ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C98 Volume 34 of the European Communities 15 April 1991
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
91/C98/01 No 1782/88 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Barriers to steel imports in Italy (Supplementary answer) 1
91/C98/02 No 772/89 by Mr James Fitzsimons to the Commission Subject: Liberalization of cargo only flights 1
91/C98/03 No 918/89 by Mr Jose Happart to the Commission Subject: Air traffic 2
91/C98/04 No 1309/89 by Mr Wilfried Telkamper to the Commission Subject: Agreement concluded between the EC and Thailand on 1 July 1982 2
91/C 98/05 No 17/90 by Mr Jos6 Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: The Commission's position with regard to the creation of the Euro-Arab University .. 3
91/C98/06 No 115/90 by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Proceeds of the sale of Salzgitter (Supplementary answer) 3
91/C98/07 No 195/90 by Mr James Ford to the Commission Subject: Cruelty to kangaroos 4
91/C98/08 No 447/90 by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz to the Commission Subject: Banking oligopoly in Andorra 4
91/C98/09 No 484/90 by Mr Juan de la Camara Martinez to the Commission Subject: Prevention of fires 5
91/C98/10 No 529/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raff arin to the Commission Subject: Transport infrastructures for the Atlantic regions 5
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
91 /C 98/11 No 739/90 by Mrs Barbara Duhrkop Dtlhrkop to the Commission Subject: The Euro-Arab University 6
91 /C 98/12 No 788/90 by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman to the Commission Subject: Internal market in shipping 6
91/C 98/13 No 944/90 by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman to the Commission
Subject: EC coastal yacht charter companies operating in Greek waters 6
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 788/90 and 944/90 6
91/C 98/14 No 789/90 by Mr Francesco Sperone to the Commission Subject: Relations with the Republic of Lithuania 7 91/C 98/15 No 797/90 by Mr Carlos Carvalhas to the Commission Subject: Financial markets 7
91/C 98/16 No 877/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject: Expiry of the Multifibre Arrangement in 1991 8
91/C 98/17 No 887/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Implementation of UN resolution of 8 December 1988 on a new humanitarian international order 8
91/C 98/18 No 958/90 by Mr Herman Verbeek to the Commission Subject: EC and development cooperation 9
91/C 98/19 No 965/90 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Commission Subject: Local revenue raising 10
91/C 98/20 No 989/90 by Mrs Anna Hermans to the Commission Subject: Use of pesticides in developing countries 10
91/C 98/21 No 1037/90 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Mum to the Commission Subject: Aid for the press in Eastern Europe 11
91/C 98/22 No 1048/90 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission Subject: Closure of Namibian fishing grounds to Community fishermen 11
91/C 98/23 No 1106/90 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: Development aid 12
91/C 98/24 No 1147/90 by Mr Ian White to the Commission Subject: World development 12
91/C 98/25 No 1162/90 by Mr Jose Happart to the Commission Subject: US corn-gluten imports 13
91 /C 98/26 No 1259/90 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Harmonization of penalties imposed by the Member States on the misuse of facsimile machines by third parties 13
91/C 98/27 No 1279/90 by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea to the Commission Subject: Relations between the EEC and Colombia 14 Notice No Contents (continued) Page
91/C 98/28 No 1318/90 by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission Subject: Import of sodium carbonate produced in third countries 14
91/C 98/29 No 1319/90 by Mr Herman Verbeek to the Commission Subject: Low concessional loans as a form of development aid 15
91/C 98/30 No 1458/90 by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission Subject: New initiatives with regard to the Kurdish problem 16
91/C98/31 No 1513/90 by Mr Proinsias de Rossa to the Commission Subject: Disclosure of financial information 16
91/C 98/32 No 1526/90 by Mr Jose Barros Moura to the Commission Subject: Freedom of establishment and equal treatment of workers 16
91/C 98/33 No 1529/90 by Mr Francis Wurtz to the Commission Subject: 1992 and the effects on the ACP countries 17
91/C 98/34 No 1531/90 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject: Trains 18
91/C 98/35 No 1599/90 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Commission Subject: Relations between the Commission and the Government of Surinam 18
91/C 98/36 No 1602/90 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission Subject: European Corps of Citizens for Democracy 18
91/C 98/37 No 1666/90 by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission Subject: Imports from the 'Turkish Republic of Cyprus' 19
91/C 98/38 No 1675/90 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject: Ethnic Minorities Language Teaching 19
91/C 98/39 No 1693/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Upgrading the status of the nursing profession 20
91/C 98/40 No 1694/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Compulsory presence of a port medical officer in maritime health offices 20
91/C98/41 No 1725/90 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to theCommission Subject: Child begging 20
91/C 98/42 No 1742/90 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Commission Subject: Profession of Landscape Architect 21
91/C 98/43 No 1775/90 by Mr Jose Barros Moura to the Commission Subject: Calculation of retirement and invalidity pensions 21
91/C 98/44 No 1823/90 by Mr Paul Lannoye to the Commission Subject: The Community's financing of peat development in Northern Ireland 22
91/C 98/45 No 1824/90 by Mr Paul Lannoye to the Commission Subject: The VALOREN programme in Ireland 23
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
91/C 98/46 No 1856/90 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Youth training in the United Kingdom 24
91/C 98/47 No 1882/90 by Mr David Martin to the Commission Subject: Lome IV 24
91/C 98/48 No 1894/90 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission Subject: Massive overpayments by British Nuclear Fuels to Eden Construction at the Sellafield complex, amounting to approx. 15 million 25
91 /C 98 /49 No 1904/90 by Mr Ben Fayot to the Commission Subject: Reduction in the supplementary pension for frontier-zone workers employed in the Federal Republic of Germany and Luxembourg 25
91/C 98/50 No 1964/90 by Mr Paul Staes to the Commission Subject: The Uruguay Round 26
91/C 98/51 No 1968/90 by Mr Jan Sonneveld and Mr Bartho Pronk to the Commission Subject: Alleged distortion of competition by government subsidies to Dutch manure processing plants 27
91/C98/52 No 1970/90 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject: Home workers 28
91/C 98/53 No 2011/90 by Mr Alexander Langer to the Commission Subject: Diplomatic initiatives concerning violent incursions by 'garimpeiros' into Yanomani native territory in the State of Roraima (Brazil) 28
91/C 98/54 No 2036/90 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject: Interaction between the Orinoco and Amazonian basins and the importance thereof for mankind 29
91/C 98/55 No 2045/90 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Draft US Foreign Tax Equity Act 29
91 /C 98 /56 No 2047/90 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: US Federal Excise Tax 30
91/C 98/57 No 2104/90 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission Subject: Drawbacks of the EC directive on third party vehicle insurance 30
91/C 98/58 No 2111/90 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Common commercial policy and telecommunications 31
91/C 98/59 No 2118/90 by Mr Winifried Menrad to the Commission Subject: Performing rights fees in the EC 31
91/C 98/60 No 2129/90 by Mr Peter Crampton to the Commission Subject: Freedom of movement within the European Community for ethnic communities 32
91/C 98/61 No 2183/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Sale of munitions to Iraq 33
91/C 98/62 No 2184/90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: Capital adequacy 33
91/C 98/63 No 2185/90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: Financial services industry 33 Notice No Contents (continued) Page
91/C 98/64 No 2195/90 by Mr Antonio Coimbra Martins to the Commission Subject: Television without frontiers 34
91/C 98/65 No 2277/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Community grants to the charity sector 34
91/C 98/66 No 2289/90 by Mr George Patterson to the Commission Subject: Duty free allowances 35
91/C 98/67 No 2339/90 by Mr Claude Desama to the Commission Subject: Aid for setting up new businesses in Ireland 35
91/C 98/68 No 2420/90 by Mr Petrus Cornelissen and Mr James Janssen van Raay to the Commission Subject: European approach to criminality in major European ports 36
91 /C 98/69 No 2424/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject: Relief from excise duty on social grounds 37
91/C 98/70 No 2550/90 by Mr Thomas Maher to the Commission Subject: Food imports into the US, Australia and New Zealand 37
91/C 98/71 No 2581/90 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: Social protection for volunteer development workers 38
91/C 98/72 No 2658/90 by Mr John McCartin to the Commission
Subject: Social security benefits of volunteer workers in developing countries *.... 38
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2581/90 and 2658/90 38
91/C 98/73 No 2584/90 by Mr Franco Iacono to the Council Subject: Projected high-speed intercity service between Rome and Naples 38 91/C 98/74 No 2607/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Europass 39
91/C 98/75 No 2616/90 by Mr Bernard Antony to the Commission Subject: Measures to achieve equality between men and women 39
91/C 98/76 No 2624/90 by Mr Vincenzo Mattina to the Commission Subject: Survey by the Commission on alcohol consumption by young people in the Community 39
91/C 98/77 No 2737/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject: Poverty and the role of Europe 40
91/C 98/78 No 2790/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: The programme for the EBRD 40
91/C 98/79 No 2809/90 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: Permission to use an imported car 41
91/C 98/80 No 2864/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Council Subject: Harmonization of school terms 41
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
91/C 98/81 No 2870/90 by Mr Lyndon Harrison to the Commission Subject: VAT on lifeboats and their equipment 42
91/C 98/82 No 2911/90 by Mr Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Eurovision Song Contest 42
91/C 98/83 No 2929/90 by Mr Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Council Subject: EC Recommendation 85/308 (') regarding the social protection of volunteer development workers 43
91/C 98/84 No 48/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council
Subject: Discrimination against development workers 43
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2929/90 and 48/91 43
91/C 98/85 No 2938/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Refusal to grant custody of disabled persons to members of their family 43 91/C 98/86 No 2939/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Child pornography 43
91/C 98/87 No 2952/90 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Language used by the Commission in correspondence 44
91 /C 98/88 No 3008/90 by Mrs Teresa Domingo Segarra to the Commission Subject: Aid and compensation for victims of the dam-burst at Tous, Spain 44
91/C 98/89 No 3037/90 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro to the Council Subject: Dependent situation of Portugal in the field of energy 45
91 /C 98/90 No 3046/90 by Mr Elio Di Rupo to the Council Subject: Role of the WEU within European Political Union 46
91 /C 98/91 No 3074/90 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro to the Council Subject: Regional disparities 46
91/C 98/92 No 45/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council Subject: Education problems in border areas 47 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/1
I (Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1782/88 in the Official Journal of the Italian Republic, No 88 by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR) of 14 April 1990) extending this power to the customs offices referred to in the complaint. to the Commission of the European Communities (8 December 1988) The Commission has therefore decided to take no further action in the case. (91/C 98/01) 2. As for the other barriers to the free circulation of goods mentioned by the Honourable Member, an Subject: Barriers to steelimports in Italy infringement proceeding under Article 169 of the EEC Treaty is currently under way. Is the Commission aware that: O OJNoC262,16.10.1989. 1. steel products have not been given customs clearance at the port of Messina since 1981; 2. in practice, the customs in Palermo do not allow steel products to be shipped on to Messina in the same vessel after clearance; WRITTEN QUESTION No 772/89 by Mr James Fitzsimons (RDE) 3. when clearing foreign steel, the customs authorities at Italian ports get help from Italsider inspectors; to the Commission of the European Communities (23 November 1989) 4. customs clearance at Rimini is subject to the provision (91/C 98/02) of documents stating origin; 5. despite the introduction of the standard document on Subject: Liberalization of cargo only flights 1 January 1988, the Italian customs still require the old import documents? What assurances can the Commission give that, as promised in the explanatory memorandum of Luxembourg II, a proposal for the liberalization of cargo What action has the Commission taken to end these only services to the same extent as passenger services will illegal import barriers as soon as possible? be made this autumn and will be discussed and finalized in parallel with passenger services?
Supplementary answer given by Mrs Scrivener Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (4 February 1991) (14 March 1990)
The Commission would add the following to its answer of The proposal mentioned by the Honourable Member (') 10 April 1988 0). was submitted to the Council in February 1990. 1. The situation whereby certain Italian customs offices O COM(90) 63 final. could not clear steel products has been rectified by an Italian ministerial decree of 10 April 1990 (published No C 98/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 918/89 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1309/89 by Mr Jose Happart (S) by Mr Wafried Tdkamper (V) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (1 December 1989) (15 January 1990) (91/C 98/03) (91/C 98/04)
Subject: Air traffic Subject: Agreement concluded between the EC and Excessive concentrations of air traffic have been noted in Thailand on 1 July 1982 certain airports. The attainment of dominant positions is leading to an 1. Is the EC paying compensation in respect of tapioca increase in the number of monopolies on major routes. on the basis of the voluntary restraint agreement concluded with Thailand on 1 July 1982? If so: While the situation concerning airspace management, which is the subject of a report by the European 2. What volume of appropriations has been set aside Parliament, is relatively satisfactory, that of airports is for this purpose during the last financial year? posing increasing problems.
Is the Commission aware that this is likely to lead to an 3. What purpose are these appropriations used for? increasing number of air disasters? Has the Commission been able to verify whether these appropriations have really been used for their intended Has an exploratory study been made of the capacity of the purpose? major airports, fixing maximum permissible limits for the number of takeoffs and landings? 4. Does the Commission know whether these appropriations have produced the desired result? What proposals does the Commission intend to make with a view to the completion of the internal market?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (28 June 1990) (19 June 1990)
The Commission is aware of the problem of concentration in the air transport sector. It is currently In the Cooperation Agreement concluded in 1982 looking at a number of these operations to prevent between the European Economic Community and the distortion of competition on particular routes and at Kingdom of Thailand on manioc production, marketing airports. and trade ('), it is stated that it is in their mutual interest to stabilize the manioc markets in Thailand and the Management of air space would certainly be improved if Community. all the Commission's proposals on air traffic control were l adopted by the Council ( ). On the question of airport To this end the Community has undertaken to do its capacity, there are indeed problems at some airports of utmost to provide assistance for projects aimed at rural which the Commission has taken account in its latest development and crop diversification, particularly in the proposal. poorest regions of the country (Article 6). No studies have been made of the number of landings and takeoffs at major airports, since these vary according to The assistance that has been given to Thailand can in no the particular conditions at any airport which in turn way be considered compensation, but rather a depend on environmental constraints, the configuration Community contribution allocated as part of its financial of runways, weather conditions, curfews, etc. and technical cooperation with the developing countries in Asia. The Commission has made many and varied proposals on air transport with a view to the introduction of the single market. The main proposals already put forward concern In this connection the Commission has provided financial greater liberalization, the application of the rules of and technical assistance in the form of grants totalling an competition and social and technical harmonization ('). annual average of ECU 15 million. Community aid is provided on the basis of financing for individual projects (') OJNoC34,10.2.1989. and the annual amount of financing therefore depends on O OJ No C 248, 29. 9. 1989; OJ No C 258, 11. 10. 1989; OJ No the extent to which projects are in practice prepared. CIO, 16.1.1990. With the general aim of crop diversification and contribution to the rural development of the poorest 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/3
manioc-producing regions, Community aid first focused participate in the Community's financing of the project on technical studies in order to make use of their stems from the fact that the country's representative, at agro-ecological potential and to increase agricultural the meeting of the Council of Ministers held on 12 June credit. Subsequently, with the renewal of the manioc 1989, expressed reservations about the project as oudined Agreement, Community aid is being directed at specific by Commissioner Matutes, because of procedural rural development and farm income diversification deficiencies and inadequate information regarding the schemes, based on the technical studies carried out project's contents. He also felt that the launching of the previously. Euro-Arab University would depend on die steps Commissioner Matutes took to promote the project within the Community. The projects are prepared according to Community procedures for financial and technical assistance to the What information can the Commission supply on this countries of Latin America and Asia, in conjunction with subject? the Thai authorities. An action plan prepared by Thailand serves as a basis for drawing up the projects, and a local implementing agency appointed by Thailand is responsible for carrying out each one. Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission The Commission also ensures that Community financing (27 June 1990) is used solely for the objectives and activities agreed to when the project financing decisions were taken. In accordance with the conclusions of the Council meeting of 12 June 1989 and the European Parliament resolution of 30 March 1984, the Commission is The aid granted since 1982 has not produced the continuing to work on plans for establishing a Euro-Arab hoped-for results in terms of diversification in the strict University. The topic was also raised by several of those sense, but it has definitely contributed to rural attending the Euro-Arab Conference in Paris on 22 development, and above all to an improvement in the December 1989, who hoped to have the matter included living standards of the poorest people in North East in the list of actions considered in connection with Thailand, through agricultural credit measures or relaunching the Euro-Arab Dialogue. projects to improve arable land (irrigation, drainage). Community aid has also been used to establish techniques The Commission will not fail to inform Parliament of any of producing and improving alternative crops such as progress achieved. rubber trees, silkworms and fruit and vegetables, which have been introduced to good purpose even if manioc production has not been directly altered.
O OJNoL219,27.7.1982, p. 52. WRITTEN QUESTION No 115/90 by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR) to the Commission of the European Communities (8 February 1990) (91/C 98/06)
Subject: Proceeds of the sale of Salzgitter WRITTEN QUESTION No 17/90 by Mr Jose VaKerde Lopez (PPE) According to press reports, the Federal German to the Commission of the European Communities Government is to spend the proceeds of the sale of the State-owned company Salzgitter — approximately DM 2 (26 January 1990) billion — on environmental research. (91/C98/05) Can the Commission guarantee that the proceeds of this sale will not constitute a form of government assistance to the environmental sector which will create a distortion of Subject: The Commission's position with regard to the competition? creation of the Euro-Arab University
As a result of the European Parliament's resolution of 30 Supplementary answer given by Sir Leon Brittan March 1984 negotiations were started with the Arab on behalf of the Commission League and the Spanish Government with a view to setting up a Euro-Arab University. In October 1986 there (29 August 1990) was a tripartite meeting attended by the Commission. The Spanish State Secretary for the Universities and Research, Further to its answer of 15 March 1990 (l) the Juan Rojo, said recently (in the newspaper 'Granada 2000' Commission is now in a position to inform the on 7 November 1989) that Great Britain's reluctance to Honourable Member of the outcome of its inquiries. No C 98/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
The proceeds of the sale of the Government holding in Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana Salzgitter AG to Preussag AG, with effect on 1 October on behalf of the Commission 1989, amount to some DM 2,500 million. These proceeds (13 June 1990) are, in accordance with a decision by the Federal Government, to be used for the setting up of an environmental foundation 'Deutsche Bundesstiftung In discussing the European Parliament's Resolution Umwelt', probably after the summer break. The details referred to by the Honourable Member with regarding the organisation of the foundation will be laid representatives of the Australian government, the down in a Charter, which the Federal Government will Commission has on multiple occasions drawn attention to transmit in due course to the Commission. its paragraph on tropical forests. In these discussions, it became evident that the Australian government attaches In the current view of the Federal Government, the great importance to the conservation of its tropical forests foundation would assist projects on protection of the and of the kangaroos living in them. The Commission environment taking particular account of small and should like to refer the Honourable Member to its reply medium sized business. to Written Question No 567/89 (') by Mr Staes on the kangaroo industry in Australia. In particular, consideration will be given to the following tasks: (') OJNoC94,11.4.1991, p. 1. — R&D and innovation in environment-friendly and health-friendly processes and products — exchange of knowledge on the environment — cooperation projects on the application of environmental technology WRITTEN QUESTION No 447/90 by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz (GUE) — preserving the national cultural heritage against harmful environmental influences to the Commission of the European Communities (7 March 1990) — awarding an annual environment prize. (91/C 98/08) On the basis of this information, the operation does not seem to give rise immediately to any state aid problems. A Subject: Banking oligopoly in Andorra final assessment of the state aid aspects of this will however, be made when the Commission receives full Andorra, an enclave within the European Community, information in respect of the Founding Charter. does not have its own currency and its financial system is based, for the most part, on Community currencies, in O OJNoC 139,7.6.1990. particular the French franc and the peseta, so that in practice it forms part of the EC economy. Its banking system consists of five banks — most of them owned by companies established in European Community countries — which act in collusion and whose oligopoly was confirmed in the past by an inappellable decision of the Andorran 'Tribunal de Corts'. WRITTEN QUESTION No 195/90 by Mr James Ford (S) Will the Commission consider demanding a change in this to the Commission of the European Communities situation, which is clearly at variance with the Community's competition legislation, in its negotiations (14 February 1990) on the development of closer relations between Andorra (91/C 98/07) and the EC?
Subject: Cruelty to kangaroos
Since Parliament adopted the Muntingh report in Answer given by Mr Matutes September 1987 ('), calling on the Commission to 'bring on behalf of the Commission every possible form of pressure to bear so as to remind (6 June 1990) Australia, in particular, Queensland and Tasmania of its responsibilities with regard to protecting its tropical forests and the kangaroo living in them' what action has Although a geographical enclave within the Community been taken by the Commission to comply with this and and despite special economic and political ties with two how effective does it think this action has been? neighbouring Member States, Andorra is none the less a legal entity separate from the Community. Consequently, (') OJNoC281,19.10. 1987, p. 203. Community law, for example in the field of banking or 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/5
competition, is not applicable to Andorra. Negotiations for payment relating to projects from previous years did with Andorra have taken place in the framework of the not therefore reach the Commission's departments in negotiating directives adopted by the Council in March 1989. 1989. The directives themselves are based on a declaration annexed to the Act of Accession of Spain to the European O OJNoL26,30.1.1989, p. 525. Communities, which confines the negotiations in O OJNoL-326,21.11.1986,p.2. question to trade issues. O OJNoL326,21.11.1986,p. 5.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 529/90 WRITTEN QUESTION No 484/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR) by Mr Juan de la Camara Martinez (S) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (16 March 1990) (7 March 1990) (91/C 98/10) (91/C 98/09)
Subject: Transport infrastructures for the Atlantic Subject: Prevention of fires regions
On 30 November 1989 the European Transport How is it that the Commission has not used up the whole Commissioner Mr Karel van Miert warned that decisions of Article 387 in the 1989 budget for the prevention of needed to be taken urgently in respect of major fires, given that disasters involving fires are on the infrastructures. To underline his argument in favour of a increase in the southern countries of the Community? multiannual investment programme, the Commissioner referred to the need for communications with the East. What about the western area of Europe and, in particular, the regions along the Atlantic axis, which zone are also in urgent need of transport infrastructures! Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission What steps does the Commission intend to take, in (10 April 1990) cooperation with the Atlantic regions, to draw up a programme of European infrastructures ?
The remarks in the general budget of the European Communities for the financial year 1989 (*) specify that Article 387 of the budget covers Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 of 17 November 1986 on protection Answer given by Mr Van Miert of the Community's forests against atmospheric on behalf of the Commission pollution O and Council Regulation (EEC) No 3529/86 (5 July 1990) of 17 November 1986 on protection of the Community's forests against fire (3). The Commission recalls its many initiatives, which have always enjoyed Parliament's support, aimed at The remarks also state that the measures are intended to implementing a real common infrastructure policy. The protect forests against fire and air pollution and to set up opening-up of Eastern Europe makes it all the more a forestry information network. urgent to create and interconnect major infrastructure of European interest required for the internal market. The Commission wishes to point out that all the commitment appropriations under Article 387 of the The Commission would stress that it already takes budget were used and that the appropriations under this account of the need to interconnect the Atlantic regions Article are differentiated. and to connect them to the Community's major trade flows. A number of projects of direct interest to these Only 44% of the payment appropriations in the budget regions are included in the amended proposal for a were used because the recipients under certain projects Council Regulation on the implementation of an action carried out under the above-mentioned Regulations, programme in the field of transport infrastructure ('). many of which are multiannual, have applied for extensions of the time limits for implementation for As the Honourable Member is aware, the Commission" technical, weather and other reasons. Many applications has undertaken a strategic study of the development of No C 98/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
the Atlantic regions, and this should be completed by the WRITTEN QUESTION No 788/90 end of this year. by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman (ED) to the Commission of the European Communities O COM(89)238. (29 March 1990) (91/C 98/12)
Subject: Internal market in shipping
Further to the Commission's response to my WRITTEN QUESTION No 739/90 Question 875/89 (*), will the Commissioner explain why by Mrs Barbara Duhrkop Duhrkop (S) small coastal yachts have been excluded from the internal market in shipping, and when steps will be taken to to the Commission of the European Communities correct this anomaly, which discriminates so blatantly (27 March 1990) against non-Greek coastal yachts? (91/C98/11) O OJ No C 171,12. 7.1990, p. 12.
Subject: The Euro-Arab University WRITTEN QUESTION No 944/90 At its meeting of 12 June 1989 the Council took note of by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman (ED) the tripartite meeting between the Commission, the Spanish Government and the Arab League held on 29 and to the Commission of the European Communities 30 October 1986 in Brussels, at which it was decided to (17 April 1990) form a working party to re-examine the legal, academic (91/C 98/13) and financial aspects of the projected Euro-Arab University. At this meeting (12 June 1989) the Council instructed Commissioner Matutes to continue the work Subject: EC coastal yacht charter companies operating in of studying and monitoring this project. Greek waters In view of the fact that Greek charter companies operate What steps has the Commission taken since then and what in British waters and in the waters of other Member States were the conclusions of the meeting between the without restriction, what steps does the Commission Commission delegation and the Arab League held on propose to take to ensure that Greece ends its policy of Wednesday, 28 February 1990 in Tunis to consider the banning non-Greek charter companies from its own projected Euro-Arab University? waters?
Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission Joint answer to Written Questions No 788/90 and (17 July 1990) No 944/90 given by Mr Van Miert In accordance with the Council's conclusions of 12 June to the Commission of the European Communities 1989, the Commission is continuing talks on the implementation of the Euro-Arab University project that (6 July 1990) was the subject of Parliament's resolution of 30 March 1984. A number of participants at the Euro-Arab Conference, held in Paris on 22 December 1989, also Greek law prohibits coastal operations in its waters by referred to the project and advocated putting it forward as ships under other flags than the Greek flag. an operation for the resumed Euro-Arab dialogue. Equally it prohibits coastal operations by any ships larger than 1 500 GRT. France, Italy, Spain and Portugal have The Commission has had talks with the Spanish also laws prohibiting operations under other flags than authorities and the Secretariat General of the Arab the national flag in cabotage trades. The Commission League which showed that all parties are still interested in presented a proposal to the Council on 3 August 1990 (') the project. with a view to liberalizing cabotage services in maritime coastal trades. The Commission will not fail to keep Parliament abreast of any developments in connection with this project. The Commission's proposal to start with liberalization of maritime cabotage did not include vessels with a gross tonnage of less than 500. The time was not yet found ripe for this, because of the expected socio-economic effects 15.4.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/7
on certain coastal areas of the Community where small examined when the Lithuanian government and the Soviet enterprises make a living from tourism and related authorities have settled the question of the external activities. economic competence of Lithuania.
Such effects being out of relation to the immediate As the Honourable Member will be aware, individual benefits which liberalization in this particular sector Member States of the Community undertake projects and might yield, the Commission considered it wiser to first joint ventures which foster economic cooperation with await the outcome of the discussions in the Council on its the Baltic Republics, which have been free under Soviet present proposal for liberalization. legislation to develop foreign economic contacts since January 1990. (') OJ No C 263,16.10. 1989, p. 17.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 797/90 WRITTEN QUESTION No 789/90 by Mr Carlos Carvalhas (CG) by Mr Francesco Sperone (ARC) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (29 March 1990) (29 March 1990) (91/C 98/15) (91/C 98/14)
Subject: Relations with the Republic of Lithuania Subject: Financial markets
The Lithuanian Parliament, freely elected after 50 years The uncertainty of the financial markets, the recent falls of colonial oppression by the Russian empire, has in share prices and the recovery of the Tokyo Stock proclaimed the restoration of Lithuanian independence. Exchange, the fluctuations in the yen, the dollar and sterling, the failure of Drexel Burnham Lambert and its repercussions on the First Boston Bank, and American What kind of political and economic relations does the Express, the US deficit, the economy of gamblers, European Community intend to establish with the financial and currency speculation wiping out millions Republic of Lithuania? from the productive sphere and the Third World debt all show that the economic progress of the three pillars of the capitalist world — the US, Japan and Western Europe-EEC — rest on shaky foundations. Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission Can the Commission say whether it is sticking to its (12 July 1990) optimistic forecasts on the EEC's economic and financial prospects and what its views are on this latest spiral of political and currency speculation? As the Honourable Member will be aware, in the framework of Political Cooperation the Twelve have issued two statements on the situation in the Baltic Republics and in particular Lithuania on 24 March and 4 April. Answer given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission As stated on 24 March, they consider that the nature of (12 June 1990) the future constitutional relationship with the USSR is a matter that is best left to the peoples of the Baltic Republics and the Soviet authorities to resolve through The Commission is in the process of revising their dialogue, avoiding the use, or threat of force in forecasts; the new forecast should be completed by the accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. beginning of June. It seems likely that the economic and The statement of 4 April reiterated the call for a dialogue. financial outlook for the EC will be broadly in line with This now appears to be happening in the case of the previous forecast, dating from October 1989. Lithuania. Given good will on both sides this difficult situation should be resolved. The recent evolution of financial markets inside the Community does not give rise to new problems: stock In keeping with the observations made by Ministers on 19 markets have risen, rates of interest, although high by May at Parnasilla, the Commission believes that long historical standards have declined slightly since the term relations between the Community and Lithuania and beginning of the year, the EMS has been characterised by questions such as economic assistance and the an absence of tensions since the entry of the lira into the improvement of conditions of trade, can only be narrow band in January. No C 98/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
The fall of the yen is the only significant new factor which enable all participants in international textiles trade to could be negative, but it is hoped that this tendency can be adjust to the new situation by giving predictability both to stopped by international cooperation. importing countries and exporting countries. In this context the Commission will insist on the possibility of renewing bilateral agreements with the Community's suppliers in order to secure an orderly development of trade, and on the need for a specific transitional safeguard mechanism.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 877/90 The Commission also believes strongly that the strengthening of GATT rules and disciplines should by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC) ensure the effective and lasting opening up of world to the Commission of the European Communities markets by the contribution of all participants and the (9 April 1990) creation of fair competitive conditions, particularly (91/C 98/16) through improved disciplines as regards subsidies, through operational anti-dumping rules, improved protection of intellectual property and non Subject: Expiry of the Multifibre Arrangement in 1991 discriminatory access to raw materials.
Given that the current Multifibre Arrangement (MFAIV) This is the main thrust of the Community's effort in the is due to expire on 31 July 1991 and, as a result, there is multilateral negotiations in order to ensure a positive grave concern about possible job losses in the textile result for the textiles negotiations and the Uruguay industry, particularly in areas such as Strathclyde in Round. Scotland, where approximately 25 000 people are employed in this sector, will the Commission commence The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to immediate negotiations for an extension of the its answer given to oral question H-345-90 of M. arrangement beyond 1991 in order to allow the industry GasdlibaiBdhmC). to adapt to the pressure of fierce competition? O Debates of the European Parliament No 389 (April 1990).
Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission (2 7 June 1990)
Whilst the current MFA expires on 31 July 1991, the WRITTEN QUESTION No 887/90 Community is actively engaged in the multilateral trade by Mr Ernest Glinne (S) negotiations of the Uruguay Round, due to be concluded to the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels in December, which should lead to the elaboration of the modalities for the integration of the (9 April 1990) textiles sector into the GATT on the basis of strengthened (91/C 98/17) GATT rules and disciplines as set out in the Punta de Este Declaration. Subject: Implementation of UN resolution of 8 December The Commission has from the beginning adopted an 1988 on a new humanitarian international order active and constructive approach as it is convinced that integration into GATT will lead to substantial benefits for On 22 November 1988, after a long period of preparation the textiles sector. Since this integration must take place drawing on the joint sponsorship of 32 states, including on the basis of strengthened GATT rules and disciplines, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and Portugal, a remarkable the Community has developed a position — faithfully French initiative was concluded with the unanimous reflecting the Punta de Este mandate — which establishes adoption of a resolution on humanitarian assistance to the a parallel between, on the one hand, the progressive victims of natural disasters and equivalent emergency elimination of existing restrictions and, on the other situations. This is an innovating document in that it makes hand, the application of strengthened GATT rules and assistance to victims an indispensable feature of disciplines. adherence to the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality inspired by the activities of the international However, in order not to endanger the structural Red Cross: an emergency automatically creates the right adjustment which the Community industry has already and duty of free access to the victims, requiring the achieved through investment and innovation and to opening of corridors of passage in bordering states and enable it to pursue this adjustment, the integration reciprocal support by non-governmental organizations process must be implemented progressively by way of a and states. Morally, non-assistance to persons and transition period of sufficient duration. This will also peoples in deadly danger can result in a finding of guilt, 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/9
and may be invoked over and above the rules of war for entitled 'the European Community and Development which there exist the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the Cooperation' stating that the European Community's 1977 additional protocols. The resolution nevertheless development policy pays insufficient attention to the remains non-binding. environment.
The Secretary-General has been asked to consult with 1. What view does the Commission take of the proposals governments with a view to having the 1990 General for improvements contained in the report, in Assembly consider proposals to widen the practical impact particular: of the 1988 resolution, probably by issuing a formal declaration comparable to that of 1948 on human rights. I — the employment of more experts by the EC in should therefore like to know whether, and if so how, the Brussels; Commission is making preparations for the Member States of the Community to draw up and express their — increasing European environmental research own point of view, and perhaps subsequently to adopt a capacity, for example by setting up an independent common approach to be set out before the 1990 General research centre to carry out social, Assembly on behalf of the Community. macro-economic and environmental analyses in connection with structural adjustments;
Answer given by Mr Matutes — the introduction of a special Third World on behalf of the Commission environment fund? (27 June 1990) 2. Does the Commission acknowledge the need for this and is it prepared to examine Community measures The UN General Assembly resolution cited by the directed towards the completion of the internal Honourable Member requests the Secretary-General to market in respect of their impact on developing continue consultations with governments, governmental countries, as recommended by the NAR? and non-governmental organizations and the independent Office for Humanitarian Affairs and to report to the 45th session sof the General Assembly on the 3. Does the Commission agree with the NAR that a progress made with regard to humanitarian issues. structural increase of development aid by EC Member States is desirable to alleviate the disadvantages for The Commission has continued to carry out emergency the developing countries arising from the completion aid operations to assist the victims of natural disasters in of the internal market? the developing countries and other non-member countries, thereby contributing to the implementation of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on humanitarian assistance for the victims of natural disasters and equivalent emergency situations. In 1989 the Commission thus committed ECU 55 926 000 of emergency aid, in addition to food aid and other forms of humanitarian assistance. Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission In accordance with the Single Act, the Member States' (6 September 1990) points of view concerning the work of the United Nations must be coordinated, in particular with regard to any possible project for a new humanitarian international order. The Commission is willing to play a part in this 1. The Commission has examined with interest the connection. report on The European Community and Development Cooperation published by the Dutch National Advisory Council for Development Cooperation.
The Community's development aid policy by no means WRITTEN QUESTION No 958/90 pays insufficient attention to the environment. by Mr Herman Verbeck (V) to the Commission of the European Communities (25 April 1990) The conclusions of the Council meetings on development of 21 November 1989 and 29 May this year, like the (91/C 98/18) fourth Lome Convention, demonstrate the importance attached to this subject, and the gradual strengthening Subject: EC and development cooperation and refining of the objectives, criteria and fields of action in this respect. Having started with a single specific The Dutch National Advisory Council for Development environmental component under Lome III — covering and Cooperation (NAR) recently published a report drought and desertification control — Lome IV has gone No C 98/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.4.91 on to adopt a broader, dual approach based on the WRITTEN QUESTION No 965/90 protection of the environment and efficient management by Mr Kenneth Collins (S) of natural resources. to the Commission of the European Communities (2 5 April 1990) The Directorate-General for Development, in (91/C 98/19) conjunction with a central unit of environmental experts, has the task of ensuring that projects incorporate the environmental dimension in the development process. Subject: Local revenue raising This Directorate-General also cooperates closely with the Directorate-General for the Environment to see to it that the concept of sustainable development is taken into As part of the Commission's efforts to remove barriers to account in Community policies. the free movement of persons within the Community, does the Commission consider that it may eventually be necessary for the Community to turn its attention to local Setting up a Community research centre is not one of the revenue raising within the Community, such as the Poll Commission's priorities. None the less, in view of the Tax or 'Community Charge' introduced last year in importance of this issue, the third Framework Scotland and shortly to be introduced in England and Programme of Community activities in the field of Wales? research and technological development (1990—94) states that the know-how and methods which are essential for the preservation of the environment should constitute two major factors in rural development and in the fields of medicine, health and nutrition. Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commissidn The idea of creating a special fund is the subject of (22 June 1990) international discussions which the Commission is following with due attention. The Commission would point out that, in its view, taxes on natural persons are a matter for each Member State 2. The Commission is devoting a great deal of except where they conflict with the provisions of attention to the potential impact of the completion of the Community law. single market on non-member countries, and in particular developing countries. In this connection the Honourable Consequently, it does not intend to harmonize income Member is invited to refer to the answer given to oral taxes or local taxes such as the 'poll tax'. question H-320/90 by Mrs Buchan ('). The Commission has played a full part in several conferences and seminars on this topic both in the above countries and in Europe. Special mechanisms have been set up in the particular context of ACP-EEC relations — both under the Lome convention and outside it — to provide the ACP States with the relevant information about the process of completing the single market. WRITTEN QUESTION No 989/90 , by Mrs Anna Hermans (PE) 3. The Commission has always worked towards to the Commission of the European Communities increasing development aid, as was borne out quite recently by the considerable increase in the resources (25 April 1990) made available to the ACP States under the fourth Lome (91/C 98/20) Convention. The Commission has also made proposals to increase the resources for both the Latin American and Asian developing countries and the Mediterranean Subject: Use of pesticides in developing countries countries. But in no way has this increase in Community aid been seen as a way of directly compensating for the alleged negative effects of 1992. The Commission is of the It is a proven fact that chemical pesticides may constitute a opinion that existing cooperation instruments should be danger both to consumers and to the environment and used as the means to cope with any difficulties that might may upset the ecological balance in the long term. arise for the Community's partners as a result of completion of the single market. Can the Commission say:
(') Debates of the European Parliament No 389 (April 1990). 1. what pesticides are used in agricultural projects financed by the EDF?
2. whether studies are carried out beforehand into the local effects of pesticides used in these projects? 15.4.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/11
3. whether the use of pesticides is known to have adverse In view of the need for detailed knowledge of the effects on local farming, i.e. farming not included in ecosystems concerned, the data base, which at present the projects? covers 29 African countries, will later be extended to other regions, including regions outside Africa. 4. whether sufficient information is given to the users of these products and the local population who are O OJNoL 155,22.6.1988. unacquainted with the products?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1037/90 Answer given by Mr Marin by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (6 July 1990) (11 May 1990) (91/C 98/21) 1. There are at present more than 700 basic products — i.e. active substances with different characteristics — Subject: Aid for the press in Eastern Europe which are marketed under thousands of different names Will the Commission respond to the call made by the around the world. Director-General of UNESCO, Federico Mayor, for aid to be given in one form or another to newly established In the past the main types of product used were — press organs in Eastern Europe which are one of the main without reference to their trade names — communication channels for the democratic system organophosphates (dianizon and other products with the recently introduced in that region? same suffix), organochlorines (DDT and others, but these have been increasingly replaced by the first class), pyrethrinoids and phenoxyacetic acids. Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission The Commission succeeded in having Regulation (EEC) (4 February 1991) No 1734/88 (') of 16 June 1988 adopted. It has applied since 22 June 1989 and restricts exports (and imports) of The Commission shares the Honourable Member's views certain dangerous chemicals, including certain pesticides. about the essential and decisive part played by a free press Twenty-one categories of chemicals, including DDT, in democratic countries and, in particular, in the dieldrin, aldrin and endrin, are prohibited or strictly establishment and consolidation of democracy in Eastern controlled. When they are exported to non-member Europe. countries the notification procedure established by Article 4 of the Regulation automatically applies. In its proposals to the Council concerning negotiating directives for the forthcoming European agreements with The main features of the Regulation are the obligation to Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, the Commission notify the appropriate authorities of the importing has provided for cultural cooperation and measures to country and to send a copy of the notification to the develop information and communication. Commission, which forwards it to the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals, and strict packaging and labelling rules.
The fourth Lome Convention includes a specific article WRITTEN QUESTION No 1048/90 which, in combination with the restrictions imposed by by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE) the above-mentioned Regulation, will give the best to the Commission of the European Communities possible guarantees against inappropriate use or use which is dangerous for health or the environment. (11 May 1990) (91/C 98/22) 2. As regards development projects and, in more general terms, the fight to control certain pests in certain Subject: Closure of Namibian fishing grounds to ACP regions, studies are under way or will be carried out, Community fishermen for example on the environmental impact of using Following Namibian independence on 21 March and the pesticides to control pests which damage crops. decision of that country to ask foreign fishing fleets to leave its territorial waters, all foreign vessels working the The Commission has also started to compile a fishing grounds in question have been faced with a crisis. computerized data base entitled 'Pesticides and the 3 000 Spanish fishermen, largely from Galicia, are environment', which will soon provide a point of affected; 80% of the hake eaten in Spain is caught in reference for such products. Namibian waters. No C 98/12 Officiai Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
Since the Spanish Government has informed the country's Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan fishermen that all negotiations with the Namibian on behalf of the Commission authorities must be carried out via the European (15 November 1990) Community's authorities and not bilaterally, will the Commission state whether it took up the question of protecting the long-standing interests of Spanish The Commission agrees that development aid tied to a fishermen in those waters before 21 March 1990 with the single Member State could distort or threaten to distort Namibian authorities and negotiating an agreement competition in the EC and could affect trade between the which would restore a balance between the interests of all Member States. The Articles 92 et seq. of the EEC Treaty parties concerned. are therefore applicable to these aids. The Commission is presently studying the practice of tying bilateral development aid, with a view to ensuring that the EEC Treaty is respected. In that context the Commission points out that a solution to the competition distorting effects of tied aid should be sought through Answer given by Mr Marin progressive harmonisation of export aid policy. on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1990)
The Commission has been in close contact with the Namibian government on the question of negotiating a WRITTEN QUESTION No 1147/90 fisheries agreement. by Mr Ian White (S) to the Commission of the European Communities The Namibian government wishes to find out more about (14 May 1990) its resources before entering into negotiations with the (91/C 98/24) Community or any other country.
Subject: World development In this connection the Honourable Member is invited to refer to the Commission's statement at the May The EC estimates imports will grow by 7%, as a result of part-session of Parliament (') concerning the internal market changes in 1992. Could the Commission representations it has made to the Namibian government. advise which least-developed countries and what kind/quantities of commodities are expected to supply (') Debates of the European Parliament No 390 (May 1990). such demand?
Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1990)
It has indeed been estimated that additional EC import WRITTEN QUESTION No 1106/90 growth, in volume terms, will amount to 7% over a six by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED) year period from 1990 onwards, due to the completion of the Internal Market. That is to say an extra 1 % per year. It to the Commission of the European Communities should however be borne in mind that this included both (14 May 1990) intra-Community trade and extra-Community trade. This (91/C 98/23) result was obtained from macroeconomic model simulations. To this should however be added that these model simulations could not take into account changes in the Community's import regime as a result of the Subject: Development aid completion of the Uruguay Round, the conclusion of Lome IV and the revision of the Generalised System of preferences, all of which will have a positive impact on the When the single market is completed, after 31 December Community's imports in general and on the Community's 1992, development aid tied to a single Member State imports from developing countries in particular. would appear to have implications for competition, in that such aid may be said to be an indirect subsidy and restriction of competition. However, given the macro economic nature of the model simulations, the Commission is not in a position to determine which least developed countries will benefit Does the Commission agree that development aid may, from the Community's import growth due to the post-1992, be tied only in respect of the EC as a whole? completion of the Internal Market. In the end the 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/13
distribution of the benefits of the 1992 programme will be readjustment in the negotiation group on agricultural determined to a substantial extent by the ability of these trade, which should take into account the problems raised countries to take advantage of the additional trade by the Honourable Member. opportunities created. (') For example in its reply to Written Question No 593/89 by Mr Herman, OJ No C 93,11.4.1990.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1162/90 by Mr Jose Happart (S) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1259/90 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) (14 May 1990) to the Commission of the European Communities (91/C 98/25) (18 May 1990) (91/C 98/26) Subject: US corn-gluten imports
Sales of US corn-gluten on European markets are rising Subject: Harmonization of penalties imposed by the continually. Member States on the misuse of facsimile machines by third parties The free entry of such products into the Community has meant that Community public stocks of maize are also Facsimile machines are frequently misused by rising, which is producing problems of fluctuating market undertakings or advertising agencies which use this new prices. means of communication to send out unsolicited advertisements and offers. This overloads the system, Does the Commission regard this distortion of thereby hampering normal communications and competition as justified and in accordance with the inconveniencing the owner of the facsimile machine by GATT? delaying the sending or reception of urgent messages. This also causes additional expense to subscribers since What action does the Commission intend to take in the they have to supply and pay for the sensitive paper in the light of this attitude of the United States? facsimile machines.
In the USA, the State of Connecticut has adopted a law to the effect that those who are inconvenienced in this way can prosecute the advertisers responsible and obtain Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry compensation of $ 200 for each offence. In a number of on behalf of the Commission the Community Member States bills have been tabled (20 June 1990) containing penalties for the misuse of facsimile machines by third parties. In Belgium a bill has been tabled providing for compensation for victims and a fine or The Commission has, on numerous occasions, already prison sentence for offenders who are found to have explained the Community's position on corn gluten feed wilfully disrupted or prevented communications over a imports, as well as the situation of Community forage telephone line through misuse of a facsimile machine. maize producers. It has already drawn attention to the trend in corn gluten feed imports in recent years, which rose from 2 million tonnes in 1979 to 4,7 in 1989. It What measures will the Commission take within the should be pointed out that the level of these imports has framework of the Community telecommunications been stable since 1987 (4,7 million tonnes in 1987, 4,8 in market to harmonize legal or administrative provisions in 1988 and 4,7 in 1989). the Member States on penalties for the misuse of facsimile machines by third parties? As the Commission has already pointed out ('), some of the problems facing these sectors are also the result of inconsistencies between the support and protection systems applied for different agricultural products. Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission The Community has therefore insisted, in its proposals to (4 October 1990) the negotiation group on agricultural trade within the framework of the Uruguay Round, that a significant concerted reduction in state subsidies should be coupled The Honourable Member's question raises the problem with a readjustment of external protection. The of forms of advertising where a business targets a Commission will soon develop the outlines of such a potential customer direct, whether the latter is another No C 98/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91 business or a private individual. The means of This aid will be directed mainly at the following transmission for advertising of this nature is the objectives: strengthening the business environment with telephone, facsimile, telex, videotex or direct distribution the aim of creating a climate propitious to growth in of promotional material. investment and competitiveness and technology transfer; diversifying agriculture (financial and technical The use of electronic communications technology is cooperation); specific anti-drug projects, and in particular therefore just one example of a wide-ranging problem alternative crops. that can arise in all forms of advertising and must be viewed in the light of rules on unfair competition. The Commission has also presented a communication concerning ('): There are legal precedents in some Member States concerning direct advertising, and in particular telephone — A proposal for a Council regulation whereby advertising, which is banned in certain cases under the Colombia, Peru and Bolivia will enjoy the status of rules on unfair competition. The objective is to protect least developed countries within the GSP. This businesses from unfair competition and consumers from measure means that all the agricultural and industrial disturbance by unwanted advertising. products from these three countries will be able to enter the Community market duty-free.
The Commission intends to examine the problem in — A proposal for a Council resolution aimed at overall terms before deciding what measures are coordinating Member States' responses to Colombia's appropriate. special programme so that Community measures are made more effective by concerted action.
O COM(90) 254 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1279/90 by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea (LDR) to the Commission of the European Communities (22 May 1990) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1318/90 (91/C 98/27) by Mr Jesus Cabez6n Alonso (S) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Relations between the EEC and Colombia (28 May 1990) (91/C 98/28) In his speech of 4 April 1990 to Members of the European Parliament, the President of Colombia, Mr Virgilio Barco, requested that consideration be given to the issues Subject: Import of sodium carbonate produced in third of customs duties on Colombian flowers entering the countries Community, national restrictions on bananas from Colombia and Community taxes on coffee. Sodium and calcium salts are traditionally mined and extracted in Spain and other Member States. They are What response does the Commission plan to give to this frequently a source of wealth and (directly or indirectly) request, in the light of the laudable and courageous of employment in less-favoured areas. Derivatives of efforts of the Colombian Government to promote new these salts are of fundamental importance in the chemical crops as an alternative to drugs? and glass-manufacturing industries and are commonly used for agriculture and stockbreeding and in other sectors.
What legal and tariff measures have been envisaged by the Answer given by Mr Matutes Commission to protect this major traditional economic on behalf of the Commission activity? (7 August 1990) Is the Commission supporting third-country interests in The Commission, as it informed the Council on 5 the drawing-up of future regulations and, if so, how does February, has decided to increase financial support for it intend to prevent imports of natural sodium carbonate cooperation with this country to ECU 60 million for the at dumping prices? period from 1990 to 1993 (to put this in context, Community aid to Colombia has for the past twelve years Has it considered the impact of these future measures on been about ECU 2 million a year). European producers? If so, with what result? 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/15
Answer given by Mr Andriessen financed under the LCL programme have had no effect on on behalf of the Commission the development of the recipient countries and have (17 July 1990) merely served the interests of the exporting Dutch companies.
In March 1989, the Commission initiated a review of the 1. What percentage of overseas development aid takes anti-dumping measures concerning dense sodium the form of tied aid in each of the Member States and carbonate originating in the United States in force since what amounts have been earmarked for low March 1983, in reponse to a request submitted by the US concessional loans over the last five years? producers and the Standing Committee of Glass industries of the EEC. 2. Does the Commission consider that tied development aid runs counter to the future achievement of a free The Commission sought and verified all information market in the award of public supply and public required to establish dumping, injury and threat of injury. service contracts? Where necessary it carried out investigations at the premises of the US producers and exporters, the EEC 3. In the interests of the poorest developing countries in producers, the importers and the consumers. On the the weakest trading positions, is the Commission evidence gathered it appears doubtful that protective prepared to amend the decision binding the Member measures are warranted at this stage. States to the OECD 'Arrangement on guidelines for officially supported credits' or, alternatively, to take The Commission's conclusions will shortly be presented measures to bring 'development aid' more closely into to the Member States. It is then up to the Council of line with development needs? Ministers to confirm or reject these conclusions.
It should be emphasized that, if the current measures were allowed to expire and the US producers then again dumped their soda ash and caused injury to the producers Answer given by Mr Marin the Commission, acting on a complaint submitted by the on behalf of the Commission EEC producers, would promptly intervene on their behalf. (7 August 1990)
Furthermore, if the new situation warrants the imposition of corrective measures, and due to the history of dumping 1. Member States' national development policies do in the case which makes importers aware that possible not fall within Community competence. The Honourable dumping practices would cause injury, the Council may Member should refer to the publications of the decide to apply such measures retroactively under Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD Article 13 (4) of Regulation (EEC) No 2423/88 (*). which shows the extent to which Member States' aid is tied. (') OJ No L 209,2. 8.1988. The term Less Concessional Loans (LCL), used to designate certain loans granted to finance Dutch exports relevant to the development of recipient countries, is specific to the Netherlands. Statistics published by the DAC do not therefore allow similar transactions that may be undertaken by other Member States to be identified. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1319/90 by Mr Herman Verbeek (V) 2. The Commission would refer the Honourable to the Commission of the European Communities Member to its reply to Written Question No 992/89 by (28 May 1990) Mr White (') which stated that 'the conditions in which such aid is provided must respect the EEC Treaty and (91/C 98/29) applicable Community rules on public procurement'.
Subject: Low concessional loans as a form of 3. The OECD arrangements, in particular the development aid guidelines for officially supported export credits, are intended to curb the distortion of competition resulting Fl 215 million of the Netherlands development from government supported financing and to increase the cooperation budget for 1990 is earmarked for low developmental quality of tied aid to developing countries. concessional loans (LCL) in the form of fully-tied aid. The competent bodies in the OECD are currently A survey by the Development Cooperation Field engaged in negotiations, a prime objective of which is to Inspectorate (IOV) shows that about 75 % of the projects improve the position of developing countries as recipients No C 98/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
of aid. In its role as the representative of the Community, Answer given by Mr Bangemann the Commission will strive to achieve a positive outcome on behalf of the Commission in these negotiations. (10 September 1990) O OJNoC 125,21.5.1990. The Commission is aware that the Fourth and Seventh Company Law Directives (') were implemented in Ireland by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986. This Act became effective on 1 August 1986 and applies to WRITTEN QUESTION No 1458/90 company accounts from 1 January 1987. Ireland thus has had the necessary implementing legislation in place for by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muru (S) almost four years. to the Commission of the European Communities (13 June 1990) The effectiveness of the implementing legislation is a (91/C 98/30) function of the enforcement mechanism which applies it and the extent to which that mechanism is put into use against contraventions of the law. On this, the Subject: New initiatives with regard to the Kurdish Commission understands that a major overhaul and problem modernisation of the Irish enforcement authority (the In view of the constant acts of humiliation, persecution Office of the Registrar of Companies) has been necessary and attempted genocide inflicted on the Kurdish people in in order to apply the directives and is continuing, in order Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, including the unjust to enforce their requirements more efficiently. The resettlement of entire populations, what action does the Commission is not aware of any major lack of resources Commission intend to take apart from making statements or facilities in this regard and is informed that and giving money to refugees? computerisation is rapidly increasing the efficiency of enforcement. This view is further reinforced by the fact that one-third of the companies on the Irish Register prior to 1987 have been struck off for failure to file annual Answer given by Mr Matutes returns and some 600 companies have been prosecuted to on behalf of the Commission date under the Irish Act of 1986 and fines totalling (30 August 1990) IRL 65 000 have been imposed against them. In addition, annual accounts filed with the office of the Registrar of The Commission closely monitors developments in the Companies are available for public inspection — it is not a situation referred to by the Honourable Member. It has requirement of Community or Irish law that such date on many occasions expressed the importance it attaches to should be disseminated by the Irish authorities. the principle of respect for the rights of minorities. Accordingly, the Commission is satisfied that Irish Apart from the means referred to by the Honourable legislation implementing the Fourth and Seventh Member, which the Commission has already Directives is in place, is being enforced and is being implemented, there is little if anything the Commission monitored by the Irish authorities with a view to can do to find a humane solution to the problems of the improving its effectiveness. The Commission will, Kurdish people. however, keep this matter under review with the Irish authorities.
(') OJ No L 222,18. 8.1978; OJ No L 193,18.7.1983.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1513/90 by Mr Proinsias de Rossa (CG) to the Commission of the European Communities (21 June 1990) (91/C 98/31) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1526/90 by Mr Jose Barros Moura (CG) Subject: Disclosure of financial information to the Commission of the European Communities Will the Commission state whether it considers Ireland to (21 June 1990) be in breach of the Fourth Directive on the disclosure of (91/C 98/32) financial information because of
1. the ineffectiveness of the Irish Companies Act in this Subject: Freedom of establishment and equal treatment regard, and of workers 2. the inability of the Irish Registrar of companies to disseminate this information to the public due to a In its judgment of 27 March 1990 in Case C-113/89 lack of resources and facilities? (Rush Portuguesa Lda), the Court of Justice interprets 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/17
Articles 59 and 60 of the EEC Treaty and Articles 215 and of situations, particularly of a temporal nature, will be 216 of the Act of Accession of the Kingdom of Spain and taken into account: the Portuguese Republic as meaning that an undertaking established in Portugal which provides services in the — application of national legislation on public order, building and public works sector in another Member State may travel with its own staff which it brings with it from — respect for generally binding collective agreements. Portugal for the duration of the work. The Portuguese Government claimed that, this being the case, working The Commission will therefore resort to the appropriate conditions would be governed wholly by Portuguese law Community instruments to ensure respect for these since Portuguese workers temporarily abroad would not principles. be entering the labour market of the host Member State.
The Court stated, however, that Community law does not prevent Member States extending their legislation or collective labour agreements to any person carrying out paid employment, even on a temporary basis, in its territory, regardless of the employer's country of WRITTEN QUESTION No 1529/90 establishment. by Mr Francis Wurtz (CG) to the Commission of the European Communities Can the Commission explain, particularly having regard to the Social Charter, how freedom of establishment (21 June 1990) should be exercised to ensure that equal treatment in (91/C 98/33) respect of salary, working conditions and social security is not adversely affected and that social dumping is prevented? Subject: 1992 and the effects on the ACP countries
Given that Lome TV covers the period during which the single market will come into effect, when does the Commission intend to answer the specific questions put to Answer given by Mrs Papandreou it in the Joint Assembly's report on the effects of 1992 on on behalf of the Commission the ACP countries? (6 September 1990)
The judgment of the Court of Justice mentioned by the Answer given by Mr Marin Honourable Member does not refer to the freedom of on behalf of the Commission establishment but the secondment of workers in the (25 July 1990) framework of the free provision of services.
In its Action Programme relating to the implementation During the ACP-EEC Joint Assembly's discussions the of the Community Charter of Basic Social Rights for Commission has had occasion to stress the importance Workers, the Commission, under the chapter concerning that it attaches to the proposals and questions put by that the freedom of movement, referred to a 'proposal for a body regarding completion of the internal market and Community instrument on working conditions applicable intends to see to it that they are followed up promptly. It to workers from another State performing work in the would also point out to the Honourable Member that, host country in the framework of the freedom to provide without awaiting the introduction of all the instruments services, especially on behalf of a subcontracting for resolution practical implementation of the new Lome undertaking'. Convention, and in accordance with an undertaking on its part given during the negotiations, the Commission has set up an informal Commission-ACP States working The fact that, in some sectors, the freedom to provide party for the precise purpose of informing these countries services induces undertakings to send workers to another of the process leading to completion of the single market. Member State raises the issue of their working conditions, A first meeting on 22 May provided an opportunity for a which are generally defined by regulations applicable in general overview of the measures already taken to that the country where the undertaking has its registered end. Subsequent meetings should give a clearer idea of the office. Due to the fact that these working conditions are issues which are of special concern to the ACP States different, there is a risk that, in addition to disadvantages themselves. It is on this basis that it can be decided how for workers, this will give rise to distortions of best to answer the questions posed by the Joint Assembly competition between undertakings. on the effects of 1992 on the ACP States, such as, for example, sectoral study requirements. Consequently, the activity of prrviding services, particularly subcontracting services, should respect the following principles, it being understood that the diversity No C 98/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1531/90 Surinamese Government and the European Community by Mrs Anita Pollack (S) on the technical assistance to be provided by the Commission to formulate an adjustment, recovery and to the Commission of the European Communities growth programme? (21 June 1990) (91/C 98/34) 2. Can the Commission say what exactly is to be achieved by granting technical assistance? Subject: Trains 3. Can the Commission confirm that agreements have What is the view of the Commission about the safety and already been concluded between it and the Surinamese advisability of driver-only operated trains, and in which Government on the first stage of the adjustment, recovery Member States do such services operate? and growth programme?
4. If so, can the Commission indicate the content of these agreements and say to what extent they have already Answer given by Mr Van Miert been acted on? on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1990) 5. Is the Commission in contact with the Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation in this regard? Primary responsibility for rail traffic safety and the choice of driver arrangements for any particular line, including those referred to by the Honourable Member lies with the networks. Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission The Commission is stepping up its efforts to improve the (7 September 1990) overall safety of the railways. On 29 June the Council adopted a common position on the EURET programme, which includes provision for joint research on a future As part of general technical cooperation, the Commission Community command and control system. The is already helping the Surinamese government to draw up Commission will transmit its initial views on the matter to its work programme for recovery, growth and the Council at the end of the year, in a report from the adjustment. A team of experts went to Surinam on a high-level working party on the high-speed rail network preparatory mission in June and July. It will be going back set up following the Council Resolution of 4 and 5 there in the next few months to help the government put December 1989. the finishing touches to the programme, which will then be presented to foreign aid donors. In its communication to the Council on a Community railway policy ('), the Commission pointed out that even The Commission is in contact with the Dutch Minister for if command and control systems for traffic were not Development Cooperation in this regard. unified, they should at least be highly compatible in terms both of equipment and of regulation of their use.
Cooperation with the national networks and the organizations which represent them will make it possible to make progress, if need be using legislation at Community level to increase the standard of safety and WRITTEN QUESTION No 1602/90 uniformity of operation on each section of the network. by Mr Bouke Beumer (PPE) (') COM(89) 564 final. to the Commission of the European Communities (2 July 1990) (91/C 98/36)
Subject: European Corps of Citizens for Democracy WRITTEN QUESTION No 1599/50 by Mr Maxime Verhagen (PPE) As part of the Eastern Europe Cooperation Programme, to the Commission of the European Communities the Netherlands has launched a project designated 'Netherlands Management Consultancy Programme (2 July 1990) Eastern Europe' (NMCP). The aim is to make it possible (91/C 98/35) to send recently retired, highly qualified managers to Eastern Europe to offer assistance to enterprises there in Subject: Relations between the Commission and the becoming independent concerns and learning to operate Government of Surinam in a market economy. A similar programme has already fared well in the developing nations. Costs are relatively 1. Can the Commission say what is the current position low, since the managers receive only expenses rather than overall as regards the consultations between the a salary. 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/19
President Bush has proposed a similar plan involving a Agreement. None the less, imports accompanied by Corps of Citizens for Democracy. certificates referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would not be allowed into the Community. Does the Commission see any possibility of setting up a European Corps of Citizens for Democracy or of playing a role in encouraging, and acting as coordinator for, such a corps?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1675/90 Answer given by Mr Andriessen by Mrs Christine Oddy (S) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (18 September 1990) (4 July 1990) The Commission welcomes the Netherlands' initiative in (91/C 98/38) setting up the 'Netherlands Management Consultancy Programme Eastern Europe'.There is undoubtedly a large Subject: Ethnic Minorities Language Teaching untapped reserve of experience and know-how among well-qualified retired business managers in the How does the Commission currently utilise the budget Community which could be extremely valuable to the line relating to Ethnic Minorities Language Teaching? Central and Eastern European countries in their efforts to restructure their economies in the direction of a free market. What plans does the Commission have to encourage teaching of the following languages: Punjabi, Urdu, The Commission does not intend to make any proposal at Hindi and Gujarati, which are spoken by a considerable this stage for setting up such a scheme on a Community number of EEC residents? basis, but it will be following with interest the success of the Netherlands' initiative as well as similar ones in other countries. Answer given by Mrs Papandreou on behalf of die Commission (26 September 1990)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1666/90 The Commission has indeed been entrusted by the European Parliament to administer a budget line (B 636) by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muni (S) to safeguard and promote the regional or lesser-used to the Commission of the European Communities languages of the European Community, sometimes also (4 July 1990) referred to as 'Minority Languages'. Under this budget line, some support has been given to the teaching of some (91/C 98/37) regional languages. However, this action only concerns the languages of the regional autochthonous minorities Subject: Imports from the 'Turkish Republic of Cyprus' within the European Community. Does the fact that some EEC countries import products As far as the teaching of languages of non-European from the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', origin, such as the ones quoted by the Honourable accompanied by certificates of origin, not constitute the Member, is concerned, the Commission has been able to best guarantee of the legitimacy of the state in question, give some support to the teaching of such languages which has so often been condemned by the European within the framework of its activities in favour of the Parliament? education of the children of migrant workers. In particular, projects in the United Kingdom aimed at helping to improve the teaching of Punjabi, Urdu and Answer given by Mr Matutes Bengali. on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1990) As far as the Commission's plans are concerned, the Commission is presently hoping to complete its review of policy in its area, pending the results of the General The Community recognizes only one government, that of Affairs Council in October 1990, which will discuss the the Republic of Cyprus. finding of a survey of the policy of Member States With regard to imports from Northern Cyprus, the relating to the integration of extra-Community Community abides by the principle laid down in Article 5 immigrants which a group of experts is presently of the Association Agreement, which states that there may conducting in collaboration with the relevant services of be no discrimination between Cypriot nationals. This the Commission, at the request of the European Council. implies that the entire population of the island should benefit from the concessions provided for in the No C 98/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.4.91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1693/90 of health, in particular for vessels from countries subject by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the health order controlling specified diseases. Will the Commission put forward a directive on safeguarding to the Commission of the European Communities public health which requires the authorities responsible to (5 July 1990) assign a port medical officer to maritime health offices in (91 /C 98/39) the Member States?
Subject: Upgrading the status of the nursing profession
In some Member States, problems of hygiene in Answer given by Mrs Papandreou connection with hospitalization and patient care are due on behalf of the Commission to shortages of nursing and paramedical staff. Such (7 September 1990) shortages result from the fact that, under national legislation, this group of workers is not defended with regard to either professional qualifications or earnings. In The Commission does not propose to take any specific some instances, consequently, patients are obliged to go action in this field. into hospital in other Member States. Does not the Commission therefore believe that it should put forward a directive that upgrades the status of the nursing profession on all Member States and accordingly provides incentives for young people to opt for this profession?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1725/90 Answer given by Mr Bangemann by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (6 September 1990) (5 July 1990) (91/C 98/41) The Commission is aware of the problems referred to by the Honourable Member, but the issues involved fall within the competence of the Member States. Subject: Child begging
The Commission does not therefore envisage proposing a Tourists arriving this year in southern Europe are bound Directive on this matter. to have the disagreeable experience which, year after year, awaits them in the form of child beggars who prey on It should be noted, however, that any retraining would their charity begging for money, thereby swelling the need to take account of the minimum training profits of the organized begging business. requirements laid down in Directive 77/453/EEC concerning the coordination of provisions in respect of the activities of nurses responsible for general care ('). However, the violation of childrens' rights that this practice entails has not roused the local authorities to take (') OJNoLl76, 15.7.1977. any steps to remedy the exploitation of young children by organized groups that take advantage of other peoples' charity in this way.
Does not the Commission consider that it should exercise its moral influence by making a general appeal against the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1694/90 exploitation of child beggars, calling on local authorities to ban the activities of organized groups of beggars and by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) on the public to refrain from giving money, since it will to the Commission of the European Communities not be used for the purposes for which it is intended? (5 July 1990) (91/C 98/40)
Subject: Compulsory presence of a port medical officer in Answer given by Mrs Papandreou maritime health offices on behalf of the Commission (7 September 1990) The absence of a medical officer in maritime health offices who can give vaccinations against various quarantinable diseases and carry out medical inspections The Commission shares the Honourable Member's with a view to issuing sailing certificates places a opinion that child begging organized by adults is a form considerable imposition on the medical orderlies who are of exploitation of children which is in breach of their required to stand in for such officers for issuing clean bills rights, notably those recognized by the Convention on the 1^91 Official Journal of the Luropean Communities Nooe9^1 eights of the Child ^rhich^as adopted by the united is unlikelyto make furthersectoral proposals unless it can Nations in 1989. Tlie Commission is engagedinanumber be demonstrated that a large measure of consensus of activities^at local as ^vell as nauonal level-^^itha already exists, both ataprofessionallevel and between the vie^v to integrating groups on the fringes of society, member ^tatesthemselves. notably in the framework of the community programme ^Poverty 0, and these activities are helping to solve C^j^otm^^mm^ problems such as the one referred to by the honourable ^iember^ It is not planning any further iniuatives at this stage^
wT^TT^N^tI^TI^NNG^^B90 wT^ITT^N^tlE^TI^NNo^^^B^O bylvIrJoseHarros^oura^CC^ by^Ke^ethCol^s^ totheCGm^ss^Gfthe^u^Gpea^Commu^i^es totheC^ommissio^ofthe^uropea^Commum^ies ^^^^ ^^^^ ^91BC^98B^ ^91BC98B^ ^^cr. Calculation of retirementandinvaliditypensions ^^cr. ProfessionofLandscapeArchitect As a result of applying AmcleD of decree La^v Is the Commission a^vare that, following the adopuon by No^l^^iB^9 of ^D December, ^vhich governs the the Council on lOJune 198^ of the directive on the calculation of minimum pensions for recipients of a education, practice and free movement of architects, the second pension ^in particular in respect of periods of profession of landscape architects agreed in 1989 to employment elsewhere inthe Community^, ridiculously support its general principles^ ^ill the Commission no^ lo^pensionsarepaidby thePortugueseCovemment, recognize that this is a significant step and is it their since, under these arrangements, the foreign pension and intention to proposeadirective on the free movement and the pensioncalculatedunderPortuguesela^vare taken righttoestablishmentoflandscape architects^ together in orderto determine the difference between this and the minimum pension, seemingly this is in implementation of the principle of aggregation of periods of employment enshrined in Council Regulation ^LLC^ A^^^g^^by^rHa^gemami No 1^08B^1^^. It appears, however, that this procedure o^i behalf oftheC^omm^siGn runs counter totherule that pensionlevelsmustbein proportion to entitlements acquired in each country.
The fact is thatthe above-mentioned la^releases the The Commission has atpresent no intention of proposing Portuguese government from its obligationtopay the any further sectoral directives on the recognition of minimum pension. ^A beneficiary ^ho^as entitled under professional qualifications' Regulated professions not Portuguese la^ to a minimum pension and had not covered by the existing sectoral directives ^ill be covered forked abroad^ouldbepaiditinfulia, bytheL^irectiveonageneral system forthe recognition of highereducation diplomas awarded on completion of CB^an the Commission say whether community la^v is professional education and training of atleastthreeyears^ being complied within this instances duration ^89B^8BLLC^^,^vhich enters into force on^ January 1991, or by the complementary proposal on lo^verdevel qualifications^, ^vhich is currently under C^j^oi^9,^^m^nD^ discussion in the Council
The C^ommission^sobiectives in this field are to facilitate freedom of movement and freedom of establishment for A^s^erg^ve^by^sPapa^dreou professionals within the Community, by opening up GnbehalfoftheCo^m^ssio^ access to the regulated professions to professionals qualified in other member states. The Commission believe that these objectives are satisfactorily achieved by the t^vomeasures described above,and further sectoral regulation ^^ Nol^08BB^l on the application of directives ^vill only be considered in future if experience social security schemes to employed persons, to demonstrates thatthis is not the case. self employed persons and to members of their families moving within the Community^contains provisions on In addition, thedifficultiesof achievingagreementon the payment of oldage pensions ^hena^vorker has been sectoral measures in this field mean that the commission insured in t^oormore member states. No C 98/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
The purpose of this Regulation is to coordinate the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1823/90 application of the various social security schemes in the by Mr Paul Lannoye (V) Community, and it establishes the principle of aggregation of insurance periods giving rise to pension to the Commission of the European Communities rights. It does not seek to harmonize national legislation, (13 July 1990) and there are still certain disparities between Member (91/C98/44) State's schemes, as regards both the conditions on which benefits are awarded and the amount of benefits. Each Member State is responsible for that part of the pension Subject: The Community's financing of peat development corresponding to the insurance period completed under in Northern Ireland its legislation. Can the Commission state: Article 50 of the Regulation, which applies in this case, provides that the recipient of pensions may not, in the 1. what amounts were granted to the LEDU (Local State in whose territory he resides and under whose Enterprise Development Unit — Nothern Ireland) by legislation a pension is payable to him, be awarded a the Structural Funds in 1987,1988 and 1989, and what pension which is less than the minimum fixed by that amounts were used to support businesses involved in legislation for a period of insurance or residence equal to peat development for horticultural purposes or as a all the periods of insurance taken into account for the source of energy? What are the amounts and the payment in accordance with the legislation of the various businesses in question? Member States concerned. 2. whether aid supplied to Nothern Ireland under the VALOREN programme since that programme was If the total of the pensions payable by the various Member launched has been used directly or indirectly to States is less than the amount of the minimum pension develop the peat bogs in the region ? laid down by the legislation of the State in which the 3. if this is the case, what are the amounts, the businesses recipient is resident, he is entitled to a supplement equal to (developing which peat bogs? — site names) and the the difference between the total of the pensions due and dates involved? the amount of the minimum benefit, which must be paid by the State where he resides. 4. what amounts were granted, in the same period and under the same VALOREN programme or the Structural Funds, for promoting the rational use of If the total of the pensions is in excess of the amount of energy (electricity in particular), and for reducing the the minimum pension fixed by the Member State of demand for energy? residence, Article 50 does not apply.
In conclusion, the Commission considers that the Portuguese legislation to which the Honourable Member refers is consistent with Community law. Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission (') OJ No L 230, 22. 8. 1983. Last amended by Regulation (EEC) (23 November 1990) No 2332/89 (OJ No L 224,2. 8.1989).
1. The amounts of ERDF (main fund) involved in supporting peat development in 1987, 1988 and 1989 and the beneficiary businesses concerned are as follows:
(in pounds sterling)
Payments Business
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
DR Peat Products 42 375 Bulrush Peat Co. Ltd 187 551 75 020 75 020 Prunty Peats 50 000 1 375 Tyrone Turf Co. 29 500 23 600
Total 229 926 98 620 76 395 15. 4.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/23
2. and 3. The VALOREN programme submitted by the There were further programmes to improve energy United Kingdom foresaw an ERDF contribution of savings in the Public Sector, with energy savings £556 350 million over the period 1986—1989 for the investment projects in four health board areas, a heat and extraction and processing of peat in Northern Ireland. power investment project at the Water Services Sewage Treatment works at Coleraine and research by the The money was to be used by the LEDU (Local University of Ulster into heat recovery. Further, an Enterprise Development Unit) in accordance with Energy Enterprise Scheme was designed to promote Article 4.1.b. of Council Regulation (EEC) energy efficiency through exhibitions, seminars and No 3301/86 (') to provide financial assistance to media advertising. companies involved in the extraction and processing of peat. The actual total expenditure on Article 4.2 projects in the period 1986—1989 amounted to £2 647 300 of which the However, according to the annual VALOREN ERDF contribution was £ 1 386 733. Programme report for 1989, an ERDF amount of only £23 411 was actually spent on peat extraction/processing O OJ No L 305, 31. 10. 1986. in the period 1986 to 1989.
Only two companies, Compeat Ltd and Biofuel Product, presented eligible projects and claimed ERDF grants.
4. Under Article 4.2. of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3301/81 for the Valoren Programme in Northern Ireland, the following ERDF contributions were forecast for projects in the field of efficient energy use between 1986 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1824/90 and 1989. by Mr Paul Lannoye (V)
(in pounds sterling) to the Commission of the European Communities (13 July 1990) Total ERDF Expenditure Contribution (91/C 98/45)
NIE O Studies 300 000 210 000 Subject: The VALOREN programme in Ireland DED (J) Energy Conservation Scheme 1 848 750 924 375 DED Energy Efficiency Scheme 48 250 24 125 Can the Commission state the total amount granted to Infrastructure DHSS (J), Ireland since the initiation of the VALOREN programme, and the purposes for which these funds have been used? Infrastructure DOE (4) 1 650 000 907 500
Article 4.2. — Total 3 847 000 2 066 000 In view of the immense ecological importance and sensitivity of the Irish peat bogs, what steps has the (') Northern Ireland Electricity. Commission taken, or does it intend to take, in order to 2 ( ) Department of Economic Development. facilitate the protection of these peat bogs by promoting a (') Department of Health and Social Security. (4) Department of the Environment. reduction in the demand for energy in Ireland?
The Energy Conservation scheme was designed to safeguard and maintain employment in Northern Ireland by encouraging enterprises to implement projects which Answer given by Mr Millan would improve their energy efficiency and reduce the on behalf of the Commission high dependence of Northern Ireland on oil. (31 October 1990) Two projects under the scheme were approved and grant aid of £ 234 135 was offered for projects costing a total of £826 251. The energy Conservation Scheme was Under Article 4 (i) b of the Council Regulation (EEC) No superseded on 1 June 1988 by the Energy Efficiency 3301/86 O of 27 October 1986 (Valoren Programme) Survey Scheme, offering grants of 50 % up to a maximum total investments amounting to IRL 16,5 million were of £ 100 a day, to industrial and commercial companies scheduled for development of peat resources up to the toward the cost of employing independent consultants to end of 1989. A further investment of IRL 6,1 million is give advice on measures to improve energy efficiency. scheduled for 1990 and 1991 giving a total for the period Total expenditure under this scheme in 1989 was £ 11 965 1987-91 of IRL 22,6 million. 55% of this amount is EEC with a total ERDF claim of £ 5 983. funded. The other 45 % comes from Bord na Mona. No C 98/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
These funds refer only to infrastructural development Answer given by Mrs Papandreou work related to extraction and processing on six milled on behalf of the Commission peat sites, four sod peat sites and two further milled peat (10 September 1990) sites which can be harvested to make briquettes.
According to the revised proposals for the Valoren The Commission is not aware that the United Kingdom Programme (July 1990) the total figure for developments Government intends to cut back its youth training budget. of peat resources has been revised upwards by IRL 0,482 million, leaving the total figure at IRL In 1989 the European Social Fund committed about 23 076 766 million. £ 93 million towards the costs of the Youth Training Scheme (YTS). No amounts have yet been agreed for The EC contribution to this figure has been revised 1990, but in view of the changed priorities it is unlikely downwards, from IRL 12,426 million to IRL 11,9 million. that any ESF contribution will be made towards the YTS.
None of the peatlands proposed for development under the Valoren Programme had been included in the conservation lists of peatlands worthy of conservation, drawn up by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and by the Wildlife Division of the Forest and Wildlife Service. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1882/90 by Mr David Martin (S) In line with Commission concerns, the July revision gave to the Commission of the European Communities new emphasis to energy efficiency and conservation under Valoren in Ireland, reflected in proposals (2 August 1990) complementary to the peat investments. These include: (91/C 98/47)
— development of a wind farm Subject: LomerV — concentration of the natural gas programme on investments designed to encourage efficient use of this With the approach of the Single Market in 1992 and the energy source genuine fear of many Third-World countries that this project will turn into 'Fortress Europe' — as far as their — a more 'hands-on' approach to auditing of the energy products are concerned — can the Commission reassure needs of individual firms these countries (and those NGOs and other organizations who are concerned about this eventuality) that the — two projects to investigate the potential for Commission is determined to work against that outcome geothermal energy. by reporting on the progress of its cooperation with the ACP in the development of the trade and development (') OJ No L 305, 31. 10. 1986. project whose objective, as outlined in Lome II, is to establish a focal point in Brussels to act as a catalyst and driving force in stimulating promotional work in trade development and marketing?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1856/90 Answer given by Mr Marin by Mr Stephen Hughes (S) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (10 September 1990) (20 July 1990) (91/C 98/46) For the Commission's general approach to the impact of 1992 on the ACP countries, the Honourable Member is requested to refer to the answer to Mr Wurtz's Written Subject: Youth training in the United Kingdom Question No 1529/90 (l).
Is the Commission aware that the United Kingdom As regards the trade development project outlined in Government intends a £ 300 million cutback in the Youth Annex XX (Joint declaration on the improved use of the Training Budget. Can the Commission say approximately trade and services development provisions), this is but one what proportion of this magnitude of expenditure would of the means open to ACP States to address their priority normally be met by assistance from the European Social needs in the development of trade and services in general Fund? and in the context of 1992 in particular. 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/25
In this context, the Commission, at the request of the and Lybrand, and that Eden Construction was bought out ACP States, organized, on 9-11 July 1990 in Brussels, an by the Lilley Group of Glasgow? important 'High-levtl Symposium of Strategic Trade Issues in the context of Lome IV and 1992' for ACP Would the Commissioner state how much the total Ministers and Directors of Trade, which was attended by overpayment was estimated to be and would he agree that 150 delegates from 60 ACP States. This meeting was only total mismanagement could be responsible for such a addressed by over 20 distinguished trade development situation to occur? experts from European and ACP institutions, trade development organizations and international Have similar overpayments been made to other development agencies, with a view to accelerating the companies engaged by BNFL, and what precautions have preparation and execution of ACP trade development been taken to prevent a recurrence of such negligence programmes in the context of the GATT negotiations, with public money? 1992 and Eastern Europe and the trade provisions of Lome IV. In view of the totally unacceptable result of the investigation carried out by Coopers and Lybrand, will Aside from the question of access to the Community the Commissioner for competition policy ensure that a market, which is dealt with under the general trade full independent inquiry is carried out by the arrangements of the Convention, Lome IV also provides Commission, and take any necessary action required? expanded opportunities under Title X on, Trade Development (Articles 135-138) and Title LX on Development of Services (Articles 114-134). Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission Annex XX reaffirms the need to give greater emphasis to the development of trade and services in the context of (10 October 1990) national and regional programmes of Community aid, both for trade and services in their own right but also as According to the provisions of Article 41 of the Euratom part of programmes in the fields of agriculture, rural Treaty, the United Kingdom company British Nuclear development and industry. Fuels pic (BNFL) communicated to the Commission several investment programmes related to the Sellafield As to the specific trade project referred to by the site. Honourable Member, this matter is under study by the ACP States and the ACP secretariat at present. On receipt On the basis of this information the Commission of a fully justified project dossier, the Commission is delivered a positive opinion as regards the technical ready to respond positively, in a spirit of cooperation, to characteristics of the project ('). assist ACP States to meet their identified trade and services needs. The Commission does not have any factual information which would enable it to comment on the matters referred (') See page 17 of this Official Journal. to in the first four paragraphs of the question. Nor has it any information pointing to a breach or potential breach of Community rules on competition, whether in the field of agreements between companies or in that of State aids. In these circumstances the Commission is of the view that it is not open to it to initiate any inquiry into the matters referred to or to take any other action. WRITTEN QUESTION No 1894/90 by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S) O OJNoLl93,25.7. 1990. to the Commission of the European Communities (2 August 1990) (91/C 98/48)
Subject: Massive overpayments by British Nuclear Fuels WRITTEN QUESTION No 1904/90 to Eden Construction at the Sellafield complex, by Mr Ben Fayot (S) amounting to approx. 15 million to the Commission of the European Communities (2 August 1990) The Commissioner must be aware of the recent revelations of massive overpayments by BNFL to Eden (91/C 98/49) Construction during the activity of that company on the Sellafield Project, and that Christopher Harding, the Subject: Reduction in the supplementary pension for Chairman of BNFL, was made aware of this in 1987 and frontier-zone workers employed in the Federal subsequently had it confirmed. Republic of Germany and Luxembourg
Would the Commissioner confirm that an investigation French frontier-zone workers who have completed 37 and was carried out by the international consultants, Coopers a half years of paid employment, taking into account No C 98/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
periods of employment both in France and abroad, do not world order, places exceptional responsibility upon receive a supplementary pension at the full rate if their GATT, as regards savings in energy and raw final place of employment is abroad. materials, an acceptable form» of agriculture and commodity and raw materials prices that orientate A French frontier-zone worker whose final place of world trade, to help put and end to the structural employment is in Luxembourg or in the Federal Republic injustices between North and South? of Germany does not, therefore, receive a full supplementary pension. Answer given by Mr Andriessen Does the Commission not consider that this constitutes on behalf of the Commission discrimination which is incompatible with Community (12 October 1990) rules on the equal treatment of workers? 1. The GATT is a multilateral forum where national governments acting as contracting parties seek — and have so sought in 8 successive negotiating Rounds — to Answer given by Mrs Papandreou moderate, adjust, modernise and coordinate their on behalf of the Commission commercial policies on a voluntary basis in order (a) to (7 September 1990) expand and liberalise trade exchanges along generally acceptable rules and (b) to minimise the risks inherent in The Commission regrets that in the absence of adequate an undesirable return to the mercantilist era. The 8 GATT information it cannot answer the Honourable Member's Rounds have succeeded to such a degree in reducing tariff question. and non-tariff barriers to trade that, conceptually, it is very hard to imagine what the volume, value or quality of From the facts alluded to it is not clear what measures or trade would be in the hypothetical absence of the GATT. practices may be contrary to Community law or whether This said, and after witnessing a spectacular growth of there is discrimination against foreign nationals or world trade in the post-war II period to which GATT has whether an obstacle to workers' freedom of movement is contributed greatly, the GATT is now gradually moving involved. towards an extension of its jurisdiction to the so-called new sectors: Services, Intellectual Property, Investments. It would be helpful if the Honourable Member could This is indeed a sign of increased legitimacy, viability and provide the Commission with details of any individual vitality of the GATT rather than the contrary, as cases that may have come to his knowledge. suggested by the Honourable Member. 2. The newly emerging cooperative basis in East-West relations implies neither the abandonment by the international community — including the EC — of the North-South relationship nor, on the other hand, by singling out or the exaggeration of this relationship WRITTEN QUESTION No 1964/90 beyond any historical precedent. To put things into by Mr Paul Staes (V) proper perspective: East-West is one priority, and North-South another. In the North-South to the Commission of the European Communities problematique, the role of world trade in general and of (1 September 1990) the GATT in particular, is development, but it has to be (91/C 98/50) underlined that other macro-economic variables play a role equal to or perhaps more important than that of foreign trade. Subject: The Uruguay Round 3. In respect of long-term, substantial GATT Does the Commission believe that involvement in social or environmental protection issues, one has to recall that other international organisation 1. an agreement dating from 1947 can still be capable of such as UNCTAD, and UNEP and a growing number of regulating the present pattern of world trade along international Conventions (Basle, Montreal, London, fair and acceptable lines; etc.) are better equipped than GATT in terms of 2. following the detente between East and West, experience and expertise to deal more directly with the relations between North and South are now, more social and environmental dimensions of economic than ever, the main problem area in world politics and, development. This said, the Commission feels confident although major changes in philosophy are required, that the more international consensus tends to crystalise the GAIT rounds are one of the strongest levers for on development, social and ecological issues, the easier it achieving more normal North-South relations; would be for GATT to adjust its own responses to such critical issues within a more positive general context. In 3. following the necessary changes, a number of GATT other words, the GATT logically could not possibly be rounds should primarily be geared towards ecological seen to endorse a self-defeating philosophy based on and social priorities, to achieve a world society that is trade-restricting initiatives, no matter how laudable these not only acceptable but also viable and ecologically are, unless the necessary, prior consensus is reached at the and socially more balanced, which, in the present highest political levels, that trade expansion and 15.4.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/27
environment protection are not contradictory but Framework for State Aids in Environmental Matters, the complementary activities. By way of an example: The last version of which was communicated to the Member GATT recently responded positively to a painfully States on 23 March 1987. This policy is designed to reached consensus that trade in 'Domestically Prohibited facilitate progress towards full implementation of the Goods and other Dangerous Substances' should be 'polluter pays' principle. subject to certain GATT disciplines. A Working Party was formed for that purpose which — in parallel to UR Following the main limits prescribed by the framework, activities — aims at reaching agreement or, at least, an the Commission regards as compatible with the common understanding on this sensitive political issue. The EC market, aids given in order to facilitate compliance with alongside LDCs is playing a constructive and leading role the standards established for the protection of the in this Working Group. environment if they are at a rate not exceeding 15 % of the value of the investment aided and are given to undertakings having installations in operation for at least two years before entry into force of the standards in question. Moreover, aids for such companies at a higher rate are accepted for investment projects designed to secure environmental protection levels higher than WRITTEN QUESTION No 1968/90 current standards. by Mr Jan Sonneveld and Mr Bartho Pronk (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities 2. The Commission, fully taking into account the principles enumerated in Article 100 A (3) and (4) of the (1 September 1990) EEC Treaty, holds the opinion that the seriousness of (91/C 98/51) environmental problems in the Community requires the continuation of a coherent policy in the field of State aids aiming at both maintaining conditions of undistorted Subject: Alleged distortion of competition by government competition and controlling pollution and protecting the subsidies to Dutch manure processing plants environment.
1. Can the Commission clearly explain its policy with 3. and 4. The Commission is well aware of the danger regard to the assessment of national environmental to the environment caused by the necessary steps in order provisions in respect of distortion of competition? to reduce such pollution. Some of these measures can take the form of State aid and the Commission has in past 2. Does it take account of the principles embodied in years accepted several aid schemes in the Netherlands and Article 100 a (3) and (4) of the Treaty? in other Member States in order to improve storage, spreading and processing of manure. For each of these aid 3. By adopting an unfavourable stance towards schemes, the Commission took into account that such aid support for the construction of Dutch manure processing distorts competition, given that manure pollution is plants (as evidenced by its letter to the Netherlands mainly linked to concentrated, intensive animal farming, Government of 26 June 1990), has not the Commission which enjoys the lowest production costs. The created a serious obstacle to endeavours by Member-State Commission nevertheless gave its approval in view of the governments to fulfil without delay environmental beneficial effect of the aid on the environment. objectives in respect of intensive stockbreeding? However, the Commission is aware that prolonged or 4. In addition, is it not true that, despite the subsidies massive national aids, even for environmental purposes, granted in the Netherlands to manure processing plants, could in fact be to the detriment of the European the conditions of competition in this sector are much environment because the adjustive mechanism of the more favourable in countries where environmental 'polluter pays' principle and its interaction with the requirements are less stringent than in those where market is cancelled. This may allow the continuation of environmental costs will be very high and will steadily inflated production levels or location in sensitive increase over the next few years, which means that the environments of productions which the mechanism subsidies granted in the Netherlands cannot really be referred to above would otherwise tend to reduce or regarded as a distortion of competition? dislocate.
Conscious of this problem, the Commission has, in the framework of its recent proposal to amend various Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan agricultural structural measures, with a view to better on behalf of the Commission environmental protection ('), announced an in-depth study of this issue for animal manure. (12 October 1990)
Regarding the proposal of the Netherlands Government 1. The general criteria applying to State aids aiming at to grant 35% investment aid for the construction of 20 the protection of the environment are contained in the large manure processing factories, however, the No C 98/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 15.4.91
Commission decided to initiate the procedure laid down WRITTEN QUESTION No 2011/90 in Article 93 (2) EEC, because it doubted whether such a by Mr Alexander Laager (V) high level of aid for new installation would be in line with to the Commission of the European Communities the 'polluter pays' principle. (1 September 1990) (') COM(90)366. (91/C 98/53)
Subject: Diplomatic initiatives concerning violent incursions by 'garimpeiros' into Yanomani native territory in the State of Roraima (Brazil)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1970/90 The Brazilian Native Missionary Council (CIMI) has by Mrs Christine Oddy (S) recently complained of fresh incursions by 'garimpeiros' to the Commission of the European Communities (gold prospectors) into native territory, in particular (1 September 1990) Yanomani territory in the State of Roraima (Brazil), using secret landing strips illegally but into operation and (91/C 98/52) involving the destruction of large areas of Amazon forest, poisoning the rivers with mercury, bringing disease and decay to the area and thereby jeopardizing seriously and Subject: Home workers irreversibly both the survival of the native population, which is already living in extreme hardship, and the highly How many home workers exist in each Member State? delicate environmental equilibrium. Such aggressive and dangerous activities, which had been at least partially Has the Commission prepared any studies on the rooted out after the awareness of a large section of the problems of homeworkers? If not, does the Commission Brazilian and international community had been aroused, have any plans to study this issue? now appears to be starting up again with the apparent connivance or at least passive acquiescence of the local authorities and the police, according to trustworthy reports received by the CIMI or publications such as the 'Porantim'. President Collor recently delivered a number Answer given by Mrs Papandreou of important statements on this problem in Europe and on behalf of the Commission elsewhere, which may be belied by the facts if these (7 September 1990) developments are allowed to continue uncurbed by the competent authorities.
At present no data is available at Eurostat on the number of home workers in each Member State, and no studies What measures does the Commission intend to take or have been prepared on this topic. has it taken through the appropriate channels to confirm that the Community is extremely concerned at such developments and that its relations with Brazil depend in From 1992, data will be collected by means of the no small measure on safeguarding the native people and Community Labour Force Survey, which will make it their natural environment, which are currently under possible to examine this issue. In one of the questions threat from 'garimpeiro' incursions and other dangers? being introduced into the revised version of the survey from that year, respondents will be asked whether their work is performed partly or entirely at home.
The report Women in Atypical Employment (V/1426/89-EN), prepared in 1989 by an expert network Answer given by Mr Matutes supported by the Commission, attempted to estimate the on behalf of the Commission numbers of women involved in home-working. (4 February 1991)
The question of home-working was also considered in Chapter 7 of the 1989 Employment in Europereport, where The situation of the Yanomamis, whose existence is the abovementioned estimate was also published. threatened by the incursions of gold prospectors into their territory, is indeed a cause for concern. It is all the more In 1986, the Commission published the results of a study serious because the pace of change seems to indicate that on home-working in three Member States under the title: the ultimate fate of this tribe is extinction, unless Home-working in Italy, France and the United Kingdom appropriate measures are taken very soon. (V/1910/86).
The Commission itself has no means by which it could intervene directly in, or contribute substantially towards, 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/29 resolving the question. The Brazilian authorities are Answer given by Mr Matutes currently reviewing the situation of the indigenous on behalf of the Commission peoples at the same time as the whole question of the (4 February 1991) future of the Amazon forest.
Worldwide awareness of the seriousness of the tropical The projects the Honourable Member refers to certainly forests question should help in the search for solutions to have a symbolic value. related matters — and the question of the future of the Indians is very direcdy related to the fate of the Amazon Nevertheless, there is no point in denying the battery of forest. obstacles that would have to be overcome in realising a project of the type advocated or that the task of Nevertheless, given the nature of the problem, it must be coordination, which the Commission considers itself clear that, whilst the many criticisms and excessive unable to assume, would be extremely difficult. applications of pressure help publicise the situation, they profoundly irritate the authorities concerned and that, if we are to achieve our goal and put an end to present developments and their disastrous side-effects, more diplomatic initiatives are indicated.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2045/90 by Mr Gijs de Viies (LDR) to the Commission of the European Communities (5 September 1990) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2036/90 (91/C 98/55) by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Draft US Foreign Tax Equity Act (5 September 1990) (91/C 98/54) The draft Foreign Tax Equity Act of 1990 (H.R. 4308) seeks to impose stricter information reporting and record-keeping standards on foreign enterprises than Subject: Interaction between the Orinoco and Amazonian would apply to US enterprises with respect to the same tax basins and the importance thereof for mankind issues. It also seeks to retroactively apply record-keeping rules to foreign-owned corporations (sections 6038 A and On 9 to 11 July 1990 an important meeting to discuss 6038 C). '1992, an opportunity for an Arab-Latin American encounter' was convened in Carmona (Seville) by the office of the General Commissioner for EXPO 1992 at H.R. 4308 would permit the Internal Revenue Service to the instigation of the Club of Rome. It considered extend unilaterally the assessment period in an audit of a prospects for economic, social and scientific relations foreign corporation with respect to any tax issue. Less between these areas. One of the main conclusions, which stria auditing rules would apply to US corporations. was widely supported, was the need to support a project of major strategic importance, such as the plan to convert The proposed legislation would impose a capital gains tax the Orinoco basin into an immense cultivated forest, on foreign taxpayers. If stock gains could not be taxed by which would, in turn, help prevent the desertification of the United States under a treaty with another country, the Amazon basin, thereby doubly benefiting mankind as they would be recharacterized as taxable dividends, even a whole. though they would not be treated as dividends if received by a US shareholder. Both the Arab and Latin American representatives observed that as a Member State of the European 1. Does the Commission agree that H.R. 4308, should it Community, Spain had a special role to play concerning become law, relations between these regions and the European Community. (a) would contain several discriminatory provisions, and
Does the Commission consider that it would be possible (b) would violate both the letter and the spirit of to coordinate, through Spain and Portugal, a specific existing US tax treaties with Member States of the Community contribution to large-scale projects in which European Community? the Arab and Latin American countries intend to participate, in particular the project concerning the 2. Does the Commission intend to inform the United Orinoco and Amazon basins? States Administration of its views, and does it intend No C 98/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
to initiate contacts with the Member States, so as to States, providing for an excise tax exemption for ensure concerted action in Washington? insurance provided to a US corporation or citizen by insurance companies established in the European Community?
Answer given by Mr Andriessen on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan (29 October 1990) on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1991)
The Commission agrees that, in its present form, this Although the Commission is aware of the 4% US tax piece of draft US legislation contains provisions which are levied on premiums for insurance taken out with a discriminatory and, in consultation with representatives European insurer, the Commission has no information of Member States, the Commission has also been advised about any treaties affecting these taxes. The Commission that elements of bilateral taxation treaties concluded is continuing to enquire about the problems raised by the between Member States and the US could be overridden. Honourable Member and will come back to him as soon The Commission and the Presidency of the Council drew as possible. the US Administration's attention to their concern last June.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2104/90 by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2047/90 (17 September 1990) by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR) (91/C 98/57) to the Commission of the European Communities (5 September 1990) Subject: Drawbacks of the EC directive on third party (91/C 98/56) vehicle insurance
Is it true that this directive places certain risk groups, for Subject: US Federal Excise Tax example the disabled, at a disadvantage since, in future, insurers will be able to offer particularly favourable terms A US based company, or an individual resident in the for certain categories, which means that the 'good risks' United States, wishing to purchase insurance from an will not be included in general insurance schemes? insurer outside the United States, pays a Federal Excise Tax of 4 % on the premium. The tax is not payable if the non-US insurer is established in the United States and has been recognized as an authorized insurer, or if there is a Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan treaty between the US and the country in which the on behalf of the Commission non-US insurer is based, and this treaty contains an excise tax exemption. (26 October 1990)
The US currently has treaties which include an excise tax The Commission understands this question to refer to the exemption with Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy and the proposal for a directive on freedom to provide services in UK. The US also has tax treaties with Greece, Ireland, the^ field of motor insurance ('). Luxembourg and the Netherlands but these do not contain such an exemption. A treaty with the FRG is in This proposal, on which the Council reached a common preparation. position at its meeting of 20 June 1990, extends the principles of the second non-life directive of 1988 and 1. Does the Commission agree that this disparate set of thus introduces the distinction between large risks and bilateral treaties can act as a barrier to the provision of mass risks to classes 3 and 10. services by European corporations in the United States, one of the world's main insurance markets? For large risks, i.e. large vehicle fleet operators and large industrial or commercial concerns in general, it would no 2. Is the Commission prepared to seek a mandate from longer be possible for Member States to require the prior the Council to negotiate a treaty with the United approval of scales of premiums. For all other risks (mass 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/31 risks) Member States would continue to be able to Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan approve these, if they did so at the time of adoption of the on behalf of the Commission second non-life directive. (29 January 1991)
There is no reason why handicapped people should in general, constitute a greater than average risk when Council Regulation 17/62 of 6 February 1962 (') requires driving a car. The Commission has never received any undertakings to notify to the Commission agreements, information to suggest that handicapped motorists have decisions and concerted practices of the kind described in difficulty in finding motor insurance, although in a Article 85(1) of the Treaty and in respect of which the number of countries tariff freedom has long existed for parties seek the application of Article 85(3). Bilateral both large and mass risks and group contracts are normal governmental agreements between Member States and practice. Thus, it would seem unlikely that handicapped third countries are therefore not required to be notified to people as such would be the subject of negative selection the Commission under this Regulation. However, since 1 by motor insurers. January 1988, two arrangements between a Member State and a third country have been communicated to the Commission at its invitation. One was between the UK Insofar as a certain category of people would constitute and USA, the other between the UK and Japan. an aggravated risk, a number of Member States currently have arrangements to ensure that such a category can find compulsory motor liability insurance at an affordable The Commission has not opened infringement price. The common position reached at 20 June last proceedings against a Member State or failure to includes a provision which allows Member States to retain communicate an arrangement and it has not objected to existing schemes or introduce new schemes having the communicated arrangements. same objective. The proposal also requires insurers providing cross-border services to participate in these No case has been referred to the Court of Justice. schemes. (') OJNo 13,21.2.1962, p. 204 (Special Edition 1959-62, p. 87). O COM(88)791.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2118/90 by Mr Wmifried Menrad (EPP) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2111/90 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR) (17 September 1990) to the Commission of the European Communities (91/C 98/59) (17 September 1990) (91/C 98/58) Subject: Performing rights fees in the EC
Subject: Common commercial policy and telecommu In the Federal Republic of Germany, the two copyright nications organizations 'Gesellschaft fttr musikalische Ausfuhrungs- und mechanische Vervielfaltigungsrechte' (GEMA — Musical Performance and Mechanical Under Regulation 17/62 ('), telecommunications Reproduction Rights Society and the 'Gesellschaft zur administrations in the Member States must notify to the Verwertung von Leistungsschutzrechten' (GVL — Commission all arrangements between them or with third Performing Rights Society) enjoy monopoly status. countries which may affect competition within the Practically all the standard market titles are in their Community. repertoire, and can, for example, be broadcast by radio 1. How many arrangements between a Member State stations only when the stations have an appropriate and a third country have been notified since January 1, contract with both societies. Private stations, believe 1988? themselves to be given a much less satisfactory deal than public stations under the current system of performing 2. In which cases did the Commission open infringement rights in the Federal Republic. Both the GEMA and the procedures against Member States for failure to notify GVL have established their rates on the basis of the an arrangement with a third country? stations' advertising income, rather than profit and loss figures (i.e. company balance sheets), for example. For 3. Which agreements that were notified gave rise to public stations, advertising income represents about 10% objections on the part of the Commission? of total income, while private stations have to be entirely financed by income from advertising. Public stations, 4. Were any cases referred to the Court of Justice? moreover, not infrequently have to give up only a small percentage of this income (e.g. they often receive O OJ No 13, 21. 2. 1962, p. 204. substantial rebates on the grounds of public utility). No C 98/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
I would therefore ask the Commission: In practice, therefore, a user such as a radio station can buy performing rights, whether they be foreign or not, only from the collecting society of the country in whose 1. how is payment of performing rights dealt with in territory the work is to be used. In the opinion of the other European countries and, in particular, what Court of Justice, this state of affairs is unobjectionable distinction is made between public and private radio from the point of view of Community law as long as the stations? reciprocal agreements between the collecting societies do not amount to a concerted practice whose sole purpose is 2. is there a possibility that in view of the completion of to deny foreign users access to the repertoire. (1). the internal market in 1992, private German radio stations will be able in the foreseeable future to (') Case 395/87 Ministere Public v Toumier, not yet reported. rescind their contracts with the GEMA and GVL and sign up with another organization in another Member State? If so, when can such arrangements be expected?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2129/90 by Mr Peter Crampton (S) Answer given by Mr Bangemann to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission (27 September 1990) (18 January 1991) (91/C 98/60)
Subject: Freedom of movement within the European 1. The Commission does not have any precise Community for ethnic communities information on the methods of payment of royalties in respect of radio broadcasts in the other Member States, such methods normally being set out in agreements freely All British citizens are EC nationals and are therefore able negotiated between the users of works (radio stations) to benefit from the free movement of labour conditions and authors or collecting societies. etc. under the Treaty of Rome. However, there are substantial numbers of people who came to the UK as immigrants many years ago, but due to problems including long delays in the processing of British 2. Under Community law as it now stands, radio citizenship applications, many are not officially British stations, like other users of works, are free to terminate citizens, and are therefore denied the benefits of free agreements concluded with collecting societies in their movement within the EC. country and to conclude new agreements with societies in other countries. What is the Commission intending to do about these people who are clearly EC citizens and do have UK This possibility is, however, of only limited interest to residence status, but either because they cannot afford the radio stations, as collecting societies in other Member fee for naturalisation, or because their application is still States do not, as a rule, possess the broadcasting rights being processed, or because they cannot pass the required they require. This is a consequence of the contractual test in English, are unable to become 'official' EC practice which prevails in Member States in the citizens? exploitation of copyright, it being customary for right holders to entrust the exclusive exploitation of their rights to a collecting society in their country.
Answer given by Mr Bangemann Moreover, there exists between the various collecting on behalf of the Commission societies a network of reciprocal agreements whereby, in (19 December 1990) order to avoid administrative expenses, one authorizes another collecting society to ensure the non-exclusive exploitation of its portfolio of rights in that other In the current state of Community law, the provisions collecting society's Member State. These agreements have with respect to the free movement of persons can only be a twofold aim. First, a work can be used in a given country relied upon by citizens who have the nationality of one of on the same conditions, whatever the nationality of the the Member States (and by the members of their family, owner of the rights. Second, additional administrative whatever their nationality). It is generally accepted that expenses in collecting royalties are avoided, the foreign the scope of each Member State's nationality is defined by collecting society being able to call on the services of the its domestic legislation. At the time of signature of the society in the country of use. Treaty of Accession, the United Kingdom made a 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/33
Declaration which defined, for the purpose of the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2184/90 application of Community law, the term 'national' for the by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED) United Kingdom. In view of the British Nationality Act 1981, the United Kingdom has since made a new to the Commission of the European Communities Declaration (1). (4 October 1990) (91/C 98/62) Persons who do not fall within one of the categories mentioned in that Declaration, even if they are permanent residents of the United Kingdom and even if they have Subject: Capital adequacy applied for British citizenship, cannot be considered as nationals of that Member State. Hence, their situation, What representations has the Commission received with respect to residence and access to the labour market concerning the proposed definition of capital in respect of in other Member States, remain governed by the domestic the requirements for capital adequacy to be imposed on legislation of that Member State. firms in the financial services sector under the new proposed draft Directive? In particular, what regard has it Following the request of the European Council of given to the probability of a large number of the smaller Strasbourg (8-9 December 1989), the Commission has and medium-sized businesses in this field being forced prepared a study on the social integration of migrants and out of business if current proposals are pursued? has transmitted it to the European Parliament and to the Council.
(') OJNoC 23,28.1.1983. Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (29 November 1990)
The Commission has received a large number of WRITTEN QUESTION No 2183/90 representations from governments of Member States and trade associations concerning the requirements of capital by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) adequacy (including those regarding the definition of to the Commission of the European Communities capital, and the levels of minimum initial capital, for (4 October 1990) investment firms) to be imposed on firms in the financial services sector under the new proposed draft directive. As (91/C 98/61) expected some of these representations asked for higher minimum initial capital requirements while others asked Subject: Sale of munitions to Iraq for lower requirements. The Commission's proposal suggested minimum initial capital requirements which are Would the Commission list the Community companies or lower than those in force in the majority of Member industries that have sold munitions, or material suitable States. for conversion into conventional, chemical, bacteriological or other weapons to Iraq? It should, however, be noted that according to the Commission's proposal small investment firms in the Could the Commission also state the quantities of such Community will not be forced out of business because material involved? existing firms would be allowed to remain in business while remaining exempt from the capital requirements and some categories of lower risk firms such as firms Answer given by Mr Matutes giving only investment advice would not be made subject on behalf of the Commission to either the initial or the ongoing capital requirements. (8 February 1991)
The Commission is unable to list the companies that have sold munitions to Iraq or to provide a full list of companies that have supplied precursors for chemical or biological weapons. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2185/90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED) The mutual information system between the Member to the Commission of the European Communities States and the Commission is not yet sufficiently detailed. (4 October 1990) The Commission has proposed establishing such a system (91/C 98/63) under the Regulation on precursors for chemical weapons. The proposal is currently being examined by the Subject: Financial services industry Council. Does the European Commission recognize that the UK is unique within the Community in having a comprehensive No C 98/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91 system of legislation to protect the consumer wishing to However, although Portugal is the Member State with the make an investment or use the financial services industry? largest number of immigrants and there are some 20 000 Areas covered include the capital adequacy of firms in the Portuguese nationals residing in Belgium, no Portuguese financial services industry, a test of competence, and channel is yet available in this country. fitness to run an investment business. The conduct of the business on a day-to-day basis is also rigidly controlled. Does the Commission intend to help remedy this state of Accordingly does the Commission think that rather than affairs, or, at least ensure that news programmes from all viewing capital adequacy requirements alone in the Member States are available in each of the cities which are proposed draft directive it should include a much wider seats of the European Parliament? range of considerations if the Consumer is to be protected adequately?
Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan (3 December 1990) on behalf of the Commission (12 November 1990) The Commission welcomes the fact that Belgian cable television companies show programmes from other Member States. The Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to the Commission's amended proposal for a It will continue to monitor compliance with the rules Council Directive on investment services in the securities contained in the EEC Treaty and in the Directive of 3 field (*), to which the proposal on capital adequacy is a October 1989 on transfrontier television, which is aimed complementary measure. at ensuring free movement of television programmes within the Community. The proposal on investment services deals with a wide range of issues relevant to the effective protection of the It should be noted, however, that it is for each cable consumer, including the conditions for authorization of company to decide, with due regard to Community investment firms and a number of prudential and other legislation, whether to feature a programme on its rules to be respected by them. These rules include, inter network inso far it is technically capable of receiving such alia, requirements for the separate keeping of clients' a programme. funds and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. The Commission considers therefore that the Directive will provide a sound basis for ensuring that the interests of consumers are adequately taken into account.
(') OJ No C 42, 22. 2.1990. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2277/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission of the European Communities (15 October 1990) (91/C 98/65)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2195/90 Subject: Community grants to the charity sector by Mr Antonio Coimbra Martins (S) to the Commission of the European Communities One reads in the press that the European Community, as (4 October 1990) part of the programme of welfare aid, has allocated approximately 38 billion lire to Italy as grants to the (91/C98/64) charity sector. According to what criteria and to which organizations and welfare agencies were these grants Subject: Television without frontiers allocated, and what proportions went to each one?
Owing to cable television, an increasing number of channels from the other Member States are available in Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry Brussels. This is in line with the natural objective of on behalf of the Commission Community television without frontiers: each Member State should be able to receive channels from the other (9 January 1990) eleven. Since 1988 the Community has operated a scheme to As regards the traditional immigrant countries in the distribute for free produce from intervention stocks to the Community, Italian television is very well represented in most deprived persons in the Community. In this context Belgium and a Spanish channel has recently become a Commission decision was taken in December 1989 (') available. which allocated resources to each of the twelve Member 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/35
States for the 1990 plan. The budgetary provision for this For VAT, contained in COM(87) 322, where, in is the 150 MECU on line 2970 in the current budget. Article 1 (13), it is proposed as a general rule to eliminate the concept of export (and thus relief from The Commission was subsequently informed by the tax) for transactions inside the EEC. Tax-free shops German authorities that they did not wish to participate in operate by virtue of the fact that the goods they sell the scheme. The resources allocated to Germany for 1990 are regarded as being exported from a Member State thus become available for redistribution to other and are thus relieved of tax at that stage. They are interested Member States, amongst which was Italy. The therefore affected by the abolition of the concept of new allocation for Italy taken by a Commission decision export in intra-Community trade. If there are no in August 1990 O was 25 269 000 ECU ( + /- longer to be such exports there will no longer be any 38 000 million lire). This was an increase of possibility for them to sell tax-free. This principle is 2 822 000 ECU on the amount for Italy from the decision not changed, as far as sales to private citizens are taken in December 1989. concerned, by the recent amending proposal for an interim period of destination-based taxation up to the The Italian authorities are responsible for the selection of end of 1996inCOM(90) 182. organisations through which the produce is distributed, the form it takes and the selection criteria for the At present, excise goods exported or to be exported beneficiaries. from the territory of one Member State to another by excise traders are relieved from duty or tax and are The Commission is planning to present a report to the then available for purchase tax- or duty-free at or European Parliament and Council on the first two years after export, but before they are subject to the of operation of this scheme towards the end of 1990 or taxation arrangements imposed by the Member State early 1991. This report will give an overview and of import. The proposals contained in COM(90) 431 assessment of the scheme applied in all Member States. essentially abolish export as a concept in intra-Community movement of these goods. The (') OJNoLlO, 12.1.1990. proposal, in Article 11, instead provides for all O OJ No L 233, 28. 8. 1990. movements under the duty suspension regime, which applies to mineral oils, alcoholic beverages and manufactured tobacco, to take place between authorised warehouse-keepers. Furthermore, Article 4(2) specifically states that duty and tax are due when the goods are released for consumption, that is when the goods leave any arrangement where WRITTEN QUESTION No 2289/90 the payment of tax or duty is suspended. Article 3(3) applies to any other excises that the Member States by Mr George Patterson (ED) may apply and states that there may be no remission of to the Commission of the European Communities tax or duty when the goods leave the territory of the (15 October 1990) Member State concerned. (91/C98/66)
Subject: Duty free allowances
Does Community legislation, or any proposal for Community legislation currently before the Council of Ministers or the European Parliament, or any combination of the same affect the abolition of the right to sell goods free of duty and tax in airports and on board ships and aircraft to travellers between Member States? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2339/90 by Mr Claude Desama (S) If so, then which provisions or proposed provisions would to the Commission of the European Communities have that effect; and how would those provisions change (18 October 1990) the current position regarding such sales so as to have that effect? (91/C 98/67)
Subject: Aid for setting up new businesses in Ireland Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1990) Certain companies, or subsidiaries of international companies, currently located in Belgium are apparently intending to move to Ireland in order to take advantage in The Commission's proposals which affect tax-free that country of state aid intended to encourage the setting shopping in the internal market are: up of new businesses. The level of aid available is No C 98/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91 particularly generous, since it can cover up to 45% of be justified in the context of the single market. If investment costs, and these grants are therefore necessary, it will not hesitate to propose the abolition or particularly attractive. adaptation of such schemes.
Is this dispensatory practice authorized in this case, even though it harms the interests of a Member State? If so, does it not constitute unfair competition?
What effect will the advent of the Single Market on 1 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2420/90 January 1993 have on this kind of state aid? by Mr Petrus Cornelissen and Mr James Janssen van Raay (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities (7 November 1990) (91/C 98/68) Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1990) Subject: European approach to criminality in major European ports
1. Is the Commission aware of the recent statement by The aid to which the Honourable Member refers would Mr R. H. Hessing, Head of the Rotterdam Police Force, appear to be subsidies granted by the Industrial calling for a European approach to criminality in major Development Authority, which may cover up to 45 % of European ports, in particular fraud in connection with oil, investment costs in the south and east of Ireland. The trade in stolen cars container thefts? Commission agreed to this aid in view of the particularly serious socio-economic problems confronting the 2. Does the Commission endorse such a European country. It was on similar grounds on a lower scale — in approach and what initiatives or contributions may be certain less-favoured regions in Belgium, in order to expected from the Commission? promote their development.
While it is true that state aid distorts the normal conditions of competition, there is no denying that activities established in a region experiencing serious Answer given by Mr Bangemann socio-economic problems can contribute to the on behalf of the Commission development of that region, even where activities are (30 January 1991) transferred from elsewhere. The Commission considers that the contribution to regional development made by the subsidies in question satisfactorily offsets any 1. The Commission has no knowledge of Mr Hessing's distortion of the normal rules of competition. comments on European cooperation in combating crime.
2. In the context of moves to abolish controls at It should be noted, however, that the granting of aid is not internal frontiers, the Commission has already called for the only criterion on which a company bases a decision to closer international cooperation to prevent crime and to establish or transfer its activities. track down those responsible for it (').
Intervention in favour of less-favoured regions is a The Commission attaches great importance to all forms legitimate preoccupation not only of the Member States. of cooperation between Member States designed to It also underlies the Community's policy on economic and combat acts such as those described by the Honourable social cohesion, as enshrined in the Single European Act, Member in connection with the abolition of frontier which led the Community institutions to double in real controls. It is well aware of such problems in cases where terms the financial resources of the structural Funds for the Community institutions carry out their responsibilites, the period 1987-93. and notably in the case of the accompanying documents used for levying customs duties, VAT and excise duties on goods moving freely within the Community. The Commission's attitude towards aid for less-favoured regions is unlikely to change substantially after 1 January (') Communication to the Council on the abolition of controls of 1993, although the establishment of the internal market persons at intra-Community borders, COM(88) 640 final. will require greater vigilance as regards aid in general. For that reason, the Commission is currently looking into whether the application of existing aid schemes will still 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/37
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2424/90 products such as heating gas oil should be closely aligned. by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S) This is an essential prerequisite if tax-induced price differences are not to produce serious distortions after the to the Commission of the European Communities abolition of fiscal frontiers. (7 November 1990) (91/C 98/69) O COM(89)526.
Subject: Relief from excise duty on social grounds
Excise duty is a consumer tax which considerably increases the price of certain essential goods. In Belgium WRITTEN QUESTION No 2550/90 heating oil has been exempt from excise duty for social reasons. Is the Commission prepared to incorporate this by Mr Thomas Maher (LDR) social consideration in its arrangements for fiscal to the Commission of the European Communities harmonization at Community level? (16 November 1990) (91/C 98/70)
Subject: Food imports into the US, Australia and New Answer given by Mrs Scrivener Zealand on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1990) Can the Commission state what the level of food products imported into the United States, Australia and New Zealand is at present? The Commission's proposed rate of excise duty on heating gas oil (') is based on the average of the rates More specifically, what is the level of imports for prevailing within the Community. Currently these range indigenous food products into these three countries? from 23 ECU per 1 000 litres in Denmark to zero in Belgium, Luxembourg and Portugal. The rate band — from 47 to 53 ECU per 1 000 litres — reflects the average of these rates weighted for national consumption. Answer given by Mr Andriessen Accordingly due account has been taken of the situation on behalf of the Commission in each of the Member States, including the various factors giving rise to each of their own national excise (11 February 1991) regimes. The most recent figures available to the Commission In the Commission's view, the proper functioning of the indicate that the level of food imports into the United internal market requires that the rate of excise duty on States, Australia and New Zealand were as follows:
(inlOOOSUS)
United States Australia New Zealand Tariff Classification Chapters - 1989 1989 1988
Live animals destined principally for human consumption 893 103 - 116 858 34 487 Meat and meat preparations 2 786 741 22 988 8 484 Dairy products and eggs 480 901 74 289 4 693 Fish, crustaceans and molluscs and preparations of same 5 710 636 340 308 29 935 Cereals and cereal preparations 1017 031 67 125 56 182 Fruit and vegetables 5 685 754 323 991 129 407 Sugar, sugar preparations and honey 1 132 837 38 249 48 910 Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, etc. 4 082 128 253 963 66 444 Animal f eedstuf f s 350 547 53 043 15 126 Other food products 357 217 179 152 42 235 Drinks 3 890 805 231 719 72 012
Total food products 26 387 700 1 701 685 507 915 No C 98/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
All the above chapters of the Tariff Classification contain Joint answer food products indigenous to these countries, with the to Written Questions No 2581/90 and No 2658/90 possible exception of the chapter for coffee, tea, cocoa, given by Mrs Papandreou spices, etc. on behalf of the Commission (18 January 1991)
The Commission is in the process of drawing up a report on the implementation of Recommendation 85/308/EEC of 13 June 1985 on the social protection of volunteer development workers, and hopes to present it to the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2581/90 Council in 1991. This report will review the progress by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED) made and the obstacles encountered in providing social to the Commission of the European Communities protection in the Member States for volunteer (20 November 1990) development workers. (91/C 98/71)
Subject: Social protection for volunteer development workers WRITTEN QUESTION No 2584/90 In 1985, the Council of Ministers passed by Mr Franco Iacono (S) Recommendation 85/308/EEC (') relating to the to the Council of the European Communities preservation of social security benefits for volunteers who work in developing countries at local rates of pay. (20 November 1990) (91/C 98/73) I understand that most European Community countries have passed regulations in accordance with Council Subject: Projected high-speed intercity service between Recommendation 85/308/EEC but that Spain, Portugal Rome and Naples and Greece have not yet done so. On 12 February 1990 a private project for introducing a 1. Would the Commission please report on the state high-speed train service between Liguria and Padania was of implementation of Council Recommendation discussed with the ministers concerned (Carlo Bernini, 85/308/EEC by all twelve Member States? Minister of Transport and Giovanni Prandini, Minister of Public Works) in Genoa. 2. Would the Commission remind those governments which have not yet implemented this Considerable Community funds have been earmarked for recommendation, of the importance of protecting the this project. interests of their citizens who serve humanity by carrying out voluntary service overseas and ascertain On the other hand there is no intercity service on the line whether it is their intention to introduce such between Rome and Naples where only slow progress is protection in the near future? being made in introducing high-speed trains, which means that the service provided is uneconomical and (') OJNoLl63,22.6. 1985, p. 48. inconvenient for its 8 million users.
What measures does the Council intend to take to promote a project similar to the Milan-Genoa project in WRITTEN QUESTION No 2658/90 order to provide better and more efficient transport services between these two major areas, given the need to by Mr John McCartin (PPE) improve communications between southern Italy and the to the Commission of the European Communities rest of Europe? (23 November 1990) (91/C 98/72) Answer Subject: Social security benefits of volunteer workers in (7 March 1990) developing countries The Council is not aware of any Community funds being EC Council Recommendation 85/308 of 13 June 1985 on earmarked for introducing a high-speed train service the Social Protection of Volunteer Development Workers between Liguria and Padania. provides for a review of the implementation of this recommendation to be carried out by the Commission. Furthermore, the Council does not regard it as its task to What is the current status of this review and how fully has take measures concerning the specific question put by the this recommendation been implemented by the Member Honourable Member; such measures are a matter for the States of the EC? Commission. 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/39
The Honourable Member's attention is drawn to the fact WRITTEN QUESTION No 2616/90 that the Commission has just submitted to the Council a by Mr Bernard Antony (DR) communication concerning the outline plan for the European high-speed rail network. to the Commission of the European Communities (20 November 1990) That plan includes the Milan-Genoa and Rome-Naples (91/C 98/75) lines among those which are essential to the structure of the European network. Subject: Measures to achieve equality between men and On the basis of the communication, the Council adopted women a Resolution on the European high-speed rail network on 17 December 1990. What measures will the Commission take to promote equality between men and women and what movements or associations receive funds entered against budget item B8-3412?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2607/90 Answer given by Mrs Papandreou by Mr Ernest Glinne (S) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (6 February 1991) (20 November 1990) (91/C 98/74) On 17 October 1990 the Commission adopted a third action programme on equal opportunities for men and Subject: Europass women.
A recommendation from the Commission concerning the The programme defines the objectives to be achieved in creation of a membership card for the over-60s was the next five years and lays down the main lines of action adopted in May 1990, its object being to draw attention to for continuing and further developing policies and concessions available to the elderly in the transport and measures to promote equal opportunities. culture sectors in the Member States, thus encouraging older tourists to take full advantage of cultural The Commission will consider any proposed measure opportunities available to them, and, above all, which falls within the remit of the third action programme contributing to the autonomy and social integration of and is in the priority areas, with due regard for the older people. financial limits set by budget heading B8-3412.
What steps have so far been taken in the Member States to implement this recommendation?
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou WRITTEN QUESTION No 2624/90 on behalf of the Commission by Mr Vincenzo Mattina (S) (29 January 1991) to the Commission of the European Communities (23 November 1990) Since Commission Recommendation 89/350/EEC set 1 (91/C 98/76) January 1991 as the date for the introduction of the European over-sixties' card, the Commission is not yet in a position to answer this question. Subject: Survey by the Commission on alcohol consumption by young people in the Community It recently contacted the Member States to enquire what progress had been made towards implementing the On 9 October 1990 the press reported the results of a Recommendation. survey carried out by the Commission on alcohol consumption in Europe by young people between 11 and The Commission hopes to receive all the relevant 15 years of age. information from the Member States in the course of 1991 so that it can draw up the guide for the elderly which However, this study appears to be totally unreliable. is mentioned in Article 3 of the Recommendation. 1. What institute carried out the sutdy ? 2. How much did it cost the Community? No C 98/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
3. What was the full text of the questionnaires? occasions that social exclusion was a major challenge for the Member States' social policies and for the Community 4. What conclusions were contained in the report ? as a whole, and that efforts for solidarity ought therefore 5. What procedures were followed for commissioning to be redoubled as part of the task of implementing the the survey itself? social dimension of European integration. Conditions where poverty exists have structural roots, which means that general economic and social policies Answer given by Mrs Papandreou must incorporate among their objectives the combating of on behalf of the Commission social exclusion. (22 January 1991) This is one of the responsibilities of the Member States, which are the guarantors of national solidarity. The 1 and 5. The survey on alcohol and tobacco Community makes its own contribution to this effort of consumption among young Europeans of 11 to 15 years solidarity, particularly through the operations of its of age was carried out in July 1990 in the twelve Member structural Funds, which encourage job creation and access States by 'The European Omnibus Survey', a Belgian to the labour market and thereby help to combat company, following a call for tender ('). unemployment, which is one of the key factors of social exclusion. 2. The total cost to the Commission amounted to 282 000 ECUs. The scale of poverty is such that practical steps need to be taken to help those in greatest need find their place in 3. A copy of the full text of the questionnaire is sent economic and social life. Implementing these measures is directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat primarily the responsibility of local, regional and national General of the European Parliament. authorities in the Member States. The Community is nevertheless endeavouring to assist, insofar as its powers 4. The final survey report is to be published in 1991. and its resources allow.
O OJNoC61,10.3.1990. In keeping with the principle of subsidiarity, what the Community is basically proposing in this area is to supplement and stimulate Member States' initiatives and policies and strengthen the overall coherence of Community measures that may alleviate poverty. These particular measures include programmes such as the one WRITTEN QUESTION No 2737/90 for the economic and social integration of the less privileged, the aid provided for non-governmental by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S) organizations engaged in combating poverty, the drafting to the Commission of the European Communities of a recommendation to underwrite resources and (10 December 1990) benefits in social protection schemes and the Horizon initiative concerning disabled people and certain (91/C 98/77) disadvantaged groups.
Subject: Poverty and the role of Europe The Commission will press for consistency in the measures initiated and intends to encourage broad public According to a Commission study, the number of people discussion of the challenge which combating social living in poverty in the European Community was exclusion represents. With this in mind it will be working 50 million in 1985, compared with 49 million in 1980. with the French authorities to organize a large-scale Does not this increase in the number of people known to European Conference on the theme of Solidarity Europe be living in poverty give rise to concern about how (l'Europe des Solidarites) in May 1991. effectively Europe is being built, seeing that the founding Treaty aimed to improve living conditions?
This question is all the more crucial as it emerged from the same report that the situation of children living in poverty has deteriorated in the majority of Member WRITTEN QUESTION No 2790/90 States. by Mr Ernest Glinne (S) to the Commission of the European Communities (13 December 1990) Answer given by Mrs Papandreou (91/C 98/78) on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1991) Subject: The programme for the EBRD
The Commission is particularly mindful of the persistence It is the Board of Directors which, in accordance with of poverty in the Community. It has stressed on various general guidelines given it by the Board of Governors, 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/41
draws up policies and takes decisions concerning, loans, WRITTEN QUESTION No 2809/90 guarantees, investments in equity capital, loans, the by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED) furnishing of technical assistance and other operations of the bank. Its decisions are taken on the basis of to the Commission of the European Communities documentation submitted by the Bank's management. (13 December 1990) (91/C 98/79) The Board of Directors is supposed to be constituted by means of an election held at the first meeting of the Board Subject: Permission to use an imported car of Governors, to be convened within sixty days following the entry into force of the Agreement establishing the A married couple went from Britain to live in France in bank, or as soon as possible after. Has this actually been August 1989 taking with them a Renault Alpine car type done? 110, now generally acknowledged to be a collector's item. This car was restored to Concours condition and at the 'The principle of lasting development, the implementation same time a new and slightly larger Renault engine was of sound banking management, and the other principles fitted. The car was inspected by a Renault agent and an described in Article 13 of the Agreement, are to govern insurance assessor while in England and was insured and the operations of the Bank/ In practice this will mean the driven for three years. issuing of guidelines, which are at present drawn up by the teams surrounding and supporting the President- When the family moved to France the British insurance designate, Mr Jacques Attali, during the transitional continued until September, but on its expiry the French period preceding the entry into force of the agreement authorities were unwilling to grant an appropriate licence and the beginning of operations. These guidelines, which on the grounds that the car had been modified. will be contained in an operational manual, will establish the policies and basic principles with which the bank's Can the French authorities under European Community operations will have to comply. They should be submitted law refuse permission for use on public roads of a car to the Board of Directors for its approval in good time. imported from another Member State where such What stage has been reached so far? permission had been granted, and where the car had been used on public roads? The agreement, which is the only official document defining at present the functions and principles and operating principles of the Bank does not, a priori, rule out any kind of industrial activity, provided that it Answer given by Mr Bangemann belongs to the private and competitive production sector. on behalf of the Commission Has the operating manual-unofficially — made progress (31 January 1991) on this important point? Following receipt of the Honourable Member's question, the services of the Commission have registered the facts which are described there in as an official complaint.
Answer given by Mr Christophersen The services of the Commission are presently on behalf of the Commission investigating this complaint from the standpoint of (22 January 1991) Articles 30 et seq. of the Treaty of Rome, with a view to a possible intervention with the French authorities.
Provided the schedule for ratifying the Agreement establishing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is adhered to by its members, the official inauguration of the Bank and the first meeting of its Board of Governors should take place on 15 April 1991. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2864/90 The first meeting of the Board of Directors would then by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR) take place the following day, once its members had been elected by the Board of Governors. to the Council of the European Communities (17 December 1990) Since the appropriate decision-making body has not yet (91/C 98/80) been set up, none of the general directions provided for in Article 27(ii) of the Agreement have as yet been adopted. Subject: Harmonization of school terms The same is true of the Bank's operating manual. It is widely recognized that youth exchanges play an important part in speeding up European integration at a practical level. No C 98/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
The further development of such exchanges depends on Commission indicated that it might be possible to the harmonization of school terms and holiday dates, The authorise Member States who so wish to maintain VAT recent decisions of some Member States to change their zero-rating beyond 1992, for a very limited number of school holiday dates will make exchanges impossible. supplies and subject to a number of conditions. This question is currently under discussion in the Council What specific decisions does the Council intend to take in framework and it is not possible to predict the final order to allow the further development of youth outcome insofar as the VAT treatment of lifeboats and exchanges within Europe? their equipment is concerned.
0 COM(89)260.
Answer (7 March 1991)
The Council is not aware of any problems for the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2911/90 development of youth exchanges relating to holiday dates by Mr Hugh McMahon (S) in the different Member States. It has not received any proposals from the Commission on this question. to the Commission of the European Communities (3 January 1991) Some States set the dates for school holidays to avoid (91/C 98/82) concentrating the bulk of tourism into a relatively short period and in some cases stagger the school holidays in different regions in the same State. This does not, Subject: Eurovision Song Contest however, seem to have prevented the Community youth exchange programmes from functioning normally. In the light of the Commission's reply to my previous written question 2093/90 ('), can the Commission inform the House why assistance was given to the Eurovision As regards the *Youth for Europe' programme, almost Song Contest in 1987, 1988 and 1989 under three 25 000 young people took part in exchanges during 1989, different budget headings? the programme's first year of operation. O OJNoC63,11.3.1991, p. 53.
Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 2870/90 (30 January 1991) by Mr Lyndon Harrison (S) to the Commission of the European Communities (3 January 1991) As indicated in the Commission's reply to the Honourable Members question No 2093/90, three financial (91/C 98/81) contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1987, 1988 and 1990 were granted for the following reasons:
Subject: VAT on lifeboats and their equipment — In 1987, the Contest presented an opportunity to draw the attention of a vast European audience to the 30th Could the Commission state whether lifeboats and Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. This was charged lifeboat equipment will be able to maintain their to the general information budget A3300 along with zero-rated VAT level following VAT harmonization other activities connected with this Anniversary. arrangements in 1992? — In 1988, the Song Contest was used to highlight the European Cinema and Television Year and it was the corresponding budget line B6741 which financed the contribution. Answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission — In 1989, no contribution was made. (25 January 1991) — In 1990, the European Year of Tourism followed the 1988 example, contributing the money from its own special budget A3052. In its Communication to the Cbuncil and European Parliament of 14 June 1989 (') on the completion of the internal market and approximation of indirect taxes the 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/43
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2929/90 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2938/90 by Mr Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado (PPE) by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Council of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (11 January 1991) (11 January 1991) (91/C 98/83) (91/C 98/85)
Subject: EC Recommendation 85/308 (') regarding the Subject: Refusal to grant custody of disabled persons to social protection of volunteer development members of their family workers A 15-year old boy, Luca Mascelluti, suffering from Recognizing the importance for people in developing serious and irreversible cerebral and endocrine damage, countries to acquire the skills to manage their own was committed by his American mother to an institute for development and the success of the agencies sending the mentally ill and the blind in the United States, volunteers to provide these skills, will the Council ask the unknown to his Italian father who is separated from his governments of Spain, Portugal and Greece to comply wife. Despite all his applications to the competent with EC Recommendation 85/308 and protect the social American courts, Mr Muigi Mascelluti, the boy's father, security rights of those who wish to serve as overseas has been unable to obtain custody, although he is volunteers? prepared to have his son in his own home and provide him with not only all the necessary treatment but also the (') OJNoLl63,22.6.1985, p. 48. affection which can prove to be a determining factor for persons suffering from this type of disability. Can the Commission say whether it is possible to assist the regrettably large number of people who, in addition to WRITTEN QUESTION No 48/91 having been dealt a cruel blow by life, are also faced with the unjust and blinkered outlook of certain judicial by Mrs Raymonde Duty (S) authorities. If no legislation exists in this respect, does the to the Council of the European Communities Commission not consider that a directive should be (1 February 1991) adopted to guarantee the rights of those affected in one way or another by the plight of disabled persons ? (91/C 98/84)
Subject: Discrimination against development workers Answer given by Mr Delors The Community sets great store by its collaboration with on behalf of the Commission NGOs in the field of development cooperation as a way (7 March 1991) of demonstrating the solidarity of 'unofficial' Europe with the people living in Third World countries. Clearly, those who volunteer to put this cooperation into practice The Commission is unable to take any action in the case must not be penalized in their country of origin because to which the Honourable Member refers. they work in developing countries.
According to my information, the governments of three EC Member States — Spain, Greece and Portugal — refuse entitlement to social security benefits to volunteer workers when they return home. Can the Council confirm that this is the situation and, if so, consider ways of WRITTEN QUESTION No 2939/90 putting an end to this discrimination? by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission of the European Communities (11 January 1991) Joint answer to Written Questions No 2929/90 and (91/C 98/86) No 48/91 (7 March 1991) Subject: Child pornography
The Honourable Members may refer to the reply which An increasing number of pornographic films featuring the Council gave on 25 January 1991 to Written Question minors, generally directed and produced in non-European countries, are being made available for No 2544/90 etalO- sale on the video market. Can the Commission say what measures are being taken to prevent this trade in (') OJNoC49,25.2.1991, p. 44. obscenity, which is totally unauthorized, easily detectable on the more or less clandestine markets and encourages child prostitution? No C 98/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1991) (13 February 1991)
The question of child pornography and prostitution as The rules governing the handling of mail addressed to the such does not fall within the sphere of competence of the Commission state that the answer is to be given in the Community and the Commission does not propose to language of the addressee where it is one of the official take any action in that area. languages of the Community.
However, it would inform the Honourable Member that: Our departments are regularly reminded of this. — the Council of Europe, by resolution of the European Ministers of Justice on sexual exploitation, pornography and prostitution of and trafficking in, children and young women ('), plans to draw up a common policy including the harmonization of national legislation and international cooperation to WRITTEN QUESTION No 3008/90 prevent and suppress the offences stated; by Mrs Teresa Domingo Segarra (GUE) — on 21 November 1989 the United Nations General to the Commission of the European Communities Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of (18 January 1991) the Child, Article 34 of which sets out to protect the (91/C 98/88) child from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. Subject: Aid and compensation for victims of the (l) 16th Conference of European Ministers of Justice meeting dam-burst atTous, Spain within the Council of Europe, Lisbon, 21-22 June 1988. Hundreds of people suffered serious personal loss and material damage as a result of the dam-burst at Tous in October 1982, which was caused by major construction defects. Associations of the victims obtained a ruling from the Audiencia Provincial of Valencia establishing the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2952/90 responsibility of the state for the damage caused, together by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) •'- with an obligation for the state to compensate the victims in accordance with the law. to the Commission of the European Communities (11 January 1991) Although at the time Spain was not yet a member of the (91/C 98/87) EC, the effects of the disaster are still being felt. Subsequent floods in the region of Valencia, for which various types of aid have been granted by the Subject: Language used by the Commission in Commission, were made worse by the fact that the dam correspondence had burst.
Complaints are constantly being received from What steps could the Commission take, in conjunction Dutch-speaking citizens of the European Community with the Spanish authorities, to help find a fair solution to that a number of Directorates-General or their individual this problem and, in particular, to help compensate the member of staff habitually reply in French or English to victims? incoming correspondence written in Dutch.
Dutch-speaking correspondents generally take the view that this is very unsatisfactory on the part of the European Answer given by Mr Delors Community and that the Commission's staff are on behalf of the Commission discriminating against them. (13 February 1991) To what extent does the Commission supervise the language chosen for written correspondence with citizens The Commission has no authority to act in this case. of the Community? As the Honourable Member points out, the disaster Since Dutch is an official language of the European occurred before Spain joined the Community. In any case Community, it would seem only logical that Dutch the question of compensation for the victims is pending speakers are entitled to a reply in their own language. before the Spanish courts and there are no grounds for intervening while matters are subjudice. What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure equal linguistic treatment for all Community citizens corresponding with its services? 1^91 Official ]oumal of the European Communings l^oC^B^
w^^rr^^^^r^^^^^3^B^ share of oil and, on the supply side, to ensuring that bylv^^e^ieH^e^o^C^ the level of dependence on imported energy, and in particularimportedoil,isnotunreasonable^ totheCeu^c^ofthe^u^epe^^^o^^i^unes ^^^^^^ whereas political commitment to community ^1BC98B^ objectives entail effective monitoring of national policies and the adoption of appropriate measures at Community level and at national level to ensure their ^^^cr, dependent situation of Portugal in the field of attainments energy whereas, to put the concept of Community solidarity Phe^upplementA^Pendancesconjnncturellesl^o.10^ into practice, Member States should, having regard to to ^Economic Europeenne^ ^original dated 1^ Cctober theirowncharacterisucs in the sphere ofenergy and in 1990^ demonstrates,withoutanymargin for doubt, that the light of their specific possibilities and constraints, the dependent situation of Portugal in the field of energy make efforts of comparable intensity^ has worsened, particularly as regards petroleum products, since!98^.This trend runs counter to the policy which whereas the Community must have regular and hasbeenpursuedandrealizedin theCommunity asa appropriate information on Member States^ energy whole. policies between now and 199^ in order, on the basis of detailed Commission reports, to be inaposition to asbis divergent trend reveals the increasing vulnerability verify the convergence of these policies in relation to of the Portuguese economy, and also seriously community objectives and the extent to which these jeopardizes the process of convergence which hasbeen objectives have been attained at community level. declared to be both necessary and indispensable for the completion of the internal market and for economic, social and regional cohesion, Among the more general objectives, the Council states in point^of the above Resolution that, in order to achieve horizontal and sectoral energy objectives^ ^hat action does the council intend to take or propose, given that the document cited is informative as regards analysis and diagnosis, but less useful as regards ^ each Member State andtheCommunityas such conclusions and, above all, future prospects^ should continue to rely upon an appropriate combination of policy measures and the operation ofmarketforces^
DD the Member States should use these asabasis for Answer defining their energy policies and continue efforts of comparable intensity, having regard to their own characteristics in the sphere of energy and in the light of their specific possibilities and 1. The Council is aware of the fact that the degree of constraints. energy dependence, especially as regards petroleum products, differs among the Member States of the C^ommunityAs indicated in secrion^ofSupplementA The various horizontal and sectoral objectives are l^olO to 5Economie europeenneu, referred to by the moreover given in detail in points^ and 6 of the Honourable Member, such differences as seem to be Resolution. determined by the structure of national productive industries, the energy conservation policies implemented and the energy resources used, o5 In response to the request made in point9of the Resolution concerning energy policy objectives for 199^, the Commissionhas said that duringthefirsthalf of 1991 ^, The honourable Member^sattention is drawn to the itwill be submittingareportto the Council containingthe Council Resolution of 10Septemberl98DConcemingnew results of a^detailedsurvey of theprogressmadeand Community energy policy objectives for 199^ and problems encountered in each Member State and in the convergence of the policies of the Member States^,and community as a whole compared with the objectives to certain recitals of that Resolution and the role preferred to above^B entrusted interalia to the MemberStates,e.ga
whereas ,,itis therefore essential thatthe substantial The report will be accompanied byadraft establishing progress already made in restructuring the energy new energypolicy objectives for ^000 and beyond, economybemaintainedand,if necessary,reinforced within the Community^ ^hen examining the report and the proposal announced whereas, in order to achieve this goal, priority should by the commission, the Council should have an be given,onthe demand side,to containing energy opportunity of adoptingaposition on the problem raised consumption toagreater extent and to restricting the bythe Honourable Member, No C 98/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 91
4. In any event, as regards possible concrete measures WRITTEN QUESTION No 3074/90 in this matter, the Honourable Member must be aware by Mr Sergio Ribeiro (CG) that the power conferred on the Council by the EEC to the Council of the European Communities Treaty can only be exercised on a proposal from the Commission. (28 January 1991) (91/C 98/91) O OJNoC 241,25.9. 1986, p. 1. Subject: Regional disparities
The Commission's Fourth Periodic Report on the economic and social situation in the regions states that per WRITTEN QUESTION No 3046/90 capita income in the ten most disadvantaged regions by Mr Elio Di Rupo (S) (located in Portugal and Greece) is still on average a mere third of that in the ten most prosperous regions located in to the Council of the European Communities the north of the Community. This is, undoubtedly, totally (28 January 1991) contrary to the objective of economic and social cohesion (91/C 98/90) and puts in jeopardy the process of convergence which should contribute towards this objective. Subject: Role of the WEU within European Political Urgent action is needed to halt and reverse this trend so Union that regional disparities are not perpetuated or even The role of the WEU in building the future Europe of the aggravated, particularly in a country such as Portugal twelve was the main topic under discussion at the last which is considered a less-developed region and has not Council of Ministers. yet created its own regions and is therefore unable to promote a regional policy based on them, which is the Could the Council give an assessment of the development only way by which a Member State can contribute to the of the WEU as regards European cooperation on Community objective of genuine convergence by bridging common security and defence? regional disparities.
What consideration will be given at the next What specific measures has the Council decided to take in intergovernmental conference to the role of the WEU this connection? within the future policial union of the Community?
Answer Answer (7 March 1991) (7 March 1991)
On 14 and 15 December 1990, in its conclusions on In the report to which the Honourable Member refers ('), Political Union, the European Council emphasized that, the Commission underlines 'the deep-seated nature of with a view to the future, the prospect of a role for the regional disparities', adding that 'overcoming the causes Union in defence matters should be considered, without of regional disparities will tend to be a slow and prejudice to Member States' existing obligations in this incremental process'. area, bearing in mind the importance of maintaining and strengthening the ties within the Atlantic Alliance and With the aim of increasing economic and social cohesion without prejudice to the traditional positions of other within the Community, in accordance with the Treaty, in Member States. In addition, the European Council 1988 the Council approved a reform of the Structural considered that the idea of a commitment by Member Funds which, together with other measures, doubled the States to provide mutual assistance, as well as the amount of aid earmarked for the purpose and focused it proposals put forward by some Member States on the on a limited number of regions and on specific objectives. future of the Western European Union, should also be addressed. The latter point will thus be among the topics The task of managing the Funds was given to the to be discussed by the Intergovernmental Conference. Commission, and the Commission alone can respond to the Honourable Member's concerns. It should also be noted that, as far as informing the Parliament is concerned, the European Council meeting The Council will need to decide on any amendments to on 27 and 28 October 1990 concluded that the present arrangements, but only on a proposal from the interinstitutional meetings would take place during the Commission. In principle, under Article 19 of Regulation Intergovernmental Conferences and that regular contacts No 2052/88 on the reform of the Structural Funds, no would be maintained between the Presidency of the such proposal is due before the end of 1993. Conference, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Parliament. O The regions in the 1990s, COM(90) 609 final, p. 7. 15. 4. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 98/47
WRITTEN QUESTION No 45/91 but are not counted in the calculations used to determine by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S) the funds allocated to the educational establishments concerned. This situation causes problems. Should they to the Council of the European Communities not be resolved in the context of Community (1 February 1991) harmonization? What is the Council's position on this (91 /C 98/92) matter?
Subject: Education problems in border areas Answer The application of set intake figures in French higher (7 March 1991) education, particularly in the paramedical field, results in a large number of French students studying at Belgian The Commission has not submitted any proposals for colleges, particularly those near the border. In accordance harmonizing the conditions of admission to higher with Belgian law, these students are admitted to courses education in the Community. OFFICE DES PUBLICATIONS OFFICIELLES DES COMMUNAUTES EUROPEENNES Luxembourg
LEMPLOI EN EUROPE 1990 D Le rapport sur I'emploi en 1990 est le deuxieme d'une serie a parution annuelle. II cherche a toucher un large public dans les Etats membres: les entreprises, les syndicats et les groupes d'interet aussi bien que les gouvernements. 172 pages — 21 x 29,7 cm ISBN 92-826-1518-9 — Numero de catalogue: CE-58-90-877-FR-C Prix au Luxembourg, TVA exclue: 11,25 ecus ES, DA, DE, GR, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT
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UN ESPACE SOCIAL EUROPEEN A L'HORIZON 1992 • par Patrick Venturini L'objet de cette brochure est de presenter, apres une mise en pers pective historique, les differentes composantes de la dimension sociale du marche interieur, dans leur dynamique: emploi, circulation des personnes et mobilite professionnelle, milieu de travail, droit des societes. Autant de balises d'un «espace social europeen en devenir». 116 pages — 17,6 x 25 cm ISBN 92-825-8704-5 — Numero de catalogue: CB-PP-88-B05-FR-C Prix au Luxembourg, TVA exclue: 9,75 ecus ES, DA, DE, GR, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT
|—| DROIT DE CHOISIR ET IMPULSION ECONOMIQUE (deuxieme edition) — L'objectlf de la politique europeenne des consommateurs par Eamonn Lawlor L'objet de cette brochure est de souligner que les droits des consom mateurs peuvent avoir des repercussions economiques, et que ceux qui prennent les decisions economiques ont a s'en preoccuper tout autant que ceux qui militent pour une justice sociale. 83 pages — 17,6 x 25 cm ISBN 92-826-0153-6 — Numero de catalogue: CB-56-89-869-FR-C Prix au Luxembourg, TVA exclue: 8 ecus ES, DA, DE, GR, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT
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