^-^ /•*/"*• • "% "W" *fl ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal c 39 /» >->, • • Volume 28

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I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer:

85/C 39/01 No 2357/83 by Mrs Maria Lisa Cinciari Rodana to the Commission Subject: Unemployment — discrimination against women 1

85/C 39/02 No 2378/83 by Mr Mark Clinton to the Commission Subject: Pricing policies of the Milk Marketing Boards in the UK 1

85/C 39/03 No 362/84 by Mr Jacques Moreau to the Commission Subject: The use of data-programming equipment in the Commission services with a view to its subsequent adoption by the administrations of Member States 2 85/C 39/04 No 567/84 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Orders for equipment in the steel industry 3

85/C 39/05 No 592/84 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Community maritime inspectors 4

85/C 39/06 No 670/84 by Mr Mark Clinton to the Commission Subject: United Kingdom Milk Marketing Boards 5

85/C 39/07 No 671/84 by Mr Mark Clinton to the Commission Subject: United Kingdom Milk Marketing Boards 5

85/C 39/08 No 676/84 by Mr to the Commission Subject: Access to Rhodes from Turkey 5

85/C 39/09 No 766/84 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission Subject: Ebbw Vale 6

85/C 39/10 No 772/84 by Mr Pierre Pranchere to the Commission Subject: Gas supplies to ammonia producers in the Netherlands 6

1 (Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page

85/C 39/11 No 785/84 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: Conversion by the Council of Directives and resolutions into recommendations in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 respectively 7

85/C 39/12 No 794/84 by Mr Richard Cottrell to the Commission Subject: Delays and incompetence by the Italian national airline Alitalia and the authorities at Rome Airport '

85/C 39/13 No 828/84 by Mrs Ien van den Heuvel to the Commission Subject: Veterinary inspection service 8

85/C 39/14 No 846/84 by Mr to the Commission Subject: Worker-directors 9

85/C 39/15 No 857/84 by Mr Hans-Gert Poettering to the Commission Subject: Medical insurance for students 9

85/C 39/16 No 865/84 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: International Youth Year 10

85/C 39/17 No 867/84 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Aid to zones adversely affected by the restructuring of the steel industry 10

85/C 39/18 No 875/84 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: Porsche automobile company and the Soviet Union 11

85/C 39/19 No 877/84 by Mr Frank Schwalba-Hoth to the Commission Subject: Formaldehyde 11

85/C 39/20 No 899/84 by Mr Pierre Pranchere to the Commission Subject: Suckler cow premiums 13

85/C 39/21 No 900/84 by Mr Paul Verges to the Commission Subject: Price of ACP sugar 13

85/C 39/22 No 914/84 by Mr Klaus Hansch to the Commission Subject: East Timor 14

85/C 39/23 No 916/84 by Mrs Danielle De March to the Commission Subject: Agreements concluded between industrial groups in the field of electronics and data processing 14

85/C 39/24 No 920/84 by Mr Ian Paisley to the Commission Subject: Animal feed in Northern Ireland 15

85/C 39/25 No 923/84 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Advertising by the liberal professions 15

85/C 39/26 No 929/84 by Mr Roberto Costanzo to the Commission Subject: ERDF funds for the Region of Campania 15

85/C 39/27 No 940/84 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: Straw degradation methods 16

85/C 39/28 No 955/84 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Red ibis in French Guiana 16 Contents (continued)

85/C 39/29 No 960/84 by Mr James Fitzsimons to the Commission Subject: Energy demonstration projects 17

85/C 39/30 No 974/84 by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde to the Commission Subject: Purchase prices for butter 17

85/C 39/31 No 994/84 by Mr Emmanuel Maffre-Bauge to the Commission Subject: Norway lobster fisheries 18

85/C 39/32 No 1000/84 by Mr Pierre-Benjamin Pranchere to the Commission Subject: Crisis on the market in store cattle 18

85/C 39/33 No 1008/84 by Mrs Anne-Marie Dupuy to the Commission Subject: The right of establishment and freedom to provide services in hairdressing 19

85/C 39/34 No 1009/84 by Mrs Nicole Chouraqui to the Commission Subject: Benefits for pensioners 19

85/C 39/35 No 1017/84 by Mr Bernard Pons to the Commission Subject: Problems arising from unemployed frontier workers from the interpretation of Article 68 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 19

85/C 39/36 No 1027/84 by Mrs Yvette Fuillet to the Commission Subject: Equivalence of qualifications and freedom of establishment in the Member States of the EEC 20

85/C 39/37 No 1034/84 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Belgium's failure to implement Directive 80/68/EEC 20

85/C 39/38 No 1038/84 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Belgium's failure to implement Directive 78/319/EEC 21

85/C 39/39 No 1041/84 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Three-yearly reports on the prevention and progressive reduction of pollution caused by waste from the titanium dioxide industry 21

85/C 39/40 No 1047/84 by Mr Gerhard Schmid and Mrs Lieselotte Seibel-Emmerling to the Commission Subject: Lead content of lead crystal glass 22

85/C 39/41 No 1054/84 by Mr Michel Debatisse to the Commission Subject: Alternative agricultural and budgetary measures 22

85/C 39/42 No 1070/84 by Mr Frank Schwalba-Hoth to the Commission Subject: Capacity of new penal establishments 23

85/C 39/43 No 1085/84 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject: Marketing techniques in the pharmaceuticals sector 23

85/C 39/44 No 1095/84 by Mr George Patterson to the Commission Subject: Agreements exempted from EEC competition policy provisions 23

85/C 39/45 No 1169/84 by Mr Ray Mac Sharry to the Commission Subject: Food aid 25

85/C 39/46 No 1218/84 by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi to the Commission Subject: An Italian titanium dioxide factory now in British hands 25

(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (c6ntinued) Page

85/C 39/47 No 1239/84 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject: Dangers of amateur sub-aqua diving 26

85/C 39/48 No 1295/84 by Mr Karl-Heinz Mihr to the Foreign Ministers of the 10 Member States of the European Communities meeting in political cooperation Subject: Dismissal of 200 employees of the vanadium mine in Wapedskloof, South Africa 26

85/C 39/49 No 1617/84 by Mr Emmanouil Glezos to the Foreign Ministers of the 10 Member States of the European Communities meeting in political cooperation Subject: Rapprochement between the USSR and the USA and the opening of negotiations for the prevention of nuclear war and the consolidation of world peace 27

85/C 39/50 No 1618/84 by Mr Emmanouil Glezos to the Foreign Ministers of the 10 Member States of the European Communities meeting in political cooperation Subject: Ending the Iran-Iraq war and resolving the problems of the two warring countries through dialogue and negotiation 28 11. 2. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/1

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2357/83 plaint lodged by an Italian body concerning the sub­ by Mrs Maria Lisa Cinciari Rodana (COM — I) ject of the Written Question was being investigated. to the Commission of the European Communities Having obtained the relevant information from the (26 March 1984) Italian authorities, the Commission has decided to file the matter, given that it would be very difficult (85/C 39/01) to support the assertion that the current recruitment Subject: Unemployment discrimination against system n Italy, as implemented under Law No 79 of women 25 March 1983, leads to discrimination against women Figures published by ISFOL in connection with Although the Commission does not believe that the Italy's application of law No 79/1983 show clearly law as it stands at present gives ground for opening that women are discriminated against: out of proceedings under Article 169 of the EEC Treaty, it 133 565 young people between 15 and 19 years old will remain alert to the question raised by the Hon- who were recruited at the end of their training pe­ ourable Member and will not fail to intervene if riods, 91 220 were male and 42 345 female, although necessary women accounted for more than 70 % of the unem­ ployed in that age group, and out of 104 536 indi­ (•) OJ No C 200, 30. 7. 1984. viduals recruited in general 72 226 were male and 32 310 were female although 60 % of those registered with employment agencies were women. The Italian legislation in question must thus be re­ garded as a form of indirect discrimination against women and therefore in conflict with Directive 76/207/EEC (•) on equal treatment for men and women. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2378/83 The Italian Government has, moreover, introduced Bill No 665 in the chambers in which it proposes by Mr Mark Clinton (PPE — IRL) extending for an unlimited period the rule that in to thje Commission of the European Communities many cases 50 % of the workers to be recruited may (30 March 1984) be recruited on an individual basis. (85/C 39/02) What initiative does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Community Regulations are complied Subject Pricing policies of the Milk Marketing with? Boards in the UK (') OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40. It is understood that the Commission has now com­ menced proceedings before the Court of Justice un­ der Article 169 against the United Kingdom with Supplementary answer given by Mr Richard regard to differential pricing for whole milk as oper­ on behalf of the Commission ated by the Milk Marketing Boards in the United (11 December 1984) Kingdom. Recent newspaper reports indicate that the United Kingdom Government now belatedly in­ In its first reply of 5 June 1984 (•) the Commission tends to enforce a unitary price system upon the informed the Honourable Member that the com- Milk Marketing Boards. No C 39/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 85

1. In view of the fact that this differential pricing Following the opening of infringement proceedings system has continued since 1979, would the under Article 169 of the EEC Treaty, the United Commission confirm that even if the United Kingdom Government has stated that the price dif­ Kingdom rectified the position with regard to ferentials attacked by the Commission in the pro­ the future, the Commission will continue its ceedings are no longer being practised. The Com­ present proceedings so as to establish defini­ mission is presently examining the latest position tively the United Kingdom's long-standing taken by the United Kingdom Government. failure to fulfil its obligations under the Treaty The Commission will also consider what conclu­ and the appropriate Regulations. sions should be drawn with regard to its future 2. Notwithstanding the continuation of the pro­ action on the matters directly affected by this in­ ceedings referred to in 1 and in view of the fact fringement. that certain undertakings have suffered very 2. The Commission will study the changes in the considerable damage as a result of such differ­ UK pricing system for milk to ensure that infringe­ ential pricing (including the Irish Dairy Board ments against Community Regulations do not exist. which has commenced proceedings in England 3. The adaptation of United Kingdom legislation and Wales against the Milk Marketing Board), and administrative practices relating to the Milk would the Commissioner confirm that before ac­ Marketing Boards to the framework provided by cepting any unitary price system for the future, Community Regulations to facilitate their continued he will ensure that all such interested undertak­ existence proved to be complex and long drawn out. ings are given the opportunity to comment upon There were initially many more problems than those any such proposals, so as to ensure that any uni­ still subject to the infringement proceedings men­ tary price does not hide any continuation of dif­ tioned by the Honourable Member. ferential prices or discounting? These other problems were solved in a satisfactory 3. In view of the fact that such differential pricing manner as a result of the intervention of the Com­ has continued since 1979 — and it was only in mission. The Commission does not therefore accept 1984 that the matter was brought by the Com­ that the policing of the Regulations concerned has mission before the European Court of Justice — been insufficient. It is of the opinion that existing what steps does the Commissioner envisage tak­ procedures for policing are adequate and assures the ing to ensure that such a long-lasting failure to Honourable Member that it will continue to keep fulfil basic obligations under the Treaty and un­ the compliance by the United Kingdom and its Milk der the common organization of the milk market Marketing Boards of their respective obligations un­ is not allowed to occur again? Clearly the der the Regulations under close scrutiny. policing under existing Regulations has not 4. The Commission is examining the conse­ proved effective. quences of these infringements for the financial 4. In any event, even if the United Kingdom intro­ years of 1980 onwards for EAGGF financing in the duces a unitary pricing system for the future, UK dairy sector. These financial consequences will would the Commissioner confirm that the Com­ be determined in the framework of the appropriate mission will still consider the consequences of decisions of the Commission on the clearance of such differential pricing practices operated since EAGGF Guarantee accounts. 1979 in the framework of the clearance of ac­ counts in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 729/70 (!) (see Written Question No 885/83) (2)?

(1) OJ No L 94, 28. 4. 1970, p. 13. WRITTEN QUESTION No 362/84 (2) OJ No C 315, 21. 11. 1983, p. 18. by Mr Jacques Moreau (S — F) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 June 1984) Answer given by Mr Dalsager (85/C 39/03) on behalf of the Commission Subject: The use of data-programming equipment in (12 December 1984) the Commission services with a view to its subsequent adoption by the administra­ 1. The Commission has commenced proceedings tions of Member States before the Court of Justice in respect of certain aspects of the differential pricing of milk by the 1. According to information in the press {Libera­ United Kingdom Milk Marketing Boards. tion of 10 and 11 March 1984) the EEC's data-pro- 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/3 cessing services are considering switching from the cessing industry in Europe, in particular via the European software Mistral used at present to its ESPRIT programme. American rival, Basis, to meet their documentation needs. This will require substantial investments, al­ The Commission summed up its approach in 'Syn­ though the exact figure is not yet known, to adapt thesis of computer equipment planning for 1984 to the system to its needs. 1987', which clearly states its attitude towards the market. Does the Commission not agree that a decision of this kind, coming at the very moment that it is seek­ 2. The Commission keeps an inventory of its ing, with the ESPRIT programme, to promote Euro­ computer equipment but access to it is governed by pean research and development in the field of infor­ the rules in force. mation technology, would gravely prejudice efforts already undertaken by European firms in this field It publishes an annual report for the Council con­ (Siemens, ICL and Bull)? taining a summary of present equipment and pro­ curement plans for the following three years. 2. Software and hardware are sectors in which Europeans can match their American or Japanese The Amdahl equipment was leased following a pub­ counterparts. lic invitation for tenders. Can the Commission state the special features, the 3. The Commission has insisted for a number of make and the purchase price of the American and years now that the equipment it purchases must be European software and hardware in use at present at compatible with international standards and wel­ its centres in Brussels, Petten, Luxembourg, Geel comes the initiative taken in this respect by the firms and Ispra? to which the Honourable Member refers. Will the Commission undertake to provide the same 4. The Commission has made use of a number of information concerning the hardware and software bilateral and multilateral meetings with the present it intends to use in future? American administration to draw its attention to the difficulties caused to European firms by American Did the Commission issue a public invitation for restrictions on the transfer of technology, particu­ tenders before hiring the Amdahl equipment? larly where these restrictions have extraterritorial ef­ fect. 3. Did the Commission stipulate that in order to be accepted the equipment would have to comply However, the American stance is as yet unchanged. with the international standards which 12 European firms have just decided to apply amongst them­ The Commission none the less considers that future selves, on the request of the Commission, in an access to technology and security of supply are effort to maintain the independence of the Euro­ major considerations in decisions on public con­ pean computer industry? tracts for high technology products. 4. In view of this state of affairs, can the Commis­ The industrial policies pursued by the Community sion indicate what measures it intends to take with on information technology are intended to regard to American regulations controlling high strengthen Europe's technological and industrial in­ technology exports from the USA under which the frastructure, thereby reducing the effects of Ameri­ US administration may impose sanctions against can policy in this field. any European company failing to respect the em­ bargo decisions taken by the US authorities?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 567/84 by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) Answer given by Mr Burke to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (8 August 1984) (13 December 1984) (85/C 39/04) 1. The information in the press to which the Hon­ Subject: Orders for equipment in the steel industry ourable Member refers was inaccurate. Most European countries have decided to rational­ The Commission naturally take steps to ensure that ize their steel industry, either by installing new and its in-house data processing is totally compatible more efficient machinery or by modernizing existing with the policies it recommends for the data-pro­ machinery. No C 39/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85

Under the terms of the relevant Community Regula­ 2. For each project, which mechanical and electri­ tions, such projects should be accessible to manufac­ cal engineering firms were invited to submit ten­ turers in all the Member States. ders? During the 1970s it was customary for steel produ­ 3. If only national firms were invited to tender, cers in each Community country to invite tenders what is the Commission's position on the mat­ from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. A ter? balance was struck between the various countries involved through the interplay of normal conditions of competition. Answer given by Mr Davignon In Belgium, the market has always been very open on behalf of the Commission and a large number of mechanical and electrical (11 December 1984) engineering firms are invited to bid for contracts by the steel producers. As far as electrical equipment is 1 and 2. The Commission does not have the infor­ concerned, some producers have been known to ask mation requested by the Honourable Member. as many as a dozen firms for a price quotation. 3. If only national firms were invited to tender, What is the situation today? While the steel industry and the public authorities were responsible, the is in the process of being nationalized or the State is Commission would examine the case in the light of acquiring a majority shareholding, there has been no the relevant Community legislation, and in particu­ change of practice among Belgian steel producers. lar of Article 30 of the EEC Treaty and of Article 4 In the large neighbouring countries, on the other of the ECSC Treaty. hand, it would seem that calls for tender are ad­ dressed solely to national firms. If, after countless attempts, Belgian firms do man­ age to put in a bid for a contract outside Belgium, they tend to be eliminated as foreigners at the final adjudication stage, even where the technology and the price they offer are acceptable to the customer. This has produced a distortion of competition, the consequences of which have quickly become appar­ ent: with the advantage of a protected national mar­ WRITTEN QUESTION No 592/84 ket, non-Belgian firms have with impunity secured by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) orders in Belgium, in some cases at very low to the Commission of the European Communities prices. (20 August 1984) As an illustration of this trend, whereas during the (85/C 39/05) period 1970 to 1977, the ACECs' share of the Bel­ gian market in electrical equipment for the steel Subject: Community maritime inspectors industry was 60 %, during the period 1979 to 1984 it fell to an average of barely 35 %. The situation is In its resolution of 13 May 1982 on 'the coordina­ worsening, since their share in 1982 and 1983 was tion of maritime inspection and surveillance opera­ 0% and 36% respectively and, so far in 1984, it tions' 0, the European Parliament recommended again stands at 0 %. that a body of Community inspectors should be created: This retreat into nationalism, this de facto protec­ tionism, arising from a distortion of competition, (a) to assist the Member States with their maritime poses a serious threat to the Belgian firms involved, inspection and surveillance operations; at a time when a small country is having to shoulder (b) to facilitate the coordination of Member States' much of the burden imposed by the construction of maritime inspection and surveillance opera­ the common market in the sector concerned. tions; This situation, which is so damaging to the ACECs, (c) to ensure that inspections are carried out impar­ is equally damaging to the Community's image, tially and, above all, to demonstrate both to which is why I am prompted to put the following Community fishermen and to the fishermen of questions to the Commission: non-member countries that they are indeed car­ ried out impartially. 1. In the context of their investment projects, what Can the Commission state what action it has taken percentage of the orders placed by the steel on this recommendation and to what extent it con­ industries in France, Germany and the United siders it to be justified? Kingdom in 1981, 1982 and 1983 was placed with national manufacturers? (!) OJ No C 149, 14. 6. 1982, p. 94. H.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/5

Answer given by Mr Contogeorgis Community budget variously estimated at about on behalf of the Commission 1 000 000 000 ECU between 1979 and 1983 brought about by the illegal activities of the United Kingdom (22 October 1984) Milk Marketing Boards? As early as in 1980, the Commission recommended the establishment of a body of Community inspec­ Answer given by Mr Dalsager tors to ensure compliance with, and the uniform application of, Community rules on the occasion of on behalf of the Commission fishery inspection operations carried out by the (4 December 1984) Member States (•). The Commission is still examining the conclusions Supported by Parliament's resolution of 13 May to be drawn with regard to its future action on the 1982, referred to by the Honourable Member, the matters directly affected by the two infringement body of inspectors was set up at the end of 1983; the cases involving the United Kingdom Milk Market­ Commission believes that it is making a valuable ing Boards. contribution to the implementation and the proper operation of the common fisheries policy. The Commission is unable, at this stage, to comment on the estimate mentioned by the Honourable Mem­ (i) COM(80) 882 final. ber. The Commission will of course take the appropriate action when its examination of these matters has been completed.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 670/84 by Mr Mark Clinton (PPE — IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities (14 September 1984) (85/C 39/06) WRITTEN QUESTION No 676/84 Subject: United Kingdom Milk Marketing Boards by Mr Richie Ryan (PPE — IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities When does the Commission expect their Article 169 action against the United Kingdom Government in (14 September 1984) respect of the above to be heard in the European (85/C 39/08) Court of Justice? Subject: Access to Rhodes from Turkey

Answer given by Mr Dalsager It appears that the Greek authorities do not permit on behalf of the Commission charter flight travellers to Rhodes access from that island to Turkey in contravention of the objective of (4 December 1984) improving freedom of movement of people. The Commission would, taking account of the aver­ Will the Commission endeavour to have removed age time for a case of this nature to reach the oral the limitation on the movement of Community hearing stage, expect the matter to be heard during citizens to and from Community countries, particu­ the second half of 1985. larly to and from countries which have special eco­ nomic and other agreements with the EEC and will the Commission please make a full statement of explanation regarding the Greek limitation on the free movement of Community citizens? WRITTEN QUESTION No 671/84 by Mr Mark Clinton (PPE.— IRL) Answer given by Mr Contogeorgis to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (14 September 1984) (13 December 1984) (85/C 39/07) The restrictions to which the Honourable Member Subject: United Kingdom Milk Marketing Boards refers have been raised with the Commission by some of the charter airlines concerned. These air­ Can the Commission please state what action, if lines have subsequently informed the Commission any, it intends to take about the increased cost to the that the Greek authorities have eased some of the No C 39/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85 restrictions involved. None the less, the Commission carry out its normal procedure in such cases of can­ intends to seek further information from the Greek celling the aid awarded and recovering from the authorities, before it gives a definite answer. Member State any payments made.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 772/84 WRITTEN QUESTION No 766/84 by Mr Pierre Pranchere (COM — F) by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (28 September 1984) (28 September 1984) (85/C 39/10) (85/C 39/09) Subject: Gas supplies to ammonia producers in the Subject: Ebbw Vale Netherlands What assistance in the form of grants or loans from The rate of penetration of Dutch nitrate fertilizers Community funds did Merryweather have when into the French market more than doubled between they moved to Ebbw Vale in 1981/82? 1980 and 1983, chiefly because of the discriminatory Was the assistance conditional on their operations price of gas granted to Dutch manufacturers. being located in coal and steel job loss areas? The Commission recognized this discrimination in If so, what arrangements are being made to with­ an opinion it delivered in March 1984. draw the benefits conferred, now that the company 1. Why, therefore, has the Commission halted the has withdrawn its operation from Ebbw Vale? infringement procedure? 2. What clauses on the amendment of prices has it negotiated with the Netherlands? Answer given by Mr Giolitti on behalf of the Commission 3. Does it not consider that, even after amend­ ment, the prices in force in the Netherlands (11 December 1984) remain discriminatory? The Commission informs the Honourable Member 4. Will it not resume the infringement procedure, that a loan with an interest rebate was granted under which was prematurely interrupted, so as to Article 56 of the ECSC Treaty to Merryweather for bring about a full return to fair terms of compe­ their new assembly plant in Ebbw Vale. tition? This loan was granted for the purpose of conversion in an area where job losses in the steel industry have been heavy. Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission Following the withdrawal of Merryweather from Ebbw Vale the Commission suspended the pay­ (23 November 1984) ments of interest subsidy to the company. Legal In July 1983 the French Government submitted a steps have been taken with regard to other issues. complaint to the Commission based on Article 170 of the EEC Treaty about discriminatory gas tariffs In 1982, aids amounting to £ 1 020 000 from the in the Netherlands. The Commission delivered its European Regional Development Fund were reasoned opinion on this complaint in March 1984. granted for an investment undertaken by the Merry­ weather Company, Ebbw Vale. This assistance was In reply to the specific points raised by the Honour­ not conditional on their operations being located in able Member, the Commission would answer as fol­ coal and steel job loss areas but rather was granted lows: because the investment was located in one of the United Kingdom's assisted areas. 1. By letter dated 4 November 1983, the Commis­ sion informed the Dutch Government that, on Should the investment not progress to its planned the basis of the information available to it, it completion or if essential criteria of the ERDF Reg­ considered that through the preferential gas tar­ ulation remain unfulfilled, the Commission will iffs charged by Gasunie to Dutch ammonia pro- 11.2.85, Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/7

ducers, the Dutch Government was granting a 2. Can the Commission state how many resolu­ State aid within the meaning of Article 92 (1) of tions the Council passed in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 the EEC Treaty. It therefore initiated the proce­ and 1983 respectively? dure under Article 93 (2) of the EEC Treaty. In 3. Can the Commission state how many recom­ its reply the Dutch Government informed the mendations the Council passed in 1979, 1980, 1981, Commission that the tariff structure for natural 1982 and 1983 respectively? gas in the Netherlands had been changed sub­ stantially. 4. Can the Commission state how many Direc­ The changes involved abolition of the two-tariff tives were converted into recommendations at the system in respect of which the procedure had request of the Council in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and been initiated and the addition to the general 1983 respectively? structure of industrial gas tariffs in the Nether­ 5. Can the Commission state how many resolu­ lands of a new tariff, called the *F tariff. This tions were converted into recommendations at the new tariff applied to all very large industrial request of the Council in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and users who could meet certain supply conditions 1983 respectively? based on quantity of gas used (at least 600 mil­ lion m3 with a load factor of 90 or more) inter- ruptibility and the ability to receive gas of dif­ fering calorific values. These conditions enabled Answer given by Mr Thorn Gasunie to make considerable supply cost econ­ on behalf of the Commission omies. Having looked into the matter in detail (14 December 1984) the Commission took the view that these supply cost economies justified the difference between The Honourable Member will find below the num­ the 'E' tariff, the lowest tariff previously offered ber of Directives, resolutions and recommendations to large industrial users, and the new 'F tariff, adopted by the Council in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 which applied to very large industrial users and 1983. meeting these particular conditions, and 4. The Commission concluded that the 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 modified tariff is not sectorally discriminatory and does not contain elements of State aid. Fur­ Directives 44 51 45 42 41 thermore, the new tariff structure is in line with Resolutions 3 6 2 1 3 energy pricing principles (J) and with Council recommendation 83/230/EEC (2) on gas tariff Recommendations 1 — 2 2 4 structures. In the light of these conclusions, the Commission terminated the Article 93 (2) proce­ As regards the fourth and fifth questions, Commis­ dure. sion staff have found only one case of a proposal for a Directive being converted into a recommendation 1 (>) COM(82) 651 final. during the period in question ( ). There were no (2) OJ No L 123, 11. 5. 1983. cases of a proposal for a resolution being converted into a recommendation during the same period.

(0 Council recommendation of 5 February 1979 on the reduction of energy requirements for buildings in the Community (79/167/ECSC, EEC, Euratom — OJ No L 37, 13. 12. 1979). WRITTEN QUESTION No 785/84 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE — NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 September 1984) (85/C 39/11) WRITTEN QUESTION No 794/84 by Mr Richard Cottrell (ED — GB) Subject: Conversion by the Council of Directives and resolutions into recommendations in to the Commission of the European Communities 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 respec­ (2 October 1984) tively (85/C 39/12) 1. Can the Commission state how many Direc­ Subject: Delays and incompetence by the Italian tives the Council passed in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 national airline Alitalia and the authorities and 1983 respectively? at Rome Airport No C 39/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85

Is the Commission aware of the continual frustra­ WRITTEN QUESTION No 828/84 tions suffered by travellers to and from Rome Air­ by Mrs Ien van den Heuvel (S — NL) port, and by the appalling standard of service — in to the Commission of the European Communities particular time-keeping — offered by the Italian national airline, Alitalia? Will the Commission ac­ (9 October 1984) cept that the delays and inconvenience inflicted on (85/C 39/13) passengers by the combined inefficiency of these two authorities constitute a barrier to free movement Subject: Veterinary inspection service within the Community as defined by — of course — the Treaty of Rome? Bearing in mind the initiative As a result of Council Directives on the harmoniza­ of the European Commission with regard to lower tion of veterinary legislation, the Commission has air fares in Europe, will the Commission now order the responsibility of ensuring that only safe meat is an investigation of standards of service offered to imported into Member States from other countries. travellers, in particular by Alitalia and by the Rome Visits to these third countries are made on a regular airport authorities? basis by the veterinary inspection service of the Commission for the purpose of checking that animal disease controls are sufficient to prevent the intro­ duction by imported meat of foot-and-mouth dis­ ease and of drawing up lists of export slaughter­ houses which comply with the hygienic and other Answer given by Mr Contogeorgis requirements of these Directives. on behalf of the Commission (14 December 1984) Having regard to the fact that these inspection visits began some years ago, does the Commission now The Commission has no reason to believe that the intend to produce lists of slaughterhouses as a mat­ quality of the services offered by Alitalia and at ter of priority for all exporting third countries, in­ Rome Airport constitutes an obstacle to free circula­ cluding those of North America? tion within the Community as defined in the EEC Treaty. Complaints about the quality of the services Does the Commission agree that a high priority offered by Alitalia and at Rome Airport are matters must also be given to meeting requests from third for the organizations involved and for the Italian countries for timely re-visits so that they are not authorities^ The Commission has no authority to unfairly penalized by delays in approving plants for intervene in such matters. However, more generally export and in order to avoid general distortion of the Commission does believe that there is scope trade? within the Community for improvements to the ex­ isting air transport system. In its civil aviation me­ If so, and in any case, will the Commission indicate morandum No 2(!), the Commission has put for­ which countries have been refused visits at the re­ ward a series of measures for adoption by the Coun­ quested time during the last year and give the rea­ cil. The Commission has also indicated its intention sons for these refusals? In view of the obligation to study the possibility of evolving performance in­ from next year onwards to extend these inspections dicators for airports, and has had a study carried out to slaughterhouses within Member States, will the on capacity constraints for air transport in the Com­ Commission state how many posts are currently al­ munity. The Commission believes that the measures located in the Commission for veterinary inspectors, proposed in the memorandum taken overall would how many of these posts are actually filled and how lead to a more efficient and cost-effective system, a many new posts will be required by 1985? better deal for the consumer, a healthier industry Does the Commission consider that it has, and will and as a result an improvement to the Community's continue to have, sufficient veterinary manpower to internal market. carry out its present and future obligations?

(») COM(84) 72 final. Answer given by Mr Dalsager on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1984) The Commission is endeavouring to extend veteri­ nary inspection to all non-member countries which have received approval; the programme of inspec­ tions is already under way in the United States and should, in the case of North America as a whole, be 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/9 completed in time to allow a list of Community- the public or 'semi-state' sector board level em­ approved establishments to be adopted before the ployee participation is required in France and Ire­ end of the first half of 1985. land. The criteria determining the companies in Like the Honourable Member, the Commission feels question, all of which rely on size, and the methods that Community inspections should be organized of participation vary between these Member States. and conducted in such a way as to avoid and ad­ In other Member States, and for companies for verse effect on non-member countries as a result of which such participation is not legally required, em­ unwarranted barriers to trade or distortion of com­ ployee directors exist on an ad hoc basis. petition. 2. The impact of worker-directors, while a matter In view of the shortage of personnel, inspection mis­ of considerable debate, is considered by the Com­ sions to certain non-member countries have had to mission to be generally positive. be postponed until 1985. 3. The amended proposal for a Fifth 'Company There are at present 11 posts of veterinary inspector Law' Directive 0), currently under discussion at ex­ at the Commission, all of which are filled. No re­ pert level in the Council, seeks inter alia to introduce quest for additional posts has been submitted in employee participation at board level by way of connection with the 1985 budget. equivalent options, namely: (i) elected board members; The current level of staffing is not such as to allow the Commission to fulfil its present and future obli­ (ii) coopted members of a supervisory board with gations in the way that it should. rights to object to proposed appointments; On 27 July 1982 the Commission presented the (iii) an elected body of employee representatives; Council with a full report on veterinary inspection. (iv) collective agreements which respect the basic The Council has so far failed to define its position principles attaching to (i) and to (iii). on that report. Such participation is by all employees by way of secret ballot and proportional representation. The Honourable Member is referred more particu­ larly to the amended proposal for its detailed provi­ sions.

(') OJ No C 240, 9. 9. 1983, p. 2. WRITTEN QUESTION No 846/84 by Mr Gene Fitzgerald (RDE — IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities (9 October 1984) (85/C 39/14) Subject: Worker-directors Will the Commission provide information on the following in relation to worker-directors: WRITTEN QUESTION No 857/84 1. the number of worker-directors in private and by Mr Hans-Gert Poettering (PPE — D) semi-state industry in each of the Member to the Commission of the European Communities States; (17 October 1984) 2. the impact of worker-directors in industry; (85/C 39/15) 3. developments envisaged in this field? Subject: Medical insurance for students During their six months work experience in the Uni­ Answer given by Mr Narjes ted Kingdom, as part of an integrated course in on behalf of the Commission European business studies offered by the Osnabruck (13 December 1984) College of Higher Education in the Federal Repub­ lic of Germany, students are required to pay medical 1. The Commission cannot state the precise num­ insurance contributions. During this period of train­ ber of 'worker-directors' in the Community. Direc­ ing in the United Kingdom the students are also tors who are either appointed by employees, or registered at the college in Osnabruck where they whose appointment employees may influence, are have already paid medical insurance contributions. required by law in Denmark, the Federal Republic The students therefore are being required to pay of Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. In twice. I

No C 39/10 Official Journal of the in Communities 11. 2. 85

Can the Commission say what effort it is making to WRITTEN QUESTION No 865/84 ensure that students do not have to pay additional by Mr James Ford (S — GB) medical insurance contributions in the United King­ to the Commission of the European Communities dom, particularly as when the situation is reversed medical insurance contributions do not have to be (17 October 1984) paid in Germany? (85/C 39/16) Subject: International Youth Year

Answer given by Mr Richard Why has the Community, representing 10 nations and with two further members due to accede, no on behalf of the Commission budget available for International Youth Year in (13 December 1984) 1985 given the massive problems facing young ! people throughout the Community and when there Council Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 ( ) on the ap­ is money available for International Music Year to plication of social security schemes to employed and be held during the same period? self-employed persons and members of their family specifies that such persons are to be compulsorily subject to the social security legislation of only one Member State at a time, that being the legislation of Answer given by Mr Richard the Member State in which they work. on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1984) Students as such are not covered by that Regulation but only in so far as they are also employed or self- As the President of the Commission explained to employed persons or members of their family. Stu­ Parliament's Committee on Youth, Culture, Educa­ dents completing a course of study in the United tion, Information and Sport on 26 January 1984, the Kingdom are not required to contribute to the social Commission regards International Youth Year as an security system of that Member State unless they are opportunity to develop policy initiatives in favour of treated as being in employment. In that case they young people. In this connection, it will present a will be required to make contributions in the same number of new proposals during 1985. The credits to way as other persons employed in the United King­ which these will relate are to be found essentially in dom, unless one of the exceptions permitted by the Title 6 of the budget, covering the social and educa­ Regulation can be applied to them. tional fields, with a further provision in Article 273 Entitlement to medical treatment in the United relating to information and exchanges of young Kingdom under National Health Service legislation people. When Parliament's Committee on Youth, is not subject to the payment of contributions. Per­ Culture, Education, Information and Sport con­ sons, including students, who are nationals of one of sidered International Youth Year and the draft bud­ the Member States of the Community, are entitled to get for 1985 at its meeting on 25 and 26 September urgent medical treatment free of charge whilst stay­ 1984, it specifically decided against the renaming of ing in the United Kingdom. budget line 2732 to include International Youth Year. Problems have arisen regarding the provision of health benefits to students completing periods of Budget line 6703 (European Music Year) was study in other Member States. The issues involved in created by Parliamentary amendment following a this matter are currently being examined by the Ad­ proposal from the Committee on Youth, Culture, ministrative Commission of the European Commu­ Education, Information and Sport, in the 1982 nities on social security for migrant workers, a body budget. charged by Article 80 of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 to deal with problems arising from the application of the provisions of that Regulation. The Honourable Member is invited, with regard to the particular case to which he refers, to address further details to the Commission for its examina­ tion. WRITTEN QUESTION No 867/84 by Mr Ernest Glinne (S — B) (') OJ No L 149, 5. 7. 1971, p. 2. to the Commission of the European Communities (17 October 1984) (85/C 39/17) Subject: Aid to zones adversely affected by the re­ structuring of the steel industry 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/11

Has the Commission received an application from sisting the USSR to develop its car industry. There Belgium for aid under the 'specific Community re­ are also, of course, projects in other East European gional development measure contributing to over­ countries in which Community producers partici­ coming constraints on the development of new pate (e.g. Czechoslovakia, Poland and Romania). It economic activities in certain zones adversely af­ is not the Commission's view that cooperation of fected by the restructuring of the steel industry' (Ar­ this kind is necessarily contrary to the interests of ticle 1 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 2616/80(1))? the Community. It is worth noting that in 1983 the share of East European cars in the Community mar­ If so, for which zones? ket as a whole was only 1,5%, with Soviet-made cars accounting for about two-thirds of these sales. 0) OJ No L 271, 15. 10. 1980, p. 9.

Answer given by Mr Giolitti on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1984) WRITTEN QUESTION No 877/84 In accordance with Article 2(3) of Regulation (EEC) by Mr Frank Schwalba-Hoth (ARC — D) No 2616/80, as amended by Council Regulation to the Commission of the European Communities (EEC) No 216/84 of 18 January 1984(1), the Belgian Government has submitted to the Commission an (17 October 1984) application under the specific Community measure (85/C 39/19) for steel areas, for the provinces of Liege, Hainaut and Luxembourg. The Commission took a decision Subject: Formaldehyde on this application on 8 October 1984(2). What quantities of formaldehyde have been pro­ (1) OJNoL27, 31. 1. 1984. duced in the Member States of the Community dur­ (2) OJ No L 275, 18. 10. 1984. ing the past five years (by year and by country) in chemical plants and by internal • combustion en­ gines? What limit values have been applied to formaldehyde, since when and on what legal basis and what tests have been carried out with human beings, since when, on what legal basis and by whom and over what period and with what results? WRITTEN QUESTION No 875/84 by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Narjes (17 October 1984) on behalf of the Commission (85/C 39/18) (11 December 1984) Subject: Porsche automobile company and the So­ As far as the specific industrial production of for­ viet Union maldehyde in the European Community is con­ cerned, the production figures (tonnes of 100 for­ Is the Commission aware that the Porsche automo­ maldehyde) over the last five years range from about bile company is advising the Soviet motor industry 900000 tonnes in 1982 (year of recession) to one mil­ and does it agree that, if these reports are correct, lion in 1979 (a good year). such assistance is contrary to the interests of the Community in that it aids an unfriendly State and In percentage average terms, Community output offers likely future competition to Community man­ over the last five years (1979 to 1983) by the produc­ ufacturers from potential Soviet exports? ing Member States can be broken down as follows: Federal Republic of Germany 52 % France 11 % Answer given by Mr Haferkamp Italy 17 % on behalf of the Commission United Kingdom 12 % (14 December 1984) Netherlands 8 %. The Commission is aware from press reports that No cut-and-dried figures are available as regards Porsche, as a major supplier of automobile technol­ emissions from internal-combustion engines. ogy, is helping to develop in the Soviet Union a new The emissions coefficients quoted for private cars Lada model which should go on sale in 1985. In fact with otto-cycle internal-combustion engines range several Community manufacturers are currently as­ from 20 to 50 mg per km covered. The quantities No C 39/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85 emitted are very largely determined by operating produced per 100 km travelled, then a rough esti­ conditions. mate for the amount of formaldehyde emitted Assuming Community petrol consumption to be throughout the Community would be somewhere be­ about 90 million tonnes a year and Community die- tween 26 000 and 65 000 tonnes a year — subject to sel-fuel consumption to be 40 million tonnes, and on the proviso that the otto-engine data are also valid the assumption that an average of 10 kilograms is in the case of diesel engines.

Mention should be made of the following threshold values, based on national laws: Place of work (mg/m3) (industrial safety) Threshold values at the place of work (in those Member States where such values exist) vary from 1,2 mg/m3 to 3 mg/m3

Emissions restrictions governing fixed installations (emissions protection legislation) (mg/m3) Federal Republic of Germany: 20 Immission restrictions (mg/m3) — Outdoors — Indoors

Federal Republic of Germany MICD 0,03 0,12 (recommended) MICK 0,07 Italy 0,12 (recommended) Netherlands 0,12 Product-specific regulations Belgium Classifications of particle boards (standards) Federal Republic of Germany Particle-board directive for the building industry DIN Standard for urea-formaldehyde (UF) foam No 18159 Cosmetics Order

Formaldehyde in low concentrations was also the subject of toxicological tests on humans. In this way it has been possible to make toxicological assessments of acci­ dents and to identify the following effects in humans after short periods of ex­ posure: ppm Symptoms 0,05 to 1,0 Olfactory threshold 0,01 to 1,6 Eye irritation threshold 0,08 to 1,6 Irritation of the eyes and nose 0,5 Throat irrigation threshold 2 to 3 Stabbing pains in the nose and eyes and the back of the pharynx 4 to 5 Bearable for 30 minutes, discomfort, lacrimation 10 to 20 Severe lacrimation after a few minutes; immediate dyspnea, cough­ ing, burning in the nose and throat after exposure lasting up to one hour 30 Potentially lethal, toxic pulmonary oedema, pneumonia 10 to 30 g Deaths involving adults after oral administration (35 % solution) Details of other studies involving humans are contained in a joint report by the Federal Health Office, the Federal Institute for Industrial Safety and the Federal Office for the Environment. This report ('Formaldehyde', Berlin, 1 October 1984) is the source of the figures quoted above. 11. 2. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/13

WRITTEN QUESTION No 899/84 for all relevant economic factors to be taken into by Mr Pierre Pranchere (COM — F) account and for negotiations? to the Commission of the European Communities 3. Will the Commission propose a procedure con­ (24 October 1984) ducive to compliance with the sugar protocol before the prices are fixed for 1985/86? (85/C 39/20) Subject: Suckler cow premiums Suckler cow premiums provide a good incentive for Answer given by Mr Dalsager the production of quality beef and veal and help to on behalf of the Commission counteract dairy surpluses. (14 December 1984) As the premium paid under the EAGGF is now lower than when it was first established, the incen­ 1. The Commission is not-aware of the prices tive is no longer sufficient and does not make up for actually paid in the Community for preferential the handicaps inherent in this type of farming. sugar, as these are not fixed by the Community, but freely negotiated between buyers and sellers in In order to restore stock farmers' confidence, will accordance with Article 5 (1) of Protocol 7 to the the Commission propose an increase in the suckler Lome Convention. On the other hand, the Commu­ cow premium in the next price package. nity and the countries signatory to the Protocol do negotiate the guaranteed price, for each delivery period, of such sugar as cannot be marketed at a price equivalent to or in excess of the guaranteed Answer given by Mr Dalsager prices and is thus offered to the Community for pur­ on behalf of the Commission chase under the terms of Article 5 (3) of the Proto­ (12 December 1984) col. As part of its preparatory work on the proposals on The Honourable Member will find set out below the prices and certain related measures for 1985/86 the guaranteed prices fixed for ACP raw sugar, since Commission will consider the premium for main­ 1980/81, and transport costs. taining suckler cows and the other premiums in the sector concerned; this will be done in the light of the Guaranteed price for raw sugar Transport costs present and likely future situation on the market in ECU/tonne ECU/tonne (') beef and veal and the Community's recent policy as regards milk and milk products. The Commission 1980/81 358,9 31,33 may make a number of proposals as a result, but 1981/82 389,4 feels that it would not be appropriate at this stage to 26,23 comment on the possible outcome of its work. 1982/83 426,3 23,55 1983/84 443,4 26,75 1984/85 443,4 —

(') Shipping and insurance costs Caribbean ports — United King­ dom ports.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 900/84 2. Up to now, the guaranteed prices have been by Mr Paul Verges (COM — F) fixed, in line with Article 5 (4) of the above Proto­ to the Commission of the European Communities col, by negotiation with the countries signatory to the Protocol, taking into account all relevant eco­ (21 October 1984) nomic factors. The Community has always been (85/C 39/21) convinced that prices must be fixed which do not interfere with the free marketing of the sugar con­ Subject: Price of ACP sugar cerned on its own market. 1. Can the Commission give details of the annual 3. In view of the above, the Commission is of the trends in the prices and transport costs paid for ACP opinion that it would not be advisable to draw up sugar by the Community since 1980? proposals for the conduct of future negotiations 2. The Commission has once again imposed on along the lines suggested by the Honourable Mem­ the ACP a sugar price based on the price for sugar ber. beet. Is it not aware that it has unilaterally failed to comply with the protocol on sugar which provides No C 39/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 85

WRITTEN QUESTION No 914/84 3. The subject of Timor has not been on the by Mr Klaus Hansch (S — D) agenda of the meetings held by the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities within the framework of EEC-Asean cooperation, which deal essentially with commercial and econ­ (24 October 1984) omic matters. (85/C 39/22) It should also be noted that the subject does not Subject: East Timor appear to have been raised at the regular meetings which Parliament's Asean delegation has held with Recent reports by Amnesty International and the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Organization. church organizations on the situation in East Timor 4. The problem of Timor has not been discussed since 1980 accuse the Indonesian Government of in talks with Portugal. having committed serious violations of human rights against the population in East Timor which include 5. The Community does not grant specific aid to internment without trial, murder and torture not Timor, nor has it received any applicationss for such only of members of Fretilin and its supporters but in aid. individually proven and documented cases other citizens as well. In its resolution of 23 May 1980 on the situation in East Timor, Parliament called among other things on the Commission to take measures to institute an international inquiry on the situation of political prisoners and to discuss with the Portuguese Government what could be done to solve the conflict. WRITTEN QUESTION No 916/84 1. What steps has the Commission taken to this by Mrs Danielle De March (COM — F) end? to the Commission of the European Communities 2. What information does the Commission have on (24 October 1984) developments in East Timor? (85/C 39/23) 3. Has it made any use of its regular contacts with Asean to seek to influence Indonesia and does it Subject: Agreements concluded between industrial intend to discuss violations of human rights in groups in the field of electronics and data this framework? processing 4. Has it used its close links with Portugal to dis­ cuss the problem of East Timor and seek solu­ Could the Commission provide a list of the agree­ tions? ments concluded during the last five years in the 5. What humanitarian aid is currently being pro­ field of electronics and data processing: vided for Timor and is the Commission con­ — between European industrial groups, vinced that everything is being done to ensure — between European industrial groups and Ameri­ that this actually reaches the population in can or Japanese industrial groups? need?

Answer given by Mr Davignon on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Haferkamp (17 December 1984) on behalf of the Commission Agreements concluded amongst American or Japa­ (14 December 1984) nese groups do not necessarily have to be notified 1. Despite its interest in seeing that human rights pursuant to Council Regulation No 17/62 with a are observed, the Commission does not have the view to being exempted under Article 85 (3) of the EEC Treaty. Consequently, the Commission does means to conduct international inquiries into such not have comprehensive official information on this issues in non-member countries. subject. 2. According to the Commission's information, fighting is continuing intermittently in Timor. Needless to say, the Commission does have some documents on this matter which the Honourable Meanwhile, the matter is being discussed in the Member can consult if she wishes. United Nations, and Portugal has stated its readi­ ness to engage in talks with Indonesia in order to resolve the crisis. 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/15

WRITTEN QUESTION No 920/84 doctors, paramedical practitioners, chemists and ve­ by Mr Ian Paisley (NI — GB) terinary surgeons are allowed to advertise their pro­ to the Commission of the European Communities fessional services? (24 October 1984) (85/C 39/24) Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission Subject: Animal feed in Northern Ireland (10 December 1984) Does the Commission intend to extend Regulation As the Commission stated in its reply to Written (EEC) No 1943/81 of 30 June 1981(1) on the pro­ Question No 22/83 by Mr MorelandC), it does not cessing and marketing conditions in the animal feed consider it a matter of urgency at this stage to draw sector in Northern Ireland beyond its expiry date at up a proposal coordinating national rules on the use the end of December 1984? of advertising by certain liberal professions. Conse­ quently, the Commission has not collected any (1) OJ No L 197, 20. 7. 1981, p. 23. documentation on the question and does not have the information at hand to answer the Honourable Answer given by Mr Dalsager Member's question. on behalf of the Commission However, the Commission has reason to believe that (14 December 1984) work of this nature is under consideration by certain professions, for example in the case of the legal pro­ This Regulation was agreed by the Council as a fession by the Consultative Committee of Bar Asso­ transitional measure in the light of the discontinua­ ciations of the EEC Member Countries. tion of feed price subsidies in Northern Ireland. With the expenditure of 6 million ECU in the feed- (») OJ No C 177, 4. 7. 1983. milling sector in Northern Ireland, the Commission considers that the priority investment problems of the sector have been treated. Further aid could be available for investment in by-products from slaugh­ tering and processing animals or for processing, sto­ rage and mixing of animal feed concentrates based WRITTEN QUESTION No 929/84 on cereals produced in the region under Council by Mr Roberto Costanzo (EPP — I) and Mr Antonio Regulation (EEC) No 355/77 on common measures Iodice (EPP — I) to improve the conditions under which agricultural to the Commission of the European Communities products are processed and marketed('). This Regu­ lation has been amended by Regulation (EEC) No (29 October 1984) 1932/84 of 19 June 1984(2). At its meeting of 18 and (85/C 39/26) 19 May 1984 the Council recognized the continuing need for Community measures to deal with the Subject: ERDF funds for the Region of Campania structural problems in the animal feeding-stuff in­ dustry in Northern Ireland. Can the Commission explain how it is that, in the second tranche of the European Regional Develop­ (!) OJNoL51,23.2. 1977, p. 1. ment Funds for 1984, only one out of the 186 pro­ (2) OJ No L 180, 7. 7. 1984, p. 1. jects accepted concerns the Region of Campania which has been granted Lit 2 100 million out of an Italian total of over 33 000 million? How is it that the ERDF programmes contain so few projects for the most depressed and hinterland areas of Campania? WRITTEN QUESTION No 923/84 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC — B) Answer given by Mr Giolitti to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (24 October 1984) (11 December 1984) (85/C 39/25) The Commission assesses projects for which a grant Subject: Advertising by the liberal professions application has been submitted, and if its opinion is favourable it at once adopts the European Regional Can the Commission inform me in which Commun­ Development Fund financing decision. In the case ity countries the liberal professions such as lawyers, mentioned by the Honourable Members, the assess- No C 39/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85 ment of one project only in Campania had been — enzymatic conversion of the carbohydrates of completed by the date of the decision concerning the straw into soluble sugars; second allocation of ERDF grants for Italy. — microbiological treatment of straw in order to produce compost. The Commission would nevertheless point out that in 1982 some Lit 390 000 million and in 1983 some A set of recommendations for definition of parame­ Lit 400 000 million were committed for the Region ters and analytical measurements applicable to car­ of Campania. bohydrate hydrolysis processes was recently pub­ lished and will be sent directly to the Honourable The aggregate amounts of ERDF grants for Cam­ Member and the Secretariat-General of the Euro­ pania is expected to be much larger from the third pean Parliament. and last 1984 allocation. Furthermore, a concerted action on use of ligno-cel- As regards the less developed inland areas of the lulose residues for animal feeding was started in region, it is up to the competent Italian authorities April 1984. The aim is to coordinate experiences in to submit projects located in these areas. In 1983 the production of feed by microbial degradation of cel­ ERDF part-financed 11 industrial estates in the in­ lulose and evaluate its nutritional properties and land areas struck by earthquake, for which it made a possible toxicological aspects. grant of Lit 116 000 million. C1) OJ No L 293, 20. 11. 1979 and OJ No L 357, 21. 12. 1983, p. 33.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 955/84 WRITTEN QUESTION No 940/84 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S — NL) by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (29 October 1984) (29 October 1984) (85/C 39/28) (85/C 39/27) Subject: Red ibis in French Guiana Subject: Straw degradation methods In 1982 the breeding population of the red ibis (Eu- I would like to ask the European Commission what docimus ruber) in French Guiana (officially a 'de­ support has been given to research and development partment' of France) fell to zero. This led to investi­ within the European Community into straw degra­ gations by Dutch ornithologists (see Vogeljaar Yr 31, dation methods which do not involve the use of No 4 of August 1983). nitrogen? These investigations have shown that the marked decline in the red ibis population must be attributed Answer given by Mr Davignon to the tourist industry in Sinnamary, where 100 to on behalf of the Commission 300 women are employed in the manufacture of flo­ ral emblems from bird feathers. (14 December 1984) These floral emblems are manufactured chiefly from Research on the degradation and conversion of agri­ red ibis feathers and also from curassow (Crax alec^ cultural waste such as straw and other cellulosic tor) musk duck (Cairina moschata) and even amazon materials forms part of the Community raw mate­ parrot (Amazona amazonica) feathers, together with rials R&D programme (*). Since 1981 the following feathers from the great white heron (Casmerodius research contracts on biological conversion process­ alba) and the little egret (Egretta thula). ing not involving the use of nitrogen have been The feathers are obtained largely by illicit hunting implemented: and poaching. — optimization of the process for ethanol produc­ Since at least half the world's present red ibis popu­ tion; lation is to be found in Guyana, French Guiana and — screening of cellulosic anaerobic bacteria, cellu- Surinam, the population of Surinam and French lolytic cofermentatioris; Guiana being the largest, and since the tourist indus­ — improvement of pretreatments and technology try constitutes a serious threat to the survival of the of enzymic hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicel- red ibis, can the Commission provide the following lulose; information: 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/17

1. Is it aware of the slaughter of the red ibis in The Commission has stated in answer to Written French Guiana and if so, is it prepared to give Question No 2129/83 (I) on the subject of energy the European Parliament information on the demonstration projects in Ireland that one of the matter? two projects on alternative sources is now compro­ 2. Is the red ibis included on one of the lists cov­ mised as a result of extremely poor growth results. ered by the Washington Convention and is the Commission prepared to implement this Con­ Will the Commission clarify which of the two vention at least as a means of preventing the projects, i.e. the solar sector project or the biomass export of these floral emblems? project is compromised and give due reason why the project in question is showing poor results? 3. Is the Commission prepared to help the local population of Sinnamary, which has to a large (•) OJ No C 222, 23. 8. 1984, p. 10. extent become economically dependent on earn­ ings from the floral emblem industry to find an alternative solution, for example by replacing ibis feathers with dyed feathers from chickens or Answer given by Mr Davignon ducks, a method which is quite feasible? on behalf of the Commission 4. Is the Commission prepared to make represen­ (14 December 1984) tations to the French Government to take the appropriate measures, if possible along the lines The project referred to in the Commission's answer recommended in question 3? to Written Question No 2129/83 by Mr Flanagan was a biomass project concerning the establishment of 600 hectares of short rotation forestry. The con­ tractor has since confirmed in writing his wish to Answer given by Mr Narjes terminate the project in the light of the findings of a on behalf of the Commission consultancy report prepared by the Agriculture In­ (14 December 1984) stitute in Ireland. 1. The Commission is not aware of the tourist In particular, growth problems with the coppice industry described by the Honourable Member and plantation have made a viable continuation of the does not possess recent information on the biologi­ project impossible. Major causes of inadequate cal status of the red ibis. growth are the absence of a suitable depth of ame­ liorated topsoil, inadequate plant nutrition and, to a 2. Neither the species concerned (Endocimus ru­ lesser extent, drainage. ber) nor any of the other species mentioned in the question are included in the appendices of CITES, Although the demonstration project has not there­ which implies that a restriction of the export con­ fore yielded the expected results, it has identified cerned is not possible on that ground. problem areas that require further research. 3 and 4. In view of the reply to 2 the issue re­ ferred to in point 3 of the question does not arise. The Commission will bring the subject matter to the attention of the competent French authorities and ask them in particular whether the inclusion of Eu- docimus ruber in one of the Convention appendices is, from a scientific point of view, desirable.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 974/84 by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde (ARC — DK) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 November 1984) (85/C 39/30) WRITTEN QUESTION No 960/84 Subject: Purchase prices for butter by Mr James Fitzsimons (RDE — IRL) to the Commission of the European Communities Will the Commission give details of the purchase (29 October 1984) prices for butter charged to large-scale undertakings (85/C 39/29) and ordinary bakers, and will the Commission soon take steps to enable ordinary bakers to buy butter at Subject: Energy demonstration projects the same prices as the biscuit industry? No C 39/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85

Answer given by Mr Dalsager introduction of a withdrawal price for Norway on behalf of the Commission lobster? (17 December 1984) Answer given by Mr Contogeorgis Under Regulation (EEC) No 262/79 (»), butter from on behalf of the Commission intervention stocks is sold at a reduced price for the manufacture of, among other things, confectionery; (17 December 1984) the current prices are 112 ECU/100 kilograms and 115 ECU/100 kilograms for butter with an 80% and 1. It is not the present intention of the Commis­ an 82% fat content respectively. sion to propose TACs and quotas for Nephrops. Similarly, under Regulation (EEC) No 1932/81 (2), 2. As regards market support for Nephrops, the aid is granted for butter and concentrated butter Commission is examining the possible scope for a purchased on the open market for the same pur­ system of private storage aid. poses. This aid currently stands at 185 ECU/100 kilograms and 190 ECU/100 kilograms for butter with an 80% and 82% fat content respectively and at 249 ECU/100 kilograms for concentrated butter, and the net purchase price will depend on the mar­ ket conditions prevailing at the time. Bakers have the possibility of purchasing concentrated butter for WRITTEN QUESTION No 1000/84 confectionery manufacture free of minimum condi­ by Mr Pierre-Benjamin Pranchere (COM — F) tions with the 249 ECU/100 kilograms aid plus to the Commission of the European Communities 14 ECU/100 kilograms to allow for differences in production costs for butter and concentrated but­ (8 November 1984) ter. (85/C 39/32) For reasons of control and administration, both Subject: Crisis on the market in store cattle Regulations require that a minimum quantity of but­ ter — currently 5 tonnes — be purchased. The Com­ The introduction of dairy quotas is likely to provoke mission is, however, also looking into the possibili­ a further deterioration on the market in store cat­ ties of adding tracers to butter so as to ease the tle. supervisory and administrative difficulties; there­ after the present minimum limit on butter purchases Is the Commission aware of this and will it: could be reconsidered. 1. take urgent measures to remedy the situation on this market, whose effects are most severe for (!) OJ No L 41, 16. 2. 1979. family farms in disadvantaged regions; (2) OJ No L 191, 14. 7. 1981. 2. extend the Community rules on beef and veal to include a support mechanism for the market in store cattle (export subsidy or deferred market­ ing premium)?

Answer given by Mr Dalsager WRITTEN QUESTION No 994/84 on behalf of the Commission by Mr Emmanuel Maffre-Bauge (COM — F) (12 December 1984) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 November 1984) 1. The recession has hit all beef/veal products, not just store cattle. The Commission has therefore (85/C 39/31) adopted a number of measures which, although de­ Subject: Norway lobster fisheries signed primarily to bolster beef/veal prices, will as­ sist all areas of beef/veal production. The measures According to certain sources, the Commission is are as follows: about to propose TACs and quotas for Norway lob­ — public buying-in, as from 20 August 1984, of ster fisheries. carcases, forequarters and hindquarters of male 1. Can it give me details of its proposals? Can it animals; assure me that the trade will be consulted and — private storage aid for meat from male or female that the quotas will take account of the catches animals as from 20 August 1984. The storage actually landed by the Member States? period laid down in the contracts is such that the 2. Does the Commission not believe that the appli­ products will not be released again until April/ cation of quotas should be coupled with the May 1985. The scheme provides for advance 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/19

payment of the aid in order to encourage appli­ provided for under Article 169 of the EEC Treaty in cations; the immediate future. — higher export refunds to help find outlets for cows (whether live or in the form of meat or pre­ (•) OJ No L 218, 27. 7. 1982. served products). In addition to these measures there are two Commu­ nity schemes for which most store cattle producers in less-favoured regions could qualify: the premium WRITTEN QUESTION No 1009/84 for maintaining suckler cows and the compensatory by Mrs Nicole Chouraqui (RDE — F) allowance granted in accordance with Council Di­ to the Commission of the European Communities rective 75/268/EEC on mountain and hill-farming and farming in certain less-favoured areas (•). (12 November 1984) 2. Since market support for store cattle has for (85/C 39/34) some time been available at Community level in the Subject: Benefits for pensioners form of export refunds for beef cattle exports to non-member countries, there is no need to introduce Can the Commission give details of the benefits any supplementary legislation to that effect. In order enjoyed by pensioners in each of the Member States to boost exports the Commission has, with effect of the Community as far as free transport, fuel and from 28 July 1984, lowered from 300 to 250 kilo­ medical treatment are concerned? grams the minimum live weight of female animals for which a refund is payable. The effect of this measure will be to facilitate the disposal of store Answer given by Mr Richard cattle. on behalf of the Commission (6 December 1984) (•) OJ No L 128, 19. 5. 1975, p. 1. The Commission is not at present able to give details of any benefits granted to pensioners, apart from social security benefits. In relation to the latter, the Honourable Member may refer to the 'Comparative Tables of the Social WRITTEN QUESTION No 1008/84 Security Systems in the Member States of the Euro­ by Mrs Anne-Marie Dupuy (RDE — F) pean Communities'. The 12th edition, describing the to the Commission of the European Communities situation at 1 July 1982, gives details of health care in tables III-I to III-4. (12 November 1984) (85/C 39/33) On the matter of benefits not arising from social security schemes, an inventory is being prepared, as Subject: The right of establishment and freedom to indicated by the Commission in answer to Oral provide services in hairdressing Question No H-107/84 by Mr Wijsenbeek (}). The scope of the study has been extended so as to obtain Can the Commission say how far the Council Direc­ an overall picture of the benefits in question, includ­ tive of 19 July 1982 (') on the right of establishment ing those referred to by the Honourable Member. and the freedom to provide services in hairdressing has been implemented in the Community? (!) Debates of the European Parliament, No 2—317 (Octo­ ber 1984). 0 OJ No L 218, 27. 7. 1982, p. 24.

Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 1017/84 (7 December 1984) by Mr Bernard Pons (RDE — F) The Governments of Belgium, Denmark, the Fed­ to the Commission of the European Communities eral Republic of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands (12 November 1984) and the United Kingdom have informed the Com­ (85/C 39/35) mission of the measures they have adopted to comply with Directive 82/489/EEC of 19 July Subject: Problems arising from unemployed frontier 1982 (!)• With respect to the other Member States, workers from the interpretation of Article the Commission plans to initiate the proceedings 68 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71(0 No C 39/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85

How does the Commission interpret the reply re­ The terms of this Directive stipulate that it is desira­ cently given by the government of a Member State ble to facilitate the mobility of hairdressers within to a member's question about the problem arising the Community, by recognizing as sufficient qualifi­ for frontier workers from the interpretation of Arti­ cation for taking up the activities in question in host cle 68 (1) of the EEC Regulation? Member States which have rules governing the tak­ Does the Commission not feel that this reply is con­ ing up of such activities, the fact that the activity has trary to the judgment delivered by the Court of Jus­ been pursued in a self-employed capacity or as tice on 28 February 1980, according to which the manager of an undertaking in the Member State whence the foreign national comes for a reasonable wage to be taken into account when calculating the and sufficiently recent period of time to ensure that amount of unemployment benefit payable was the the person concerned possesses professional know­ wage actually received by the person concerned? ledge equivalent to that required in the host Member (>) OJ No L 149, 5. 7. 1971, p. 2. State. However, the terms of this recital are apparently not respected in certain Member States. Answer given by Mr Richard on behalf of the Commission What does the Commission propose to do to speed up the procedure for recognition of certificates held (11 December 1984) by EEC nationals and to facilitate the exercise of The Commission is greatly concerned about the their rights of establishment? reply by the French Government to which the Hon­ (!) OJ No L 218, 27. 7. 1982, p. 24. ourable Member refers (!) in that it ignores the Court of Justice's interpretation, in Case 67/79 (Fellin- ger)(2), of Article 68 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3 Answer given by Mr Narjes 1408/71 ( ) in relation to the calculation of unem­ on behalf of the Commission ployment benefits for frontier workers. (18 December 1984) Having recently received a number of complaints from the National Committee of Frontier Workers Under the EEC Treaty the Member States are re­ in France, the Commission did not hesitate in seek­ quired to incorporate the provisions of a Directive ing an assurance from the competent French autho­ into national law. The recitals serve only to state the rities that Community rules are applied correctly in grounds for the instrument or perhaps explain it. accordance with the Court's interpretation. Accordingly, as the Commission stated in the reply The French authorities have not yet informed the to Written Question No 1008/84 by Mrs DupuyO, Commission of their final position on this matter. it has initiated the procedure provided for under Article 169 in respect of the Member States that (') OJ (Official Gazette) of 14. 5. 1984, Parliamentary De­ have not yet incorporated the 'Hairdressers' Direc­ bates, National Assembly, Questions and answers No tive of 19 July 1982 (82/489/EEC) into national 44683, p. 2241. legislation. (2) ECR 535, 1980. 3 ( ) OJ No L 149, 5.7. 1971. (') See p. 19 of this Official Journal.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1027/84 by Mrs Yvette Fuillet (S — F) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1034/84 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) (12 November 1984) to the Commission of the European Communities (85/C 39/36) (12 November 1984) (85/C 39/37) Subject: Equivalence of qualifications and freedom of establishment in the Member States of Subject: Belgium's failure to implement Directive the EEC 80/68/EEC Council Directive 82/489/EEC of 19 July 1982 lays Belgium is apparently failing to fulfil its obligations down measures to facilitate the effective exercise of under Directive 80/68/EEC (*) on the protection of the right of establishment and freedom to provide ground water against pollution caused by certain services in hairdressing(1). dangerous substances. No C 39/21 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities

1. Does the Commission share this view? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1041/84 2. Could the Commission state what stage has been by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) reached in any action that has been brought to the Commission of the European Communities against Belgium for failure to fulfil its obliga­ (12 November 1984) tions? (85/C 39/39) (i) OJ No L 20, 26. 1. 1980, p. 43. Subject: Three-yearly reports on the prevention and progressive reduction of pollution caused Answer given by Mr Narjes by waste from the titanium dioxide indus­ on behalf of the Commission try (14 December 1984) Under the terms of Article 14 of Directive 78/176/ EEC0 the Member States are required every three The Commission has decided to issue a reasoned years to send the Commission reports on the preven­ opinion in respect of Belgium's failure to implement tion and progressive reduction of pollution caused the Directive to which the Honourable Member re­ by waste from the titanium dioxide industry. fers. The opinion is now being drafted and should be transmitted soon to the Member State con­ Could the Commission state: cerned. 1. when each Member State actually submitted the report provided for; 2. whether it considers that the contents of all the reports sent to it fully satisfy the requirements of Directive 78/176/EEC; WRITTEN QUESTION No 1038/84 3. whether it has already brought an action against by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC — B) a Member State for failure to fulfil the obliga­ to the Commission of the European Communities tion to submit such a report at the prescribed (12 November 1984) time or whether it is intending to do so; (85/C 39/38) 4. when it itself intends to submit a report to the European Parliament on the implementation of Subject: Belgium's failure to implement Directive Directive 78/176/EEC in pursuance of the 78/319/EEC second paragraph of Article 14 thereof?

It is a matter of public knowledge that Belgium has (i) OJ No L 54, 25. 2. 1978, p. 22. not implemented in full the provisions of Direc­ tive 78/319/EEC of 20 March 1978 (!) on toxic and dangerous waste. Attention was drawn to this breach of the Directive by the Pruvot report on the treat­ ment of toxic and dangerous waste by the European Answer given by Mr Narjes Community and its Member States (2). on behalf of the Commission Could the Commission therefore explain why an (18 December 1984) action is not currently being brought against Bel­ gium before the Court of Justice of the European The Honourable Member is referred to the Commis­ Communities for failure to implement Directive sion communication of 28 March 1984(0 to the 78/319/EEC? Council and to the European Parliament on the application by the Member States of Council Direc­ (1) OJ No L 84, 31. 3. 1978, p. 43. tive 78/176/EEC of 20 February 1978 on waste (2) Doc. 1—109/84. from the titanium dioxide industry. This report, which covers the period from 1979 to 1981, analyzes and summarizes the contributions made by the Answer given by Mr Narjes Member States affected by this problem. on behalf of the Commission No infringement procedures have been instigated on (18 December 1984) the basis of this report.- The national contributions needed to draw up the second report, which will Contrary to the belief held by the Honourable Mem­ cover the period from 1982 to 1984, were requested ber an action is currently being brought against Bel­ in October 1984. gium for failure to apply in full Directive 78/319/ EEC on toxic and dangerous waste. This action has (i) COM(84) 175 final. reached the stage of reasoned opinion. No C 39/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 85

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1047/84 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1054/84 by Mr Gerhard Schmid and by Mr Michel Debatisse (PPE — F) Mrs Lieselotte Seibel-Emmerling (S — D) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (13 November 1984) (12 November 1984) (85/C 39/41) (85/C 39/40) Subject: Alternative agricultural and budgetary Subject: Lead content of lead crystal glass measures 1. Is it true that under Community law a product In its recent decisions on the fixing of farm prices may only bear the name 'Lead crystal' if it has a lead and ancillary measures, the Council of Ministers of * content of 24%? the European Communities has progressively 2. 1st the Commission aware that new methods strengthened or extended the Community guarantee now make it possible to manufacture lead crystal thresholds in major production sectors (cereals, du­ glass with a lead content of only 18% with no loss of rum wheat, colza, sunflowers, processed tomatoes, quality? dairy products, etc.). The Council has also intro­ duced a system of dairy quotas while following a 3. Will the Commission submit an amendment to restrictive policy in respect of farm prices and the relevant Directive allowing production using measures for the management of agricultural mar­ these new methods, which are less harmful to the kets. environment and require smaller quantities of raw materials? The Community has indicated that these measures should make it possible to face economic, social and budgetary challenges, and that policy should thus be more in line with the medium- and long-term needs Answer given by Mr Narjes of farmers and business. on behalf of the Commission From an assessment of the present situation (imbal­ (11 December 1984) ances on the agricultural markets and the drop in real prices and farm incomes) it appears that these 1. Yes, this is clear from Council Directive objectives have not been achieved. 69/493/EEC of 15 December 1969(0- 2. According to the information which is availa­ Therefore, in the light of results obtained during the ble to the Commission, no new technology exists last farming years, does the Commission intend to whereby it is possible to manufacture lead crystal submit alternative proposals to the measures de­ glass with a maximum lead oxide content of 18% cided on to date by the Council? without loss of quality (refractive index/density) as compared to lead crystal containing 24% lead oxide. In accordance with Directive 69/493/EEC crystal Answer given by Mr Dalsager glass containing 18% PbO may be sold on the Ger­ on behalf of the Commission man market but only under the description 'Press- bleikristall' or 'Bleikristall gepresst'. As far as the (17 December 1984) Commission is aware no such product is currently The Council, acting on proposals from the Commis­ manufactured, marketed or imported in the Federal sion, has indeed introduced a series of measures Republic of Germany or in any of the other Member aimed at bringing the supply of agricultural pro­ States. ducts more into line with demand in the long term, 3. Once new technical knowledge is available, thereby safeguarding producers' and consumers' in­ and should this then justify adaptation of the rele­ terests, while at the same time keeping agricultural vant Directive, the Commission will not hesitate to spending within reasonable limits. commence the necessary procedures and put a suita­ ble proposal before the Council. Some of these measures have been in operation for some time; others were introduced in connection (0 OJ No L 326, 29. 12. 1969. with the latest decisions on farm prices. The objec­ tives, as the Honourable Member mentions, are me­ dium- and long-term ones. The Commission does not therefore share his view that 'from an assessment of the present situation it appears that these objec­ tives have not been achieved'. 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/23

The Commission has no immediate plans to put for­ doctors and other authorized prescribers. Their role ward alternative proposals to the measures adopted consists mainly in visiting doctors to provide them by the Council. with information about these medicinal products and, sometimes, to provide them with medicinal samples, which implies suitable professional train­ ing. The Commission has no intention of introducing WRITTEN QUESTION No 1070/84 Regulations on the relations between doctors and by Mr Frank Schwalba-Hoth (ARC — D) medical sales representatives. It is up to the Member to the Commission of the European Communities States to sanction any abuses which might be noted in this area. (13 November 1984) Once Directive 83/570/EEC(0 comes into force, (85/C 39/42) the Member States will be obliged to adopt, each Subject: Capacity of new penal establishments time a medicinal product is authorized, a summary of product characteristics (composition, indications, How many new penal establishments are under con­ contra-indications, undesirable effects, posology, struction or in the various stages of planning in the etc). This official document should make it possible Community Member States, and how many prison­ to check the objectivity of the information dissemi­ ers on remand or under sentence are they designed nated by medical sales representatives. to accommodate? (') OJNoL332, 28. 11. 1983.

Answer given by Mr Thorn on behalf of the Commission (4 January 1985) The Commission has no need of information of the kind requested by the Honourable Member to per­ form its duties under the Treaties and is therefore unable to answer his question. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1095/84 by Mr George Patterson (ED — GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (19 November 1984) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1085/84 (85/C 39/44) by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) Subject: Agreements exempted from EEC competi­ to the Commission of the European Communities tion policy provisions (19 November 1984) Will the Commission list all agreements which, over (85/C 39/43) the last five years, have, under Article 85 (3) of the Subject: Marketing techniques in the pharmaceuti­ Treaty of Rome, been exempted from the provisions cals sector of Article 85 (1)? Will the Commission state in each case: Does the Commission intend, irrespective of provi­ (a) the justification for granting the exemption; sions in the national laws of the Member States of the European Community, to propose measures to (b) what benefits resulted for consumers; and ban the somewhat dubious techniques — to put it (c) what objections, if any, were lodged with the mildly — used by some sales representatives in the Commission to the granting of an exemption? pharmaceuticals sector?

Answer given by Mr Narjes Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1984) (11 December 1984) Medical sales representatives have the task of pro­ From 1979 until now, the Commission has taken the moting the medicinal products marketed by the following exemption decisions under Article 85 (3) pharmaceuticals company which employs them to of the EEC Treaty: No C 39/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 85

Beecham/Parke Davis, Decision of 17 January 1979 (OJ No L 70, 21. 3. 1979); Transocean Marine Paint Association, Decision of 12 December 1979 (OJ No L 39, 15. 2. 1980); National Sulphuric Acid Association, Decision of 9 July 1980 (OJ No L 260, 3. 10. 1980); Vacuum Interrupters Ltd, Decision of 11 December 1980 (OJ No L 383, 31.12. 1980); Langenscheidt-Hachette, Decision of 17 November 1981 (OJ No L 39, 11. 2. 1982); Sopelem-Vickers, Decision of 26 November 1981 (OJ No L 391, 31.12. 1981); BPICA, Decision of 30 April 1982 (OJ No L 156, 7. 6. 1982); Amersham Buchler, Decision of 29 October 1982 (OJ No L 314, 10. 11. 1982); Cematex, Decision of 24 May 1983 (OJ No L 140, 31. 5. 1983); Rockwell/Iveco, Decision of 13 July 1983 (OJ No L 224, 17. 8. 1983); VW-MAN, Decision of 5 December 1983 (OJ No L 376, 31.12. 1983); SMM & T, Decision of 5 December 1983 (OJ No L 376, 31. 12. 1983); Schlegel/CPIO, Decision of 6 December 1983 (OJ No L 351, 14.12. 1983); Carbon Gas Technologie, Decision of 8 December 1983 (OJ No L 376, 31. 12. 1983); International Energy Agency, Decision of 12 December 1983 (OJ No L 376, 31.12. 1983); SABA II, Decision of 21 December 1983 (OJ No L 376, 31. 12. 1983); Synthetic fibres, Decision of 4 July 1984 (OJ No L 207, 2. 8. 1*984); Carlsberg, Decision of 12 July 1984 (OJ No L 207, 2. 8. 1984); BPCL/ICI, Decision of 19 July 1984 (OJ No L 212, 8. 8. 1984). It would be impracticable to indicate for each case facts of any case in which it intends to grant exemp­ why exemption was considered justified and, in that tion in the Official Journal, inviting comments from context, what the benefits for consumers were: a third parties. In practice, these publications very sel­ complete survey of the reasoning involved in each of dom give rise to comments, but where they do, the the 19 decisions listed above would result in a very Commission will normally summarize those com­ long reply. Copies of all the decisions will therefore ments — and any counter-arguments — in its final be sent to the Honourable Member, who can thus decision(*). Secondly, interested parties may subse­ study the legal assessment in each case at his con­ quently use the rights of appeal bestowed on them venience. by the EEC Treaty and the Court of Justice to attack a final decision granting exemption. Third parties who have objections to an exemption being granted have two consecutive possibilities of One of the few cases in which publication of the making their views known. In the first place, under intention to grant an exemption did lead to objec­ the procedure provided for in Article 19 (3) of Regu­ tions from.a number of parties was in the SABA II lation 17, the Commission must publish the main decision. The Commission specifically explained in 11. 2. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/25 the decision why those objections were not consi­ ternational and non-governmental organizations: dered valid grounds for refusing the exemption, 1 127 663 tonnes of cereals, up to 122 500 tonnes of which was in fact granted. Subsequently, on milk, 32 760 tonnes of butteroil, 13 500 tonnes of 19 March 1984, one of the third parties who had sugar, 20 000 tonnes of vegetable oil and 147 000 commented introduced an action before the Court tonnes cereal equivalent of other products such as of Justice, requesting the annulment of the Commis­ pulses, fish, dried grapes, etc. sion's exemption decision in this case. Given the For 1985, the Commission has proposed in its pre­ fact, on the one hand, that the Commission cannot liminary draft budget appropriations allowing the take it upon itself in its reply to a parliamentary developing countries and international and non­ question to summarize the grounds for an appeal governmental organizations to be provided with against one of its decisions and, on the other hand, 1 160 000 tonnes of cereals, 150 000 tonnes of milk, that the length of the action brought against 40 000 tonnes of butteroil, 11 000 tonnes of sugar, the SABA decision by Metro-SB-Grossmarkte 12 600 tonnes of vegetable oil and 162 000 tonnes GmbH + Co KG makes incorporating it in its en­ cereal equivalent of other products. The Commis­ tirety in this reply impracticable, the Commission sion has proposed that the latter should include — can advise those interested to consult Official Jour­ in addition to pulses, fish and dried grapes — milk nal No C 132 of 19 May 1984, page 3. tablets and protein-enriched biscuits to be used Similarly, publication of the Commission's intention solely in cases of emergency, through international to grant exemption to the agreement on joint capa­ or non-governmental organizations. city reduction in the synthetic fibres sector gave rise The quantities which can actually be provided for in to comments from several associations of synthetic 1985 will, however, depend on the sums made avail­ fibre user industries. In its final decision granting able in the budget to be adopted at the end of the exemption, the Commission rebutted each of th,e year. arguments presented (see points 23 and 24 of the decision of 4 July 1984(2). Recently, on 15 October last, 13 synthetic fibre users brought an action be­ fore the Court to annul this decision (not yet pub­ lished in the Official Journal).

(') See reply to Written Question No 307/84 by Mr Welsh, WRITTEN QUESTION No 1218/84 OJ No C 243, 12.9. 1984, p. 2, under points 2, 3 and 4. (2) OJ No L 207, 2. 8. 1984. by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi (COM — I) to the Commission of the European Communities (22 November 1984) (85/C 39/46) Subject: An Italian titanium dioxide factory now in British hands WRITTEN QUESTION No 1169/84 SIBIT, a company producing titanium dioxide, by Mr Ray Mac Sharry (RDE — IRL) which was responsible for serious pollution of the to the Commission of the European Communities Mediterranean caused by a form of waste known as 'red mud', has been taken over by a British multina­ (22 November 1984) tional company. (85/C 39/45) In view of the lax attitude towards discharges of red Subject: Food aid mud in the United Kingdom and since it is to be feared that this attitude will spread to the Mediterra­ Could the Commission state the amount of food aid nean, can the Commission say whether and, if so, it envisages sending to developing countries in 1984 how it intends to ensure that the Community Direc­ and 1985 and the types of food? tives on this subject are scrupulously observed?

Answer given by Mr Pisani Answer given by Mr Narjes on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1984) (18 December 1984) In 1984, the Commission was able to provide for the The fact that a British multinational company has following food aid to developing countries and in­ taken over an Italian company which manufactures No C 39/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 85 titanium dioxide in no way affects this company's pedition, as is already the case for climbing obligation to comply with Italian legislation con­ expeditions? trolling discharges at sea which was adopted pur­ suant to Council Directive 78/176/EEC of 20 Fe­ bruary 1978 on waste from the titanium dioxide industry (») and Council Directive 82/883/EEC of Answer given by Mr Thorn 3 December 1982 on procedures for the surveillance on behalf of the Commission and monitoring of environments concerned by (4 January 1985) waste from the titanium dioxide industry (2). The Commission has no need of information of the (') OJ No L 54, 25. 2. 1978. kind requested by the, Honourable Member to per­ (2) OJNoL378, 31. 12. 1982. form its duties under the Treaties and is therefore unable to answer his question.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1295/84 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1239/84 by Mr Karl-Heinz Mihr (S — D), Mr Johannes Peters by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S — B) (S — D), Mrs Barbara Simons (S — D), Mr Heinz to the Commission of the European Communities Vetter (S — D), Mr Kurt Vittinghoff (S — D) and Mr Manfred Wagner (S — D) (22 November 1984) to the Foreign Ministers of the 10 Member States of the (85/C 39/47) European Communities meeting in political cooperation Subject: Dangers of amateur sub-aqua diving (3 December 1984) (85/C 39/48) Three amateur divers from the Brussels area died on 21 October 1984 while exploring a disused quarry at Subject: Dismissal of 200 employees of the vana­ Warnant in Belgium. dium mine in Wapedskloof, South Africa Two years ago this very same quarry claimed the The South African Union of metalworkers and al­ lives of two other divers. lied trades (MAWU), which is a member of the The exact causes of the accident have not yet been International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF), has established but there is no doubt that the area con­ called on the Commission of the European Commu­ cerned is extremely dangerous for sub-aqua diving. nities and the ILO for support in its dispute with the This accident again raises the problem of allowing multinational company, Norddeutsche Affinerie amateur divers access to certain sites and of the Hamburg. safety rules observed by divers. The union has informed the Commission of the cir­ 1. Has the Commission of the European Commu­ cumstances surrounding the dispute, which include nities access to reliable statistics of accidents the dismissal of more than 200 employees of the involving amateur divers? vanadium mine in Wapedskloof, South Africa. Ac­ Are these statistics broken down by cause — cording to the information provided by the trade human error, failure of equipment or diving in a union and confirmed by the IMF in Geneva, the dangerous area? employees were dismissed for attending trade union 2. Would the Commission consider carrying out a meetings, which the firm's management had de­ study designed to survey and list all the bodies clared to be illegal. The Norddeutsche Affinerie of water, disused quarries, sea and river areas, Hamburg is thereby clearly violating the code of etc. in all the 10 Member States where it would conduct for multinational companies adopted by the be dangerous to practise this sport? Foreign Ministers of the Community in Brussels on 3. Is it not essential to compile data on such places 20 September 1977. In addition, it is accused by the and to ensure that the information is widely trade union of purposely depressing wage levels and publicized via the national sub-aqua federa­ thus contravening the ILO agreements in this area. tions? 1. Have the Foreign Ministers been informed of 4. Could the Commission not propose measures to the events outlined above? ensure that amateur divers are required to give 2. If so, what action do they envisage taking on local authorities warning before any diving ex- this matter? 11.2.85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 39/27

Answer When addressing the General Assembly of the (15 January 1985) United Nations on behalf of the Ten on 25 Septem­ ber I expressed the Ten's profound regret at the sus­ This issue has not been discussed in European poli­ pension of the negotiations between the United tical cooperation. The monitoring of the implemen­ States and the Soviet Union on intercontinental stra­ tation of the Code of Conduct for European Com­ tegic nuclear weapons and intermediate nuclear munity companies with subsidiaries in South Africa forces, and their view that these vitally important is a matter for national authorities. negotiations should resume and be pursued actively with a view to reducing nuclear weapons to the lowest possible level. I also expressed on that occasion the hope of the Ten that bilateral talks between the leading space powers, the Soviet Union and the United States, would commence without delay, given the pressing need to avert the danger of an arms race in outer space. The Ten, therefore, very much welcome the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1617/84 recently announced agreement of the Soviet Union by Mr Emmanouil Glezos (S — GR) and the United States to enter into new negotiations to the Foreign Ministers of the 10 Member States of the with the objective of reaching mutually acceptable agreements on the whole range of questions con­ European Communities meeting in political cooperation cerning nuclear and outer space arms, and the fact (8 January 1985) that US Secretary of State Shultz and Soviet Foreign (85/C 39/49) Minister Gromyko are to meet in Geneva on 7 and 8 January 1985 with a view to reaching a common Subject: Rapprochement between the USSR and the understanding as to the subject and objectives of USA and the opening of negotiations for such negotiations. , the prevention of nuclear war and the con­ solidation of world peace The Ten hope that the recent and the forthcoming high-level contacts between the United States and What measures does the Council of Foreign Minis­ the Soviet Union, which are a very positive develop­ ters of the Community intend to take and what ment, will contribute to bringing about a sustained action does it propose in order to achieve the fol­ process of constructive dialogue and a consequent lowing objectives: improvement in East-West relations. — a rapprochement between the USSR and the The Ten intend to maintain and intensify their con­ USA and the opening of negotiations for the tribution to the improvement of relations between prevention of nuclear war; East and West. In their view, the dialogue between — a rapprochement between East and West Ger­ the United States and the Soviet Union and the dia­ many as a decisive step towards detente and logue between Europeans in East and West remain peace in Europe; both indispensable and complementary. Therefore — the further development of relations and a rap­ the Ten intend to stress and further the role of the prochement between the countries of Eastern CSCE process as a central instrument of East-West and Western Europe as a decisive means of relations. The Ten will continue to work for a lessen­ achieving detente and peace in Europe and the ing of mistrust and to seek constructive and compre­ whole world and the promotion of the ideal of hensive political dialogue with the Soviet Union and ? its allies in Central and Eastern Europe. They will seek wherever possible to further develop existing cooperation with these countries. But to bear fruit the efforts of the Ten to improve East-West relations Answer will require to be reciprocated in the same spirit. (15 January 1985) The Ten consider that cooperation between States must benefit the individual citizen if it is to have its The Ten have sought to keep open all possible chan­ full significance. They favour free contact between nels of dialogue with a view to contributing to an people throughout Europe, in particular between improvement in East/West relations. those of the two German States. They consider that The Ten attach the highest importance to the constructive relations between the Federal Republic achievement of balanced and verifiable arms control of Germany and the German Democratic Republic and disarmament agreements. are in the interest of peace and security in Europe. They will continue to work for such results and to lend support to the efforts of others to achieve them. No C 39/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.2.85

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1618/84 Answer by Mr Emmanouil Glezos (S — GR) (15 January 1985) to the Foreign Ministers of the 10 Member States of the European Communities meeting in political cooperation The Ten believe that the differences between Iran (8 January 1985) and Iraq must be resolved, as the Honourable Mem­ ber says, through dialogue and negotiation. They (85/C 39/50) have made this clear to the two sides and in their Subject: Ending the Iran-Iraq war and resolving the public statements. In a declaration adopted by the problems of the two warring countries Foreign Ministers on 27 March 1984, the Ten ex­ through dialogue and negotiation pressed the hope that each of the parties would finally agree to comply with the Security Council Having regard to the development of a policy of Resolutions and heed the numerous appeals ad­ cooperation and efforts to promote peace, would the dressed to them by the international community. Council of Foreign Ministers of the Community The Ten believe that a general cessation of military state what measures it intends to take or has taken activities could allow negotiations to begin aimed at and what action it intends to take or has taken with finding a peaceful solution. They are aware of the regard to the governments of the two warring coun­ efforts of many parties to facilitate such a process. tries of Iran and Iraq with a view to ending the dis­ The Ten have indicated their support for such ef­ astrous war that has now been going on for many forts, notably those of the UN Secretary-General, years and to resolving their differences and pro­ and have expressed the hope that they will be con­ blems through dialogue and negotiation? tinued and intensified. '