questions are dealt with by other Directorates-General when they refer to a some time now to see if, and to what extent, it should be special matter of their competence. interpreted in the way the Honourable Member would like.

In any event, as the provision in question applies to all officials in all the institutions, its interpretation must first be discussed by the competent interinstitutional bodies. They will work out the implications, if any, for expatriation, WRITTEN QUESTION No 2303/85 installation, resettlement and subsistence allowances and for by Mrs Yvonne van Rooy and Mr Bouke Beumer the amount of tax payable on salaries. (PPE—NL)

3 and 4. In view of the above and the answers given to the Commission of the European Communities recently by the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs, also (12 December 1985) on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, to questions put (86/C 299/05) by Members of the Dutch Parliament on the same subject (see AanhangselHandelingen TweedeKamer 1985—1986, 189, Subject: Subsidies for the Belgian pharmaceutical industry page 375), these questions are no longer relevant. On 14 January 1985 the journal SCRIP reported that subsidies had been granted to five Belgian phamaceutical companies in 1983.

The subsidies totalled Bfrs 310 million and were granted by IRSIA (Belgian Institute for the Promotion of Industrial and Agricultural Research). 1. Is it true that IRSIA is financed by the Belgian Ministries WRITTEN QUESTION No 2290/85 of Economic Affairs and Agriculture and that the subsidies in question must therefore be regarded as by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) government aid? to the Commission of the European Communities (10 December 1985) 2. Was the Commission notified of these subsidies and are they compatible with Articles 92 and 93 of the EEC (86/C299/04) Treaty?

3. Does the Commission not share the view that the Subject: Relations between Greenland and the research costs of the pharmaceutical industry form an Community important part of the price that ultimately has to be paid by the consumer for pharmaceuticas and that the Is it true that since Greenland's withdrawal from the government subsidy for research granted to Belgian drug Community, the Commission services no longer have a civil companies therefore enables such firms to maintain the servant specifically occupied with the many questions prices of their products at an artificially low level? No C 299/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Supplementary answer given by Mr Sutherland approach is eminently suitable: in other words when the on behalf of the Commission experimental evidence is scarce or missing, only the qualified (4 August 1986) opinion of real experts can be used. In such cases a divergent minority opinion like that of Mr Revelle, should be weighed against that of the majority. Further to its reply of 6 March 1986 (*), the Commission is now able to inform the Honourable Members that, in the In this context it is worth remembering that a divergent absence of any reply from the Belgian authorities to its minority opinion also exists, pointing out the possible enquiries about the alleged aids, it has decided to open the speculative advantageous effects of acid rain. procedure provided for under Article 93 (2) of the EEC Treaty. The Belgian Government has already been informed t1) OJ No C 142, 9. 6. 1986, p. 19. of this decision. The other Member States will be informed shortly and invited to submit comments and a notice to interested third parties will be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

(>) OJ No C 142, 9. 6. 1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2365/85 by Mr Alberto Tridente (ARC—I) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2358/85 (10 January 1986) by Mr Jef Ulburghs (NI—B) (86/C 299/07) to the Commission of the European Communities (10 January 1986) Subject: Doc. XVII/326/85 by the Commission departments (86/C 299/06) In view of all the references to the alleged safety of nuclear Subject: Good and bad effects of increasing carbon dioxide installations in the above document: content in the atmosphere 1. Is the President of the Commission aware that if the In its written reply to the working document by Mr Staes, nuclear power stations in Italy were situated in the USA Member of the European Parliament, on the costs of the they would not be allowed to function, since they do not nuclear-powered production of electricity (Doc. PE 96.973), come up to the safety standards in force in that the Commission states on page 5, section 1.5, lines 3—5 of its country? Doc. XVII/326/85: 'No allusion is made to — let alone concern expressed 2. Does he not therefore feel that, rather than boasting that about — the fact that it might be one of the factors the nuclear industry is the first one subject to stringent responsible for the deterioration in climate affecting, for regulations (page 4, section 1.5, paragraph 1), the example, the Sahel.' authors should talk about the standard of safety?

What is the Commission's opinion of the stage reached in research, according to 'Scientific American' Volume 247, Vb 2, pp. 35—43, where R. Revelle (1982) states: Answer given by Mr Mosar — the carbon dioxide question is obscured by many on behalf of the Commission unknowns and uncertainties . . ., (5 May 1986) — as a result of increased carbon dioxide content, some latitudes — such as the Sahel — could become warmer and wetter, but the effects may not all be negative, The Commission is not aware of any document issued by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission which would — an increase in carbon dioxide should lead to increased support the thesis put forward by the Honourable Member production of such crops as rice, wheat, alfalfa and soya with regard to the non-conformity of the Italian nuclear beans . . .? power stations with the United States standards.

On what scientific research is its statement based? Furthermore, it should be noted that: — the American firms, out of obvious concern for their corporate image, are not prepared to design export Answer given by Mr Mosar power stations which do not comply with their domestic on behalf of the Commission safety regulations; (10 June 1986) — the European electricity producers also insist on such compliance and are obliged in addition to observe the The subject of this question is one where a Bayensian (see safety regulations laid down by their national Written Question No 2336/85 by Mr Roelants du Vivier (x)) authorities; 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/7

— the Garigliano power station was taken out of service Could the Commission state what action it has already taken before the American power stations of the same type and in response to this call? the same age; H OJ NoC 12, 14. 1. 1985, p. 82. — the Trino Vercellese power station has been modernized, in particular its safety systems, in order to bring it into line with the new safety standards in force in Italy, which are at least as strict as those governing the American Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis power stations of the same age; on behalf of the Commission — new Italian power stations are constructed on the basis of (5 June 1986) a set of safety regulations which is not strictly linked with that of the technology's country of origin, but which has Firstly, the Honourable Member is referred to Council been derived more generally from international safety Directive 82/501 /EEC on the major accident hazards of standards, regulations in force in the countries most certain industrial activities ('), which establishes a advanced in the nuclear field and the latest information notification system of all dangerous substances, installations on nuclear safety; and major accident hazards and ensures a flow of information not only to the national and Community — the Caorso power station, after an extremely detailed authorities but also the workers and population one-year enquiry, was the subject of a public conference concerned. (Venice, January 1980), at which the validity of objections similar to those set out in the Honourable Secondly, in the context of its general policy on industrial Member's question was discussed. The Commission of hazards and dangerous substances, the Commission has paid enquiry fully acknowledged the conformity of the power considerable attention to the export of certain substances to station with international safety regulations and those in the developing world — substances which are either banned force in the countries most advanced in the nuclear field, or whose use is strictly regulated in the Community. In including, naturally, the United States; February 1986 the Commission took a decision of principle — the Montalto power station is being constructed on the on a new policy in this field which consists of the immediate basis of safety criteria which conform with the application at Community level of notification and international safety regulations and those in force in the information systems already established within the countries most advanced in the nuclear field, including, framework of the OECD and UNEP. At the same time the naturally, the United States; Commission proposes negotiations within the framework of the OECD and UNEP in order to secure international — the Latina power station, constructed on the basis of support for the principle that importing countries should British technology, complies with the safety standards ultimately be able, in a given case, to block deliveries of these laid down at that time by^the UKAEA (United Kingdom substances (principle of prior consent). Atomic Energy Authority). Finally, the Commission actively participated in the first meeting organized by the United Nations Centre on Transnational Cooperation (UNCTC) in Geneva in December 1985. The purpose of this meeting was to further international cooperation in the field of industrial safety. The Commission will collaborate fully with the UNCTC in work of this kind in the future.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2423/85 (») OJ No L 230, 5. 8. 1982, p. 1. by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (16 January 1986) (86/C 299/08) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2484/85 Subject: Code of conduct on public health and environment by Mr George Cryer (S—GB) for multinationals to the Commission of the European Communities (21 January 1986) In its resolution of 13 December 1984 on the poison gas (86/C 299/09) catastrophe at Bhopal in India ('), the European Parliament called on the Commission, in particular: Subject: Destruction of food — to draw up codes covering the protection of public health and the environment, in line with existing social codes of What quantities and categories of food were deliberately practice, and to press for the drafting of such codes of destroyed in 1985 to the most recent practicable date, and practice at the Organization for Economic Cooperation how much food in storage had to be destroyed because of and Development (OECD) and the United Nations deterioration or attack by parasites or vermin? What was the Conference on Treade and Development (UNCTAD). value of the food destroyed and lost in this period? No C 299/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Answer given by Mr Andriessen WRITTEN QUESTION No 2507/85

on behalf of the Commission by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser (PPE—D)

(5 May 1986) to tfoe Commission of the European Communities (16 December 1985) It is only in the fruit and vegetables sector, where the high (86/C 299/10) level of perishability of the products makes longer-term storage impossible, that destruction of products withdrawn Subject: Recognition of diplomas in orthoptics (treatment of from the market takes place. Every effort is made to find strabismus by eye-muscle training) suitable outlets, i.e. processing of the fresh product or free distribution (orphanages, old people's homes, hospitals, 1. Have one or more Member States drawn up a clear job etc.), before destruction is considered. The national description for orthoptists, who, in the Federal Republic authorities are responsible, and the Commission does not of Germany, work as self-employed persons or as have figures from them for 1985. Doc. COM(84) 34 shows ophthalmologists' assistants, performing eye tests, the figures for previous years. In general terms, one can say strabisbometric examinations, etc. and giving treatment that the proportion of fruit and vegetables subject to the based on muscle training? market regime which is withdrawn is normally well below 5 % of production, two-thirds of which is processed and 2. Would the award of a diploma for such a specialized distributed: the remaining one-third cannot be used qualification, which is reported to be under consideration in anymore. Bonn, be conducive to recognition of the qualification in other Member States, or must other factors be taken into consideration in this regard? The quantities of food in public stocks (held by the national agencies) which have to be destroyed because of deterioration or pest infestation are very small indeed, and therefore not separately recorded. Annual EAGGF reports Answer given by Lord Cockfield show the total losses, but again figures are not available for on behalf of the Commission 1985. (6 May 1986) The Commission is aware of the problem arising in connection with the withdrawal of fruit and vegetables from 1. The Commission has no precise information regarding the market. the qualifications or activities of orthoptists in the Member States.

It has attempted, in a memorandum from its information 2. In the absence of a Community Directive in the field of department of May 1984 (*), to explain that withdrawals are orthoptics, Member States retain the power to regulate on the whole justified in terms of policy designed to underpin qualifications in this area. The Commission cannot a minimum price to the grower while ensuring guaranteed determine whether the introduction in Germany of supplies to the Community's consumers, and that provisions regulating diplomas in orthoptics would withdrawals from the market are not synonymous with constitute a precedent likely to be followed by the other destruction. It would seem that the memorandum did not Member States. In any case, these diplomas would be dispel misunderstanding. evaluated by the competent authorities of the Member States on the basis of the respective national legislations and in It has also recently published, in the 'Green Europe' series conformity with Community law. The national authorities (No 25), an issue entitled 'Why are fruit and vegetables could not therefore establish unjustified obstacles to the right withdrawn from the market?'. Here the problem is again of establishment, for example by completely ignoring the analyzed, and the Commission hopes that on this occasion its training acquired in another Member State and solely policy will be more clearly understood. accepting diplomas issued in the context of their national education system. The Commission also hopes that the points made in this publication will be properly grasped, at least in outline, by the media, which are apt to give somewhat slanted publicity to what they wrongly describe as destruction of fruit and vegetables. The Commission would also refer the 2 Honourable Member to the report ( ) it sent to Parliament, in WRITTEN QUESTION No 2534/85 January 1984, which gives a fairly detailed account of the action taken to restrict intervention and discusses the by Mrs Elise Boot (PPE—NL) financial and technical limitations hampering more extensive to the Commission of the European Communities use of products withdrawn from the market. (21 January 1986) (') Retraits du tnarche et destruction des fruits et legumes: faits et (86/C 299/11) chiffres. (2) Doc. COM(84) 34 final. Subject: Dissemination of Community information

In the Netherlands, Government information offices have, in addition to using information strategies, come to the 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/9

conclusion that the 'news' criterion applied by (most) As has already been stated in answer to Written Question No journalists is too narrow a basis for providing citizens with 2531/85 from the Honourable Member, using the Member comprehensive government information. The reason for this States' communications networks could be effective provided is that when determining the content of programmes and the national authorities place them at the disposal of the newspapers journalists have to take into account dramatic Community. effect, topicality and the interests of their audience or readers. A number of different news items are in competition with each other at the editorial stage. Although very little national and European Community information meets these criteria, it is nonetheless of interest to the citizens of the Member States. The Netherlands Government is therefore making increasing use of direct information to citizens. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2552/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC—D) Can the Commission comment on this approach and say to the Commission of the European Communities whether it intends to concentrate more on independent information in the foreseeable future (for example through (6 January 1986) the facilities of national government information offices), (86/C 299/12) rather than relying solely on journalists and the technicians and producers of TV stations for the distribution of Community information (see paragraph 2.2 of the Subject: Waste tip for awkward waste in Montois la Commission working document SEC(85) 872, p. 12)? Montagne in Lorraine

Is it true that filter dust from incinerating plants in Offenbach and Frankfurt are to be stored in a disused mine in Montois la Montagne?

How much awkward waste will be stored in this mine and Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana what kind of waste will be involved? on behalf of the Commission What safety provisions will apply to storage? (4 June 1986) Is this awkward waste being shipped from the Federal Republic of Germany to France because legislation in France The Commission shares the view of the Dutch authorities is not so stringent? that it is essential to provide direct information for Community citizens. It has already initiated a number of pilot projects, particularly on the occasion of the 'Sail for Europe' race and, in greater depth, during its multimedia Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis information campaign in late 1985, on the Danish island of on behalf of the Commission Fyn, which may be regarded as a microcosm reflecting Denmark's political, economic and social characteristics. (7 May 1986) The success of the project, confirmed by the survey conducted after the event, enabled the Commission to extend Residue from the incineration of household waste arising the information campaign to other regions of Denmark as from several such installations in the Federal Republic of planned. A similar campaign, obviously modified to take Germany, and in particular Frankfurt and Offenbach account of national differences, is now running in Greece. (Hessen), have been imported and dumped at the controlled tip of Montois la Montagne in France. According to the French authorities, the quantities involved amount to some Other action involving direct communication with the public 8 000 tonnes. Imports of these residues have been stopped will be implemented with an eye to highlighting the aspects of since 13 December 1985 following the judgment of the enlargement which directly affect the man in the street. administrative court of Strasbourg of 6 December 1985. This judgment, which was contested by the company The Commission is also planning direct action to provide France-Dechets, was reversed on 6 March 1986, an expert information for trade unions, other social groups, women report having demonstrated the compatibility of the waste and young people. The fourth aspect of the strategy will be to with the characteristics of the site. increase awareness in the world of sport in an attempt to introduce a Community dimension. This Class II controlled tip can only receive waste comparable to household waste and does not receive toxic and dangerous waste. The Commission accordingly believes that the approach adopted in the Netherlands is very close to its own. The The controlled tip at Montois la Montagne is operated by the Commission's action is, at all events, more complex and company France-Dechets in accordance with the provisions more complicated than the dissemination of information of Prefectoral Decree No 77 — AG/3-698 of 18 May through journalists, technicians and television producers. 1977. No C 299 /10 Official Journal of th. European Communities 24. 11. 86

The Commission does not know the reasons for the transfer WRITTEN QUESTION No 2587/85 of this waste. Filter dust from household waste incinerators is by Mr Axel Zarges (PPE—D) not normally considered toxic and dangerous waste under French and German laws. to the Commission of the European Communities (6 January 1986) (86/C 299/14)

Subject: Hunting, wildlife and the environment WRITTEN QUESTION No 2586/85 With a view to the preparations for the German Hunting and by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—NL) Fishing Exhibition on wildlife and the environment, which is to the Commission of the European Communities to be held from 23 May to 1 June 1986 in Nurnberg and will (24 January 1986) include international stands, can the following information be given: (86/C 299/13) 1. Since 1950, what areas of the natural environment have Subject: Tin market — Position of the European been lost in the construction of roads, buildings and Community industrial plant in the individual Member States of the European Community? Can the Commission define its policy concerning measures to shores up the tin market which is currently in difficulties? 2. How many hectares per year are still being taken up for What action has been taken concerning the proposals from the projects referred to in 1 ? the United Kingdom that the International Tin Council's obligations be at least partially covered by the 3. How many hectares will be taken up by the year 2000 for Community? the projects referred to under 1 ?

Does the Commission intend to take measures in relation to 4. Which plant species have died out in the Member States the other signatories of the International Tin Agreement? of the European Community since 1950?

5. How many plant species are now threatened with extinction in the Member States of the European Answer given by Mr Narjes Community? on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1986) 6. How many insects, amphibians and vertrebrates have become extinct in the Member States of the European The Commission is the Community's spokesman under the Community? International Tin Agreement. In this capacity, it voices within the International Tin Council the Community's views 7. How many of the species referred to in point 6 are as established in consultations within the Council's threatened with extinction? Since the exhibition is to be specialized group (PROBA) by the Member States signatory held in May, I would be grateful if my questions could be to the International Tin Agreement. answered by March. The Commission recommended that the Member States accept the negotiated solution proposed by the Agreement's creditor bankers and brokers. All the Member States of the Community party to the International Tin Agreement Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis followed this recommendation; however, two producer on behalf of the Commission countries (Indonesia and Thailand) eventually wrecked the rescue plan with their refusal to endorse the compromise. (6 May 1986)

As far as the Commission is aware, there has not been a 1 and 2. The Commission has none of the information United Kingdom proposal that the International Tin requested by the Honourable Member. Council's obligations be at least partially covered by the Community. 3. Several Member States keep records of the areas in each Following the failure of the rescue plan, tin prices fell to such of the main land-use categories, but they have virtually no a low level as to place in jeopardy the future survival of a statistics on changes of category. number of uncompetitive producers. The Commission is currently considering what measures can be taken at To improve this state of affairs, both the Corine programme international level to guarantee in future a proper and the European Community's statistics have been giving correspondence between supply and demand for tin so that priority to casting more light on this subject. the Community can be sure of its supplies. 4. According to the Belgian Royal Institute of Natural Sciences, the dates of extinction are not known accurately 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 299/11 enough to say which plant species have died out since 1950. 1. Is there any prospect of a recovery on the tube market? However, a number of publications suggest that in this How can it be assessed? century the following plants have become extinct in the Community's European territory: 2. The Commission has been asked to authorize a major Myosotis ruscinonensis, Minuartia olonensis, Silene investment, but has not yet given its agreement. Where aegyptiaca, Artemisia insipida, Monanthes dasyphylla, does the matter now stand? Biebersteinia orphanidis, Avenula hackelii, Bromus bromoideus, Bromus interruptus, Genista melia, Onobrychis aliacmonia, Tetragonolobus wiedemannii, 3. Could the necessary early retirement pensions in this Vicia dennesiana, Allium rooyi, Armeria arcuata, Rumex sector be financed with Community aid and, if so, what vesicarius, Lysimachia minoricensis, Saxifraga steps should be taken to this end? oppositifolia ssp. amphibia, Angelica palustris, Geocaryum bormuelleri, Geocaryum divericatum and Viola cryana.

5. An estimated 215 specie of plant are now threatened with extinction (i.e. classified as 'endangered' by the IUCN) in the European territory of the Community. Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission (28 May 1986) 6. It is impossible to tell how many species of insects have become extinct in the Member States, since there are too many gaps in the information available on the 60 000 or so known species in Europe. It is not unusual for insects thought 1. The world market for OCTG tubes is currently no to be extinct to reappear later. But two species of vertebrates greater than 12 million tonnes, compared with actual have died out since 1950: the black oyster-catcher capacity of at least 20 million tonnes. (Haematopus moquini) and, almost certainly, the Bavarian pine vole (Pitymys bavaricus). The excess capacities are resulting in a significant drop in 7. An estimated 10 % (6 000 or so) of the species of selling prices. insects in Europe are threatened with extinction. In addition, 86 species of vertebrates are classified as 'endangered' by the The market mainly depends on investment in drilling IUCN. All are listed in the Nature Conservancy Council of activities, which in turn are influenced by crude oil prices. Great Britain's (NCC) report entitled 'Conservation of wild flora and vertebrate fauna threatened in the Community' and in the Council of Europe 'Nature and Environment' series. It is unlikely that this sector will pick up in the medium term; They also feature on the list kept by the Belgian Royal indeed, there will probably be a further drop in demand for Institute of Natural Sciences. Copies of the NCC report and OCTG tubes in view of surplus oil production capacities. of the Belgian Royal Institute's list will be sent to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat. 2. By its Decision of 3 July 1985 (J), the Commission initiated the Article 93 (2) procedure in respect of aid to Tubemeuse. The aid in question is designed to secure the financial recovery of the undertaking and to finance completion of an investment programme for which the Commission had already authorized aid in September 1982.

The Commission intends to adopt a final decision shortly on WRITTEN QUESTION No 2594/85 this matter in the light of information to be supplied by the by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S—B) Belgian authorities on possible restructuring measures to to the Commission of the European Communities restore the firm's viability. (24 January 1986) (86/C 299/15) 3. The Community can help to finance early retirement of steelworkers by means of redeployment grants under Article 56 (2) (b) of the ECSC Treaty, in particular grants from the Subject: Tubemeuse special resources created by transfer from the EEC budget to the ECSC budget (social measures).

The Tubemeuse company is currently encountering various economic difficulties because of the international market and In the case of steel undertakings also engaged in activities not the vicissitudes of the USA/EEC negotiations on tubes. covered by the ECSC Treaty, such as Tubemeuse, No C 299/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Community assistance is confined to workers specifically those species expressly mentioned in Article 8 of the bill engaged in ECSC activities. relating to Article 20 (t) of the law of 27 December 1977 No 968, which is thereby completely replaced. Grant applications in respect of such workers are submitted to the Commission by the Member State — in this case, by the Ministry for Economic Affairs. However, in order to prevent any abuse, the derogations which are set out in detail (see Article 5 of the bill) provide in (') OJ No C 178, 16. 7. 1985, p. 2. the second subparagraph of the aforementioned Article for the prohibition of non-selective devices, equipment or methods and hence the use of hunting nets.

Has the Commission already studied carefully the situation of hunting in Italy to prevent any conflict arising on this WRITTEN QUESTION No 2603/85 specific point inside and outside Italy? by Mr Franco Borgo and Mr Giovanni Giavazzi (PPE—I) (') OJ No L 103, 25. 4. 1979, p. 1. to the Commission of the European Communities (24 January 1986) (86/C 299/16)

Subject: Conservation of wild birds

Can the Commission state what transgressions the Italian Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis State may have committed in the bill incorporating into on behalf of the Commission national law Directive 79/409/EEC ('Jon the conservation (12 May 1986) of wild birds, which is under consideration by the Italian Parliament (Chamber of Deputies), given in particular that: 1. The Commission has objected to Article 9 of Law No 1. automatic and semi-automatic weapons are permitted 968 of 27 December 1977 on the grounds that Annex IV holding only two rounds in the magazine and one in the permits two rounds only in the magazine and hence a total of barrel (i.e. no more than three cartridges — see Article 9 two cartridges. L. December 1977, No 968);

2. bird-catching is prohibited (i.e. hunting with nets — 2. The Commission welcomes the formal banning of Article 3 L. 27 December 1977, No 968), the capture of bird-catching with nets as a method of hunting. It cannot, specific species — no more than eight (Turdus however, accept that this should be permitted as a method of philomelos, Turdus musicus, Turdus pilaris, Vanellus capture. Annex II to the Directive mentions neither turdus vanellus, Sturnus vulgaris, Passer italicus, Passer musicus, passer italicus nor passer montanus as species that montanus and Alauda arvensis) — being permitted only can be hunted. As regards application of Article 9 of the to public bodies (Regions or authorized bodies) in Directive, the conditions are restrictive and in any case the reasonable numbers by hunting with fixed traps such as Commission must be informed by the Member States of any live decoys neither blinded nor mutilated (see Annex IV, derogation and the full grounds therefor. first indent — Directive 79/409/EEC);

3. the hunting periods within the framework of a precise Each Member State is free to spread responsibilities ornithological calendar (see Article 12 L. 27 December internally and to instruct, for example, the regional 1977, No 968), explicitly drawn up according to species, authorities to implement a Community Directive. However, have clearly defined opening and closing dates which it is the Member State itself which is accountable to the obviously vary within the individual countries of the Community for proper enforcement and implementation of EEC, taking into account the nest-building season, the Community law. various stages of reproduction and rearing and, in the case of migratory species, the return to their nesting grounds; 3. As long as the periods of migration, nesting, breeding and rearing are fully observed for all species, the Commission 4. every hunter is provided with a regional hunting permit sees no reason why hunting seasons should not vary for on which he must record on a daily basis the number of different species. birds killed which should not exceed 30 and should include no more than 10 anatids and no more than three woodcocks. This data is gathered annually for the Nevertheless, to simplify the system it has been suggested to regional statistics currently being compiled; the Italian authorities that the season should not be opened before the third Sunday of September and that it be closed on 5. the ban on trading or keeping for sale dead birds or parts 31 January. This has been accepted by the Italian thereof is explicitly laid down, with the exception of authorities. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/13

4. The Commission is not in a position to judge a system Will the Commission urge that studies be put in hand on of self-regulation by hunters. According to the Commission's stock level trends and on the distribution of salmon stocks information, the Regions appear to use these figures for among the parties to the Convention, with a view to statistical purposes only and not for monitoring or widening the scientific basis of regulatory measures? enforcement purposes. The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that it is for the Italian Government to guarantee effective implementation of secondary Will the Commission impress upon the parties to the Community legislation. Convention the latter's objectives as regards the obligations of the States of origin and endeavour to ensure that the intentions of the Convention are realized? 5. Under the Directive it is not enough to ban the sale of dead birds: trade in live birds must also be banned (Article 6 (1)). Species that can be marketed are limited by Annex III, Will the Commission take the initiative, at the forthcoming which provides a list of them. annual meeting of the parties to the Salmon Convention, to submit a model for regulating salmon-fishing, both inside and outside 12-mile limits, that shows due regard for The Commission has studied carefully the full situation of biological factors? hunting in Italy, and more generally the implementation of Community legislation on the matter, and has come to the (') OJ No L 378, 31. 12. 1982, p. 24. conclusion that the current situation is not satisfactory and warrants infringement proceedings within the meaning of Article 169 of the EEC Treaty for failure to implement Directive 79/409/EEC. Action was brought before the Court of Justice on 19 August 1985.

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1986)

The Commission would recall that the Community was one of the main forces behind the move towards the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2623/85 establishment of the Convention for the Conservation of by Mrs Eva Gredal (S—DK) Salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean. to the Commission of the European Communities (31 January 1986) The Community approaches the problem of salmon (86/C 299/17) conservation on the basis of Article 66 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides that States in whose rivers anadromous stocks originate shall have the Subject: Restrictions on salmon-fishing in the North primary interest in, and responsibility for, such stocks. Atlantic Ocean Those Member States of the Community which are States of On 13 December 1982 the Council approved, on behalf of origin for Atlantic salmon have maintained for many years the European Community, the Convention for the and are continuously reviewing a wealth of laws, regulations Conservation of Salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean and programmes aimed at the conservation, restoration, (82/886/EECM1). enhancement and national management of the stocks.

The Convention was a response to the grave threat to stocks The Commission would point out that the coastal drift net of salmon and its dwindling chances of survival. fisheries to which the Honourable Member refers are to a large degree licensed fisheries which are in conformity with The Salmon Convention has proved inadequate, however, in the provisions of the Convention. Whilst there is evidence of that the signatory States are not subject to quantitative illegal drift netting, the enforcement authorities of the restrictions on catches within their 12-mile limits. Member States continue to do their utmost to eliminate this. Coastal drift-net fishing off England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway and other countries has assumed such dimensions The Community is concerned about the threat to salmon that the continued existence of the species is under constant stocks in the North Atlantic Ocean from the intercepting threat. fisheries conducted at West Greenland and the Faroe Islands in the areas up to respectively 40 and 200 miles from the In the Commission's view, are the objectives of the Salmon baselines. The impact of these operations may be gauged Convention being met when most of the salmon migrating from the scientific estimate that, for each tonne of salmon from the North Atlantic are caught or damaged in drift nets taken in these fisheries, there is a loss of between 1,6 and 2 within national territorial waters? tonnes to the home water fisheries. It is therefore a matter of NoC 299/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 regret that the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation would conserve stocks or would necessarily be the most Organization (NASCO) did not succeed in adopting appropriate method of allocating individual quotas to regulatory measures limiting the level of salmon catches at fishermen. West Greenland and the Faroes at its meeting of 1985. (>) OJNoL 24, 27. 1. 1983, p. 1. The Commission considers the current scientific basis for NASCO's deliberations on regulatory measures, elaborated by the independent scientific body, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), to be sufficient. In addition, the Commission has supported initiatives taken within NASCO to define long-term scientific research objectives to improve knowledge of the stocks. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2650/85 The Community does not intend to propose the model by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S—GB) suggested by the Honourable Member but will continue to to the Commission of the European Communities work for the adoption by NASCO of effective regulatory (31 January 1986) measures for the conservation of North Atlantic salmon. (86/C 299/19)

Subject: Threat to revoke dredging licence of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company

Is the Commission aware of the present position affecting dredging in the Port of Liverpool, that the United Kingdom WRITTEN QUESTION No 2648/85 Government has only issued at temporary licence to dredge by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR—NL) the River Mersey until February 1986 and that there is a possibility the licence may not be renewed because of to the Commission of the European Communities mercury contamination found in Liverpool Bay; it is claimed (31 January 1986) that dredging would disturb and spread the pollution. (86/C 299/18) Recognizing the need to tackle the pollution problem as a matter of urgency, and at the same time ensure the free access Subject: Measures to conserve fish stocks to the Port, would the Commission not agree that for the United Kingdom Government to revoke the dredging licence Does the Commission not consider that, in order to conserve to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, would have stocks of certain types offish and to ensure a fair distribution catastrophic consequences to the Port of Liverpool in terms of quotas among individual fishermen, it would be of: loss of confidence in the port by shippers, concern as to appropriate to impose restrictions at European level on the the economy of the City of Liverpool, possible job losses, engine capacity of fishing vessels? effect on shipping and container trade entering the port, final closure of the port if dredging ceases?

Would the Commission, as a matter of urgency, stress to the United Kingdom Government the essential need for the Answer given by Mr Cardoso E Cunha dredging operation to continue in the Port of Liverpool and on behalf of the Commission urge the United Kingdom Government to trace and tackle the (24 April 1986) problem of pollution at the source of dumping.

Effective conservation of fish stocks requires a limitation of total fishing effort. This can be done indirectly, as in the Community, by means of total allowable catches, or directly Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis by limiting the catch capacity of the fleet. The latter requires on behalf of the Commission limiting the total engine capacity of the fleet by both (12 May 1986) restricting the number of vessels and limiting the engine capacity of individual vessels. The Commission is aware of the need for constant dredging If a Member State considers it necessary to allocate quotas in the Mersey estuary in order to maintain the maritime among individual fishermen, it may select, subject to the access channels to the ports and understands that the United provisions of Article 5 (2) of Council Regulation (EEC) No Kingdom Government has now issued a licence for such 170/83 0), the measures which are the most appropriate to dredging until the end of 1986. its own socio-economic conditions. The problem of polluted dredgings has been recognized for The Commission does not therefore consider that proposing over 10 years particularly in the Netherlands where at an upper limit to the engine power of individual vessels Rotterdam it is proposed to dispose of these spoils on an 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/15 artificial peninsula or island at sea to prevent the dispersion concerning the implementation of the Directive in United of the pollutants. Similar problems exist throughout the Kingdom law; a full written answer to the Commission's Community where dredging operations are carried out from request was promised by the United Kingdom, and has now estuaries or ports with historical backgrounds or carrying been provided. The Commission is now examining the polluted waters. United Kingdom's response in detail, and will be considering whether further steps would be appropriate. Community initiatives to reduce pollution of waters by dangerous substances, which includes mercury, have already been taken: Directive 76/464/EEC (J) on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community; Directive 82/176/EEC (2) on limit values and quality objectives for mercury discharges by the chlor-alkali electrolysis industry; Directive 84/156/EEC (3) on limit values and quality objectives for WRITTEN QUESTION No 2668/85 mercury discharges by sectors other than the chlor-alkali by Mrs Marie Jepsen (ED—DK) electrolysis industry. to the Commission of the European Communities (») OJ No L 129, 18. 5. 1976, p. 23. (20 January 1986) (2) OJ No L 81, 27. 3. 1982, p. 29. (3) OJ No L 74, 17. 3. 1984, p. 49. (86/C 299/21)

Subject: Harmonization of thermoglass standards

What information can the Commission provide on the efforts to harmonize standards for thermoglass and similar products in the Member States, and what action does the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 2657/85 propose to take to ensure that glass products subject to type approval in one Member State, e.g. the 'Dansk Standard' in by Mrs Barbara Castle (S—GB) Denmark, do not encounter any problem at frontiers when to the Commission of the European Communities being exported to other Member States? (31 January 1986) (86/C 299/20)

Subject: Transport of live animals Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission Following a formal complaint by the Royal Society for the (6 May 1986) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the United Kingdom (RSPCA), the Commission has upheld the RSPCA's allegations that the United Kingdom has not fully The 'Union europeenne pour l'agrement technique dans la implemented Directive 77/489/EEC (')on the transport of construction' (UEATC) (European Union for technical live animals. What steps is the Commission now taking to approval in building) published a document in October 1985 ensure the United Kingdom Government does implement with the title 'Directives UEATC pour l'agrement des vitrages fully this Directive? isolants' (UEATC Directives for the approval of insulating glazing). (M OJ NoL 200, 8. 8. 1977, p. 10. The UEATC directives lay down a uniform procedure for assessing the qualities of prefabricated insulating glazing. The aim is to facilitate the free circulation on the internal Answer given by Mr Andriessen Community market of insulating glass which has received on behalf of the Commission technical approval in one of the Member States. (5 May 1986) The Danish member of UEATC is 'Statens Byggeforsknings Institut (SBI)'. It is not correct at the present stage of investigation of this complaint to state that the Commission has upheld it. The UEATC directives have been drawn up in collaboration between representatives of manufactureres and users and in Following an in-depth investigation of the complaint the cooperation with the Commission. view was taken that there was sufficient substance in it to require detailed explanations from the United Kingdom In order to ensure free circulation in the Community of authorities from which explanations were duly requested by insulating glazing legally manufactured in any of the Member the Commission. States, the Commission will not hesitate, in cases brought to its attention, to initiate the necessary procedures to enforce A delegation of United Kingdom officials visited Brussels in compliance with the principles identified by the Court of January 1986 and provided certain oral explanation Justice in the 'Cassis de Dijon' case (') and in its 'Biologische No C 299/16 Official Journal of the'European Communities 24.11.86

Producten' judgment (2) involving the application of Articles WRITTEN QUESTION No 2695/85 30 and following of the EEC Treaty. In its judgment in the by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S—D) 'Biologische Producten' case the Court of Justice stated: to the Commission of the European Communities 'Whilst a Member State is free to require a product of the (6 February 1986) type in question, which has already received approval in another Member State, to undergo a fresh procedure of (86/C 299/23) examination and approval, the authorities of the Member States are nevertheless required to assist in bringing about Subject: Use of paradichlorobenzene in lavatories a relaxation of the controls existing in intra-Community trade. It follows that they are not entitled unnecessarily to The urinal blocks frequently used in lavatories contain the require technical or chemical analyses or laboratory tests active agent paradichlorobenzene (P—DCB) where those analyses and tests have already been carried out in another Member State and their results are This substance simply covers odours and has no antibacterial available to those authorities, or may at their request be properties. It is therefore not necessary on the grounds of placed at their disposal.' (Ground of judgement 14). hygiene. Paradichlorobenzene passes via lavatories into ') Case 120/78/1978/ECR, pp. 649—66.5. waste water. The substance is not broken down in rivers and '-) 'Case 272/80/1981/ECR, p. 3277. according to the figures available reaches levels of concentration which even in terms of their short-term effect are barely below the acute toxic threshold.

1. In which Member States is P-DCB used in lavatories?

2. What figures does the Commission have on the amount discharged into rivers? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2669/85 by Mrs Marie Jepsen (ED—DK) 3. Does the Commission see any possibility of preventing to the Commission of the European Communities the sale of paradichlorobenzene for this purpose? (6 February 1986) 4. Paradichlorobenzene appears in list I of Directive (86/C 299/22) 76/464/EEC(1): (a) Is a limit value of zero permitted under Article 6 of Subject: Waste disposal difficulties encountered by the Directive, i.e. a total ban on the introduction of a Community glass manufacturers substance? Is the Commission aware that the disposal of waste (b) When does the Commission intend to present substances left over from the production process is proposals for P-DCB in accordance with Article 6 of problematic for glass manufacturers in the Member States? the Directive? What assistance does it propose to give such manufacturers in resolving these difficulties so that distortions of (') O] No L 129, 18. 5. 1976, p. 23. competition do not arise between manufacturers as a result of differing national legislation?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis (13 May 1986) on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1986) 1. According to the Commission's information, 80 % of the paradichlorobenzene (p-DCB) produced in the The Commission has not been informed of any difficulties Community is used for sanitary purposes. encountered by Community glass manufacturers in the storage of waste from the manufacturing process. 2. Since p-DCB is not at present on List I in Directive 76/464/EEC, very few inspections have been carried out to The Commission would point out that Council Directive determine its impact on surface water quality. The 75/442/EECof 15 July 1975 on waste (J) requires Member Commission therefore has very little information on the scale States to take appropriate measures to promote, amongst of surface water pollution caused by p-DCB. other things, the recycling of waste and the recovery of raw materials. 3. The Commission can take no decision on whether any specific use of p-DCB should be banned until ecotoxitiy, Glass is particularly suitable for both these operations. technical and economic studies reveal grood reasons for doing so. H OJ No L 194, 25. 7. 1975, p. 39. 4. Directive 76/769/EEC (x) on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 299/17

Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and WRITTEN QUESTION No 2726/85 use of certain dangerous substances and preparations could by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC—B) provide the appropriate legal basis should it prove necessary to the Commission of the European Communities to take measures on use of the substance. (10 February 1986) (a) Yes, a limit value of zero could be set under Article 6(1) (86/C 299/24) of Directive 76/464/EEC: but any such decision must be well-founded, both on the basis of toxicity, Subject: Appropriations for biological research under persistence and bioaccumulation properties and taking Article 412 of the 1984 budget into account the best technical means available. The above appropriations are used to enable the Commission According to the Commission's information, no such to obtain the necessary scientific information to implement action is necessary in the case of p-DCB. the policy on maintaining and managing fish stocks through specialized contract research carried out by outside bodies or (b) The Commission has ecotoxicity studies on chlorinated experts. benzene derivatives, of which p-DCB is one. The Scientific Advisory Committee to examine the Toxicity Can the Commission provide a list of the various research and Ecotoxicity of Chemical Compounds and the institutes and experts and the amounts allocated to each national experts on the matter are still considering the institute over the past year in the framework of this case for including p-DCB on list I. research?

The Commission expects to be able to decide on the need for proposals to add the substance to List I within a reasonable Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha time, following the procedure laid down in the general on behalf of the Commission Directives on the control of dangerous substances, as recently adopted, in principle, by the Council. (23 April 1986)

0) OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976, p. 201. The list of experts, the various institutions and the amounts allocated to each of them from the 1984 appropriations are given below. The absence of a named export means that the contract was signed between the Commission and the responsible administrator in the institution.

Expert Research institution ECU

Institut Scientifique et Technique des Peches Maritimes (ISTPM, 150 000 now part of IFREMER), Nantes — France and France Aquaculture, Paris — France

Institut Scientifique et Technique des Peches Maritimes, 238 460 Nantes — France

Dr K. H. Haywood School of Fisheries Studies 6 000 Humberside College of Higher Education, Hull — United Kingdom

Dr P. Hagel Netherlands Institute for Fishery Investigations, 6 000 Ijmuiden — Netherlands

Centre national pour l'exploitation des oceans (CNEXO, now 20 000 part of IFREMER), Paris — France

Netherlands Institute for Fishery Investigations, 85 000 Ijmuiden — Netherlands Paris — France

Dr D. Levi Istituto di tecnologia della Pesca e del Pescato C.N.R., 69 000 Mazara del Vallo — Italy

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 187 500 (FAO), Rome — Italy No C 299/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2737/85 provisions are concerned and the driver's base is the only by Mr Ben Visser (S—NL) place where this is possible. to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission hopes that there will be a general (10 February 1986) improvement in the implementation and enforcement of the (86/C 299/25) Regulations. For this reason, it attaches great importance to the Council's resolution of 20 December 1985 (2) which calls inter alia for better checks, both at the roadside and in firms, Subject: Harmonization of certain social legislation relating by all Member States. to road transport (») OJ No L 370, 31. 12. 1985, p. 1. 2 At the Transport Council meetings of June and November ( ) OJ No C 348, 31. 12. 1985, p. 1. 1985, a decision was adopted by the Council amending Regulation (EEC) No 543/69 ('). According to this decision, drivers of goods vehicles may drive for 90 hours in a period of two weeks. Rest periods of 45 hours per week are laid down, which may be reduced to 30 hours while at base and 24 hours when on the road, but must total 180 hours over four weeks.

Now that driving time over two weeks and rest periods for WRITTEN QUESTION No 2740/85 one and four weeks have been laid down, is there still any by Mr Alfons Boesmans (S—B) question of linking driving time and rest periods? May not to the Commission of the European Communities these provisions have strange, unintended consequences, e.g. (10 February 1986) after two consecutive weeks with 24 hours a week of rest periods and 90 hours of driving, two further weeks with 90 (86/C 299/26) hours' driving would require 132 hours of rest periods? How does the Commission see the future relationship between driving time and rest periods? Subject: Cleaning of tankers at sea t1) OJNoL77, 29. 3. 1969, p. 49. Once again, hundreds of seabirds have died on the Belgian coast from the effects of petroleum flushed into the sea by tankers after cleaning their fuel tanks.

What specific steps has the Commission taken in recent Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis months to finally put an end to these practices, and what on behalf of the Commission exactly have been the results? (10 June 1986)

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 on the harmonization of certain social legislation relating to road transport comes into force on 29 September 1986 (*). Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission The aim of the new provisions for a fortnightly driving limit (28 May 1986) and for averaging the weekly rest over a four-week period is to give operators and drivers more flexibility in planning their journeys and to enable long-distance drivers to benefit According to the information obtained from international more from the rest owed to them by being able to take it 'en experts, there have been no discharges in the coastal waters bloc'. concerned in recent months. Consequently, the increase in bird mortality which has apparently occurred could be due to It is thus possible for a driver to reduce his weekly rest to 24 the severe winter conditions in the area. hours over two weeks and then, in the following two weeks in addition to his 90 hours of driving, to be obliged to take 132 However, it should be pointed out that air surveillance in this hours of rest, as the Honourable Member suggests. area is limited; oil could have been dispersed naturally without being detected by the competent authorities. The Commission accepts that there is no longer a direct relationship between these norms on driving and rest Operational discharges from oil tankers are governed by the periods. Should this give rise to difficulties, it will be in the Marpol Convention 73/78 adopted under aegis of the field of enforcement. The authorities responsible for International Maritime Organization, and in particular checking these particular provisions of Regulation (EEC) No Annex I to that Convention. The Commission is not a 3820/85 will have to take at least a four-week period and do signatory to the Convention, but, acting on a Commission so at the driver's base. However, it is in any event desirable to proposal, the Council had adopted Recommendation take an adequate period of time when examining whether the 78/584/EEC of 28 June 1978 0) which concerns inter alia Regulation has been complied with in so far as these the ratification of the Convention in question. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/19

For further details, the Honourable Member should refer to the Commission will examine the possibilities available in the the answer to Written Question No 1871 / 83 (2) by Mrs Van context of its existing financial instruments if it receives an Hemeldonck which concerned a similar matter. application for such support from the investor. (») OJ No L 33, 8. 2. 1979, p. 32. (>) Doc. COM(82) 37 final. (2) OJ No C 188, 16. 7. 1984, p. 4. (2) OJNo L37, 10. 2. 1982. (3) Doc. COM(85) 401 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2762/85 by Mr Lambert Croux (PPE—B) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2765/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S—B) , (17 February 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (86/C 299/27) (17 February 1986) Subject: Reprocessing of nuclear waste (86/C 299/28)

In Belgium, negotiations are currently being held between the Subject: Standards for telecommunications inter­ Government and private undertakings on the possibility of connections for computers recommissioning the nuclear reprocessing plant at Mol/Dessel. Is the Commission aware that an association of computer manufacturers, 'the Corporation for Open Systems', has 1. What attempts has the Commission made up to now to been set up in the United States with a view to achieving ensure that the reprocessing of nuclear waste in the transparent standards for telecommunications inter­ Community takes place in a coordinated and more connections for computers? economical manner?

2. What is the latest project that it has set up, or intends to Can the Commission state whether the standards adopted by set up in the near future, under Article 40 of the EAEC this association are compatible with the European OSI Treaty? proposals?

3. Will the planned reprocessing activities at Dessel, which What steps is it taking to help to establish an open standard will reduce the volume of nuclear waste to one-sixth, be outside as well as inside the Community? able to count on financial or other support from the Community?

Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Mosar on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1986) (5 May 1986) The Commission has already made clear that equipment interconnection problems in the information-technology and 1. As regards the efforts that the Commission has devoted to the spent nuclear fuels reprocessing sector so far, the telecommunications sector should be resolved on the basis of Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its the harmonized application of the ISO and IEC international communication to the Council on the report of the ad hoc standards and CCITT recommendations. Accordingly, the Advisory Committee on the Reprocessing of Irradiated use of OSI (open system interconnection) standards, Nuclear Fuels (*) and, in particular, the recommendation on currently being developed by the ISO and adopted by the the storage and reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuels (2), CCITT for the telecommunications sector, is the preferred which the Commission adopted on 3 February 1982 under method for open-system communications. Article 124 of the Euratom Treaty. Against this background, the Commission can only welcome The communication was transmitted to the European the news that American manufacturers are moving in the Parliament at the time, for information purposes. same direction. It has also taken note of the fact that similar efforts are under way in Japan. 2. In the Nuclear Illustrative Programme (3) it published in 1984 under Article 40 of the Euratom Treaty, the At a time when many standards still have a long way to go Commission confirmed that the recommendation of before reaching the final stage of formal adoption, the 3 February 1982 remains fully valid. Commission is not in a position to supply specific information on standards compatibility or on how long it 3. As regards the possible granting of financial support will take to achieve it. What it can state at this juncture, for the recommissioning of the reprocessing plant at Dessel, however, is the following: No C 299/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

— The choice of a common reference model (OSI model) through the use of normal means of settlement such as credit provides an international basis that is bound to cards have the regulated market exchange rates applied to encourage transparency in communications, in that the them, in the same way as payments relating to other current same reference standards will apply. transactions. — The relations already established between the It is true that certain provisions which limit, in the case of manufacturers' associations (SPAG in Europe, COS in direct payment by the person concerned (by bank transfer or the United States and a group of manufacturers in Japan) cheque), the possibility of effecting settlement for such should help to promote convergence and speed up work transactions at the regulated market rate are contrary to the at international level to ensure the swift formulation of principle, upheld by the Commission, that a single exchange sufficiently specific standards. rate should be applied to all payments relating to current transactions, i.e. transactions which are fully liberalized The Commission feels that remarkable progress has been under Community law. made over the last two years in promoting the ISO international OSI standards. It will continue to take However, the Commission considers that the system in force appropriate measures to encourage the development of in Belgium and Luxembourg is in general very liberal, since it international cooperation in this area and to promote the permits any settlement of tourist and travel expenditure implementation of these standards in applications of a without limitation as to amount and involves virtually no genuinely international nature calculated to improve the level inconvenience for those making payments, in that it imposes of harmonization. no procedures for controlling transactions or for checking that they have actually been carried out. Furthermore, even if private individuals wish to settle their travel expenditure directly and are thus compelled to use the free market, there is currently little or no difference between the rates obtaining on that market and those on the regulated market.

The Commission will nevertheless maintain contact with the Belgo-Luxembourg authorities with a view to examining WRITTEN QUESTION No 2801/85 what measures might be taken to ensure full compliance with by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED—GB) the principle of a single exchange rate for current payments without the convenience and liberal nature of the present to the Commission of the European Communities arrangements being undermined. (19 February 1986) (86/C 299/29)

Subject: Belgian and Luxembourg exchange controls WRITTEN QUESTION No 2875/85 In reply to my Written Question No 2468/84 (') concerning by Mr Pol Marck (PPE—B) the Court's judgment in the joined cases 286/82 and 26/83 to the Commission of the European Communities (Luisi and Carbone v. Ministero del Tesoro) and the Belgium-Luxembourg two-tier foreign-exchange system, the (21 February 1986) Commission stated that it had contacted the Belgian (86/C 299/30) authorities in order to review this situation. Subject: Butter surpluses What has been the outcome of this review? In response to an article which appeared in the November (>) OJ No C 228, 9. 9. 1985, p. 22. 1985 issue of'EG Magazin', published by the Commission of the European Communities in Bonn, Wolfgang von Geldern, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry, writes (EG Magazin, December 1985) that the fall in the price of butter (intervention price) agreed by the Answer given by Mr Delors Community Ministers of Agriculture and which in Germany on behalf of the Commission represents a fall from DM 8,13 to DM 7,55 per kilogram, means an increase in sales of between 80 000 and 100 000 (17 June 1986) tonnes of milk fat in the form of butter or high-fat milk products. In the context of the Court of Justice's judgment in the Luisi-Carbone joined cases, the Commission has examined 1. Can the Commission of the European Communities the way in which the Belgo-Luxembourg two-tier confirm these figures? foreign-exchange system is applied and has made the 2. If not, what does it consider have been the results of this necessary contacts with the appropriate national Council decision on butter consumption in the authorities. Community?

It has been established that payment transfers made in respect 3. At the same time, the intervention price for of tourist and travel expenditure through travel agencies or skimmed-milk powder was raised so that the fat/protein 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/21

ratio which was 55/45 in 1984 and subsequently 50/50, WRITTEN QUESTION No 2883/85 is now 48/52. by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities What effect have these measures had on Community expenditure on skimmed-milk powder? (21 February 1986) (86/C 299/31) 4. Do the disadvantages, if any, in budgetary terms, outweigh the benefits of the measures? Subject: Sale of oil containing PCBs 5. Does the Commission intend to pursue this policy? Waste oil from oil recovery schemes often contains PCBs and is extremely dangerous to the environment on combustion. Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission This emerges from a study carried out by a Flemish consumer (16 April 1986) organization. Can the Commission say whether, since adoption of the PCB Directive, waste oils containing PCBs are still being marketed? 1 and 2. The Council's decision (J) on the intervention price for butter resulted in a decrease of 2 % to 313,20 ECU Which Member States are still marketing such oil? per 100 kilograms for the marketing year 1985/86 compared to 1984/85. The target price for milk was increased by + 1,5 % to 27,84 ECU per 100 kilograms and the Which Member States have specialized plants to neutralize intervention price for skimmed-milk powder by + 4,9 % to oils containing PCBs to protect the environment? 174,04 ECU per 100 kilograms. The developments in national currencies are different, due to changes in green currency exchange rates.

The exact additional sales of butter and additional Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis incorporation of butterfat in other dairy products, due to the on behalf of the Commission changes in intervention prices for butter, are not known yet; (27 May 1986) experience over the past 2 years has revealed that the development of butter consumption is in keeping with its price. However, these additional sales can hardly be isolated 1. The Honourable Member is referring to Directive from other factors influencing the market price and 85/467/EEC of 1 October 1985 (J). This relates to consumption of butter and butterfat. restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (PCBs and PCTs) and is the 3. The change of the fat/protein ratio has resulted in sixth amendment to Directive 76/769/EEC (2). It should be decreases in the intervention price for butter and increases in read in conjunction with the latter. Under Article 2 of that for skimmed-milk powder; these changes have again Directive 76/769/EEC, Member States must take all been reflected in corresponding changes of the aid level necessary measures to ensure that the dangerous substances applicable under various disposal measures for the two and preparations listed in the Annex may only be placed on products. Hence, the expenditures for skimmed-milk the market subject to the conditions specified therein. powder have increased to the same extent as the expenditures for butter have decreased. The left-hand column of the Annex to Directive 85/467/EEC, which should be referred to as it amends the 4. The net effect on the budget will depend on the reduced Annex to Directive 76/769/EEC, includes waste oils with a average disposal costs for butter and the quantities disposed PCB or PCT content higher than 0,01 % by weight. of, and increased average disposal costs for skimmed-milk powder and quantities disposed of in 1985/86. The additional costs are expected to be more than The marketing and use of substances falling within the scope counterbalanced by savings related to smaller intake into of Directive 85/467/EEC will in fact be prohibited from intervention of butter, its storage and later disposal through 30 June 1986 as Article 2 of that Directive gives the Member subsidized sales. States this period of grace to take the necessary steps. The disposal of waste oil is regulated by Directive 75/439/EEC. 5. Yes. The Commission's price proposal (2) for the marketing year 1986/87 includes a further change in the fat/protein ratio to 46,13/53,87. 2. The Commission does not know which countries market oils of this type. (») Regulation (EEC) No 1299/85 (OJ No L 137, 27. 5. 1985, p. 6). (2) Doc. COM(86) 20 final. 3. The only process for neutralizing oils contaminated with PCBs and PCTs currently in operation and satisfactory from the point of view of environmental safety is disposal by high-temperature incineration in authorized installations. No C 299/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

The following Member States possess authorized disposal tributary canals and by the Heidebeek in France which is centres: the United Kingdom, France, the Federal Republic already classified as orange on the biotic index. of Germany, Italy and Belgium (currently going through the Can the Commission provide the following information: authorization procedure). — complete figures for imports and exports of mussels and H OJNo L 269, 11. 10. 1985. 2 oysters, for all Community Member States, from 1980 to ( ) OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976. 1985, — a detailed review of which Member States import mussels or oysters from which countries, and the total turnover for the years in question, WRITTEN QUESTION No 2892/85 — for Member States which farm and export mussels and by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) oysters, the turnover for the years concerned and figures for the direct and indirect employment provided by this to the Commission of the European Communities sector, (5 March 1986) — whether the Commission plans to provide support for (86/C 299/32) countries and public bodies or private individuals wanting to restart mussel or oyster farming? Subject: Mussel and oyster farming on the Belgian coast — — If so, what measures are envisaged? Ecological problems There are now plans to restock the mussel and oyster beds on Answer given by Mr Cardosa e Cunha the Flemish coast. This would re-establish an industry which on behalf of the Commission has been destroyed owing to increasing environmental pollution. (5 May 1986) Economic studies indicate that the project should be viable. The following total annual quantities and values of mussels However, there are major ecological problems namely the and oysters have been imported and exported by the pollution of the Ijzer, which is primarily caused by the Community:

Imports (*)

Oysters Mussels

Quantity Value Quantity ('000 kg) ('000 ECU) COOO kg) ('000 ECU)

1980 (2) 138 456 253 1 704 1981 109 358 240 1 337 1982 4 761 (4) 16 532 (4) 186 342 1983 13 709 (4) 45 054 (4) 485 933 1984 (2) 116 351 896 1 246 1985(2) (3) 96 393 1 683 2 015

Exports (2)

Oysters Mussels

Quantity Value Quantity ('000 kg) ('000 ECU) ('000 kg) ('000 ECU)

1980 (2) 489 1 348 1 004 946 1981 1 379 2 546 1 201 1 252 1982 1 486 3 605 896 836 1983 2 727 7 252 1 054 1 095 1984 (2) 493 1 924 1 161 1 166 1985 (2)(3) 558 2 213 1 189 1 541

Source: Eurostat-Nimexe. (*) The figures for Portugal are not included. (2) The figures for Spain are not included. (3) Provisional figures. (4) The differences in Community 1982 and 1983 imports of oysters compared to the other years are due to specific imports from countries such as Thailand, Japan and India. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/23

As regards the requested detailed breakdown of imports and new series, it is not unusual for technical problems to occur exports of mussels and oysters and figures concerning the which require the unit involved to be shut down before total annual turnover, the Commission is sending a computer repairs can be effected. summary containing the data concerned direct to the Honourable Member. The Paluel units were shut down for operational and not plant safety reasons. The information requested by the Honourable Member in respect of direct and indirect employment in the mussel and oyster industry is not available.

In the framework of Regulation (EEC) No 2908/83 (>) which has been extended for 1986 by Regulation (EEC) No 2 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2914/85 3733/85 ( ), capital investment projects concerning production of mussels and oysters carried out by natural or by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC—D) legal persons can benefit under certain conditions from to the Commission of the European Communities Community aid. In this context two conditions which must (5 March 1986) be noted are, firstly, the project must fit in the multiannual guidance programme established by the Member State (86/C 299/34) concerned and approved by the Commission and, secondly, the individual projects concerning shellfish must be situated Subject: Secret list of the 181 most dangerous polluters in in waters meeting national or Community quality standards. Lombardy (Italy) In the Belgian multiannual guidance programmes which have been approved by the Commission (3), mussel and oyster In collaboration with Community experts, the Lombardy production is not included. regional environmental protection agency has compiled a list of the region's most dangerous polluters. H OJ No L 290, 22. 10. 1983, p. 1. (2) OJ No L 361, 31. 12. 1985, p. 78. 3 1. Does the Commission know the names of the 181 firms ( ) OJ No L 44, 14. 2. 1985, p. 44 (fleet); OJ No L 287, on this list? 29. 10. 1985, p. 29 (aquaculture). 2. What steps does the Commission propose to take?

3. Has it been informed of the action being taken by the Italian authorities?

4. Where is this list published? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2911/85 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC—D) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis (5 March 1986) on behalf of the Commission (86/C 299/33) (30 June 1986)

Subject: Breakdowns in, and part-closure of, the nuclear The Honourable Member's attention should be drawn to the power station in Paluel (France) fact that no experts from the Commission have ever collaborated with the Lombardy regional environmental On several occasions during 1985, block 1 of the nuclear protection agency on a list of the region's most dangerous power station in Paluel was put on reduced service. In August polluters. 1985, the block had to be closed for repairs. Block 2 of the same power station had to be shut down after only 10 months The Commission has not been officially informed of this list in service. to which the Honourable Member refers.

1. What was the cause of the cuts in activity and the closures?

2. What repairs were carried out? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2918/85 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE—NL) Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (5 March 1986) (29 May 1986) (86/C 299/35)

Units 1 and 2 at the Paluel nuclear power station were the Subject: Minimum size of fattening pens for veal calves first of the 1 300 Mwe series to come into industrial operation. During the initial operating period of units in a 1. Can the Commission say what regulations are applied No C 299/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

in the various Community Member States as regards the protect veal calves. It will take steps to begin the necessary minimum size of calf crates? preparatory work this year and will make proposals as soon as this work is completed. 2. What size of crate does the Commission consider (>) Welfare and Husbandry of Calves: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers desirable for fattening calves, taking into account the welfare — ISBN 90-247-2680-8. of the animals and optimum productivity?

3. What information does the Commission have on alternative fattening methods for veal calves which give the animals more space during the fattening period? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2920/85 4. Can the Commission say whether it provides financial by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE—NL) aid for experiments with such alternative fattening methods or whether it is prepared to do so? to the Commission of the European Communities (5 March 1986) 5. Does the Commission not consider it desirable that, (86/C 299/36) pending the development of alternative fattening methods for calves, the minimum size of calf crates be harmonized to Subject: Amount of, and conditions for, student grants in provide reasonable conditions for the animals and if so, when the 12 Member States can such a proposal on harmonization be expected? 1. What is the level of grants allocated by the Governments of the Member States to their university students (in national currencies and in ECU)?

2. What conditions must university students in each of the Answer given by Mr Andriessen Member States fulfil in order to be eligible for a Government on behalf of the Commission grant, particularly as regards: (17 June 1986) — minimum and maximum age limits, — parental income, 1. The Commission does not have available information — academic results? on the minimal dimensions of pens for fattening veal calves in the different Member States of the Community at the 3. Which Member States give their students the option of moment, but since a research meeting will take place in studying in another Member State with a national September, the Commission hopes to be able to provide the Government grant, what is the amount of such grants and Honourable Member with the required information this what specific requirements are imposed in addition to the year. general grant requirements?

4. Does the Commission not consider that the system of 2, 3 and 4. The Commission, within its programme for student grants applied by the national Governments should coordination of research on animal welfare in 1981, supported a seminar into the welfare and husbandry of veal be harmonized at Community level and that students should calves. This seminar covered many aspects of calf welfare be free to use a national student grant to study in another including possible different systems available at that time but Member State? there was no clear consensus as to dimensions of pens which 5. Does the Commission intend to submit proposals to are the best from the point of view of calf welfare. this effect?

The results of the above seminar were published in the series 'Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science', Volume 19 (>)• WRITTEN QUESTION No 3030/85 by Mrs Mary Banotti (PPE—IRL) At present there is no Community financial support for to the Commission of the European Communities experimental projects using new fattening systems. During 1986, however, the Commission plans to hold the above (14 March 1986) mentioned seminar on the welfare aspects of calf rearing. If (86/C 299/37) the conclusions of this seminar indicate that support of experimental new methods of fattening calves is required the Commission will give what assistance it can to the projects Subject: Access to higher education indentified within the limitations of the budget available. Can the Commission please provide information regarding

I the different systems in the Member States regarding '. 5. The Commission considers that it is suitable to take financial assistance to enable students with suitable academic further Community steps to lay down minimal conditions to standards to follow courses in higher education? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/25

Joint answer to Written Questions from the Commission and after consulting the European Nos 2920/85 and 3030/85 Parliament, and the assistance programme is then drawn up given by Mr Marin and implemented. on behalf of the Commission As far as the setting of the framework is concerned, the (16 June 1986) Commission considers that, in the light of Article 7 (2) of Regulation (EEC) No 1787/84, a proposal for a Community The Commission is currently engaged in updating a study programme may concern the territory of a Member State completed in 1983 regarding higher education student grants only with the agreement of that Member State. With regard in Member States. A copy of the study will be forwarded to to the drawing up of the programme, the Commission would the Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the point out that the level of Community participation is as a European Parliament. matter of principle limited to a specified percentage of all the The Commission is of the opinion that the policies governing public expenditure taken into account. The programme must the financing of studies in higher education are a matter for therefore necessarily include a proportion of national Member States. However, it is in the interest of the funding, which must take the form of national multiannual development of the Community that Member States make budget commitments. Obviously, such national available national grants for study in the Community as a commitments cannot simply take the form of agreement to an whole. This view has already been confirmed by the Council application made by another Member State: each Member and Ministers of Education meeting within the Council of State must present a draft programme relating to its own 27 June 1980. In this context reference is also made to the territory. Commission's answer to Written Question No 175/85 by Mr Seligman {l).

The Commission, on 18 December 1985, adopted Erasmus, the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of 2 University Students ( ). The Erasmus proposal has been WRITTEN QUESTION No 2941/85 established by the Commission to respond directly to the by Mrs Beate Weber (S—D) terms of the resolution of the European Parliament of 13 March 1984 on higher education and the development of to the Commission of the European Communities cooperation between higher education establishments (3), (7 March 1986) and also in response to the mandate of the European Council (86/C 299/39) held in Milan in June 1985. (») OJ No C 255, 7. 10. 1985, p. 28. Subject: Discharges of cadmium into Community waters — 2 ( ) Doc. COM(85) 756 final. Exclusion of phosphoric acid and fertilizer 3 ( ) OJ No C 104, 16. 4. 1984, p. 50. manufacturers from the scope of Directive 83/513/EEC(1)

1. More than three years ago, when the report on discharges of cadmium into the aquatic environment (Doc. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2927/85 1-821/82) was debated in the European Parliament, the Member of the Commission then responsible, Mr by Mr Heinz Schreiber (S—D) Contogeorgis, referring to the industries manufacturing to the Commission of the European Communities phosphate fertilizers, declared that '. . . New technical and (5 March 1986) economic studies will be carried out in this sector and following these the Commission will prepare special (86/C 299/38) proposals for dealing with discharges arising out of this form of manufacture.' (Debates of the European Parliament, Subject: European Regional Development Fund 19. 11. 1982.) In the interpretation of the Commission, does 'agreement' under the terms of Article 7 (2) of Regulation (EEC) No Have these studies already been conducted? If so, what 1787/84 (*) mean that all of the Member States concerned findings did they reach? have to make a separate application for financial assistance 2. When does the Commission intend to submit its for a Community programme, or is it sufficient for one such proposals on the discharge of cadmium effluents produced in Member State to make an application, to which the others the manufacture of fertilizers? would then give their agreement? (») OJ No L 291, 24. 10. 1983, p. 1. (» OJ No L 169, 28. 6. 1984, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Pfeiffer Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (11 August 1986) (27 June 1986)

A Community programme is established in two stages: the The Commission has been conducting research and studies, framework is first set by the Council acting on a proposal usually with the help of the Member States, on several fronts, No C 299/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

and in particular on means of separating cadmium from WRITTEN QUESTION No 2960/85 natural phosphates and phosphoric acid in practice with a by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S—D) view to limiting and ultimately removing all cadmium from phosphate fertilizers throughout the Community. to the Commission of the European Communities (7 March 1986) These studies are still at the pilot stage, i.e. not sufficiently (86/C 299/41) advanced to produce results applicable to full-scale units.

Consequently, it is too early to recommend any specific Subject: Creation of a uniform personal-computer market Community-wide measures to limit and eliminate cadmium on the basis of these studies. Local measures tailored to the Stimulation of European cooperation in information nature of the soil and, possibly, of the harvest could be the technology is a priority objective of the European answer. But before contemplating recommendations along Community. According to a consumer study conducted on these lines to the Member States, the Commission would behalf on the European Bureau of Consumers' Unions have to conduct in-depth research on the spot. (BEUC), however, Member States' personal-computer markets operate under the most diverse conditions.

Is the Commission aware

1. that Community consumers are faced with different software standards and that such incompatibility WRITTEN QUESTION No 2943/85 complicates program choice? by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities 2. that personal-computer outlets in one Member State will not usually carry out repairs under guarantee on (7 March 1986) equipment bought in another Member State? (86/C 299/40) What action does the Commission propose to take to Subject: Closer cooperation on defence procurement eliminate such market constraints and create a uniform between Member States personal-computer market in the European Community?

Does the Commission not think that it currently plays far too small a role in encouraging and facilitating closer cooperation on defence procurement between Member States? What practical steps does it propose to take during Answer given by Mr Narjes 1986 to try to reduce the present lack of cohesion between on behalf of the Commission both national governments and defence contractors of (23 May 1986) Member States?

The Commission is aware of the study carried out for the BEUC on the problems faced by consumers with regard Answer given by Mr Narjes to home computers. The problems involved in the on behalf of the Commission standardization of software are particularly difficult, and the Commission would like to see a certain level of stability (8 July 1986) established on the basis of the international standards applicable in this field without slowing down the extremely The Commission recognizes the economic importance of the rapid technical advances being made in this sector. issue and the need for closer cooperation on defence procurement between Member States which would The compatibility of 'high-level' programming languages, substantially reduce production costs, strengthen the exchanges of the most common programs and files, and the competitive position of Community industry and have ability of these computers to communicate with each other significant implications for national budgets. The promotion via the public networks makes sense of having international of economic and industrial integration within the standards properly applied. The schedule for Community is a central task of the Commission, which it will standardization with which the relevant bodies pursue vigorously in 1986 and beyond. (CEN/CENELEC) and the CEPT have been entrusted is likely to improve the situation. The Commission favourably regards initiatives taken by Member States' Governments and industry towards the Closer cooperation within the industry could result in the improvement of the situation including efforts undertaken greater operating system compatibility desired by the users within the framework of the IEPG (Independent European and a harmonized range of peripherals based on the Programme Group). definition of their interfaces. The second phase of the ESPRIT programme should enable the problems specific to this sector to be taken into account. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/27

The Commission considers that, as a home computer is on a workers arising from the use of lifting trucks, and shares the level of complexity comparable with that of many other Honourable Member's opinion. products for which the conditions of guarantee are often valid throughout the Community, the same type of guarantee (a) Research has been carried out as part of the mines health ought to be applicable to this type of equipment. The research programmes {*), and this aspect has been Commission intends to examine the situation in more studied jointly by French and British research institutes. detail. Quite recently, as part of the fourth ECSC medical research programme (2), research has been conducted concerning the health effects of nitrogen oxides and diesel fumes. (b) A report was drawn up in 1983 by the Safety and Health Commission for the Mining and Other Extractive Industries, and a copy of this will be sent direct to the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2974/85 Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi (COM—I) This document makes a detailed analysis of the to the Commission of the European Communities problems connected with using diesel engines in the extractive industries, and a series of proposals to (7 March 1986) governments has been drawn up with a view to (86/C 299/42) improving safety and health underground.

Subject: Pollution caused by lifting trucks In addition, the Commission would remind the Honourable Member of its proposals for Directives which are now being Research carried out by industrial chemists in Italy has discussed in the Council concerning: revealed that lifting trucks, which are used with increasing frequency in stores and factories, can be a serious source of — powered trucks (3) as regards provisions concerning the pollution. The substances produced include fumes, design and construction of trucks, containing among formaldehyde and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons other things provisions concerning visibility, the (PNA) in the case of diesel lifts, while electronic ones produce admissible sound level and protection against the hot strong concentrations of sulphuric acid aerosol. With regard parts of the engine, the exhaust system, and the to physical pollution, the research shows that, in addition to ventilation of battery casings and compartments. This being noisier than electric ones, diesel lifting trucks exceed Directive is still before the Council and is at an advanced the legally authorized noise limits. stage in the approval process;

These dangers combine with other pollutants produced by — the protection of workers against noise at the 4 the technologies used in the production process in many cases workplace ( ). in an environment without ventilation — a frequent occurence in stores and during cold weather. During a work (') EUR 5931, Synthesis Report on research in the third shift it is therefore possible for high concentrations of toxicity programme, 1971—76. EUR 9253, Synthesis Report on research supported by the to occur which are very dangerous both for the operator and Commission, 1977—82. for employees working in the vicinity of lifting trucks. The (2) OJ No C 307, 27. 11. 1981, p. 19. main effects on health are irritation of the ocular and (3) COM(79) 229 final, 11. 5. 1979 (OJ No C 165, 2. 7. 1979, respiratory mucous membranes, chronic bronchitis and p. 1). emphysema, pulmonary lesions, disturbances of the nervous («) OJNoC289, 5. 11. 1982. system and carcino-genicity. In fact, formaldehyde and aromatic hydrocarbons appear in IARC Group II of probable carcinogenic substances, published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Will the Commission therefore say: (a) whether other research exists on this subject? (b) whether it considers that, given the increasing use of lifting trucks, measures should be taken to prevent these WRITTEN QUESTION No 2976/85 machines, which are intended to facilitate human by Mr Alfons Boesmans (S—B) labour, from having adverse effects on workers' health? to the Commission of the European Communities (7 March 1986) (86/C 299/43)

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission Subject: Discharge of phosphogypsum wastes (28 May 1986) Is the Commission aware that millions of tonnes of The Commission is aware of the health and safety risks to phosphogypsum are discharged into fresh and salt water in No C 299/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 the Member States of the European Community each Answer given by Mr Christophersen year? on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1986) If so, can it provide detailed information on these discharges for each Member State and for each year? Most of the information requested by the Honourable According to scientific tests, these discharges of gypsum are a Member is contained in the catalogue published by the Office serious hazard both to public health and the environment. for Official Publications of the European Communities in What precise steps has the Commission already taken to deal Luxembourg (Catalogue No FX-42-84-266-NL-C; ISBN with the source of this problem and what results have been 92-825-4738-8), a copy of which is being sent direct achieved to date? to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat-General.

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis Additional information on individual publications is on behalf of the Commission available from Commission departments. (4 June 1986)

The Commission is aware that calculations, based on production capacities of fertilizer plants, have been made which estimate that over a million tonnes of phosphogypsum wastes may be discharged each year into Community waters. WRITTEN QUESTION No 3012/85 The Commission does not, however, possess detailed by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE—IRL) information on actual phosphogypsum discharges made in to the Commission of the European Communities each Member State. (13 March 1986) Although some scientific work has shown that these (86/C 299/45) discharges, under certain conditions such as low dilution are toxic to fauna, other work has shown the effect may be synergistic with suspended matter. Some further research Subject: Industrial use of agricultural products indicates that discharges of phosphogypsum have no noxious effect on biological equilibrium. The technological developments in food production indicate that there is enormous scope for the industrial use of The Commission would call the attention of the Honourable agricultural products. Member to Directive 76/464/EEC (l) on pollution caused by the discharge of certain dangerous substances into the Can the Commission state the level of Community funding aquatic environment. Inorganic phosphorous compounds, for research in this area? which would include phosphogypsum, appear in List II of the Annex to the Directive. Is the Community research in this area on a par with Japan (') OJNoL 129, 18. 5. 1976, p. 23. and the United States?

What is the position in relation to technology transfer in the field of the industrial development of farm products?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2985/85 by Mr Pol Marck (PPE—B) Answer given by Mr Andriessen to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (13 March 1986) (30 May 1986) (86/C 299/44)

Subject: Commission publications 1. Progress in the area of research into the industrial use of agricultural products depends upon long-term basic Is it possible for the Commission to provide me with a list of research for the development of new transformation its publications indicating: processes and on the production, through genetic (a) their frequency, engineering, of crop plants and micro-organisms adapted to the requirements of industries. Such research is supported at (b) the Directorate-General responsible for issuing them, Community level in the framework of the Biomolecular (c) the languages in which they are published, Engineering Programme 1982—86 (a copy of which is being sent to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General (d) the number of copies (by language if possible), of the European Parliament) and the Biotechnology Action (e) the annual cost (by language if possible)? Programme 1985—86 (*)• In the former programme the 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/29 budgetary allocation is 15 million ECU, in the latter 55 average price increase of 7% proposed by Copa/Cogeca million ECU. represent an appropriate return to producers?

Furthermore, in 1984 the Community initiated a one-year preparatory programme of agricultural research into the possibilities for the industrial use of agricultural products Answer given by Mr Andriessen currently in surplus (a copy of which is being sent to the on behalf of the Commission Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the European Parliament). Depending on the results obtained (7 May 1986) from this preparatory programme, for which there is a budgetary allocation of 1 million ECU, a more ambitious The Commission has, in its proposals on prices for multiannual programme may be undertaken. agricultural products and related measures (*), indicated the background for maintaining the target price for milk but 2. Basic research in this area in the Community is on a par changing the fat/protein ratio. Consequently, the with that of the United States and ahead of that of Japan in so Commission does not agree with the change in target price far as plant molecular genetics are concerned. As regards for milk mentioned by the Honourable Member. research and development in large-scale industrial work, some European multinationals are well-placed. However, (») Doc. COM(86) 20 final, Volumes I—III. generally speaking, European research in this area is somewhat fragmented. Moreover the amount of large scale activity is greater in the United States where a number of major multinationals are investing large sums in basic research and more medium-sized entrepreneurial firms are advancing the techniques at the research and development level. WRITTEN QUESTION No 3025/85 by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE—IRL) 3. The potential in relation to technology transfer in the field of the industrial development of farm products is not to the Commission of the European Communities being sufficiently exploited. For this reason, in its guidelines (13 March 1986) for a new Community framework programme of (86/C 299/47) technological research and development (1987—91) (2), the Commission has indicated its intention to launch a major proposal relating to pilot or demonstration activities in the Subject: Consultation with the fishing industry in allocating area of agro-industrial technologies. total allowable catches (TACs)

On 16 April 1986 the Commission adopted a discussion Given that communication with the fishing industry is paper 'Biotechnology in the Community — stimulating relatively poor in the process of setting TACs and quotas agro-industrial development'. This paper is to initiate an within the common fisheries policy, does the Commission intensive discussion in particular with the European consider it would be appropriate to take measures to improve Parliament and the Council with a view to establishing the liaison with the industry? research programme on this issue as afore-mentioned. (>) OJ No L 83, 25. 3. 1985, p. 1. (2) Doc. COM(86) 129 final. Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha on behalf of the Commission (28 April 1986)

The Commission does not accept the premise of the Honourable Member's question. WRITTEN QUESTION No 3023/85 The Commission discusses regularly with its Advisory by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE—IRL) Committee on Fisheries the subject of total allowable catches to the Commission of the European Communities (TACs) and has taken steps to ensure that these discussions (26 February 1986) take place as far in advance as possible of the Commission's (86/C 299/46) submission of its proposals to the Council. However, several factors limit the possibilities of discussion. Subject: Milk prices These are:

Milk deliveries have declined significantly since the (i) most of the scientific advice on which the Commission imposition of quotas. bases its proposals is usually not available until June at the earliest and the remainder not until November. Does the Commission feel, taking into account the balanced (ii) this advice is then reviewed by the Scientific and expansion of farming enshrined in the Treaty, that the Technical Committee for Fisheries whose report is No C 299/30 Official Journal of th. European Communities 24. 11. 86

translated and made available to the Advisory The Commission also notes that much of the necessary work Committee on Fisheries as quickly as possible; of international co-ordination is carried out under the auspices of the International Council for the Exploration of (iii) TACs for joint stocks have to be negotiated with the Sea in respect of fish stocks in the North-East Norway and/or Sweden and agreement on these is not Atlantic. reached until very late in the year. As for catch statistics, fishermen are requested by Council The fishing industry considers it essential that the TACs be Regulation (EEC) No 2057/82 on the control of fishing adopted by the Council before the start of the year to which activities (') to record at least once a day in a logbook their they apply. catches of species subject to TACs or quotas and to declare the exact quantities landed. The Member States are required to ensure the registration and verification of the quantities of catches landed and to notify them to the Commission.

On a proposal from the Commission, the Council, at its meeting of 16, 17 and 20 December 1985, amended Regulation (EEC) No 2057/82 so as to strengthen the control of the registration of catches, in particular those WRITTEN QUESTION No 3026/85 transhipped at sea. The obligation of the fishermen to record by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE—IRL) catches can also now be extended at the Commission's initiative to stocks not subject to TACs or quotas so as to to the Commission of the European Communities improve scientific information and inhibit breaches of (13 March 1986) conservation measures (2). (86/C 299/48) The Commission ensures that the figures communicated to it are as exact as possible in particular by the use of its Subject: Common fisheries policy (CFP) — Scientific data inspectors, who have the task of verifying on the spot the effective application of the common fisheries policy. In Given the problems associated with achieving precise data in flagrant cases of failure by the Member States to respect the the process of determining scientific advice and catch Community's control provisions, the Commission has statistics on the CFP, what steps does the Commission plan to recourse to the infringements procedure provided for in take to ensure reliable, accurate data? Article 169 of the EEC Treaty. (') OJNo L 220, 29. 7. 1982, p. 1. (2) Regulation (EEC) No 3723/85 of 20 December 1985 (OJ No L 361,31. 12. 1985).

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha on behalf of the Commission (29 April 1986)

The provision of scientific advice is dependent upon many sources of data, of which conventional catch statistics are only one source, albeit an important one. WRITTEN QUESTION No 3035/85 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) Other data include the length and age composition of the to the Commission of the European Communities landings, fishing effort, distribution and abundance offish in (14 March 1986) those stages which are not available to the commercial fleet (eggs, larvae and very young fish) and discards at sea. (86/C 299/49)

The collection of these data is manpower-intensive and often Subject: Industrial waste disposal taxes requires the use of research vessels. The Commission does not have the authority, the manpower resources or the facilities to assume responsibility for this work, which is Special taxes on the disposal of industrial waste are levied in carried out by the Member States. certain Member States of the European Community.

As these data are collected by sampling, the precision of the 1. Does the Commission have comparative data on the results is related to the size and coverage of the sampling nature and amount of these taxes? programmes and therefore to the resources which Member States can afford to devote to these programmes. In the case 2. Does it not consider that, to avoid distortion of of joint stocks, the relevant third country also needs to competition, it should initiate joint action in this participate. matter? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/31

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis accurate figure for a 'surplus'. However, if the Honourable on behalf of the Commission Member refers to the total stocks held in public storage, these (13 May 1986) were published on 20 February, annexed to the Commission's recent price proposals (]). The figures were: cereals, 18,65 million tonnes; sugar, nil; olive oil, 75 000 1. The Commission has no specific data or comparisons tonnes; rape, nil; milk products, 1 532 million tonnes; beef, on the nature and level of the waste disposal taxes levied in 803 000 tonnes and pigmeat 26 000 tonnes. certain Member States.

2. The Commission is planning a study to compare toxic waste disposal costs in the Member States. Depending on the 2. The prospects for disposing of the above depend partly results, it could then formulate proposals for joint action. on the budgetary resources that can be found for destocking measures. The Commission's special destocking programme would spend an exceptional 1 155 billion ECU in 1986, to remove 270 000 tonnes of butter and 200 000 tonnes of beef. Even so, the key to the problem is still the discouragement or prevention of any new surplus production or stock accumulation. This view was also expressed in the WRITTEN QUESTION No 3044/85 Parliament's own resolution on the disposal of agricultural stocks. Accordingly, the Commission has put forward, in the by Lord O'Hagan (ED—GB) framework of its price proposals for 1986/87, measures for to the Commission of the European Communities bringing supply, and hence intervention buying, under (14 March 1986) control. (86/C 299/50)

Subject: Food surpluses 3. Surpluses may be used as food aid in so far as:

The Commission will be aware that the growing cost of food — the Community budget makes provision for the cost of surpluses in the Community is causing increasing public purchase (world price plus export refunds if relevant), anxiety. together with a contribution to transport costs. The 1986 budget provides for over 1,7 million tonnes of cereals and 1. Could the Commission now state the figure for the 121 400 tonnes of milk products (milk powder and amount of surplus for each agricultural commodity butteroil); which the common agricultural policy supports, either directly or indirectly? — the type of food offered is included among the products listed as eligible in the relevant Council Regulations and 2. What prospects does the Commission foresee for the corresponds to recipient countries' request, their eating elimination or disposal of these surpluses? habits, and their possibilities for storage and processing. 3. To what extent can these surpluses be used as food aid and famine relief?

4. How much of these surpluses could be eliminated be It should be recalled, moreover, that Community policy selling large quantities to citizens of the Member States at towards developing countries aims to integrate food aid into a heavily subsidized price? the development process and thus encourage local food production. Food aid cannot therefore be considered simply 5. If neither subsidized sales inside or outside the as a means of disposing of Community surplus stocks. Community nor the use of agricultural surpluses to help the starving will eliminate the problem, what proposals does the Commission now envisage? 4. Making food stocks available even to the most 6. Is the Commission aware that the continuing cost of disadvantaged citizens of the Community would still displace these surpluses poses a major threat to the value of the an unknown quantity of produce now sold on a normal Community as a whole in the eyes and minds of many commercial basis. The net effect on the surplus elimination is citizens throughout the Community? thus hard to quantify. The legal bases do of course already exist for Member States to do this with meat, milk, butter, and fruit and vegetables. However, they seem to make rather limited use of them, even where the legislation makes no quantitative restrictions. Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission (12 May 1986) 5 and 6. The Commission is well aware that the persistence of large stocks not only has a damaging effect on 1. Since it is not possible to be sure what will be the the image of the Community, but also a seriously depressing volume of sales from Community stocks, one cannot give an effect on the relevant markets. This is why stock reductions, No C 299/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 coupled with the Commission's other proposals on prices and In common with other Member States, the United Kingdom related measures, are essential to the successful attainment of grants tax relief on the importation of goods, in small the Community's objectives. consignments of a non-commerical character, with a value of up to 100 ECU and which have been acquired under normal (») Doc. COM(86) 20. market conditions in another Member State. For certain products the tax-relief is also subject to quantitative limits, and for beverages with a strength greater than 22°, the United Kingdom grants relief for not more than 25 centilitres at a time. Although the petitioner provides no copies of official documents relating to the payment of £ 8 referred to in the petition, it seems likely that this represents excise duty and value-added tax applicable to at least one of the two WRITTEN QUESTION No 3047/85 bottles of alcohol sent to the United Kingdom, as well, possibly, as other items such as charges made by the Post by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S—D) Office for presentation to customs. In the absence of a to the Commission of the European Communities detailed account, the Commission cannot say whether the (14 March 1986) various charges were calculated correctly. (86/C 299/51) There is nothing to suggest that the United Kingdom authorities have offended against Community law in the Subject: Christmas parcels sent to England present case. The Commission points out in its White Paper of June 1985 (J) (see paragraphs 39—43) that the major Is the Commission familiar with the case of Helmut and Olga effort is required at Community and Member States level to Wendler of 72 GoltsteinstrafSe, 5000 Cologne 51, who sent align national standards as much as possible to common Christmas parcels to England and what steps has it taken to standards in the case of veterinary health, and the concept of ensure that there will be no more incidents of this kind in any a Community health mark on animal products is advanced as Member State? a means of facilitating free movement.

So far as taxes are concerned, Part III of the White Paper sets out the measures which the Commission considers necessary for the elimination of obstacles to the free movement of Answer given by Lord Cockfield goods. on behalf of the Commission Pending the adoption of the measures mentioned above, and (9 June 1986) the abolition of postal charges for presentation to customs, which has already been proposed to the Council (2), the The Commission has received information from the Commission can only urge Member States to apply existing European Parliament about a petition on this subject and has provisions with flexibility and understanding to gifts sent detailed comments to the Committee on Petitions. The exchanged between different Member States, in so far as Commission's reply may be summarized as follows: these provisions provide some scope for discretion to be exercised. Consignments of meat products sent from one Member (*) Doc. COM(85) 310 final. State to another are subject to inspection and certification 2 for public health purposes to prevent the spread of ( ) Doc. COM(85) 356 final. infection from one Member State to another.

When meat products are imported into a Member State, the competent authorities are therefore entitled to require evidence that these products comply with the health provisions. In practice, Member States frequently show some tolerance where small consignments sent between private WRITTEN QUESTION No 3049/85 individuals may be presumed free from risk, but the United by Mr Pol Marck (PPE—B) Kingdom authorities habitually exercise great caution in this to the Commission of the European Communities field. (14 March 1986) The Commission naturally regrets that exchanges of gifts (86/C 299/52) may be impeded in this way but Member States have a legal right to protect their territory from health risks. It should be Subject: Imports of apples added that the present United Kingdom practice, which the Commission has encouraged, of opening parcels and 1. Will the Commission state how many apples were removing offending articles, represents an improvement over actually imported from the southern hemisphere in the years the procedures frequently used in the past, which consisted in 1980 to 1985? returning the whole parcel to the sender, often with unpleasant consequences for perishable foodstuffs owing to 2. Will the Commission also state what excess amounts the delays involved. were involved in each case? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/33

3. Have future estimates been calculated on a reliable Answer given by Mr Andriessen basis? on behalf of the Commission (17 June 1986) 4. Does the Commission feel that, having regard to the level of stocks at 1 January 1986, it is necessary to limit 1. According to Nimexe figures, imports into the imports to 80% of the quantities imported during the last Community of apples from the southern hemisphere were as marketing year? follows up to 1985:

(tonnes)

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Origin

Argentina 76 198 67 266 59 039 58 076 52 932 64 336 Chile 87 363 100 077 88 136 75 692 97 820 86 960 South Africa 124 115 124 749 157 360 97 539 157 467 147 325 Australia 20 723 27 875 10 954 6 745 2 238 10 278 New Zealand 54 754 67 083 54 246 48 324 77 255 95 611

Total 363 153 387 050 369 735 286 376 387 712 404 510

It should be noted that these figures may include quantities WRITTEN QUESTION No 3050/85 imported into the Community and re-exported to by Mr Pol Marck (PPE—B) non-member countries. to the Commission of the European Communities Statistical technique does not allow of isolation of these (14 March 1986) quantities from the totals. (86/C 299/53)

2. If the reference is to excesses of exports monitored over Subject: Catch-up levy export forecasts sent in by the supplying countries, 1985 was virtually the only year in which there were such excesses, The Council of Ministers has decided to introduce a forecasts being about 390 000 tonnes. 'catch-up' levy to absorb outstanding costs (the cost of the past) in the sugar sector.

For the other years, the imports monitored consistently fell Will the Commission state under what budget heading this short of forecasts. revenue will be entered, as the budgets concerned have already been fixed? 3. The Commission believes that the export forecasts made by the supplying countries in the southern hemisphere Will the Commission state how 'profits' have been entered in are generally made on a practical basis. the accounts in the past?

It realizes, however, that like all forecasts, they may well prove inaccurate, were it only because the actual exports may Answer given by Mr Christophersen be adapted during the marketing year on the basis of a more on behalf of the Commission favourable or less favourable market situation than that (12 June 1986) predicted. By virtue of Article 2 of the Decision of 7 May 1985 on the 4. Stocks of apples at 1 January 1986 were 1 994 000 Communities' system on own resources (1), the new tax will tonnes for the ten-country Community, i.e. about 14% less be considered as 'own resources', and as such will be entered than on the same date in 1985. These stocks are the lowest on the revenue side of the budget under Title I (new line: recorded in recent years. 115).

In these circumstances, the Commission does not feel that It is to be noted that one of the basic aims of the sugar regime special measures relating to imports from the countries of the is the 'budgetary neutrality' of the refunds/production-tax southern hemisphere are needed. It has, however, drawn the account and the storage-costs/storage-tax account, taking attention of the suppliers to the unfavourable consequences one year with another. Consequently no problem of the which would arise from exports exceeding the forecasts. accounting for a 'surplus' arises in respect of those taxes. (») OJ No L 128, 14. 5. 1985, p. 15. No C 299/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3053/85 WRITTEN QUESTION No 3066/85 by Mr Karl von Wogau (PPE—D) by Mr Gene Fitzgerald (RDE—IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (28 February 1986) (14 March 1986) (86/C 299/54) (86/C 299/55)

Subject: International passenger transport Subject: Employment in health care

A German taxi company has been told by French frontier According to the International Labour Office December police that it is not allowed to pick up passengers from an 1985 Bulletin: 'Health care in industrialized countries has airport in France to convey them to the Federal Republic of become big business. Moving ahead of such traditional Germany. sectors as mining and communications, it is now a major employer practically everywhere. 1. Is this information correct? In the United States, for example, the health care and medical 2. Is such an arrangement compatible with the provisions of services industry is the third largest employer and accounted the EEC Treaty governing the freedom to provide for 7,4 % of total employment in 1980. In Sweden 8,3 % of services? the total active population were employed in this sector in 1982, 8,5% in Norway in 1983 and 5% in the USSR in 1980.'

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis Can the Commission provide similar information on the on behalf of the Commission number of jobs in health care in each of the 12 Member States of the European Community and will it also state how it sees (25 June 1986) health care developing in terms of employment in the next decade? 1. Yes, the Commission understands that such cases do arise.

2. The situation mentioned by the Honourable Member Answer given by Mr Marin constitutes one of the problems which the Commission will on behalf of the Commission examine in the light of the Court decision in the case 13/83, (3 July 1986) brought by Parliament against the Council for failure to act on the common transport policy. The health care sector is also a major employer for the Community's 12 Member States. The following table, drawn from an OECD study (*), gives the relevant figures.

Total health employment

(in thousands)

1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983

Belgium 145 153 159 167 Federal Republic of Germany 529 553 573 Denmark 113 118 Greece 60 65 67 69 Spain , 293 322 304 294 329 France 727 760 Ireland 51 54 56 58 Italy 468 485 502 516 525 539 Luxembourg 6 Netherlands 290 297 306 313 318 322 Portugal 89 88 88 95 99 United Kingdom 1 136 1 170 1 192 1 126 1 246 1 246

These figures show that the volume of employment in the very substantially. Whilst the Commission has not produced health sector has grown in all Member States — sometimes quantified forecasts of employment trends in this sector, it 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/35 can be estimated, on the basis of a number of national WRITTEN QUESTION No 3080/85 forecasts for 1990, that the growth will continue, though at a by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) slower pace than that recorded over the last 10 years. to the Commission of the European Communities (*) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, (21 March 1986) Social Policy Studies No 2; 'Measuring health-care 1960—1983: Expenditure, Costs and Performance'. (86/C 299/57)

Subject: Nuclear energy — Pollution of the Moselle. Luxembourg challenges the EDF

Through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Poos, the Luxembourg Government has made known that it will WRITTEN QUESTION No 3077/85 oppose the EDF (Electricite de France) plan to discharge by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) radioactive waste from the Cattenom nuclear power plant to the Commission of the European Communities (east of France) into the Moselle. (21 March 1986) Luxembourg has said that, with the waste discharge from the (86/C 299/56) power plant, the legal radiation limit in force in Luxembourg would be considerably exceeded and that the limits fixed by Subject: Westland — European industrial integration the Luxembourg authorities would be overstepped by far.

The British and European press has given wide coverage to What is the Commission's reaction, given the Treaty the situation created by the choice shareholders in the British provisions and Community directives on nuclear matters? helicopter construction firm Westland have had to make Has this matter, which involves two Member States, been between an 'American' and a 'European' solution. brought to its attention?

In the past, the Commission has informed the Member States of its resolve better to integrate and harmonize leading European industries (such as the helicopter industry) as part of its industrial policy. Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission What is the Commission's position in this particular case? (8 July 1986) What Community action is it envisaging?

The Commission is aware of the negotiations conducted by France and Luxembourg with regard to the limitation of Answer given by Mr Narjes radioactive waste discharged from the Cattenom power on behalf of the Commission plant. As a result of those discussions, the two Governments signed an agreement on 12 March 1986 which, in particular, (29 May 1986) lays down procedures for the disposal of waste from the plant. The Commission's position was explained on 16 January 1986 by Mr Sutherland during the topical and urgent In the same context, the Luxembourg Government wrote to debate (*). the Commission on 20 February 1986 requesting the amendment of Directive 80/836/Euratom of 15 July In the Commission's view, the two offers were legally valid 1980 (l) with a view to limiting the exposure of members of and it was up to the shareholders to choose between them. the public to radioactive waste discharged from nuclear However, Mr Sutherland mentioned the consequences which installations. the choice might entail concerning the development of European cooperation in the helicopter industry and the The Commission is currently examining this request in development of advanced technologies. accordance with the procedure provided for by Articles 31 and 32 of the Euratom Treaty. At a meeting held on 12 February 1986, Westland's shareholders followed the management's recommendations and opted for a solution involving Sikorsky/Fiat. The Commission is also in the process of consulting the group of experts referred to in Article 37 of the Euratom The Commission does not envisage taking any action on this Treaty with a view to determining: matter, although it is concerned about this important — whether the planned discharge of waste from the advanced technology. Cattenom plant is likely to cause radioactive (*) Debates of the European Parliament No 2-334 (January contamination in another Member State, 1986). — whether the proposed discharge limits respect the provisions of the Council Directives laying down basic health protection standards. No C 299/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

On the basis of the group's observations the Commission will the cooperation criteria), were nevertheless making a full deliver an opinion which will be sent to all the countries contribution to the Community-backed technological concerned. effort.

(*) Council Directive of 15 July 1980 amending the Directives laying The Commission is in favour of measures that seek to further down the basic safety standards for the health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionizing technical progress and cooperation. Accordingly, it has radiation (OJ No L 246, 17. 9. 1980, p. 20). expressed its willingness to extend to the Eureka projects those measures relating to the attainment of the Community internal market that can make direct contribution to technological development, e.g., measures involving increased access to public supply contracts, policies of normalization, the use of financial instruments and, lastly, taxation. Similarly, the Commission is ready to promote a dialogue with the industry on potential questions arising out of the application of the rules of competition, notably with regard to cooperation agreements on research and WRITTEN QUESTION No 3082/85 development which cannot, in terms of their application, by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S—B) discriminate in favour of certain forms of cooperation at the to the Commission of the European Communities expense of others. The Commission would point out that, under Article 83 (3), derogation rules were adopted back in (21 March 1986) 1984 with regard to cooperation agreements involving (86/C 299/58) research and development.

However, it is clear that this approach to the Eureka projects Subject: Eureka — Meeting in London must be integrated within the framework of the Commission's overall measures provided for in the White The Commission announced at the meeting of the group of Paper on the internal market (*), and that Community Eureka High Representatives, on 22 and 23 January 1986, decision-making procedures must be complied with. that it intended rapidly to convene the undertakings Furthermore, any measures designed to extend cooperation concerned so that the application of the competition rules to to non-member countries will need to be the subject of the projects included in Eureka could be discussed. bilateral agreements based on the principle of reciprocity.

Does the Commission envisage any specific proposals in the (') Doc. COM(85) 310 final. following respects: "— preferential access to public contracts, — part to be played in the fixing of standards, — preferential access to public financing, especially European financing,

— taxation. WRITTEN QUESTION No 3087/85 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (21 March 1986) Answer given by Mr Narjes (86/C 299/59) on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1986) Subject: Action programme on cancer prevention

1 The fact that the products of Eureka cooperation will be new The action programme proposed by the Commission ( ) aims products and potentially very much in demand means that, in to increase knowledge about the causes of cancer and market terms, they will enjoy a natural advantage. For this possible means of prevention and treatment. reason, these products will also qualify for preferential access to public contracts. However, the same holds good of any 1. Do the Community institutions take the view that competitive product for which there is a market demand, terrestrial radiation or any other radiation capable of regardless of whether or not it comes under the Eureka producing cancer comes within the scope of the action umbrella. programme?

Any artificial preference that favoured the products of 2. If not, why is this radiation not taken into account? Eureka cooperation would place at a disadvantage those undertakings which, while not actively involved in a Eureka 3. If so, are they prepared to amend the resolution (and project (for instance, on the grounds that they did not meet draw up the subsequent documents relating to the action 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/37

programme) clearly enough so that any person interested Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis is duly informed? on behalf of the Commission (10 July 1986) 4. Does the Commission take the view that the whole study of the problem is covered by point 4.3(iv) and would it The Commission has had no experience of the kind described not be advisable to address the causes of cancer in very by the Honourable Member. It is currently the case that in general terms in a field where much is still not each Member State the supply of water is a service known? undertaken and controlled by the public sector. (») Doc. COM(85) 628 final (OJ No C 336, 28. 11. 1985, p. 11).

Answer given by Mr Marin WRITTEN QUESTION No 3095/85 on behalf of the Commission by Mrs Christine Crawley (S—GB) (26 May 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (21 March 1986) 1 and 2. The question raised by the Honourable Member (86/C 299/61) concerns the relationship between low doses of ionizing radiation and the effects observed. A great deal of research Subject: United Kingdom water privatization — has been devoted to this topic in the fields of both Maintenance of supply experimental pathology and epidemiology. Furthermore, the Commission itself has initiated and is continuing with a series Privatization of water resources could well cause hardship to of radiation protection research projects on the effects of low low-paid and non-earning people within the United doses of ionizing radiation. Kingdom as a result of enforced fitting of meters. What steps will the Commission take to safeguard their water supply? Given that one of these effects is cancer (including, for the sake of simplicity, the various forms of leukaemia), it is only appropriate that this question should be covered by the cancer programme. Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission 3 and 4. Since it has already been the subject of so much (10 July 1986) research, the important thing now is to analyze the data available and to coordinate the activities performed at national level by the Member States and other countries and There are no Community instruments available which would internationally by the organizations working in the field allow the Commission to intervene to safeguard the water (United Nations, WHO, IARC, OECD, etc.). supply of any individuals whose supply was cut off in the way the Honourable Member suggests. Accordingly, the resolution is comprehensive enough as it stands, giving the Commission full scope to modify action programmes on the basis of such needs as arise during their execution.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3108/85 by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (21 March 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 3094/85 (86/C 299/62) by Mrs Christine Crawley (S—GB) Subject: Charge levied in Belgium on 50 (unused) telephone to the Commission of the European Communities units (21 March 1986) (86/C 299/60) Belgium recently introduced a system requiring each telephone user to pay for 50 telephone units during each payment period even though he may not have used these Subject: United Kingdom water privatization — Experience units. In the final analysis, this means, amongst other things, of change of control that a tax is being paid on services that have not been supplied. What experience has the Commission in dealing with the effects on public health and the environment of the reverting For example, there is a specific case of an old man who was of a Member State's water authorities from maximum public admitted to hospital for three months and could not therefore control to maximum private control? use the telephone but who was nevertheless required to pay No C 299/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

for the 50 units. If this argument is logically pursued, Will the Commission also indicate how many projects were everyone can be required to buy 50 train tickets or 50 submitted in all for Belgium and whether applications were stamps. also made for the Flemish region?

To what extent can the Commission investigate whether this payment of telephone units is a tax and to what extent this tax is discriminatory and at varianqe with European Answer given by Mr Mosar legislation? on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1986)

The Honourable Member's Written Question concerns the Answer given by Mr Narjes Community's 1986 coal research programme under Article on behalf of the Commission 55 of the ECSC Treaty. (29 July 1986) Under this programme seven projects were submitted by Belgian firms. After examining all the projects submitted by It is known to the Commission that according to the firms in the European Community, the Commission amendment of 8 April 1983 to the Royal Decree of 1978, proposed support for three of the seven projects. fixing the principal telecommunications tariffs, the Belgian Administration of Telegraphs and Telephones (RIT) invoices These projects were submitted by the Belgian institute the amount of 50 tax units even if the taxes due for outgoing mentioned by the Honourable Member, and concern: subscriber telephone traffic during a period of two months are inferior to the value of 50 tax units, i.e. Bfrs 250. — the adaptation of panel support to large roadway diameters, At first sight this amount could be incorporated in the — rise heading (face opening) with pilot hole, two-monthly rental fee. However, the RIT has introduced — improved planning based on the interpretation of the minimum charge of 50 tax units in order to promote the geological data. use of the telephone network.

For subscribers in special social circumstances the RIT grants a social tariff with 50% reduction of the rental fee and maximum 30 tax units free of charge per two months.

Without knowing further details the Commission is not in a WRITTEN QUESTION No 3130/85 position to verify whether the social tariff could be applicable in the case mentioned by the Honourable Member. by Mr Thomas Raftery (PPE—IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities The charge of 50 telephone units per each two-month period (24 March 1986) cannot be considered a taxation, properly speaking, but constitutes rather a minimum fee to be paid by the customer (86/C 299/64) of a telephone rental for the services deriving from being connected to the telephone network. Subject: Excise duties on wine

In view of the Commission's hope that the Council will adopt the 1972 Commission proposals on excise duties during the course of 1986, what additional pressure can the Commission bring to bear in order to ensure that this in fact comes about?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3125/85 Does the Commission have a 'fall-back' position in the event by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC—B) of their inability to persuade the Council of the necessity of these measures? to the Commission of the European Communities (24 March 1986) If so, what proposals will they make? (86/C 299/63)

Subject: Research programme for the coal sector Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission The National Mining Institute in Liege has received assistance for three projects under this research programme, (10 June 1986) two of which were in the 'mining engineering' category. While the Honourable Member's question is entitled 'Excise Will the Commission state which projects were involved? duties on wine' it refers in fact to the Commission's 1972 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/39 proposals on excise duties, which cover spirits and beer as health requirements for trade between Member States of well as wine. The Commission has been striving for many consignments having a commercial nature, regardless of the years to have these proposals adopted and has succeeded in quantities involved and of the way they are shipped from one obtaining some convergence in national positions during Member State to another Member State. However, since Council discussions. small consignments of meat products forming a part of travellers' personal luggage and intended for their personal More recently the Commission has been taking an active part consumption, and meat products sent as small packages to in the work of the ad hoc Working Party on Abolition of private persons are not, by their nature, subject to such Fiscal Frontiers, set up by the Ecofin Council of 28 January commercial transactions, the Commission considers that this 1986 to consider what taxation measures are necessary to category of meat products is not covered by the scope of the achieve the establishment and functioning of the internal above-mentioned Directives. The Commission made its market before the end of 1992. The Working Party has position clear in its proposal for modification of Directive 3 already called for the Council's Working Party on Financial 77/99/EEC ( ), where those meat products are excluded Questions to resume work on harmonization of the structure from the scope of the Directive, under condition that they are of the excise duties on alcoholic beverages. A first such not the subject of commercial transactions. As a discussion has taken place and others will presumably consequence, their importation is subject to the general follow. provisions of the EEC Treaty, and in particular of Articles 30 and 36 thereof. Once the ad hoc Working Party has reported its conclusions to the Ecofin Council, the latter will be in a position to take Also subject to these provisions are national requirements political decisions on all the Commission's proposals relating to the composition of these products and to the concerning the taxation of alcoholic beverages. In these various ingredients and .additives which may be used, circumstances, the Commission does not see the necessity for regardless of whether or not they are the subject of a 'fall-back' position. commercial transactions. (>) OJ NoL 26, 31. 1. 1977, p. 85. As regards the excise duty on wine, the Honourable Member (2) OJ No L 47, 21. 2. 1980, p. 4. is referred to the answer given by the Commission to his (3) OJ No C 349, 31. 12. 1985, p. 43. Written Question No 1790/85 (»). (!) OJNoC 81, 9. 4. 1986, p. 20.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3137/85 by Mr Alexander Falconer (S—GB) WRITTEN QUESTION No 3133/85 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Thomas Raftery (PPE—IRL) (24 March 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (86/C 299/66) (24 March 1986) (86/C 299/65) Subject: Level of toxic content in animal feed produced in Member States of the Community as compared with that produced in African, Caribbean and Subject: Export of meat products from Ireland Pacific countries Will the Commission state the position with regard to I understand that the Commission is intending to impose persons carrying meat products, by air or sea, from Ireland to import controls on ground nuts from ACP countries, i.e. other Member States? Senegal, Mali, Gambia, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan, on the basis of toxic content. Does the position differ if such products are for personal consumption? Has the Commission:

1. Measured the level of toxic content in animal feed produced and used in Member States; Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission 2. Compared the findings with toxic content of animal feed coming from ACP countries. (23 May 1986) If so, will the Commission publish its findings and if not will Council Directive 77/99/EEC on health problems affecting the Commission withdraw its import control policy on intra-Community trade in meat products (J) and Council ground nuts until it has researched toxic content of animal Directive 80/215/EEC on animal health problems affecting feed within the Member States and compared it with animal intra-Community trade in meat products (2) lay down the feed imports from ACP countries? No C 299/40 Official Journal of the uropean Communities 24. 11. 86

Answer given by Mr Andriessen WRITTEN QUESTION No 3143/85 on behalf of the Commission by Mrs Eileen Lemass (RDE—IRL) (23 June 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (24 March 1986) The Commission has no intention of imposing special (86/C 299/67) controls on groundnuts from certain ACP countries. Subject: Radiation from computer screens The provisions which it presented to the Council in September 1984 (J) concern, without distinction, all raw New research by the Swedish Occupational Safety materials of vegetable origin liable to be contaminated by Administration and Sweden's Radiological Protection aflatoxin which are marketed within the Community with a Institute has shown that radiation from computer screens, view to the manufacture of feedingstuffs. The main purpose until now considered safe for pregnant women, may cause of the measures proposed is to supplement the current birth defects. provisions of Council Directive 74/63/EEC on the fixing of maximum permitted levels for undesirable substances and Given that the Council Directive of 15 July 1980 lays down products in feedingstuffs (2) so as to provide better protection basic safety standards for the health protection of workers for animal and human health against certain against the dangers of ionizing radiation, what measures will contaminants. the Commission take to further investigate the possible dangers to pregnant women whose work involves the use of computer screens? In 1984 the Commission carried out a survey on the aflatoxin B 1 content of raw materials of vegetable origin and animal feedingstuffs and the aflatoxin M 1 content of milk. Answer given by Mr Marin Since the sole purpose of the survey was to check to what on behalf of the Commission extent products marketed within the Community were (30 May 1986) contaminated by aflatoxin, it did not appear necessary to break down the results according to whether the The Commission is aware of the Swedish study, to which the feedingstuffs or raw materials tested had originated within Honourable Member refers, on the increased incidence of the Community or outside. congenital deformations caused by working at data display screens. The Commission has been keeping track of this The Commission did not consider that such a breakdown problem in connection with the application of the Council was required, since its proposal applies both to imported raw Directives concerning the basic safety standards for the materials and to raw materials of Community origin. health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionizing radiation (80/836/Euratom) of 15 July 1980 I1) and (84/467/Euratom) of 3 September In the case of groundnuts, as in the case of exotic products 2 in general, it is physically impossible to make a comparison 1984 ( ). on the basis of origin because the species concerned are not cultivated within the Community. As regards More recent measurements have confirmed that, in the case contamination, the only comparisons it was possible to make of such display units, there is either no exposure to ionizing were between crop species (cereals, maize, cotton, radiation or at most an exposure comparable to the negligible groundnuts, copra, soya, etc.). natural exposure. The abovementioned Swedish research, on the other hand, In the Commission's view, the comparison proposed by the involved experiments in which animals were exposed to Honourable Member and the publication of the results magnetic fields produced by data display units, i.e. would merely serve to discredit unnecessarily the raw non-ionizing radiation. The results, moreover, are not materials or feedingstuffs produced by certain countries. directly applicable to humans. The competent Swedish authorities therefore see no reason to adopt special The Commission is unable to publish the results because the measures. Member States insisted that the survey should remain confidential, a requirement which it considers to be The Commission will continue to keep abreast of the results well-founded. of these studies with a view to issuing future Directives relating to non-ionizing radiation.

The ACP countries supplied full documentation concerning The Commission would also refer to its answer to Written aflatoxin and groundnuts and this forms part of the Question No 2363/82 of 21 March 1983 on the same information on the basis of which the Council will decide problem by Mrs Weber, Mrs Seibel-Emmerling and Mrs what action to take on the Commission proposal. Krouwel-Vlam (3). (») OJ No C~258, 26. 9. 1984, p. 7. (') OJ No L 246, 17. 9. 1980, p. 1. (2) OJ No L 38, 11. 2. 1974, p. 31. (2) OJ No L 265, 5. 10. 1984, p. 4. (3) OJ No C 189, 14. 7. 1983, p. 27. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/41

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3154/85 June 1983 which provided for 379 million ECU. The by Mr Bram van der Lek (ARC—NL) delay in adopting the decision entailed stopping the programme for over a year; to the Commission of the European Communities — the decisions relating to demonstration projects at that (24 March 1986) time covered only 1984 and 1985. In December 1985 the (86/C 299/68) Council adopted the new energy demonstration programme proposed by the Commission for the period 1986—1989, and the overall funds estimated as Subject: Spending on energy in the 1984—1987 framework necessary for that programme amount to 360 million programme ECU.

In a review of current progress on the framework programme The implementation rate for the 'management of energy 1984—1987, as at 1 March 1985 (published in the resources' goal is now 82%, thus indicating that the September 1985 issue of 'Energiespectrum', published by the decisions concerning the fusion programme have not been Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland — Netherlands taken to the detriment of non-nuclear energy. Energy Research Centre — in Petten), the following (') Doc. COM(85) 140 final. statements are made in connection with point 4: 'improving the management of energy resources and reducing energy dependence'.

By 1 March 1985, 89% of funds had been allocated to nuclear fission and 123 % to nuclear fusion and only 39 and 37 % to the 'development of renewable sources of energy' WRITTEN QUESTION No 3155 / 85 and 'rational use of energy' respectively. This means that, by Mr Bram van der Lek (ARC—NL) although the intended ration between nuclear and non-nuclear research is about 1:1, the ratio at that time was to the Commission of the European Communities actually about 3:1. (24 March 1986) — What are the reasons for this imbalance in the energy (86/C 299/69) programme? Subject: Costs of nuclear energy — Does the Commission think that the non-nuclear parts of the programme should suffer because of the high costs of In the July/August issue of 'Energiespectrum' published by the nuclear fusion programme in particular? the Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland (Netherlands — Or does the Commission think that in spite of this the Energy Research Centre — ECN) in Petten, p. 160, it is non-nuclear programme should also be fully stated that the fuel costs of the nuclear power station in the implemented? Dutch Borssele region have risen to 54 % of the total kWh price, whereas in 1975 they represented 33 % of the cost and — Does the Commission have extra resources for this in 1979 40%. purpose? If so, what are they? Can the Commission explain this enormous rise? — Can the Commission say whether this reflects a general trend in the Community? — Does the Commission think that the percentage will rise Answer given by Mr Narjes still further in the next few years? on behalf of the Commission — In the Commission's opinion, to what extent does this (20 June 1986) trend undermine the assumption that one of the main reasons why nuclear energy is so attractive is the relatively small proportion of variable costs? The figures quoted by the Honourable Member are taken from the Annex to the Commission working document entitled 'Status of implementation of the framework programme and considerations for the preparation of its J Answer given by Mr Mosar revision' ( ). on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1986) The low implementation rate for non-nuclear energy indicated in that document is attributable to the following: As the Honourable Member points out, the proportion of the cost of the fuel cycle in the total cost per kWh at the Borssele — just before the abovementioned document was published power station has increased over the years. This is because the Council decided upon a new non-nuclear energy this power station, which came on stream at the end of 1973, programme with funds estimated as necessary for the had the advantage of a relatively low investment cost, which execution of the programme amounting to 175 million is reflected in fixed annual amortization rates which are ECU compared with the Commission proposal of 16 unaffected by inflation and by price rises since 1973. In the No C 299/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 case of fuel, and the operating costs of the power station, WRITTEN QUESTION No 2/86 inflation and price rises have had a very serious effect. by Mr Ben Visser (S—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities When there is a high rate of inflation and prices are rising, the proportion of the costs accounted for by fuel is bound to rise. (10 April 1986) What is more, once the investments have been fully written (86/C 299/71) off, whether it be a nuclear or a conventional power station, the cost per kWh will be made up solely of expenditure on fuel and operation of the plant. Subject: Modification of Airbus aircraft for a three-man flight crew Since the proportion of variable costs in conventional power stations is much greater, there is no question of the 1. Is the Commission aware that Airbus Industrie in competitiveness of nuclear power stations being at issue. Toulouse is not willing, even after being so urged by a number of airlines to modify the A 320 for a flight crew of two pilots and a flight engineer (!)?

2. Is it true that the Boeing Aircraft Factory in Seattle (USA) is prepared to modify the B 757 for a three-man crew on request?

3. Does the Commission agree that Airbus is placing itself WRITTEN QUESTION No 3160/85 in an unfavourable position vis-a-vis its competitors and thus by Mrs Bodil Boserup (COM—DK) is unnecessarily putting European employment at risk? If so, to the Commission of the European Communities what action does the Commission plan to take? (24 March 1986) I1) See the letter from the European Flight Engineers' Organization (86/C 299/70) to the Commission, 10 February 1986.

Subject: Depreciation of Community olive oil stocks

In the 1986 draft budget, a total of 423 million ECU has been Answer given by Mr Narjes set aside under items 2034 (butter) and 2114 (beef and veal) on behalf of the Commission for depreciation of the Community's surplus stocks. (11 June 1986)

As huge stocks will also accumulate in the future in the olive The A 320 aircraft incorporates the latest techniques, oil sector — particularly after the accession of Spain and notably the replacement of the mechanical controls of the Portugal — the Commission is asked to indicate whether, for ailerons and flaps by electrical links. 1987, it intends to set aside appropriations for the depreciation of the olive oil surplus and, if so, to estimate the According to the manufacturer, these innovations render the size of the amounts involved? presence of a third person on the flight deck unnecessary and allow airlines to cut labour costs.

It must be realized that technical progress implies short-term Answer given by Mr Andriessen job losses which should be remedied by other means. on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1986)

All products bought in, including olive oil, may, where necessary, be subject to depreciation of their value by virtue of the second paragraph of Article 8 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1883/78 ('), provided such depreciation meets WRITTEN QUESTION No 20/86 the criteria of that Regulation and the Commission has the by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) necessary budgetary appropriations. to the Commission of the European Communities (10 April 1986) With regard to the setting aside of appropriations for a possible depreciation of olive oil stocks under the 1987 (86/C 299/72) budget, the Commission has not proposed any such provision in its 1987 preliminary budget. Subject: Parliament access to the Commission's Asmodee (») OJ No L 216, 5. 8. 1978, p. 1. data base In reply to a written question tabled in 1981 (J), the Commission stated that 'the Asmodee data base mainly 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/43 contains data relating to internal Commission procedures, remain to be put right, particularly as regards the form of some of which are of a restricted or confidential nature.' It citation of some national instruments. added that there were plans 'to transfer to the Celex system the data contained in the index which are of a public nature, 3. The two sources of information are quite separate and i.e. information relating to national measures implementing serve different purposes. The Commission's annual Directives' and that 'this information will then be accessible report on the implementation of Community laws is to Parliament, which already has access to the Celex intended to inform Parliament of the infringement system.' procedures initiated under Article 169 of the Treaty, notably for failure to transpose Directives into national law, whereas sector 7 of Celex is a source of reference for Is the Commission aware of the importance that Parliament national measures taken to implement Community attaches to the implementation of Community law in the Directives. Member States, particularly legislation pertaining to the environment? 4. Sector 7 of Celex has been open to the other institutions since 23 May 1986 on an experimental basis and in a What are the difficulties which have emerged since 1981 form which is still incomplete, given the revision prompting the Commission to delay access by Parliament to operations, referred to in paragraph 2, which are still public information? going on.

Does it consider that the annual report on the implementation of Community law in the Member States constitutes sufficient information for Parliament and exempts it from granting Parliament access to Asmodee?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 37/86 Would the Commission state when it expects to fulfil its undertakings to grant Parliament access to information of a by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR—NL) public nature in this data base? to the Commission of the European Communities (10 April 1986) (») Written Question No 187/81 (OJ No C 205, 13. 8. 1981, p. 7). (86/C 299/73)

Subject: Technical barriers to trade in the form of certification requirements

In 1980, the Commission forwarded to the European Parliament a communication entitled 'Removal of technical Answer given by Mr Delors barriers to trade' (Doc. COM(80) 30 final of 24 January on behalf of the Commission 1980), in which it announced its intention to deal with trade (16 June 1986) barriers resulting from national requirements concerning certificates of conformity and inspection procedures.

The Commission announced that it would endeavour to It was in response to the wishes of Parliament, to which the secure mutual recognition of the inspection procedure and Honourable Member refers, that the Commission undertook the certificates of conformity required in the various Member as a matter of priority the construction and input of sector 7 States and bring about the introduction of European of Celex. standards for certification authorities and test laboratories. 'The work is to be continued over the next few months, and 1. Yes. the Commission is very anxious that it should proceed with alacrity.' 2. As Celex is an interinstitutional base, Parliament's Five years later, in its White Paper on completing the internal departments have been kept regularly informed of market (Doc. COM(85) 310 final of 14 June 1985), the progress. Not only had Celex to be adapted and systems Commission once more announced its intention of proposing constructed for the automatic transfer from Asmodee to measures (point 78). Celex of information on national implementing measures, but also — and more important — the Asmodee base itself had first to be finalized. This base (a) What specific results were obtained between 1980 and was experimental and, irrespective of the 1985? abovementioned transfer, revision of both content and (b) Will the Commission undertake to submit proposals in operation was required. This was particularly necessary 1986 concerning the recognition of testing and as far as content was concerned, since, from being a certification procedures, and an index of certification simple internal working aid, part of the base was to be bodies, as indicated in the timetable contained in the openend up for consultation by the public. This work is White Paper, thereby ensuring that no further delays largely completed, although a number of shortcomings occur in this important area? No C 299/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Answer given by Lord Cockfield In his reply to my Written Question No 2420/85 (2) on behalf of the Commission concerning the use of colour additives in medicine, Lord (23 June 1986) Cockfield indicated that it would be practicable or desirable for the colour additives employed in medicinal products to be included on the label. Six years after its communication entitled 'Removal of technical barriers to trade', the Commission is pleased to be Could the Commission comment on this apparent able to remind the Honourable Member of three major contradiction? achievements in this area: (') Debates of the European Parliament No 2-330 (October — the adoption of Directive 83/189/EEC(1) laying down a 1985). procedure for the provision of information on draft (2) OJ No C 175, 14. 7. 1986, p. 24. technical standards and regulations, f — the communication to Parliament and the Council (2) on the new approach in the field of technical harmonization and standardization (to which the Council responded Answer given by Lord Cockfield with its resolution of 7 May 1985 and on which on behalf of the Commission Parliament has not yet taken any action), (28 May 1986) — the first proposal for a Directive presented by the Commission in accordance with this new approach, There is no contradiction in the reply to the two questions namely the draft proposal concerning simple pressure referred to by the Honourable Member. The reply to Oral 3 vessels ( ). Question H-409/85 clearly referred to the use of E 102 in foodstuffs. Council Directive 79/112/EEC (*) requires that As regards the particular problems relating to the mutual the presence of each additive is indicated on foodstuffs for recognition of certificates and test results, the Commission sale to the ultimate consumer. The Commission proposed considers that, as has been the case in the past, progress is this requirement with a view to ensuring the fullest made with each harmonization Directive that the Council information to the consumer so that he could take the adopts (there are already some 200 Directives for industrial presence or absence of additives into account or in the case of products), and that in the case of anything covered by the a known sensitivity, avoid foods containing a particular area for which no harmonization directives exist and never additive on the advice of his doctor. will, the goal can be reached only if the circles concerned (test laboratories and certification authorities) define a set of As stated in reply to Written Question No 2420/85, the criteria and common operating conditions conductive to the choice of colourant for medical products is subject to establishment of national accreditation systems. The approval by the competent national authorities before being Commission is in the course of promoting the launching of placed on the market, and they may require a special warning this action and would remind the Honourable Member that to be given. in principle no formal adoption of legal acts by the Council is to be expected in the matter. V) OJ No L 33, 8. 2. 1979, p. 1.

(») OJ NoL 109, 26. 4. 1983, p. 8. (2) Doc. COM(85) 19 final. (3) Doc. COM(86) 112 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 53/86 by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S—D) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 42/86 (10 April 1986) by Mr Terence Pitt (S—GB) (86/C 299/75) to the Commission of the European Communities (10 April 1986) Subject: Academic support for the development of the (86/C 299/74) customs union 1. What academic projects are under way in the relevant Subject: Labelling requirements institutes for economics and law at European universities in support of the development of the customs union? In its reply to my Oral Question H-409 / 85 (J) concerning the use of tartrazine, the Commission stated that 'Additional 2. Is the Commission prepared to collate the main protection is provided for the consumer by the labelling research findings of university and non-university institutes requirements. The addition of E 102 is clearly indicated on and to use these in representations to the undoubtedly containers and this allows doctors, parents and patients to hesitant national authorities, particularly in the field of tax refrain from using it.' harmonization and the simplification of frontier controls, 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/45 including the transfer of the latter to inland locations (cf. the Does the Commission intend to draw up proposals to the 14th VAT Directive)? Council for strictly controlling the production of and trade in these items? If so, on what lines and when? 3. Is the Commission aware of the beneficial and successful work of the major German customs and economics institute, the so-called 'Kiel Circle' in Osdorf near Kiel, directed by Mr Reinhard Gernun, and what contacts has the Commission had with this institute, or does it intend WRITTEN QUESTION No 107/86 to have, in the interest of rapid attainment of the internal market? by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (15 April 1986) (86/C 299/77) Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission Subject: Use of plastic weapons (9 June 1986) The American House of Representatives intends to draw up a 1. The Commission takes a general interest in any regulation banning firearms made of plastic as these weapons academic work being executed at university level which cannot be picked up by metal detectors and are therefore relates to the development of the Customs Union. It has no ideal for use by terrorists. possibility of monitoring closely all such activities, but makes every effort to follow them when it can, and has, for Will the Commission indicate whether this type of weapon is example, organized, through its Bonn office, a conference at also available in the Community and whether there are plans Hamburg from 5 to 7 June 1986 on the completion of the to ban the import, transit and export of such weapons? internal market.

2. In the Commission's opinion the establishment of a true internal market is of such outstanding importance for Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 59/86 the future of the Community and its Member States, that it and 107/86 features quite naturally in the programmes of all sorts of given by Lord Cockfield institutes and circles at university level or outside the on behalf of the Commission academic field. Whilst this broad range of activities cannot possibly be followed by the Commission, they are none the (12 June 1986) less greatly appreciated, not least because of their impact on the development of an informed and aware public opinion The Commission has no statistics on the production or sale of which supports the Commission's efforts to establish such an weapons made from synthetic materials. internal market. The Commission intends, as announced in the White Paper 3. The Commission is aware of the work of the 'Kiel on completing the internal market (J), to present to the circle' the reports of which it regularly receives, and has Council a proposal for a Directive on the approximation of already in the past exchanged correspondence with this arms legislation in Member States. This proposal for a institute. Directive will deal, among other topics, with the production and sale of weapons made not of metal but of synthetic materials.

(•) Doc. COM(85) 310 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 59/86 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (10 April 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 75/86 (86/C 299/76) by Mr James Ford (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Sale of non-detectable hand-weapons in Europe (10 April 1986) There has recently been interest in the sale of hand-weapons (86/C 299/78) made from synthetic materials. These weapons connot be ii tected in baggage checks at airports, and are therefore very Subject: Emergency food biscuit i.ingerous in the hands of terrorist organizations. Has the Commission considered using a portion of the food Can the Commission provide figures on the production of, stocks held in storage in the Community to produce an and trade in, these weapons covering Europe? emergency food biscuit that could be immediately sent to No C 299/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

areas of catastrophe, earthquake, flood or famine to help Commission of any problems securing compliance with this alleviate immediate distress? If not, are they prepared to value under Directive 75/440/EEC. consider such a proposal? However, some Member States have granted derogations or stated their intention to do so in respect of Directive 80/778/EEC. The Commission is examining whether these Answer given by Mr Natali derogations are compatible with Article 9 and the special on behalf of the Commission procedure laid down in Article 20 of this Directive. (3 June 1986) H OJ NoL 194, 25. 7. 1975, p. 26. (2) OJ No L 229, 30. 8. 1980, p. 11. Biscuits have been included since 1985 among the products eligible for Community food-aid operations, on the basis of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3331/82 (1). They have already been supplied both in this context and in connection with the Dublin Plan, for various emergency food-aid WRITTEN QUESTION No 103/86 programmes run by international or non-governmental relief agencies. by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission takes account, in deciding allocations, of (15 April 1986) the relative cost-efficiency of various food-aid products. Biscuits, which are grouped together for budgetary and (86/C 299/80) programming purposes with other 'non-traditional' products such as beans, pulses and fish, have in this respect proved Subject: Advertising on television — Code of ethics relatively costly in terms of their nutritional content and suitable only in very specific emergency situations. The advent of cable television means that most households can receive roughly 15 stations. (>) OJ NoL 352, 14. 12. 1982, p. 1. In some Member States advertising on television is allowed, in others it is banned and in others advertising is permitted for products but not for brand names.

Will the Commission state whether it has submitted recommendations to the Member States on the production of WRITTEN QUESTION No 77/86 television advertising and more specifically broadcasting times, the ethics of advertising, the interruption of films for by Mr James Ford (S—GB) commerical breaks, products, an advisory council for to the Commission of the European Communities advertising, etc.? (10 April 1986) Will the Commission provide a summary of the situation in (86/C 299/79) each Member State?

Subject: Nitrate levels in EEC member countries

What progress has been made to implement the Directive on Answer given by Lord Cockfield nitrate levels in EEC member countries? on behalf of the Commission (19 June 1986)

Yes. The Commission would ask the Honourable Member to Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis refer to the synopsis of the Member States' legislation on on behalf of the Commission radio and television advertising in the Commission's Green (11 June 1986) Paper 'Television without Frontiers — Green Paper on the establishment of the common market for broadcasting, especially by satellite and cable', published on 14 June The 50 mg/1 N0 parameter for nitrates is one of the 3 1984 0). On the basis of the Green Paper and of the conditions which must be observed by Member States under wide-ranging consultations that have taken place on it, the Council Directive 75/440/EEC of 16 June 1975 concerning Commission submitted to the Council on 30 April 1986 a the quality required of surface water intended for the proposal for a Directive on the coordination of certain abstraction of drinking water in the Member States (*) and legislation of the Member States concerning Council Directive 80/778/EEC of 15 June 1980 relating to 2 broadcasting ( ), on which Parliament will be consulted, and the quality of water intended for human consumption (2). includes inter alia proposals for approximation of Member States' legislation on broadcast advertising. All Member States apply this value formally, i.e. by law, except Greece as regards Directive 75/440/EEC. (') Doc. COM(84) 300 final, pp. 209—258. (2) Doc. COM(86) 146 final. As to enforcement, i.e. the practical application of the legal provisions, Member States have not informed the 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/47

WRITTEN QUESTION No 105/86 is signed in 1976 and which was not ratified by the National by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) Assembly until 1983? to the Commission of the European Communities In this connection is the Commission aware of remarks made (IS April 1986) by the French Minister for the Environment, Mrs (86/C 299/81) Bouchardeau, according to whom the people of Alsace are strongly opposed to salt from the Alsatian potassium mines being injected into the soil at Chalampe or Rheningue Subject: Radiation treatment of foodstuffs because, according to recent surveys, the soil there is not porous enough? Radiation treatment is applied to foodstuffs as a means of preserving them. This means that the food will keep for a Can the Commission rapidly provide information on this longer period and the process can also kill harmful survey and on the French Government's official attitude to organisms. it?

Will the Commission state whether there is a proposal for a Can the Commission say what measures it is considering if Directive on this subject? the French Government again resorts to delaying tactics in implementing the Rhine Salt Convention, in view of the fact If not, will the Commission indicate, for each Member State, that the Dutch people are likely to lose their faith in European which products may be subjected to radiation tratment and cooperation if the harmful and illegal discharges of salt into under what conditions? the Rhine from France are not stopped?

Answer given by Lord Cockfield Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1986) (14 July 1986)

As was indicated in the Commission's White Paper ('), a Even though the Community is not a contracting party to the proposal for a Directive relating to irradiation of food is Convention, the Commission is keeping close track of work being prepared by the Commission for adoption by the under the Chlorides Convention within the International 2 Council before 1988 ( ). Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution. The Commission carried out a survey on the national authorizations for irradiated food in 1981 at the request of In particular, the Commission noted that, at the latest 3 Mr Schmid ( ). This survey has not been updated. It would plenary session of the International Commission, the French be unproductive to repeat the exercise until the recently delegation stated that it would not be possible to dispose of approved (March 1986) opinion of the Scientific Committee 4 chlorides underground in Alsace as envisaged by Article 2 (2) for Food ( ) on this subject has been assessed and acted of the Convention on chlorides, but the French authorities upon. would be seeking an alternative way of fulfilling their (») Doc. COM(85) 310 final. obligations by 5 January 1987. (2) Completion of the Internal Market — Foodstuffs: Doc. COM(85) 603 final. The Commission of the European Communities has declared (3) Written Question No 1398/81 (OJ No C 47, 22. 2. 1982). that it is willing to use all means at its disposal to help find a (4) To be published shortly. viable means of cutting down chloride discharges into the Rhine.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 113/86 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE—NL) WRITTEN QUESTION No 118/86 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S—D) (15 April 1986) to the Commission of the European Communities (86/C 299/82) (15 April 1986) (86/C 299/83) Subject: Proper implementation of the Rhine Salt Convention by France Subject: Trade in human skeletons

Is the Commission aware that there is a risk that France will The government of the Indian State of Bihar ordered an again delay implementing the Rhine Salt Convention, which investigation at the end of August 1985 after the Paliputra No C 299/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Times reported that children in the State had been abducted Can it provide a regional breakdown of these figures for and killed and their skeletons shipped abroad. Belgium?

(») OJ No L 206, 30. 7. 1983, p. 75. 1. How many skeletons have been imported into the Community in recent years and how many have been children's skeletons?

2. Which countries do they come from? Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission 3. Is the Commission aware of the investigation in the State (24 June 1986) of Bihar and does it intend to look into the matter if it seems necessary? The following are details concerning the school milk scheme in Belgium:

1983/84 1984/85 Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission 1. Number of schools to which milk (1 July 1986) and other dairy products were supplied 5 499 6 765 Number of schoolchildren ('000) 1 262 1 312 Although the Commission does not have the results of the investigation of the State of Bihar, it is aware of the allegations to which the Honourable Member refers. It 2. As regards costs, the EEC's share for the 1984/85 understands that the Indian authorities prohibited the export academic year (July 1984 — June 1985) totalled Bfrs 336,8 of human skeletons and parts thereof as from 19 August million, and the Belgian contribution was Bfrs 16,7 1985. million.

Information on imports of skeletons or bones into the 3. The Commission is not in a position to give a Community is not available at the Commission. breakdown by region.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 144/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 129/86 by Mr Geoffrey Hoon (S—GB) by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE—B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (IS April 1986) (15 April 1986) (86/C 299/85) (86/C 299/84)

Subject: European Regional Development Fund Subject: Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2167/83 of J 28 July 1983 (M In reply to my Written Question No 2094/85 ( ), the Commission supplied statistics indicating the percentage of population in areas eligible for ERDF grants. This Regulation lays down detailed rules for the supply of milk and certain milk products to schoolchildren. Those figures showed a wide disparity — ranging from 100% of the population in the case of Luxembourg and Can the Commission provide a table showing how many Ireland to 24% for Denmark and only 15,6% for the institutions in Belgium made use of this Regulation in 1984 Netherlands. and 1985? Does the Commission accept that these statistics show an Can it indicate what financial contribution is in fact involved even greater disparity when compared to the gross domestic here? product (GDP) of each Member State? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/49

GDP per capita in 1984 % of population (purchasing power standard)

EEC-10 39,1 100 Belgium 33,1 105 Denmark 24,0 116 Germany 37,1 115 Greece 65,6 54 France 41,5 109 Ireland 100 67 Italy 40,5 87 Luxembourg 100 124 Netherlands 15,6 101 United Kingdom 37,7 96

What conclusions does the Commission draw from this 1. When is this scheme likely to come into effect? comparison? 2. What consequences will its introduction have on dairy In particular, does it consider that the unequal spread of imports into the Community from New Zealand? regional aid as shown by these figures is compatible with the principles of the Community's regional policy? (») OJ No C 130, 28. 5. 1986, p. 37. Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission (23 June 1986)

Answer given by Mr Pfeiffer On the basis of the proposals which the Commission on behalf of the Commission presented in-November 1985 ('), the Council adopted, on (18 June 1986) 6 May 1986, Regulation (EEC) No 1336/86 fixing compensation for the definite discontinuation of milk 2 The Commission would maintain that there cannot be a production ( ). This Regulation is applicable from 1 May complete correlation between the proportion of the 1986. population eligible for ERDF aid in a country and that country's average level of development (as expressed by GDP The Commission does not consider that there is any direct per capita). The territorial coverage of the ERDF link between the Community milk production cessation corresponds with those areas for national regional aids which scheme which has been introduced by the Council and the are largely determined by regional disparities within the level of dairy imports from New Zealand. The question of Member States themselves. future imports of butter from New Zealand after 1986 will be the subject of a separate Commission proposal to be However, the Commission is of the opinion that an effort presented to the Council with a view to its adoption before should be made to prevent the dispersion of ERDF-resources. 1 August 1986. To this end, the Commission will attempt, in cooperation (') Doc. COM(85) 583 final. with Member States, better to define priorities for (2) OJ NoL 119, 8. 5. 1986, p. 21. intervention.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 156/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 150/86 by Mr Axel Zarges (PPE—D) by Lord O'Hagan (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (21 April 1986) (21 April 1986) (86/C 299/87) (86/C 299/86) Subject: Financial assistance for organizations at Community level concerned with animals, game, Subject: Outgoers scheme nature conservation and the environment

The Commission has proposed a scheme to assist dairy For some time the Commission has been providing financial farmers to leave the industry. assistance for the 'Eurogroup for Animal Welfare'. Such No C 299/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 assistance for an organization concerned with establishing WRITTEN QUESTION No 157/86 sound ecological conditions and the conservation of fauna is by Ms Joyce Quin (S—GB) to be welcomed. to the Commission of the European Communities However, in addition to the 'Eurogroup for Animal Welfare', (21 April 1986) other organizations exist at Community level which are also (86/C 299/88) concerned with the conservation of fauna, for example, the Federation of Hunting Associations of the EEC (FACE), to which all hunting associations in the 12 Community Member Subject: Anomalies in the system of student exchanges States belong. This organization is concerned with the within the European Community conservation of wild fauna, the creation of optimum ecological conditions, and giving proper importance to At present, German students studying in the United Kingdom nature conservation and environmental protection in are allowed to claim supplementary benefit during the conjunction with the care and protection of game in areas summer vacation as well as being in receipt of government developed and cultivated by man. grants which are intended to cover this period.

Is the Commission prepared to give financial assistance to an On the other hand, British students studying in the Federal organization such as FACE, which has 6,5 million members Republic of Germany are unable to claim supplementary in the European Community, in the same way as to the benefit in the Federal Republic. They are also not given any Eurogroup for Animal Welfare? grant aid from the United Kingdom Government during the summer vacation and soon will not even be permitted to Are there other non-governmental organizations active at draw supplementary benefit in the United Kingdom. Community level, i.e. in all the Member States, in the field of environmental protection and the care and protection of The effect to the above is that German students are actively game and other animals and do they also receive financial encouraged to stay in the United Kingdom during the assistance from the Commission? summer to 'seek' work receiving two sources of finance whereas British students are disadvantaged in that, if they Last autumn an Intergroup on Hunting and the Environment choose to seek work in the Federal Republic, they do so was formed within the European Parliament, which now without any financial support whatsoever. comprises 40 Members of the European Parliament from nine Member States and six political groups. The particular What is the Commission's view of this situation and does it objectives of this Intergroup include nature conservation, the agree that such discrepancies are detrimental to student preservation of wild animal life in accordance with sound exchanges? gamekeeping principles, and to see things from the point of view of a rational relationship between hunting activities and the environment. Is the Commission prepared to grant Does the Commission envisage any action to remedy this financial assistance for the activities of such an situation — in particular by trying to ensure that Member Intergroup? States provide financial assistance to students during the summer period?

Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Marin (1 July 1986) on behalf of the Commission (8 July 1986) The Commission has certain limited resources which for several years it has devoted to the support, among others, of The Commission takes note of the situation described by certain activities undertaken by non-governmental the Honourable Member whereby students may claim organizations in the field of environment and nature supplementary benefits, during exchange visits in the protection. More recently, in the context of the budget for summer vacations, in one Member State and not in 1986 adopted by the Parliament in December 1985, it was another. envisaged to extend such support to European organizations with an interest in the field of animal welfare. While the Commission regrets any difference of treatment between Community nationals based on nationality, and The particular budget line in question (6681) has, as the contrary to the spirit of Article 7 of the EEC Treaty, Honourable Member knows, been frozen as a result of recent Community law does not impose any requirement on action of the European Court of Justice. If it should Member States to allow students access to supplementary eventually prove possible to disburse the monies provided for benefit during exchange visits in their vacations. However, under this line, the Commission would naturally examine all students who are Community nationals are entitled to seek valid proposals for support made by European organizations and accept work in another Member State during their for the protection of animals. vacations. In their then capacity as workers they are entitled to exactly the same treatment and rights as workers in that Member State. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/51

Being concerned to promote the mobility of students across WRITTEN QUESTION No 159/86 the Community, and aware of the financial cost this implies, by Mr Terence Pitt (S—GB) the Commission has presented the Erasmus (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University to the Commission of the European Communities Students) programme to the Council, which would provide (21 April 1986) amongst other things Community grants to cover the (86/C 299/90) additional costs incurred by students studying in another Member State, such as travel and language preparation. Subject: Colour additives in food

Is the Commission aware that there is a considerable body of scientific opinion which has established a link between azo dyes and coal tar dyes and both allergic reactions and hyperactivity?

This is because azo dyes are believed to act as blocking agents WRITTEN QUESTION No 158/86 in the formation of Prostaglandin El which controls the by Mr Terence Pitt (S—GB) body's immune system. to the Commission of the European Communities In view of the fact that the following permitted colours are (21 April 1986) azo dyes, does the Commission not agree that there is a (86/C 299/89) strong argument for prohibiting their use in food and pharmaceutical products:

Subject: Warning label on pharmaceutical products E102, E107, E110, E122, E123, E124, E128, E154, E155, E151, E180, E104, E127, E131, E132, E133? In view of: Is the Commission also aware that, of these dyes, the 1. the link between azo dyes and allergic reactions in some following have already been prohibited under US food people; law: E122, E123, E124, E151, E180, E104, E131, E142? 2. the use of azo dyes in pharmaceutical products; Would the Commission not therefore accept that this fact would the Commission consider insisting on the adoption of seriously calls into question Community policy to permit the United States practice of pharmaceutical products having those 7 dyes specifically? a warning label including the possible adverse reaction that might be felt by some people to chemicals used in the product? Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission (29 May 1986) Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission The Commission has already replied comprehensively to the (29 May 1986) Honourable Member's various written and oral questions (l) on the subject of hypersensitivity and allergenicity and does not think it necessary to comment further on the medical The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its aspects on this subject. answer to his Written Question No 2420/85 (l). The Commission's policy is to allow only safe colours in food The basic requirements for the labelling of medicinal and it does not agree that there are strong arguments for products have already been harmonized by Council Directive prohibiting use of azo dyes. 65/65/EEC (2). As announced in the White Paper on the Internal Market, the Commission intends to bring forward The process of assessment and approval of food additives is further proposals to harmonize the information given to carried out with the utmost care and is necessarily lengthy patients about medicinal products in 1990 covering, and time-consuming. This is one reason why the lists of amongst other things, special warnings which are considered permitted additives drawn up by the Community and other necessary having regard to the nature of the product and the countries may differ at any point in time. Other reasons could patients for whom it is intended. be, for example, that the food or foods in which this additive (') OJ No C 175, 14. 7. 1986, p. 24. is used are not marketed in a particular country, that a (2) OJ No 22, 9. 2. 1965, p. 369/65. request has not been made for its approval or that another additive has been approved to fulfil the same function. Nevertheless, the Commission attaches great importance to extensive discussions and exchange of information and views No C 299/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

on food safety questions at international level both in bodies from Mr Pitt (') on the subject of funding projects in South such at the World Health Organization/Food and Africa. This reply sets out purposes and arrangements for Agriculture Organization Codex Alimentarius and implementing the special programme in South Africa under bilaterally as in the regular discussions it holds with the Article 953 of the 1986 budget, following the decision taken United States/Food and Drug Administration and the by Ministers of the Twelve on 10 September 1985. Japanese authorities. The Commission is aware of the activities and financial Such discussions widen the base of scientific knowledge and operations of the South African-based Urban Foundation, opinion and thereby contribute a better protection of the which has been particularly concerned with mobilizing local consumer. private sector resources in support of self-help projects among South African black communities with a view to (!) Oral question H-409/85, Debates of the European Parliament, OJ No C Annex 330/85; Written Question No 1417/85 (OJ No improving the quality of life notably in the black African C 341, 31. 12. 1985); Written Question No 2418/85 (OJ No C townships. 137, 4. 6. 1986); Written Question No 2419/85 (OJ No C 150, (!) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2-337 (March 16. 6. 1986); Written Question No 2618/85 (OJ No C 175, 1986) 14. 7. 1986); Written Question No 42/86 (see page 44 of this Official Journal).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 178/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 164/86 by Mr Fernand Herman (PPE—B) by Mr Ernest Muhlen (PPE—L) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (21 April 1986) (21 April 1986) (86/C 299/92) (86/C 299/91)

Subject: Assistance for the black people of South Africa — Subject: Consultation of the Council by the Commission Victims of apartheid pursuant to Article 50 (2) of the ECSC Treaty

1. Is the Commission aware that the Urban Foundation of According to Official Journal No C 65 of 20 March 1986, South Africa, an independent organization founded with the page 5, consultation of the Council has taken place on a draft support of business and industrial circles to promote the Commission recommendation on the establishment of living standards of the black people of South Africa, has preferential treatment for debts in respect of the levies opened an office in the European Community, more referred to in Articles 49 and 50 of the ECSC Treaty. specifically in London? However, nothing is said of the results of this consultation. 2. Does the Commission not consider that, rather than Can the Commission confirm that the consultation was merely calling for sanctions and joint European measures successful and that it is maintaining its plan to establish the directed against South Africa, it is advisable and necessary to preferential status of these debts? take active steps to improve the quality of life of South Africans, in particular the black population, and participate in joint endeavours through independent organizations such as the Urban Foundation? Answer given by Mr Delors 3. Is the Commission prepared to submit to the Council on behalf of the Commission an overall programme of measures designed, by means of (31 July 1986) practical assistance and financial contributions, to improve the quality of life of the black people of South Africa, who are victims of apartheid? On 13 May 1986 the Commission adopted the final version of the draft recommendation to which the Honourable Member refers.

Answer given by Mr Natali This recommendation, 86/198/ECSC, establishes on behalf of the Commission preferential treatment for debts in respect of levies on the production of coal and steel and was published in Official (30 June 1986) Journal No L 144 of 29 May 1986, page 40.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the It is based on Articles 49 and 50 of the ECSC Treaty. Article reply given on 12 March 1986 to oral question No H-922/85 50 (2) in particular empowers the High Authority to 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/53 determine the mode of assessment and collection of the levies exemption by excluding women from these jobs. Can the after consulting the Council. Consultation of the Council is a Commission confirm that this practice contravenes Directive legal requirement, but its results are not binding. 76/207/EEC ('Jon equal access for women and men to all work, training, and working conditions? When it had been consulted the Council discussed the draft transmitted by the High Authority but did not take a vote (see (>) OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40. the first paragraph of Article 28 of the ECSC Treaty).

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (26 June 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 182/86 by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED—GB) The Commission takes the view that obligations under to the Commission of the European Communities Community law are in principle conterminous with the (21 April 1986) jurisdiction of the Member States. (86/C 299/93) The Commission is therefore considering the application of Community law outlawing discrimination between women Subject: US import regulations and men, including the Equal Treatment Directive What steps is the Commission taking to remedy the 76/207/EEC, to the particular circumstances raised by the unacceptable situation where United States import Honourable Member. regulations prohibit the importing of commercial ships over 5 tonnes?

Answer given by Mr De Clercq on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 201/86 (12 June 1986) by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S—B) to the Commission of the European Communities There are no import restrictions in the United States on commercial ships built outside the United States but they are (24 April 1986) subject to import duties in the United States. Ships built (86/C 299/95) outside the United States may not, however, carry out coastwise trade (cabotage) within the United States which is reserved for ships built within the United States. Subject: Cooperation agreement between Beckaert and Foreign-built ships may only participate in the foreign trade BHP of the United States. The Belgian Beckaert Group has concluded an association The Commission refers the Honourable Member to the agreement with the Australian industrial giant, Broken Hill answer given to Written Question No 177/76 by Messrs Proprietary Company Ltd, on the setting up of a steel cord Laban and van der Hek (M. plant in North Geelong (Victoria, Australia).

(!) OJ No C 184, 9. 8. 1976, p. 21. Has the Commission been notified of the agreement?

Does the Commission not consider that, in view of the position of both firms in the steel sector, this agreement may have an adverse effect on trade between Member States and prevent, restrict or distort competition within the common WRITTEN QUESTION No 195/86 market? by Ms Carole Tongue (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (21 April 1986) Answer given by Mr Sutherland (86/C 299/94) on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1986) Subject: Exclusion of women from work on off-shore oil rigs Bekaert NV, the parent company of the Bekaert Group, has The United Kingdom Sex Discrimination Act 1975 does not made a joint venture agreement with AWI Holdings cover the Continental Shelf and United Kingdom firms Proprietary Ltd, Melbourne, a subsidiary of Broken Hill employing workers on off-shore oil rigs exploit this Proprietary Company Ltd, to set up the jointly-owned No C 299/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 company, Bekaert-BHP Steel Cord Pty Ltd, in North commodities which are over-supplied? in many cases real Geelong to which the question refers. hardship occurs through redundancy benefits being supplied entirely from inadequate national provisions and without The Commission has made enquiries about the nature of the regard to the peculiar circumstances involved. joint venture and its object. It appears that the joint company will make steel cords for reinforcing the walls of radial tyres both for passenger cars and for trucks, as well as steel cord for reinforcing hose pipes. The demand in Australia for car Answer given by Mr Andriessen tyre cord is currently met by AWI and by imports mainly on behalf of the Commission from Bekaert into Australia. There is not yet any Australian (28 July 1986) production of steel cord for truck tyres or for hose reinforcement. The new joint company will have a capacity designed to match the expected Australian demand for car, The Commission is mindful that the introduction of the milk truck and hose cord, allowing for estimated growth. It is not superlevy system has direct consequences for those engaged intended that there should be any excess capacity available in dairy farming. The employment position of wage-earners for export business. In any case, any such exports would be in the sector is the subject of informed debate within the Joint to the Far East (a growth market) rather than to the Committee for Social Problems of Agricultural Workers. European Economic Community. There are no steel cord Employment levels in the supply, processing and distribution exports from AWI to the Community at the present time. trades dependent upon milk production may also be affected.

On the basis of this information, the Commission takes the The Commission does not consider that it would be desirable view that the joint venture agreement in question, which has to seek to draw up Community measures in the highly not been formally notified, is not liable to affect trade complex field of compensatory payments and benefits on a between Member States; nor does it have as its object or selective sectoral basis. likely effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the common market. Accordingly Article The Commission feels it more appropriate for the national 85 of the EEC Treaty does not appear to be applicable to the authorities concerned to determine the levels of agreement. compensation to be provided. The Honourable Member will be aware that, in addition to whatever national schemes are currently in place, compensation may be provided through redundancy arrangements agreed by employers and employees where such arrangements exist.

Given the impossibility of assessing the scale of such arrangements, complementary measures are extraordinarily difficult to draw up and could not guarantee to be entirely and universally equitable. WRITTEN QUESTION No 208/86 by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (24 April 1986) (86/C 299/96)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 218/86 Subject: Compensation for loss of employment through by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) milk quotas to the Commission of the European Communities (24 April 1986) In a number of Member States, and most particularly in the United Kingdom, the number of jobs lost in the food and (86/C 299/97) allied ancillary industries directly dependent on the milk and cattle feed sector continues to rise as a result of the imposition Subject: Member States' reactions to the Commission's of quotas. Quotas represent a structural change to a announcement of 4 October 1984 concerning Community policy, the common agricultural policy. Does border crossings by vehicles equipped with the Commission agree that this structural change is defective Citizens' Band radio because it does not provide for additional compensation for those workers who lose their jobs — on farms, in dairies and In reply to Written Question No 1158/84 by Mr milk processing factories, in plants manufacturing cattle Griffiths 0), Mr Narjes stated on behalf of the Commission feed, and in the transport sector — through no fault of their that the latter had requested the Member States to make own? Such compensation could have been written into the known their views on the abovementioned announcement. quota regulation, imposed upon national or Community resources. Is it not now time to reconsider the situation, Can the Commission indicate what observations have been bearing in mind the additional measures which will made by the Member States and whether the organizations eventually be required to curb excess production in other representing CB users were consulted, in accordance with 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/55 paragraph 5 of the resolution of the European Parliament of WRITTEN QUESTION No 243/86 30 March 1984? by Mrs Marijke van Hemeldonck (S—B) H OJ No C 62, 11. 3. 1985, p. 46. to the Commission of the European Communities (9 April 1986) (86/C 299/99) Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission Subject: Freedom of movement for workers — Security (9 July 1986) required by Belgium According to the Dutch newspaper 'De Stem' of 20 February The Commission is arranging for the communication sent to 1986, the Belgian customs authorities require Dutch casual the Member States on frontier crossings by vehicles equipped workers to deposit a security of Bfrs 300 000 before they are with Citizens' Band Radio together with summaries of the allowed to enter Belgium to work. Member States' replies to be transmitted to the Honourable Member and Secretariat-General of Parliament. It is Can the Commission confirm this report? What steps is it expected that this will be placed on the agenda of the relevant taking to counter this obstacle to the free movement of Committee in the near future. workers and the free provision of services?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (25 June 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 223/86 by Mr Thomas Megahy (S—GB) The Honourable Member cites a report appearing in a to the Commission of the European Communities newspaper circulating largely within a specific locality, as evidence of the existence of practices of the Belgian customs, (24 April 1986) which are contrary to the EEC Treaty provisions on free (86/C 299/98) movement of workers. The details given on the time, place and circumstances of the incidents on which the report is Subject: Retirement ages of women based, and on the character of the payments in question, are not sufficient to enable the Commission to make an informed What consideration has the Commission given to the judgement. That being so, the Commission cannot consequences for Community policy of the decision of the reasonably be expected to take the matter up with the Belgian European Court of Justice of 26 February 1986 relating to authorities. the retirement ages of women?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 261/86 (18 June 1986) by Mr Jorge Pegado Liz (RDE—P) to the Commission of the European Communities The Commission welcomes the preliminary ruling by the (12 May 1986) Court of Justice that the Equal Treatment Directive 76/207/EEC (x) renders unlawful any discrimination (86/C 299/100) between women and men with regard to dismissals and the age of retirement. The Commission is preparing a further Subject: Community payments to Portugal Directive which will seek to provide for equal treatment with At the end of January 1986 and during the time of the regard to pensionable age. electoral campaign for President of the Republic, the The Commission is presently awaiting the decision by the Portuguese press gave prominence to a report that Court of Appeal of England and Wales, the national court Commissioner Cardose e Cunha had been the bearer of an that requested the ruling, which will apply the ruling in the amount of 5 400 million escudos from the Community as its context of national law. The Commission also understands contribution to 17 regional development projects and that he that it is the intention of the United Kingdom to legislate to had delivered it in person to the Portuguese Prime Minister, remove discriminatory rules regarding dismissal and Mr Cavaco Silva. retirement from its national law. Since there are certainly rules in Portugal, as in other European countries, governing the transfer of foreign As Guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will ensure that currencies and since it surely does not fall within the official the obligations of the Equal Treatment Directive are duties of an EEC Commissioner to be the link between the respected. Community and the Government of the country to which be (]) OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40. belongs and act as a vehicle for transferring funds for the joint financing of our programmes by the Community, can the Commission say: No C 299/56 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

(a) Whether Commissioner Cardoso e Cunha was indeed cine called Tetracoq (against diphtheria, tetanus, the bearer of a sum from the Community to the whooping-cough and poliomyelitis). This decision follows Portuguese Government? four unexplained deaths of new-born babies within hours of this four-way vaccine being administered. (b) If he was, what official function was he discharging and in what official capacity? Further, what was the amount 1. Can the Commission give an assurance that ampoules of involved, and what was the form and means of payment the suspect batch of vaccine are not in circulation on the used (cheque, paper money, transfer order)? markets of other Member States; (c) From what Fund was this payment made and for what projects was it specifically intended? 2. Is the Commission aware of any other cases where (d) What projects in Portugal have already been approved Tetracoq vaccine has come under suspicion? within the framework of the Regional Fund for Community assistance in the current year and what are 3. Generally speaking, what Community guarantees are the respective amounts involved? there as regards the risks associated with the use of certain vaccines?

Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Lord Cockfield (27 June 1986) on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1986) The Press reports to which the Honourable Member refers were misinformed. Mr Cardoso e Cunha was not the bearer 1. The Commission has been informed by the French of any sum of money from the Communities to the authorities that none of the batch in question had been Portuguese Government. exported from France. The misunderstanding may have arisen from the fact that, in 2. No. The batch in question was withdrawn by the firm the course of normal working contacts between the as a precautionary measure while investigations continued, Commission and the Portuguese Government, Mr Cardoso e although no causal link between use of the batch and the Cunha was received by the Prime Minister. He took this fatalities had been established. opportunity to inform the Prime Minister of the first Commission decision to provide assistance to Portuguese 3. The Commission will be presenting proposals to development projects. extend the scope of the Community pharmaceutical Directives to cover vaccines in 1987. In the meantime, The payment to the Portuguese Government which arose national rules apply and the system for the exchange of from this decision was made in the normal way by bank information and the informal network of contact persons set transfer. up by the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products In the first two allocations of 1986 the Commission approved may be used to trace vaccines if necessary. 309 infrastructure projects in Portugal for aid totalling 40,835 million escudos from the European Regional Development Fund.

Details of these were given when the relevant press notices were released shortly after the approvals. As these details would be awkward to incorporate in this reply the notices are WRITTEN QUESTION No 287/86 being sent under separate cover to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the European Parliament. by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (12 May 1986) (86/C 299/102)

Subject: PCB substitutes WRITTEN QUESTION No 281/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) As from 30 June 1986, the sale and use in the Community of to the Commission of the European Communities all new apparatuses, particularly transformers and condensers, containing PCB will be prohibited. (12 May 1986) (86/C 299/101) Could the Commission state:

Subject: Risks associated with certain vaccines 1. what products will be used instead of PCB;

The French health authorities have just withdrawn from the 2. what environmental impact studies have been carried out market a batch of 150 000 ampoules of a four-way vac­ in respect of these substitute products? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/57

Answer given by Lord Cockfield regarding certain types of electronic components of Japanese on behalf of the Commission origin to which the Honourable Member refers. It is (23 June 1986) following any developments attentively and when the time comes will consider whether certain measures are necessary because of the consequences resulting from these proceedings 1. According to the Commission's information, which for sales of the parts concerned on the Community has already been given in the answer to Written Question No market. 1539/85 by Mrs Lienemann (l), the products used instead of PCBs are fluid silicons, complex esters and even mineral oils provided that extra precaution against the risk of fire is 2. On 15 May this year, the Commission had neither taken. carried out nor started investigations into any dumping on the Community market of the three types of component 2. To our knowledge, silicons have been tested referred to by the Honourable Member. Generally the thoroughly for their impact on health and the environment, Commission undertakes such investigations, in the context the results showing that they are less toxic than man-made of the responsibilities conferred on it by Council Regulation polymers. They are also used in the food, pharmaceutical (EEC) No 2176/84 ('), only on the basis of complaints made and cosmetic industries. The other substitutes are well by the Community industry in respect of such practices. known in terms of their toxicity and ecotoxicity, thus indicating that using them instead of PCBs can be considered, 3. The world market for electronic components is in the current state of the art, as progress in the protection of extremely changeable and erratic, notably as regards the health and the environment. movement of prices, which vary very sharply according to 0) OJ No C 106, 5. 5. 1986. changes in supply and demand and the rapid technological progress which is characteristic of this sector. Currently the Commission does not have at its disposal information enabling it to reply to the question asked by the Honourable Member concerning any price differences between Japanese semiconductors marketed in the United States and those sold in the Community. WRITTEN QUESTION No 301/86 by Mr Bouke Beumer (PPE—NL) (>) OJ No L 201, 30. 7. 1984, p. 1. to the Commission of the European Communities (13 May 1986) (86/C 299/103)

Subject: Dumping of chips

1. Is the Commission aware that the American Department of Commerce has accused the Japanese electronics industry of selling dynamic random access WRITTEN QUESTION No 302/86 memory chips (DRAMS) with a capacity of 256 K and above by Mr Michel Debatisse (PPE—F) at far below cost-price in the United States? According to the American Ministry of Commerce the dumping margins vary to the Commission of the European Communities between 19,8 and 108,72%. (13 May 1986) (86/C 299/104) 2. Can the Commission indicate whether is has carried out or started investigations into the alleged dumping of the following three types of chips on the European market: dynamic random access memory chips (DRAMS) with a Subject: Spanish protectionism in respect of cutlery and capacity of 256 K and above, 64 K chips and the EPROMS glassware (erasable programmable read-only memories)? In certain industrial sectors, particularly cutlery and 3. Can the Commission indicate whether there are any glassware, Spain has introduced a particularly lengthy and substantial price differences between Japanese chips of a costly type-approval procedure, clearly inspired by given type and quality sold on the American market and protectionist motives, designed to counteract the progressive those sold on the European market? removal of customs barriers.

Hence the type-approval and certificate of conformity Answer given by Mr De Clercq procedure for the production of cutlery as laid down in: the on behalf of the Commission general regulation drawn up by the Ministry of Industry and Energy on standardization and type-approval procedures, (20 June 1986) sanctioned by Royal Decree No 2584/1981 of 18 September (Official Gazette of 3 November 1981) and partially 1. The Commission has learnt by various channels of the amended by Royal Decree No 734/1985 of 20 February anti-dumping proceedings initiated in the United States (Official Gazette of 23 May 1985); NoC 299/58 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Royal Decree No 357/1985 of 23 January (Official Gazette Problems arise for vehicle users if this document is lost and v in of 22 March) specifying that the cutlery must be tested for addition, it has proved to open up possibilities for fraud. conformity with technical standards and granted type-approval by the Ministry of Industry and Energy; This document is apparently required by the Commission as proof of payment of customs duties due. Currently, more Order of 9 April 1985 (Official Gazette of 18 April) on than three-quarters of the new vehicles produced in Belgium technical standards for cutlery and their type-approval by the are exempt from customs duties since they are produced Ministry of Industry and Energy; within the European Community. constitute a set of instruments which is clearly out of all proportion with the items for which the export licences are 1. Why is this document required by the Commission? requested. 2. Why are controls concerning the payment of customs What measures does the Commission intend to take in this duties carried out when the user registers his vehicle and case so as to prevent non-tariff barriers of this kind not when the vehicle is imported. undermining the substance of the accession agreements and the realization of the internal market? 3. Is this also in case in the other Member States of the European Community?

4. Is this document still justified in the light of efforts by the Answer given by Lord Cockfield European Community to create an internal market also on behalf of the Commission for automobiles and other products? (4 July 1986) 5. Is it not possible to have this control implemented in a Numerous complaints have already drawn the Commission's different way, for example directly by the importers? attention to the Spanish regulations on standardization and type-approval (N & H system). An examination of these 6. Would it not be possible to use electronic equipment to regulations, applicable to various sectors such as make these controls more efficient, in accordance with silver-plated and steel cutlery and tableware, has given rise to the Council Decision of 20 January 1986? reservations as to their compatibility with the principle of the free movement of the goods set out in Article 42 et seq. of the EEC Treaty and Article 42 et seq of the Act of Accession.

The Commission immediately held talks with the Spanish authorities and asked them to amend these regulations, Answer given by Lord Cockfield making the type-approval procedure optional for goods on behalf of the Commission originating in Community Member States and simplifying (4 July 1986) the procedure for any importers who still wanted to apply for typa-approval. These amendments should shortly put an end to the difficulties encountered with imports of cutlery and This question appears to be based on a misunderstanding, as tableware from the Community into Spain and should in the Commission does not prescribe any particular form or particular allow access to the Spanish market by goods procedure for the registration of motor vehicles, which is a legally manufactured and marketed in another Member matter for the authorities of the Member States. Any State. formalities of the kind described must derive from the general obligation of Member States to ensure that goods coming from third countries are not put on the Community market without payment of import duties. It should further be noted that vehicles produced in the Community are not necessarily in free circulation as they may incorporate components imported from third countries on which import duties must be paid. In such cases, therefore, the Belgian procedure WRITTEN QUESTION No 303/86 would represent a precaution intended to prevent vehicles by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE—B) manufactured with a view to export from the Community to the Commission of the European Communities and including some imported parts on which import duty had consequently been suspended from being put on the market (13 May 1986) without payment of duty. (86/C 299/105) The procedure described by the Honourable Member does Subject: Belgian customs document No 705 not seem particularly excessive. Nor can this procedure be held to constitute a barrier to free movement if it applies In Belgium, purchasers of new vehicles are required to attach equally to all vehicles registered in Belgium. It may be noted customs document No 705 to their application for that under Community law, the fact that a vehicle has been registration of their new vehicle. registered in a normal series in a Member State must, in 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/59 principle, be accepted by other Member States as proof that Community as a whole what percentage of total steel the vehicle is in free circulation in the Community. consumption was domestically produced for each of the five years ending 1985?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 342/86 by Mr Kenneth Collins (S—GB) Answer given by Mr Narjes to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1986) (2 July 1986) (86/C 299/106) The Honourable Member is referred to Table 1 below, which Subject: Steel production shows trends in the share of internal deliveries in ECSC Will the Commission say for each Member State and for the apparent steel consumption, by Member State.

Table 1: Relation between internal deliveries (*) and apparent consumption (2) of ECSC steel

(Unit: crude steel equivalent %)

D F I NL BLEU UK IRL DK GR EUR-10

1981 67,1 53,2 74,4 10,6 40,4 76,3 1,5 6,1 45,8 89,7 1982 67,4 52,7 78,6 6,2 33,8 71,5 2,8 11,0 45,2 88,2 1983 67,3 53,8 73,8 3,1 26,9 77,0 8,9 5,9 23,0 89,1 1984 70,1 51,2 76,1 12,4 34,8 77,4 7,1 7,8 20,0 91,8 1985 69,7 51,2 73,5(*) 5,8 24,7 (*) 77,4 2,9 4,3 22,3 90,3 (»)

(*) Provisional figure. (*) Part of production which is not exported. (2) Production + imports — exports — increase (or + fall) in stocks. The 1985 figure for the Community is based on production of 135,7 million tonnes of crude steel equivalent (ingots), exports of 31,9 million tonnes to non-Community countries and 11,1 million tonnes of imports.

The Commission would draw the Honourable Member's The Honourable Member's attention is also drawn to the attention to the fact that these figures are or limited value relations between production and apparent consumption for when comparring one country with another, because the each Member State as shown in Table 2 below. It emerges proportion of apparent consumption covered by domestic clearly, for example, that the position of Greece and the production is affected for example by the specialization of Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union (BLEU), which some Member States' steel industries. This factor has a very appear very similar in Table 1, differ considerably. significant influence in the smallest Member States but is cancelled out when a large area such as the Community is considered.

Table 2: Relations between production and apparent consumption of ECSC steel

(Unit: crude steel equivalent %)

D F I NL BLEU UK IRL DK GR EUR-10

1981 109,0 109,8 99,8 155,9 339,0 101,5 8,5 47,0 64,1 115,2 1982 107,5 100,0 100,3 133,0 298,5 93,0 18,2 40,2 64,0 109.; 1983 103,5 110,1 98,9 150,3 297,8 104,2 47,8 36,8 43,2 111,1 1984 111,2 115,5 99,3 170,3 314,5 104,2 53,6 37,3 57,4 117,1 1985 115,2 118,8 97,7(») 148,0 310,4H 110,9 69,1 35,8 55,2 118,4(*)

(*) Provisional figure. No C 299/60 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

WRITTEN QUESTION No 344/86 Answer given by Mr Marin by Mr Michael Hindley (S—GB) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (12 August 1986) (13 May 1986) (86/C 299/107) The Commission is aware of the restrictions placed by the Belgian Government on the access of nationals of other Member States to higher education in Belgium by reducing its Subject: Importation of cement subsidies for foreign students over and above the 2 % quota laid down. What action is the Commission taking to prevent the dumping of cement from Poland, the German Democratic The Commission has delivered a reasoned opinion on the Republic and Yugoslavia? matter with respect to Belgium in accordance with Article 169 of the EEC Treaty. What are the volumes of imports of cement from the above countries over the past five years?

Answer given by Mr De Clercq on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 364/86 (2 July 1986) by Mr Bouke Beumer (PPE—NL) Following a complaint made by the Community industry, the to the Commission of the European Communities Commission is at present carrying out an anti-dumping (28 May 1986) investigation concerning cement from the German (86/C 299/109) Democratic Republic, Poland and Yugoslavia. The investigation is virtually complete and findings are expected to be made within a few weeks. Subject: American jurisdiction over certain production facilities in the Community The volumes of imports of cement from these countries into the Community in the last five years were: 1. Is the Commission aware that the list of civilian technologies that can also have military applications and may (tonnes) not be exported to Eastern Europe, which was drawn up 1981: 146 035 under the direction of the NATO COCOM committee, is in 1982: 170 260 fact disregarded by the US in favour of its own more 1983: 370 684 extensive list. This latter also applies to American 1984: 479 863 undertakings established in Europe and to European 1985: 451 209. undertakings with an American partner — something which European undertakings find a serious obstacle to trade and which may also hamper cooperation with America in the field of advanced technology?

2. Can the Commission state the grounds on which the WRITTEN QUESTION No 356/86 US exercises jurisdiction over American undertakings or European undertakings with an American partner by Mr Ben Visser (S—NL) established in the Community: for example, on what to the Commission of the European Communities bilateral agreements is this based? (28 May 1986) (86/C 299/108)

Answer given by Mr De Clercq Subject: Restrictions on the admission of non-Belgian on behalf of the Commission students to the National Institute of Translators and Interpreters in Brussels (26 June 1986)

1. Is it true that the Belgian authorities limit the number of The issues raised by the Honourable Member have been foreign students at the National Institute of Translators and examined by the Committee on Energy, Research and Interpreters in Brussels to 2 % of the total number of Belgian Technology of the Parliament, in a Report on Technology students that are enrolled? Transfer, which was adopted by the Parliament on 21 2. Does the Commission share my view that this practice February 1986 (PE 96.409). The Commission is currently studying the follow-up to be given to the resolution to that discriminates against nationals of other Member States? Report. 3. If so, what measures is it thinking of taking to put an end to this undesirable state of affairs? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities . No C 299/61

WRITTEN QUESTION No 366/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 368/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (28 May 1986) (28 May 1986) (86/C 299/110) (86/C 299/111)

Subject: Contamination of buildings by asbestos Subject: Food sales to Libya According to the Belgian weekly 'Le Vif-L'Express' massive quantities of asbestos were used to provide protection against How can the Commission justify a decision to authorize sales fire in the Berlaymont Building, which is the showplace of the of surplus beef and butter to the Libyan regime at a time when Community in Brussels. the Community was known — even in advance of the American attack on that country — to be in dispute with the 1. Can the Commission confirm this information? Libyan Government over its policy of overt and covert support for terrorism? The decision was politically irresponsible and led to considerable embarrassment for the 2. Can it state whether tests have been carried out in the Foreign Ministers at a time when they were meeting to Berlaymont to measure emissions of asbestos into the air discuss sanctions against Libya. Ignoring the rights and and if so, when and with what results? wrongs of the American action, does the Commission accept that the great majority of Europeans were dismayed that 3. Can it state whether the Berlaymont is the only building Libyans were to be fed with food grown, stocked and occupied by the Community which is contaminated by exported at considerable cost to all European taxpayers? asbestos?

4. Can it provide information on contamination by Will the Commission now immediately suspend further trade asbestos in public or private buildings in Europe? with Libya?

Will the Commission now order an effective review of its food export strategy to take account of blatantly obvious political implications? Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission Will the Commission order a review of its tendering (8 July 1986) procedure, whereby supposedly independent brokers treat with the Commission on the theoretical basis that the 1. It is true that, as was the case in a good many buildings destination of exports is unknown — whereas those from the same period, asbestos was used to provide destinations are an open secret? protection against fire in certain parts of the Berlaymont building. Will the Commission now draw up a list of destinations for food exports which are politically acceptable, and exclude 2. The air circulating in the Berlaymont is tested for the from that list all countries such as Libya which seek to presence of asbestos fibres during the periodic checks carried destabilize their neighbours (including Chad, the Sudan and out twice a year, and whenever work is carried out on the Egypt) and democracy in the Twelve? sections protected with asbestos. The checks carried out in December 1985 revealed values of between 0,02 and 0,13 fibres per millilitre. Belgian industrial safety standards set the acceptable limit at 2 fibres per millilitre, and the most recent Council Directive on the subject lays down a limit of 1 fibre per millilitre. Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission 3. In addition to the Berlaymont, the building currently (25 July 1986) occupied by the Commission at 120 rue de la Loi also contains sections, albeit fewer in number, which are protected with asbestos. Although the present situation does There is no Community embargo on trade with Libya. not present any danger, as the results of the checks show, the Therefore, the Commission when acting as the executor of Commission has decided to take advantage of the renovation Community commercial policy — within the legal work to be carried out in the Berlaymont and in 120 rue de la framework provided by the Council — may not take Loi to gradually remove the asbestos coating. discriminatory action against traders wishing to sell to a particular destination. 4. The Commission does not have the information requested by the Honourable Member. A tender is used for exports in order to ensure that the refund granted is the minimum consistent with the policy of bridging the gap between the internal prices prevailing in the No C 299/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Community and lower prevailing world market prices. Order-in-Council so that Directive 76/207/EEC (*) is Before publishing a tender, the Commission considers respected on off-shore installations? carefully the geographic zone(s) for which the resulting refund should be available as well as the appropriateness of (>) OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40. supplementary conditions to be attached to the tender (e.g. minimum quantities), because these may influence the effective sale price of the goods in question. Tenders are not published for single destinations, unless the transport costs to Answer given by Mr Marin that destination are significantly different from those for on behalf of the Commission transport to neighbouring countries. The Commission does (1 July 1986) not treat with 'supposedly independent brokers'.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question No 195/86 by Ms Tongue (1).

(') See page 53 of this Official Journal.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 375/86 by Mr James Provan (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 May 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 391/86 (86/C 299/112) by Mr Terence Pitt (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Application of EEC legislation to off-shore operators (28 May 1986) (86/C 299/114) Is the United Kingdom in default for not applying European Community legislation to off-shore operators in the North Subject: Payments to the 1985 Community budget Sea? Will the Commission list the dates on which each Member State paid its contribution, as part of the Intergovernmental Agreement of 7 May 1985, to the 1985 Community budget? Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission Furthermore, will the Commission list the methods of (7 July 1986) calculating the amount employed by each Member State, and say what currency was employed? The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question No 195/86 by Ms Finally, what was the final amount in total when converted to Tongue (a). ECU?

See page 53 of this Official Journal.

Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission (25 July 1986)

The table below shows the dates on which each Member WRITTEN QUESTION No 376/86 State paid its part of the Intergovernmental Agreement of 23 by Mr James Provan (ED—GB) and 24 April 1985. It also shows the method of calculating the amount employed by them, namely the date of the to the Commission of the European Communities exchange rate used for converting ECU into national (28 May 1986) currency. All Member States made their payments in their (86/C 299/113) own national currency.

The Commission put forward a proposal on how the Subject: Implementation of Council Directive amounts should be paid, but it was rejected by the Council. 76/207/EEC In the subsequent confusion arising from the absence of any system, five Member States paid according to the budget and Is the United Kingdom in default for failing to grant an five according to the agreement. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/63

Member State Payment date Exchange rate

Belgium 19.12.1985 18. 11.1985 Denmark 18. 11. 1985 15. 11.1985 Federal Republic of Germany 15 11.1985 8. 11.1985 Greece 1. 8.1985 16. 7.1985 2. 9. 1985 16. 8.1985 10. 12. 1985 15. 11.1985 France 27. 1.1986 20. 1.1986 Ireland 18. 11. 1985 15. 11.1985 Italy 8. 1.1986 16. 7.1985 Luxembourg 17. 1.1986 15. 11.1985 Netherlands 15.11.1985 16. 10.1985 United Kingdom 16. 12. 1985 18. 11.1985

The final amount in total when converted into ECU at the 5. If necessary, is the Commission prepared to take rates of exchange applying at the time of receipt by the measures conducive to more effective monitoring of oil Commission was 1 975 420 371 ECU. discharges from platforms?

6. Can the Commission indicate how often Member States institute legal proceedings following the establishment of illegal oil discharges from oil rigs, aftd what penalties have been imposed in this connection?

7. With regard to the issues raised in the above questions, is WRITTEN QUESTION No 401/86 the Commission prepared to formulate proposals for by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) submission to meetings organized in the context of the to the Commission of the European Communities Paris Convention? (28 May 1986) (86/C 299/115)

Subject: Oil pollution in the North Sea Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission At a recent meeting in the Netherlands in the context of the (28 July 1986) Bonn Convention — at Terschelling from 21 to 25 April — the Netherlands Government presented information indicating serious pollution of the British, Norwegian and 1. The Commission takes a serious view of the facts Danish sections of the North Sea Continental Shelf by oil reported by the Netherlands authorities. What is more, as from production platforms and other sea platforms. soon as they had been informed of the situation, the Commission representatives at the meeting of the Bonn 1. Can the Commission say how serious it considers the Agreement Working Group at Terschelling asked for the situation indicated by the Netherlands Government as information in question to be examined without delay as part regards oil discharges from platforms in the North of the relevant work of the Paris Commission. Sea?

2. Can the Commission say what details it has of any 2. The Member States' rules governing operational oil differences between the States concerned as regards discharges from rigs should be similar, being governed by the regulations governing oil discharges from such provisions of the 73/78 Marpol Convention and the platforms? recommendations of the Paris Commission.

3. If necessary, is the Commission prepared to act with a 3 and 5. Consideration has not been given at this stage to view to harmonizing Member States' regulations Community measures to regulate this type of discharge. The governing oil discharges from platforms at sea? matter could be reviewed, however, in the light of the results of the checks the Commission has requested. 4. Does the Commission have details of the methods used by the North Sea States and of the ineffectiveness in 4 and 6. The Commission has no information on these monitoring discharges from platforms? points at present. No C 299/64 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

7. The Commission put proposals to a meeting of the Answer given by Mr Cheysson Contracting Parties to the Paris Convention held in Madrid on behalf of the Commission on 2 to 5 June 1986. In response to these proposals the Paris (27 June 1986) Commission agreed among other things: 1. The Commission is aware of the seventh five-year (a) that the Netherlands delegation should draft a detailed plan. report on the matter for the Working Group on Oil Pollution, which should carefully examine the report; 2. The Commission is exploring with the Indian authorities the various means by which it may help them to (b) to put a pater on the subject to the Conference on the achieve the objectives of that plan. protection of the North Sea. 3. The Commission is of the view that the promotion of Commission representatives on all these bodies will make a joint ventures between European and Indian enterprises has a determined effort to ensure that all matters relating to role to play in furthering the economic development of operational discharges from oil rigs are fully elucidated. India.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 413/86 by Mr Michael Welsh (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 June 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 408/86 (86/C 299/117) by Mr Willy Vernimmen (S—B) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Government assistance to the French trailer manufacturer 'Trailor' (28 May 1986) (86/C 299/116) It has been alleged that the French trailer manufacturer has been saved from bankruptcy by a consortium backed by the French Government. Trailor have since become extremely Subject: Cooperation between the Community and India competitive reducing the average price of a trailer (£7/8 000) by up to £1 000.

By means of the recently proclaimed seventh Indian five-year Can the Commission state: plan, the Government of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is 1. whether it has received any notification from the French aiming to turn India into a leading industrial nation. Government concerning State aid to the Trailor Company pursuant to Article 93 (3) of the Treaty of The new plan is intended to boost the standard of living of the Rome? 750 million inhabitants, its fundamental aim being to free India from its 'developing country' status. 2. whether it will approach the French authorities with a view to establishing whether any State aid has been received by the Trailor Company? The plan covers energy, agriculture, social facilities, transport and industry, and particular emphasis will be given 3. if it transpires that State aid has been given to the Trailor to the widespread introduction of telecommunications Company, whether it will immediately launch an systems and microelectronics. investigation in accordance with the terms of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty? It should also be noted that to encourage foreign help, Mr Gandhi is willing to open his country as far as possible to trade and the establishment of foreign businesses in the form Answer given by Mr Sutherland of joint ventures. on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1986) 1. Is the Commission already acquainted with the seventh Indian five-year plan to increase living standards? 1. The Commission did not receive any notification from the French Government concerning aid provided to the company in question. 2. If so, what steps has the Commission already taken to avail itself of the openings on offer and what have the 2. The Commission has already requested from the results been to date? French authorities notification of the alleged aid measures. 3. Does not the Commission agree that joint ventures 3. The Commission's action will depend on the content of between European and Indian businesses, for example, the French Government's reply. afford unique economic and political opportunities for both parties? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/65

WRITTEN QUESTION No 414/86 must be kept whenever those products are held and used and by Mr Mauro Chiabrando (PPE—I) the fact that the wine has been treated must be declared to the competent authorities of the Member States. to the Commission of the European Communities (2 July 1986) The Commission's view, which has been borne out by recent events, is that apart from limiting the number of substances (86/C 299/118) which may be authorized as part of oenological practices, combating fraud consists above all in better scrutiny and Subject: Use of malic acid for the acidification of wine follow-up, by the competent authorities, of the operations concerned. x Regulation (EEC) No 3307/85 ( ) amending Regulation (>) OJ No L 176, 3. 7. 1984, p. 6. (EEC) No 337/79 (2) on the common organization of the market in wine makes provision for the use of malic acid as an alternative to tartaric acid for the acidification of wine.

The ban in the past on the use of malic acid was not fortuitous but was intended to prevent the creation of artificial acidity in the must and hence in the wine and thus to forestall WRITTEN QUESTION No 418/86 fraudulent practices in this sector. In the light of this can the by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) Commission say: to the Commission of the European Communities (28 May 1986) 1. Why did it decide to permit the use of malic acid, which (86/C 299/119) had previously been banned?

2. Does it not think that in view of modern advances in Subject: Discrimination against foreign students in Belgian oenological practice, which now make it possible to higher education create wine artificially, it should reverse its decision, reducing to the absolute minimum the use of all additives Foreign students in Belgium are required to pay higher which replace those naturally occurring in wines? matriculation fees to study at a Belgian university or other higher education establisment. The Court of Justice delivered a judgment condemning this piece of Belgian legislation but 3. Does it not think in view of the increase in the the judgment applies only to students from other EEC adulteration of wine that it should submit a new countries and not to foreign students from developing Regulation to the Council restricting the use of synthetic countries speaking the same language such as the Dutch substances, thus ensuring a return to more genuine Antilles or Surinam. wine? Furthermore, the percentage of foreign students is limited to 0) OJ No L 320, 29. 11. 1985, p. 1. (2) OJNoL54, 5.3. 1979, p. 1. 2 % of the total number of Belgian students. This rule creates difficulties for certain schools which cater primarily for Dutch-speaking foreign students, e.g. Dutch-language interpreting schools.

Answer given by Mr Andriessen Can the Commission give its views on on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1986) 1. the higher matriculation fees charged to foreign students from outside the EEC?

The provision authorizing the use of malic acid for acidifying 2. the 2% limit on foreign student numbers? wine was introduced, by way of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3307/85, amending Regulation (EEC) No 337/79 on the common organization of the market in wine, in order to meet the specific needs of wine-growers in certain Member Answer given by Mr Marin States and is accordingly limited in its scope. The conditions on behalf of the Commission under which Member States may — for a limited period only (12 August 198h — authorize its use will be laid down at Community level. 1. The Commission can take action on I \ within the scope of the responsibilites conferred on it by the EEC Treaty; in Under Council Regulation (EEC) No 1873/84 0) the this context it seeks to ensure that no discrimination exists practice is in fact already authorized, until 26 July 1988, in between students from different Member States, as the case of wine imported from the United States of confirmed in its answer to Written Question No 3072/85 by America. Mr Beyer de Ryke (*).

Since the risks of wine being created artificially are equally as The Commission points out, however, that Annex IX, II to great with malic acid as with tartaric acid, stock accounts the Third ACP—EEC Convention, signed on 8 December No C 299/66 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

1984, states that 'questions relating to the situation of ACP Foodstuffs for infants and young children are covered by the students . . . and in particular to issues concerning access to Framework Directive 77/94/EEC relating to foodstuffs for education, may be examined in the appropriate bilateral particular nutritional uses (x), which does not include framework'. provisions on the composition of these foodstuffs. However, the Commission has submitted to the Council a proposal for 2. The Commission requests the Honourable Member to a specific Directive on infant formulae and follow-up refer to Written Questions Nos 1744/85 by Mr de Gucht (2) milks (2). Compositional criteria are included in this and 356/86 by Mr Visser (3). proposal and have been based on the opinion of the Scientific Committee for Food (3) on this matter. The Reports of the (*) OJ No C 277, 3. 11. 1986, p. 16. 2 Scientific Committee for Food will be sent directly to the ( ) OJNoC 81, 9.4. 1986. Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of the (3) See page 60 of this Official Journal. European Parliament. The position regarding iron is as follows:

Addition of iron to infant formulae, which may be used from birth onwards, is optional. Addition of iron to follow-up milks, which may be used as the liquid part of a diversified diet from the age of four to six months, is WRITTEN QUESTION No 420/86 compulsory. by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities Given the fact that these products are used on the advice of persons with appropriate qualifications, the provisions of the (28 May 1986) above-mentioned proposal allow for the right choice to be (86/C 299/120) made, taking into account differing scientific opinions, varying practices, and the actual needs of the individual Subject: Iron in baby foods infant. H OJ No L 26, 31. 1. 1977, p. 55. According to a Utrecht doctor, Dr E. Mevissen, the legal (2) OJ No C 28, 30. 1. 1985, p. 3. stipulation that iron must be added to artificial baby foods is (3) Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 14th Series, a mistake, since iron may harbour dangerous intestinal p. 9. bacteria.

A substance is found in natural mother's milk which dissolves iron, yet iron is added to tinned infant formulae. Babies given this food run a greater risk of intestinal infection than babies nourished on their mother's milk. Dr Mevissen maintains that the legal provision that manufacturers must add iron to baby food should be abolished. WRITTEN QUESTION No 470/86 His investigation has shown that babies given artificial food by Ms Joyce Quin (S—GB) without added iron have fewer dangerous bacteria in their intestines. Although babies require iron for their blood, those to the Commission of the European Communities fed on mother's milk or bottled foods without extra iron were (5 June 1986) not affected by anaemia. (86/C 299/121) Is the Commission aware of this investigation? Subject: Fire resistance of furniture Is there a European regulation on the composition of baby food? In the United Kingdom in 1982 it is reported that furniture If so, does it include the requirements that iron must be added upholstery was the immediate cause of 6 % of household to the baby food? fires, and caused 21 % of deaths. Fire services in the United Kingdom have pointed out that inadequate flame retardant If so, does the Commission plan to revise the legislation, properties in foam upholstered furniture have caused a bearing in mind the findings made by Dr Mevissen? considerable rise in mortality from this kind of fire and have called for the materials used to be capable of withstanding more stringent tests.

What legislation on the fire resistance of furniture is currently Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission in force in Community Member States? (18 July 1986) Is the Commission satisfied that fire resistance legislation gives an adequate guarantee of safety to consumers, The Commission is not aware of the study mentioned by the including in circumstances where furniture is traded within Honourable Member. the Community? 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/67

WRITTEN QUESTION No 692/86 with Citizens Band Radio, the question of adherence to by Mrs Jeanette Oppenheim (ED—DK) relevant CEPT recommendations was included. to the Commission of the European Communities The summaries of the Member States' replies are due to be (1 July 1986) transmitted to the Parliament. It is expected that this issue (86/C 299/122) will be placed on the agenda of the relevant Committee in the near future. According to the Member States, the strict Subject: Fire safety provisions for furniture implementation of CEPT recommendations TR 20-02 and TR 20-07 is advancing rapidly. What information can the Commission give on such fire safety provisions as may exist for furniture, and does the The economic aspects of a common broadcasting market Commission intend to take steps to have uniform fire safety have — among other important issues — played a major role requirements implemented in all Community countries? in the Commission's work on a proposal for the coordinated introduction of public mobile communications in the Community (*). A communication to the Council on this Joint answer to Written Questions subject is in preparation. Nos 470/86 and 692/86 given by Lord Cockfield In addition to this reply, reference is given to the replies to on behalf of the Commission Written Question Nos 218/86 by M. Kuijpers (2) and 3 (5 August 1986) 479/86 by the Honourable Member ( ).

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its (!) Doc. COM(86) 325 final, p. 6. " (2) See page 54 of this Official Journal. answer to Written Question No 774/82 by Mr (3) See page 67 of this Official Journal. Collins 0). Since it has not been informed of any subsequent change in the situation, the Commission does not propose to alter its position for the moment. It does not intend to submit proposals designed to make existing provisions relating to the flammability of domestic furniture applicable throughout the Community. WRITTEN QUESTION No 479/86 0) OJ No C 262, 6. 10. 1982. by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (5 June 1986) (86/C 299/124) WRITTEN QUESTION No 478/86 by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR—NL) Subject: Standardization of digital cellular radio systems to the Commission of the European Communities (5 June 1986) What action has the Commission taken on the (86/C 299/123) recommendation in the De Vries report on the economic aspects of the common market for broadcasting (Doc. A Subject: Citizens' Band radio 2-102/85) that agreement should be reached with the European telephone authorities on a common European What action has the Commission taken on the system for digital cellular radio for the 1990's? recommendation in the De Vries report on the economic aspects of the common market for broadcasting (Doc. A 2-102/85) that it should respond to the fact that CEPT recommendation TR 20-02 has been implemented in a variety of ways in the Community Member States? Does it Answer given by Mr Narjes consider that the people's interests could be better served by on behalf of the Commission harmonization of national legislation in this field, as stated (28 July 1986 by the European Parliament in its resolution of 30 March 1984 (»)? 1. Public land mobile radiotelephone systems using (») OJNoC 117, 30. 4. 1984, p. 201. analogue techniques, referred to as hrst generation systems, are already established in a number of European countries. Most of these systems operate in the 450 MHZ band, but Answer given by Mr Narjes lately two systems, the UK—TACS and the Danish (Nordic) on behalf of the Commission NMT900 have begun utilizing a part of the 900 MHZ (28 July 1986) band.

As part of the Commission communication to the Member The Administrations within CEPT have agreed to reserve the States concerning frontier crossings by vehicles equipped frequencies 905-915/950-960 MHZ of the 900 MHZ band No C 299/68 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 for the initial introduction of the future, second generation concerned within the Member States finalized a pan-European mobile system. The system is today called the document on this subject. In this document it is asked that GSM system due to the CEPT-Groupe Special Mobile being the mobile interfaces be defined and specified in detail by responsible for the early definition of the technical end-1987 and also that the mobile services be defined and parameters. specified in detail by the end of 1987. This should allow that the system will be available for provision in all Member States starting from 1991 with hand-over and In the long term, the full 900 MHZ frequency band will be national/international roaming. available for the GSM system (this had been clearly stated when the notification of the UK—TACS interim system as — Taking into account the importance of the mobile well as the Danish (Nordic) NMT900 system had been made systems, the Commission will present a communication to the Commission in the framework of Directive to the Council concerning the Coordinated Introduction 83/189/EEC). of public Mobile Communications in the Community before the end of 1986. 2. A pan-European mobile system is not going to be restricted to carry only voice traffic (mobile telephony) but will include data transmission facilities according to the services available in normal telecommunications systems. A pan-European system will also have to be implemented in WRITTEN QUESTION No 483/86 order to support crossborder traffic and to allow for the free circulation of the mobile units between the countries. Today by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) only one system, the Danish (Nordic) NMT systems, to the Commission of the European Communities supports cross-border circulation (international roaming) in (S June 1986) practice. (86/C 299/125)

3. As the current European situation is clearly Subject: 'Red book' listing endangered marine species in unsatisfactory for the mobile subscribers, the Commission France — A European inventory analyzed the technical possibilities for adapting the current different mobile radio systems of first generation in such a A 'red book' enumerating endangered marine species in way that international roaming could become feasible. The France has been produced under the direction of Mr Commission concluded that such a strategy had no Jean-Claude Lacaze, lecturer at the Natural History Museum possibility for becoming operational due to the technical in Paris, and is to be published within the next few constraints related to the different frequency bands in use and weeks. the differences in channel spacing. This book contains a deeply disturbing list of species dependent on the marine environment (fish, mammals and 4. Consequently the Commission has focussed on the birds) that are threatened with extinction. possibilities for planning a pan-European second generation system to become operational in due time before the expected Human activity is mostly to blame for the damage done to date of saturation of bandwith presently available. During our coastal wildlife: industrial fishing, oil slicks, chemical 1985 the Commission worked together with the PTT pollution, urban development, etc. administrations of the Member States, the European industry in this field and the CEPT, especially the Is the Commission aware of the study in question, the aim of CEPT/GSM, in order to prepare for a coordinated which is to protect a wide variety of species such as seals, introduction of public mobile communications in the turtles (particularly leatherback turtles), sea birds (terns, Community. This work was completed in December 1985 penguins, etc.) and fish (sea bass, speckled sea-horse, and it was presented to and discussed within the Senior sturgeon, salmon, eels, twaite shad, skate, sharks, etc.)? Officials Group of Telecommunications (SOGT) in February 1986. The PTT administrations of the Member States have Could the Commission consider the possibility of recently commented very favorably on the results of this systematizing aid for studies of this kind relating to all work. Europe's coastal zones with a view to improving environmental management and introducing effective protection measures? 5. The current status can therefore be summarized as follows:

— The work on technical specifications takes place within Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis the CEPT group GSM and a permanent nucleus has on behalf of the Commission recently been created (location: Paris), with the purpose of further accelerating the work. The Commission takes (4 August 1986) part in the work by virtue of the Joint Declaration between the CEC and CEPT. The Commission is periodically informed of the situation of endangered species in the Member States' European territory — The Analysis and Forecasting Group (GAP) reporting to in the context of studies conducted with the aid of the Belgian SOGT has together with the Tele-Administrations of the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences and the British Nature Member States, the CEPT-GSM and the industry Conservancy Council. 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/69

In addition, an inventory of biotopes of major importance for The agreement signed in Paris on 21 March between the ECU nature conservation is being compiled under the work Banking Association, which was set up in September 1985, programme concerning an information system on the state of and the Bank for International Settlements in Basle was the environment and natural resources in the Community reached after lengthy negotiations. The Commission (Corine programme). welcomes this agreement, since it will make it possible to introduce, with effect from the beginning of next year, a One of the priorities of this programme is coastal areas, system to take over from the bilateral arrangement (MESA) particularly in the Mediterranean. The collection, currently operated by a small number of commercial coordination and harmonization of this information will banks. provide the necessary data for improved management and protection of the environment. The new system was regarded as an essential step towards providing the financial infrastructure necessary for the continued expansion of the private market in ECU. The The Commission also supports implementation of the removal of a substantial number of the exchange controls European Coastal Charter, which has as its major objectives applied in some countries, which has been facilitated by the the management of coastal areas and the development of highly satisfactory working of the European Monetary research, including biological research. System, and the new measures proposed by the Commission for liberalizing capital movements at Community level, All of these activities are designed to improve the integration should also contribute to the further development of the ECU of environmental aspects into economic development market. policies, which is one of the fundamental aims of Community environment policy. Thanks to these various measures and the ECU's intrinsic properties, the Commission expects to see a further rapid growth in bond issues and in the interbank market. The commercial use of the ECU is particularly likely to increase significantly from now on, which, together with the ECU's growing financial role, should enable it to take on an increasing international role.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 484/86 by Mr Luc Beyer de Ryke (LDR—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (5 June 1986) (86/C 299/126) WRITTEN QUESTION No 500/86 by Mr Ernest Muhlen (PPE—L) Subject: ECU clearing operations — BIS to the Commission of the European Communities (S June 1986) The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basle, the (86/C 299/127) central banks' bank, recently signed an agreement with the Banking Association for the ECU (ABE) under which it undertakes to act as an agent for clearing banks dealing in Subject: Involvement of small and medium-sized ECU. undertakings (SMUS) in the BRITE programme (Basic Research in Industrial Technologies for What is the Commission's position on this agreement? What, Europe) in the Commission's view, are the prospects for developing the private, financial and money market in ECU, alongside The Commission has involved SMU's in the BRITE the 'public' ECU market? programme, the objective of which is to establish a sound advanced-technology base. Can it say what measures have been taken to ensure that such undertakings in particular will benefit from this?

Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission (8 July 1986) Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission (6 August 1986) The Commission has always sought, through the positions.it has adopted and the measures it has taken, to encourage the development of the private market in ECU, thereby acting in Industrial research proposals chosen following the first agreement with Parliament's resolutions. This is why it called invitation to submit proposals for BRITE (1985) involve a meeting in 1982 of banks doing ECU business to explore European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the the possibility of setting up a multilateral clearing system. extent of 30% of all industrial participants selected. No C 299/70 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

This confirms that SMEs can participate in programmes such publish its decisions. Except where publication is provided as BRITE, and are prepared to if the following conditions are for by Community legislation, it is therefore a question of fulfilled: weighing public interest in the information against the costs involved. — the rules are clear and non-exclusive, — assessment of proposals is objective, Summaries of financing decisions are published regularly in the Official Journal ('C series). — SMEs are fully informed of the information and assistance facilities available from the Commission, including help to find industrial partners; and sufficient time (about nine months) is allowed for them to prepare their proposals (for the second invitation to submit proposals). WRITTEN QUESTION No 504/86 These conditions were laid down by the Commission, which by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) will improve them constantly. to the Commission of the European Communities Finally, the Commission has stated quite clearly that, for the (5 June 1986) second invitation to submit proposals for the BRITE (86/C 299/129) programme, preference will be given to proposals involving SMEs where projects are comparable in their scientific and technological quality and industrial impact. Subject: The role of the USA's Central Intelligence Agency as a trade monitor between Member States

Does the Commission condone or condemn the use of the CIA as a monitor of trade between EEC Member States?

Does the Commission believe that the use of a secret service agency which has been heavily involved in the overthrow of democratic governments (e.g. Chile) or attempts to distort WRITTEN QUESTION No 501/86 the democratic process (e.g. the Philippines) and often been by Mr Fernand Hermann (PPE—B) directly involved in the attempted overthrow of democratic to the Commission of the European Communities governments by force of arms (e.g. Nicaragua) is conducive to harmonious relations between the Community and the (5 June 1986) USA? (86/C 299/128) What action (if any) does the Commission propose to Subject: Publication of decisions in the Official Journal safeguard the trading rights of Member States who are subjected to such harassment? I understand that the Commission regularly refuses to publish, in the Official Journal of the European Communities, decisions which have considerable financial implications or major repercussions for third parties. Answer given by Mr Clercq on behalf of the Commission Such a practice cannot be in keeping with the spirit of the (30 June 1986) Treaties or with the principle that democratically elected representatives should be informed of the use to which The Commission is not aware of any interference with taxpayers' money is put. intra-Community trade of the kind suggested by the Honourable Member. Can the Commission account for its discretionary attitude?

Can it say what types of decision affecting what areas and involving what sums are subject to such an embargo on publications? What criteria are applied? WRITTEN QUESTION No 510/86 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S—B) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Delors (5 June 1986) on behalf of the Commission (86/C 299/130) (3 July 1986)

Subject: Nuclear safety — Population-evacuation plans Under the terms of the Treaties (Articles 15 ECSC, 191 EEC and 163 EAEC) the Commission is not necessarily obliged to 1. Could the Commission state what stage has been 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/71 reached in the work of its group responsible for nuclear least mitigate the shortcomings which may have arisen in its safety, and in particular, on population-evacuation plans? various Community policies.

2. What criteria have been selected for an efficient However, none of these development operations through the evacuation plan? funds such as the European Social Fund, the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund and the European Regional Development Fund have involved the 3. Can the Commission give examples of efficient cultural sector as such, though it is obvious that it would be population-evacuation plans and, if not, what period of time highly advisable for the European Community to become does the Commission envisage for finalizing evacuation involved in the development of the most wide-ranging plans? cultural events since, apart from adding an artistic dimension to the Community's concerns, this would improve its 4. Does any publication exist that reproduces the criteria standing among cultural circles in the Community. or the plans? If so, what has been or will be the circulation of such a publication? Does the Commission therefore believe that it would be useful to consider the possibility of setting up a European Cultural Development Fund on an equal footing with the other Community funds already established, through which Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis the Community would increase its contribution to the on behalf of the Commission European cultural sphere? (6 August 1986)

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana The problem of emergency plans (of which evacuation plans on behalf of the Commission are only one aspect) is dealt with by the Commission (6 August 1986) departments in collaboration with experts from the Member States. The Commission fully shares the Honourable Member's views on the importance of giving the cultural sector all the A report entitled 'The technical basis for emergency planning attention and financial support it deserves to foster its and preparedness in the EC countries' was published in development. 1985 (*). A study on the 'organization of action to be taken in the event of a nuclear accident in the EEC countries' is However, the creation of a special cultural development currently under way and will be discussed in depth next year fund, albeit desirable, would currently create both by an expert group set up by the Commission to examine this institutional and budgetary difficulties. field.

In addition, the Commission has just published a report on the 'Aims and methods of transborder planning of assistance in the countries of the European Community in the event of an accident in a nuclear plant'; a copy of the report will be WRITTEN QUESTION No 519/86 sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the by Mr Manuel Cantarero del Castillo (ED—E) Secretariat-General of the European Parliament. to the Commission of the European Communities (») EUR 9263. (5 June 1986) (86/C 299/132)

Subject: Freedom of movement for Community sportsmen

It is becoming common practice in certain Community countries to place tight restrictions on sports associations WRITTEN QUESTION No 518/86 signing up foreign sportsmen as players in club teams for the by Mr Manuel Cantarero del Castillo (ED—E) various sports in national competitions. to the Commission of the European Communities Since the term 'foreigner' is applied to non-nationals of the (5 June 1986) country which imposes the restriction referred to, this (86/C 299/131) produces a situation which is contrary to the provisions of Article 3 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community which expressly provides for the 'abolition of Subject: Establishment of a European Cultural obstacles to freedom of movement for persons, services and Development Fund capital'.

The European Community has approached the problem of In view of this, does the Commission consider that the all the requirements which have gradually arisen at abovementioned restrictive practices in regard to the Community level in the various fields of its activity by engagement of foreign sportsmen are contrary to the letter establishing financial funds which have helped to offset or at and the spirit of the EEC Treaty? No C 299/72 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Answer given by Mr Marin As far as the Commission is aware, none of the research on behalf of the Commission results obtained to date under the Community biotechnology (6 August 1986) research programme have been used for military purposes. Nevertheless, such a possibility can never be automatically excluded either in this or in any other field of scientific and The Commission considers that Articles 7, 48, 52 and 59 of technological activity. the EEC Treaty are opposed to practices preventing professional sportsmen who are nationals of one Member State from practising their activity, either in the employ of another or on a self-employed basis, in another Member State. WRITTEN QUESTION No 572/86 by Mr Raphael Chanterie (PPE—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (9 June 1986) (86/C 299/134) WRITTEN QUESTION No 529/86 Subject: European Social Fund assistance for persons by Mrs Dorothee Piermont (ARC—D) occupied in the textiles and clothing industries to the Commission of the European Communities (6 June 1986) Can the Commission indicate what aid has been granted to Belgium from the Social Fund on the basis of Decision (86/C 299/133) 76/206/EEC(1)?

Can the Commission indicate the aid obtained for each Subject: Refusal of support within the biotechnology region? research programme for military projects involving biotechnology and genetic engineering (») OJ NoL 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 39.

Unfortunately the Commission's answer to my Written Question No 2791/85 (l) does not deal with point 2, but only states that Commission departments monitor research Answer given by Mr Marin to ensure that it keeps within the terms of the contracts. As on behalf of the Commission regards this monitoring process, can the Commission (5 August 1986) provide a precise answer to the following question: What procedure does it apply when examining projects, In application of Council Decision 76/206/EEC, during the granting funds and implementing projects to exclude period 1978 to 1983 the Commission approved measures to military projects? be implemented in Belgium on behalf of textile and clothing workers for a total amount of some Bfrs 186 million. (') OJ No C 112, 12. 5. 1986, p. 16. No details are available of the regional breakdown of the assistance granted.

Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission (30 July 1986) WRITTEN QUESTION No 585/86 In its answer to Written Question No 2791/85 by the by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED—GB) Honourable Member, the Commission referred to the to the Commission of the European Communities exclusively non-military orientation of all Community aid for research. The Commission's scientific and technical (9 June 1986) departments, assisted where necessary by outside experts, (86/C 299/135) are responsible for deciding on the degree of support merited by research proposals in the light of the following criteria: Subject: Nationality of officials conformity of proposals to the objectives laid down in the programme decision, scientific and technical quality, Will the Commission provide 3 comparative tables to novelty, benefits and feasibility of the proposal, the show: applicant's scientific qualifications, the international nature of the project and, in the case of industrial projects, 1. The numbers and percentage, by nationality and grade, consequences for the competitiveness of enterprises, of its officials in service at the dates of the EEC potential industrial applications and prospects for success. enlargements — i.e.: 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/73

— 1 January 1973: accession of the United Kingdom, numbers of nationals of each country it is foreseen to Ireland, Denmark; recruit in 1986)? — 1 January 1981: accession of Greece; — 1 January 1986: accession of Spain and Portugal. Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission 2. In each of the 12-month periods immediately following (S August 1986) the dates of accessions, how many officials in total joined the Commission from each of the new Member States The Honourable Member will find the information he respectively (in the case of Spain and Portugal the total requests in the following tables.

1. Number and percentage of Commission officials and other staff (including Joint Research Centre) A. 1 January 1973

Grade A L/A B C D

Belgian 306 87 401 863 94 1 751 25,63 German 519 122 396 433 15 1 485 21,74 Danish — 10 1 6 — 17 0,25 French 404 66 332 332 22 1 156 16,93 British 16 47 8 17 1 89 1,30 Greek 5 — 1 — — 6 0,09 Italian 509 86 408 339 125 1 467 21,48 Irish 1 1 — — — 2 0,03 Luxembourg 55 7 80 150 19 311 4,55 Dutch 147 70 169 95 4 485 7,10 Spanish 1 — 2 — 1 4 0,06 Portuguese — — — — — 0 0,00 Other 19 10 12 16 — 57 0,83 Total 1 982 506 1 810 2 251 281 6 830

B. 1 January 1981

Grade A L/A B C D

Belgian 366 160 622 1 194 142 2 484 23,28 German 583 181 452 415 25 1 656 15,52 Danish 79 108 49 95 1 332 3,11 French 528 106 397 369 18 1 418 13,29 British 346 162 161 161 9 839 7,86 Greek 13 48 2 20 — 83 0,78 Italian 591 188 515 1 036 218 2 548 23,88 Irish 67 13 25 69 — 174 1,63 Luxembourg 67 8 109 233 33 450 4,22 Dutch 157 104 204 136 10 611 5,73 Spanish 1 2 1 — 1 5 0,05 Portuguese — — — — — 0 0,00 Other 17 19 12 21 — 69 0,65 Total 2 815 1 099 2 549 3 749 457 10 664 No C 199114 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

C. 1 January 1986

Grade Nationality Total A L/A B C D

Belgian 442 165 739 1435 245 3 026 24,74 German 610 167 449 457 19 1702 13,91 Danish 85 115 52 108 4 364 2,98 French 576 99 417 375 36 1 503 12,29 British 404 157 170 217 8 956 7,82 Greek 125 103 66 95 17 406 3,32 Italian 611 166 555 1 092 268 2 692 22,00 Irish 89 16 52 76 1 234 1,91 Luxembourg 64 8 95 235 48 450 3,68 Dutch 189 92 237 147 13 678 * 5,54 Spanish 8 36 5 29 6 84 0,69 Portuguese 3 30 5 18 3 59 0,48 Other 14 21 16 21 5 77 0,63

Total 3 220 1 175 2 858 4 305 673 12 231

2. Number of officials and other staff from new Member States

A. Recruited between 1 January 1973 and 31 December 1973: — British 296, — Irish 96, — Danish 179.

B. Recruited between 1 January 1981 and 31 December 1981: — Greek 157. C. Target for recruitment between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 1986: — Spanish ± 500, — Portuguese ± 200.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 600/86 Ministers of Education meeting within the Council on 4 June by Mrs Eileen Lemass (RDE—IRL) 1984, the Commission set up a group of national coordinators, nominated by the education authorities of the to the Commission of the European Communities Member States, to identify the steps which should be taken (9 June 1986) within the education systems to reduce the failure rate in (86/C 299/136) schools and combat illiteracy.

Subject: Illiteracy This group, which meets regularly, has turned its attention to Present teaching methods and overcrowding in classrooms the problem brought up by the Honourable Member. It can result in school children leaving school with an emerged that one far-from-negligible aspect of the illiteracy incomplete knowledge of their mother tongue. problem in the industrialized countries is that it is extremely hard to quantify, for there have been no systematic surveys It has been estimated that, in Ireland, 30% of first-year aimed at assessing the percentage of illiterates — whether post-primary pupils are unable to write coherent sentences in among adults or at school. English. Does the Commission have similar statistics on illiteracy In Belgium and France tests are carried out during military rates in the other Member States of the European service. By applying the figures compiled by the Ministry of Community? Is it aware of any research being done on Defence in Belgium and France to the population as a whole, improving teaching methods in this area? it is estimated that 5 % are illiterate, though this is probably short of the true figure.

Answer given by Mr Marin The Commission does not at present have at its disposal on behalf of the Commission statistics showing the situation in the Member States. (5 August 1986)

In response to the conclusions of the Council and the 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/75

WRITTEN QUESTION No 604/86 WRITTEN QUESTION No 611/86 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S—B) by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (9 June 1986) (9 June 1986) (86/C 299/137) (86/C 299/138)

Subject: Destruction of waste in cement kilns Subject: Bicycles and public transport It is considered in certain quarters that cement kilns could be Can the Commission state which Member States have one of the most efficient means of destroying toxic and facilities for transporting bicycles by train and what hazardous waste. particular possibilities and benefits they offer in this connection? 1. Does the Commission share this view?

2. To what extent are cement kilns already being used to destroy certain types of waste?

3. What are its views in particular on the destruction of oils and PCB waste by incineration in cement kilns? Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission 4. To what extent is a cement kiln capable of guaranteeing (11 August 1986) full combustion of toxic waste incinerated at the same time as the sludge?

All railways will carry bicycles either as hand luggage or as registered luggage in certain trains indicated by a special symbol in their official timetables. These generally include many national trains, with the exception of IC trains in the Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis Federal Republic of Germany and TGV trains in France, on behalf of the Commission which do not have luggage vans, and some international (14 August 1986) trains.

1. The use of cement kilns to eliminate certain toxic and The various railways carry bicycles as follows: hazardous wastes offers a number of advantages which stem — in national traffic: free carriage (e.g. United Kingdom from the technology of the plant: and France) or carriage against payment of a fee (e.g. — very high temperature in the combustion zone (material Germany and Belgium) of bicycles as hand luggage. 1 450 °C, flame 2 000 °C); In these instances handling (loading and unloading) and — the gases are retained for more than six seconds in the surveillance of the bicycles are the responsibility of the kilns (which are between 100 and 200 metres long) and passengers; flow in the opposite direction to the material; — components such as heavy metals, sulphur, alkalis and — in national and international traffic: carriage as halogens are trapped in the decarbonation process and registered luggage if possible by the same train as the only slight traces are entrained in the gases discharged to passenger. the atmosphere. In these instances the bicycles are deposited at the station, 2. In the Federal Republic of Germany, old tyres are transferred en route by the railways and returned to the commonly incinerated in cement kilns, and tests are being passenger at the station of destination; conducted with other wastes including toxic and hazardous — in special trains: transport of bicycles on the basis of substances. Several trials have been carried out in France special arrangements concluded with tour operators (e.g. since 1977 on eliminating various wastes in cement kilns. Netherlands and France). The utilization of wastes by French cement works was as follows in 1983: The bicycles are transported in specially fitted wagons which — wastes with low heat value: 21 117 tonnes are attached to the passenger cars. — wastes with high heat value consisting of:

The Commission no longer has a fares office; more detailed — old tyres: 3 355 tonnes information can be obtained from the sales outlets of the — non-chlorinated solvents, paint sludge: railways in the Community. 19 168 tonnes — sulphur-containing tar 10 390 tonnes — wastes with very high heat value: 38 313 tonnes. No C 299/76 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86

Tests have been carried out on incinerating chlorinated wind energy resources in Europe, wind generator wastes: 1978—1979 in France, 1976 in Canada - PCB trials experiments and the development of technologies and — and 1981 in Norway. The results with regard to chlorine prototypes. trapping were highly positive. As concerns future R&D activities in the non-nuclear field 3. Experiments have shown that pollutant discharges in for the years beyond 1988, the Commission will make flue gases from incineration of PCBs in the wet or dry cement adequate proposals in due course. The Commission would like to point out that research into wind energy will not be process are minimal. However, the tests were conducted excluded from its proposal for the Community framework under kiln operating conditions that did not exactly match programme on research and technological development those of cement manufacture. In principle, the Commission 1987—1991. believes that incineration in cement kilns is a feasible means of PCB destruction in view of the technology of the cement (M OJ No L 83, 25. 3. 1985, p. 16. manufacturing process and its advantages with regard to elimination of toxic and hazardous wastes as listed under point 1.

Nevertheless, cement manufacturers would have to be subject to the same inspection and licensing procedures as all WRITTEN QUESTION No 649/86 disposal undertakings handling toxic and hazardous wastes. The kiln exits would have to be fitted with equipment for by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC—B) incinerating PCBs, provided, of course, that the cement to the Commission of the European Communities manufacturers accept PCBs as a fuel. It has not been proven (19 June 1986) that cement quality would not suffer as a result. (86/C 299/140) 4. A cement kiln can guarantee full combustion of toxic wastes to the extent that the technology, operating Subject: Labelling on imports of Spanish and Portuguese conditions and emission standards satisfy the statutory produce requirements for various wastes. Certain people have informed me that, in Belgium, Spanish and Portuguese produce is imported on which the labelling is only in Spanish or Portuguese. This mainly concerns foodstuffs.

Can the Commission confirm this?

If so, does this practice conform with the relevant Directive on the labelling of foodstuffs? WRITTEN QUESTION No 644/86 by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde (ARC—DK) If not, what measures does the Commission envisage taking in this matter? to the Commission of the European Communities (19 June 1986) (86/C 299/139) Answer given by Lord Cockfield on behalf of the Commission Subject: Research into wind power (1 August 1986)

What is the reason for the Commission now excluding The Commission is not aware of the situation described by research into wind power from the framework research the Honourable Member. programme for 1987—1991? The language of foodstuffs labelling is dealt with under Article 14 (2) of Council Directive 79/112/EEC 0), which provides that Member States shall ensure that the sale of foodstuffs within their territories is prohibited if the required Answer given by Mr Narjes labelling particulars are not given in a language easily on behalf of the Commission understood by purchasers, unless other measures have been taken to ensure that the purchaser is informed. (8 August 1986) Enforcement in the matter raised by the Honourable Member therefore falls to the competence of the national Within the ongoing multiannual (1985—1988) Community authorities concerned. research and development programme on non-nuclear energy (J), the Commission implements a specific (>) OJNoL 33, 8. 2. 1979, p. 1. sub-programme on research into energy. The research projects within this sub-programme cover the assessment of 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/77

WRITTEN QUESTION No 658/86 negotiations. Its most recent information and estimates by Mr Jose Barros Moura (COM—P) concerning Portugal's financial situation in 1986 confirm that these undertakings will be respected. to the Commission of the European Communities (19 June 1986) (86/C 299/141)

Subject: Transfer of funds between Portugal and the Community WRITTEN QUESTION No 695/86 In Chapter IV of the explanatory statement to Bill No 16/IV by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) (State budget for 1986), published in the Official Gazette of to the Commission of the European Communities the Portuguese Assembly, the Portuguese Government states (1 July 1986) explicitly that in 1986, the first year of Portugal's membership of the Community, 'Portugal will be a net (86/C 299/142) beneficiary' and that the balance in its favour will be some Esc 40 276 million. Subject: Consultation between Member States on transfrontier pollution The positive balance referred to by the Portuguese Government is explained by the fact that revenue from The Lille urban district (France) is intending to establish a Community funds covering repayments, refunds and rubbish dump 80 metres high and covering 88 hectares less pre-accession aid exceeds the contribution to the than 4 kilometres form the commune of Comines-Warneton Community's own resources and various amounts (Belgium). There is a risk that this dump may pollute the transferred to the EEC by Portugal. waters of the Deule and the Lys (frontier river) and the water tables in both countries. It is well known, however, that the Community's own resources are collected separately and do not involve In view of Community legislation on waste management and payments from the structural funds. water pollution, can the Commission:

Accordingly, the situation is far from clear. What is needed 1. confirm that in such cases States are obliged to consult at this stage, five months after the entry into force of the each other, and Agreements governing Portugal's accession to the Community, is a balance sheet — not simply a statement of 2. indicate whether proceedings can be brought in the account but a proper balance sheet giving full details of the European Court of Justice against the State concerned transfer of funds between Portugal and the EEC. for failure to act, if such consultations do not take place? Will the Commission state:

1. the total amount of funds actually transferred to the EEC by Portugal at the time of its answer, and Answer given by Mr Clinton Davis on behalf of the Commission 2. the total amount of funds actually transferred and paid to (6 August 1986) Portugal over the same period by the Community?

Apart from bilateral agreements, of which the Commission is often unaware, the Directives on the quality of water and the Directive on the assessment of the impact of certain public and private projects on the environment make provision for Answer given by Mr Christophersen consultation between States. on behalf of the Commission (8 August 1986) Thus, in the case of transfrontier groundwaters, consultation between States may be requested by one of the Member States concerned (Article 17 of Council Directive 80/68/EEC of The Commission would remind the Honourable Member 17 December 1979 (»)). that it is not in the habit of disclosing figures on the Member States' net balances — either for the budget year or the final As regards fresh water, provisions of this kind are only laid cash position — to avoid discussions of the 'fair returns' type. down where such waters are expressly designated by the It does not wish to make an exception to this principle for the Member States as needing protection (Article 10 of Council new Member States. Directive 78/659/EEC of 18 July 1978 (2)).

Having said that, the Commission is fully aware of In addition, the Council adopted Directive 85/337/EEC on the financial undertakings given during the accession 27 June 19 8 5 on the assessment of the effects of certain public No C 299/78 Official Journal of the European Communities 24. 11. 86 and private projects on the environment (3). Article 7 of this Angel Mintschev Kantschev (Aptula Mechmedov Directive requires consultation between the Member States Kotschev), all from the village of Jonkovo, Razgrad concerned. The Member States have three years from the district; adoption of the Directive in which to implement it. Miltscho Issaev Pirinski (Mumun Ibischev Kelov) and (>) OJ No L 20, 26. 1. 1980, p. 43. Miltscho Alekov Alekov (Mechmet Aliev Mustafov) from (2) OJ No L 222, 14. 8. 1978, p. 1. Swalenik village; Ferdo Isaev Belberov (Fadail Sabriev 3 ( ) OJ No L 175, 5. 7. 1985, p. 40. Kadirov) from Judelnik village; Milen Assenov Kolev (Mechmet Hassanov Kelov), born in Opaka village, Targoviste district and now resident in Russe — all from WRITTEN QUESTION No 731/86 Russe district; by Mr Axel Zarges (PPE—D) Pawlina Martinova Aldekova (Pakise Mumunova Hassanova), Filip Russinov Horosov (Fechim to the Commission of the European Communities Hiisseinov), Ignat Martinov Kalinov (Issmet Mechmedov (2 July 1986) Duralov) and Jordan Jankov Iossifov (Ussuf Jakubov) (86/C 299/143) from Kardjali; Isskren Ognianov Hrelkov (Issmail Osmanov Halilov) from Momtschilgrad, Stilian Assenov Subject: Maltreatment of the Turkish minority in Bulgaria Julianov (Schaban Hiisseinov Hiisseinov) from Gorno by the Bulgarian State and Amnesty International's Prahovo village — all from Kardjali district. reports thereon Is the Commission aware of this situation? Can it say In a booklet entitled 'Bulgaria — Imprisonment of Ethnic anything in support either of Amnesty International's Turks' published in April 1986, Amnesty International allegations or of the statements by the Bulgarian asserts that in a 'Bulgarianization' campaign at the end of Government? It seems clear to the questioner that the 1984 'Bulgarian Turks' who had refused to give up their Bulgarian Government has in many cases resorted to force to Turkish name and adopt a Bulgarian one were subjected to persuade Islamic Bulgarians to adopt a Bulgarian name in violence; Amnesty International claims that over 100 people place of their Turkish name, but also that the reports were killed at the hands of the State and supply a list of reaching Amnesty International have been manipulated — names. perhaps at the instigation of Turkey — to give a distorted In reply to my enquiry regarding the truth of Amnesty picture of the true situation in Bulgaria, so as to discredit a International's allegations, the Bulgarian Government has country which is currently seeking to develop new and closer said the following: commercial, economic and political ties with the European Investigation of the list of 114 persons said to have been Community. killed has revealed that 80 of the names are fictitious and the remaining 34 persons are alive and well, free and going about their daily business. Of the 281 persons said Answer given by Mr De Clercq to be imprisoned for the same reasons, 117 names are on behalf of the Commission bogus and the other 164 persons named are all free and (8 August 1986) not in prison. To give a few examples, rather than an exhaustive list: The Commission maintains a keen interest in Amnesty Among the persons said to have been killed but who have International's reports but is not accustomed to passing never existed, since their names are entirely fictitious, are comment on their content. for example: The Commission is not able to confirm the facts as stated by Mechmed Achmedov from Krumovgrad, Kardjali the Bulgarian Government. district; Adem Ismailov Iliev from Tutrakan, Silistra district; Tschetip Erov from Jablanovo village, Sliven The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the answer district; Ibrachim Halilov from Buinovo village, given by the Commission to his Written Question No Targoviste district; Shaban Mechmedov from Dobromir 2662/85 H. village, Burgass district. (>) OJ No C 233, 15. 9. 1986, p. 4. Some persons named on the list are said to have been killed during the campaign, but in fact died a natural death at a much earlier date, for example: Mechmed Huseinov Aptulov, from Dobromir village, Burgass district, who died of lung cancer on 21 May WRITTEN QUESTION No 851/86 1976; Firret Iliasov Aliev from Djebel, Kardjali district, by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) who died in hospital on 7 August 1977; Osman to the Commission of the European Communities Mechmedov Useinov from Dobromir village, Burgass district, who died of a heart attack on 27 April 1979. (10 July 1986) The following persons who were also alleged to have been (86/C 299/144) killed are alive and well and free: Subject: Grants or loans to companies in the constituency of Martin Tschavadarov Assenov (previous name: Murad Durham and Blaydon Ferchadov) from Kubrat; Mintscho Angelov Filipov (previous name: Mustafa Aptulov Ferchadov), Andrei Can the Commission list all the companies, by name, in the Andreev Tischolov (Achmed Achmedov Mechmedov and constituency of Durham and Blaydon (which covers Durham 24. 11. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 299/79

County Council and the Blaydon sub-division of Gateshead 5. What is the cost of imported fertilizer as compared Metropolitan Borough Council) in receipt of grants or loans with the average cost of fertilizer produced in the from the European Regional Development Fund, the Community? European Social Fund, the European Coal and Steel Community or the Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund for the years Answer given by Mr Andriessen 1984, 1985 and predicted for 1986, by year, loan or grant, on behalf of the Commission amount awarded and company? (7 October 1986)

In view of the length of its answer, which includes a number Answer given by Mr Varfis of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the on behalf of the Commission Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. (7 October 1986)

In view of the length of its answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1166/86 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities (2 September 1986) (86/C 299/146) WRITTEN QUESTION No 873/86 Subject: Stock density of pigs and cattle and origin of by Mr Ray MacSharry (RDE—IRL) feed to the Commission of the European Communities 1. What is the present density of pigs and cattle per (14 July 1986) hectare in the various regions of the Community? (86/C 299/145) 2. What percentage of feed is imported from countries outside the Community to feed pigs and cattle in the various Subject: Farm fertilizer regions of the Community? 1. What is the average cost of fertilizers to farmers in each of the 12 Member States of the European Community? Answer given by Mr Andriessen 2. What proportion of fertilizer is domestically produced on behalf of the Commission in each Member State? (7 October 1986) 3. What proportion is imported by each Member State? In view of the length of its answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the 4. Which are the chief sources of imported fertilizer? Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.