2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/1

I

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 611/92 The Member States have two years within which to by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V ) transpose the provisions of this Directive into national law . to the Commission of the European Communities (23 March 1992) France will therefore be required to provide a state of ( 94/C 32/01 ) conservation favourable to the brown bear as from June 1994 .

Meanwhile , actions integrated within the French 'Bear Plan' Subject; Protection for the habitat of the brown bear in are scheduled for support under the LIFE programme . France

í 1 ) OJ No L 38 , 10 . 2 . 1982 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 206 , 22 . 7 . 1992 . What steps will the Commission take to ensure that France provides proper protection for the habitats of the last remaining Pyrenean bears ?

The measures belatedly taken in 1990 by France ( ban on hunting and regulated use of forested tracks in areas inhabited by bears ) cover only a small proportion of the land WRITTEN QUESTION No 1134/92 area essential for the survival of the species and are more or by Mr Gérard Fuchs ( S ) less ignored . to the Commission of the European Communities (11 May 1992) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas ( 94/C 32/02 on behalf of the Commission

(9 August 1993) Subject: Controlled use of asbestos

Council Directive 85/610/EEC ( ) of 20 December 1985 on Protection of the habitat of the brown bear comes within the relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain scope of the Berne Convention on the Conservation of dangerous substances and preparations recently amended European Wildlife and natural habitats which was approved on 31 October 1991 by the Committee on Adaptation to by the Community by Council Decision of 3 December Technical Progress includes provisions controlling the use of 1981 ( ! ). asbestos .

Although the Commission has repeatedly affirmed its The brown bear is covered by Directive 92/43/EEC on the support for the controlled use of asbestos, DG III has quite conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and illogically expressed its intention of drawing up a new flora ( 2 ) which was notified in June 1992 . directive prohibiting the use of asbestos . No C 32/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

What new scientific information has emerged leading the Answer given by Mr Pinheiro Commission to modify its views with regard to the on behalf of the Commission controlled use of asbestos ? (24 August 1993)

(!) OJ No L 375 , 31 . 12 . 1985 , p . 1 . By means of the Jean Monnet Project, launched by the Commission in 1990 in response to a direct request from the academic world , the Commission has , over the last three years , supported a total of 652 initiatives selected from among more than 2 600 applications . Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (28 September 1993) A table giving the number of universities per country which have benefited from the scheme is sent direct to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat General of the European Parliament . The Commission has on several occasions expressed its intention of finding a Community solution to limiting the marketing and use of asbestos . Such a solution would take Subsidies are offered to set up new teaching activities in account of the fact that the controlled use policy has led to European integration, that is Community law, European national measures undermining the principle of free economic integration , political science and the history of circulation of products containing asbestos . European integration . The subsidies are for :

The Commission has since 1991 made efforts to find a — European 'chairs', a symbolic term signifying a full-time solution acceptable to the majority of Member States and is teaching-post entirely devoted to Community studies ; still examining the possible approaches with a view to reaching a Community wide solution . — Permanent courses on European Integration;

— European modules offered as an option or as a complementary course of study for students in a wide range of disciplines ;

— Research projects linked to the new 'chair'.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1844/92 As regards conditions of eligibility, the scheme is exclusively by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC ) intended for higher education establishments within the to the Commission of the European Communities Member States . However, since June 1993 , a similar Jean (23 July 1992) Monnet project has been launched , by the Polish and the Hungarian authorities together with the Commission . This ( 94/C 32/03 programme has been taken on their own national Phare budgets . As regards selection, the Commission is advised in both cases by the European University Council for the Jean Monnet Project which assesses the academic feasibility and Subject: Funding for universities to finance European studies courses scientific worth of applications . Subsequently, universities are free to make their own appointments to the posts created . The selection criteria are that the courses should On 13 April 1992 the Commission reportedly decided to deal specifically with European integration, that they should grant financial support to universities to finance European be compulsory and amount to a new initiative . Priority is studies courses . given to undergraduate courses .

Can the Commission state what funds have been earmarked Establishments successful in obtaining a Jean Monnet for which universities ? Can it at least state how much the subsidy undertake to maintain the teaching for at least seven various Member States and regions have received or will years, that is to say for four years after the period of receive ? co-financing . This condition applies to 'European chairs' and permanent courses which receive funding for three years . In the Member States , the level of co-financing may What conditions must a university meet in order to be not exceed 80 % , of the direct teaching costs with a eligible for such support ? Must the funds be used for a maximum of ECU 25 000 for a 'chair', and ECU 5 000 for a specific purpose ? Is there any monitoring of the way in permanent course or a module . Amounts have been adapted which they are spent ? to local criteria in Poland and Hungary . 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/3

Universities are required to provide a report on the activities Answer given by Mr Van Miert co-financed and a breakdown of expenditure each year, to on behalf of the Commission enable the Commission to satisfy itself that the teaching (29 November 1993) went ahead as planned and the co-financing was properly used . An evaluation of the Jean Monnet Project is being carried out by the European University Council for the Jean The Commission is sending the tables showing the requested Monnet Project in 1993 , and will be ready by the end of information directly to the Honourable Member and 1993 . Parliament's Secretariat .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2514/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1943/92 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Paul Staes ( V ) (12 October 1992) to the Commission of the European Communities ( 94/C 32/05 ) (1 September 1992) ( 94/C 32/04 ) Subject; Harmonization of asylum policy and Amnesty International

Subject: Aid to companies Amnesty International recently issued a statement expressing its concern at the forthcoming harmonization of asylum policy in the European Community and noting that Pursuant to Article 92 ( 1 ) of the EEC Treaty, any aid granted applications for political asylum must be considered by by a Member State which distorts or threatens to distort independent committees of experts familiar with the competition by favouring certain undertakings or the relevant legislation and the state of human rights in the production of certain goods, in so far as it affects trade various countries concerned . How does the Commission between Member States, shall be incompatible with the common market . view this whole matter today, in the light of this statement by Amnesty International ?

The Commission must be informed , in sufficient time to enable it to submit its comments , of any plans to grant aid . If it considers that any such plan is not compatible with the Answer given by Mr Flynn common market, it shall without delay initiate the on behalf of the Commission procedure provided for in Article 92 ( 3 ) of the EEC Treaty and the proposed measure may not be put into effect until (16 September 1993) the procedure has resulted in a final decision . The Commission noted with interest the statement issued by The latter can take the form of a decision which the Member Amnesty International , entitled 'Europe : Harmonization of State concerned must comply with pursuant to Article 189 asylum policy'. That statement concerned in the first ( 4 ) of the EEC Treaty . If the Member State does not comply instance proposals which were before Ministers responsible with the decision, then the matter may be brought before the for Immigration Policies at their meeting in London in European Court of Justice . November 1992 . As these meetings are of an intergovernmental character, it would be in the first instance for the Presidency to give this type of information . Can the Commission list for each Member State : Nevertheless, the Commission can indicate that the substantive recommendations contained in Amnesty 1 . The number of Commission decisions regarding aid to International's statement relate to areas of procedural companies incompatible with the common market, their asylum law which have yet to be addressed by Immigration date, the names of the companies concerned and the Ministers . It should be recalled that the Work Programme sums which were unjustly paid . adopted by the European Council of Maastricht in December 1 992 acknowledges the need for harmonization of certain procedural aspects, as does the Commission's 2 . The number of judgments delivered by the European 1991 Communication on the right of asylum but states Court of Justice as a result of non-compliance with at the same time, that for pragmatic reasons only, priority Commission decisions regarding aid to companies should be given to harmonization of substantive rules . incompatible with the common market ( quoting in each When the harmonization process enters into the area of case the reference number of the decision in procedural asylum law, however, the recommendations by question). Amnesty International may serve as a useful point of No C 32/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 , 2 . 94

reference, highlighting a number of areas that deserve be further strengthened if the Maastricht Treaty comes special attention . into force — in regard to town and country planning and cultural development ? (!) Doc . SEC(91 ) 1857 def. f 1 ) COM(89 ) 594 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2702/92 Answer given by Mr Vanni a'Archirafi by Mr Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (8 September 1993) (29 October 1992) ( 94/C 32/06 ) The Commission would point out that responsibility for preserving and safeguarding the cultural heritage, and in Subject: Illegal transactions involving the , cultural particular for protecting national treasures, lies with each heritage individual Member State . To that end, Article 36 of the EEC Treaty permits Member States to restrict the free movement There has been a public debate in Greece recently about of their national treasures provided that they comply with taxation of the former royal family . In the agreement due for the conditions laid down in that Article . ratification drawn up on this matter the Greek government has ceded the entire area of the old town of Corfu ( otherwise Following an initial communication on the protection of known as mon Repos ) to ex-king Constantine . On the basis national treasures possessing artistic, historic or of archaeological finds and scientific studies archaeologists claim that this is the site of the urban and administrative archaeological value : needs arising from the abolition of internal frontiers after 1992, to which the Honourable centre and the ancient acropolis of the Phaeacians . Member refers , and on the basis of numerous discussions with the Member States, its own work and the work of In view of the fact that : Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee, the Council adopted Regulation ( EEC ) No 3911/92 on the This prime archaeological site constitutes the cultural export of cultural goods (*) on 9 December 1992 and heritage of Europe as a whole and not of individuals . Directive 93/7/EEC on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State ( 2 ) There is no provisions in either the European Convention on on 15 March 1993 . the protection of the archaeological heritage ratified by Greece on 20 July 1981 or the Commission communication These legislative measures are intended to accompany the to the Council on the protection of national treasures abolition of controls at the Community's internal frontiers . possessing artistic, historic or archaeological value (*) Since Member States have not been able since 1 January allowing archaeological sites to be subject to transactions 1993 to carry out internal frontier checks and formalities and agreements . with a view to guaranteeing the necessary effective protection for their national treasures, these measures, Corfu municipal council decided unanimously on which supplement national legislation, provide for 24 September 1992 to oppose the cession of the old town to machinery for cooperation between Member States aimed at the former king . protecting cultural goods within the Community and at its external frontiers . There are strong legal doubts about the ownership of this site since according to a Corfu provincial council document of 1 June 1864, the site of the old town was ceded to the The measures affect neither property ownership royal family of the day for their use and not as their property arrangements at national level nor agreements that may be and therefore no individual property rights can be reached or transactions effected at that level . It will be noted recognized over the local government, will the Commission that Article 222 of the EEC Treaty stipulates that 'this Treaty shall in no way prejudice the rules in Member States say : governing the system of property ownership'. 1 . whether this behaviour by the Greek authorities is compatible with the provisions of the above Accordingly, the Commission is not competent to comment Communication on the protection of national treasures on the Greek authorities' decision to cede the site of and Paleopolis in Corfu to a private individual . 2 . whether this flagrant violation of the rights of the local government and the wilful refusal to consider its The important role which regional and local authorities are position in this matter is compatible with the role that already playing, and will increasingly be called on to play, local government is called on to play — a role which will after the entry into force of the Treaty on European Union, 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/5 particularly in the cultural sphere , should be consistent with The Luxembourg European Council of 28 and 29 June 1991 the respective powers of those various authorities as also noted that the progress achieved in completing the determined by each of the Member States . internal market was not accompanied by comparable progress in the field of social policy . As the case in question involves the national government taking account of the views expressed by the local The Commission is of the opinion that the Protocol on authorities, t is a matter for the Greek authorities . Social Policy annexed to the Treaty on European Union which was signed on 7 February 1992 and is currently being (!) OJ No L 395 , 13 . 12 , 1992 , ratified by the Member States will, by extending approval by ( 2 ) OJ No L 74 , 27 . 3 . 1993 . qualified majority to certain aspects of social policy , promote a balanced construction process within Europe, which will both strengthen the competitiveness of businesses and improve employment and living and working conditions for employees and citizens within the Union .

(') Initial contributions by the Commission to the Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union ( SEC(91 ) 500 WRITTEN QUESTION No 3040/92 final of 30 March 1991 ). by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities (14 December 1992) ( 94/C 32/07 )

Subject: The European Community, the lack of progress in WRITTEN QUESTION No 3064/92 social policy and the conclusions of a discussion in by Mr Neil Blaney ( ARC ) the Greek Centre of European Studies ( EKEM ) to the Commission of the European Communities (14 December 1992) Social policy plays a marginal role in the Community and ( 94/C 32/08 only scant progress has been made so far in this domain . This is the conclusion reached recently by university teachers and trade union representatives during a discussion held at the Greek Centre for European Studies ( EKEM ) Subject: Share-out of fishing rights following the presentation of a study on 'social policy in the European Community : an economic approach '. Does the What criteria were used to share out between Member Commission intend to examine the conclusions of this States the fishing rights in the waters of third countries discussion ? which the Community has acquired under bilateral agreements ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas (2 June 1993) on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1993) The Commission is unable to accept the conclusions of the discussion at the Greek Centre for European Studies which describe the Community's social policy as 'insignificant' or Any fishing possibilities obtained by the Community under 'marginal'. On the contrary, it notes that implementation of fishery agreements concluded with third countries may be the Community Charter of Fundamental Social Rights of allocated to Member States . Where fishing possibilities so Workers has led to substantial progress in the field of health obtained are expressed in terms of an overall gross registered and safety at work , for example . tonnage of vessels they are not usually allocated to Member States . Where the fishing possibilities obtained are subject to variation due to management measures they may be The Commission, however , has already drawn attention to allocated in conformity with Article 8 of Regulation ( EEC ) the discrepancy between, on the one hand , the powers No 3760/92, the Council deciding on the allocation by conferred under the existing provisions of the EEC Treaty qualified majority on a proposal of the Commission . and , on the other, the aspirations of the Charter and the new obligations arising from completion of the internal market ( M. No C 32/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 243/93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 361/93 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE ) by Mrs Christine Oddy ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (23 February 1993) (3 March 1993) ( 94/C 32/09 ( 94/C 32/10 )

Subject: Possible misleading advertising by certain Subject: Women homeworkers Community airlines Further to my Written Question No 1970/90 (') on women The fabled date of 1 January 1993 has , amongst other homeworkers , what progress has there been on Commission advantages derived from implementation of the Single studies in this area ? European Act, brought about the liberalization of passenger air fares . However, in view of the dearth of good news on Does the Commission intend to introduce legislation to this matter, consumers in the Community remain sceptical protect this group of women workers ? as to the possibility of any airlines drastically cutting prices set before 1993 . (!) OJ No C 98 , 15 . 4 . 1991 , p . 28 .

There have merely been a few advertising campaigns by certain airlines announcing with much pomp and circumstance , drastic cuts in fares , when in fact the reduced fares have only applied to a vexy small number of seats Answer given by Mr Flynn on certain flights . As a result, and in view of the on behalf of the Commission abovementioned fare liberalization, the majority of (9 July 1993) consumers have come to regard these publicity campaigns as misleading . In addition to the studies mentioned in reply to the Does the Commission intend to closely monitor these Honourable Member's earlier question , the Commission is publicity campaigns by certain Community airlines , which currently preparing a report on homeworking in the may be misleading the consumer as regards the real cost of Community, which should be completed by July 1993 . The air fares ? Commission's programme for 1993 and 1994 C ) does not include any proposal for legislation in this respect .

( 1 ) OJ No C 125 , 6 . 5 . 1993 .

Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission (3 September 1993)

Since 1 January, airlines have been free to set WRITTEN QUESTION No 462/93 intra-Community air fares , including those for scheduled air by Mr Christopher Jackson ( PPE ) services . Such freedom , enjoyed by the vast majority of to the Commission of the European Communities competitive sectors in business and industry, is fundamental to a market economy . (11 March 1993) ( 94/C 32/11 ) The recent bargain fares offered by some airlines may have applied only for limited periods but they do show the benefits to consumers of the new price flexibility now Subject: Chemicals used by European growers granted to airlines . Has the Commission a list of chemicals and sprays which are The advertising campaigns referred to by the Honourable permitted for use in each Member State ? Member also form part of this new freedom . The Commission has not received any complaints about them Will it make this list available to me ? from users . It is, in any case, for government departments and the courts in the Member States to impose penalties in If chemicals and sprays are permitted in one Member State, cases of misleading advertising according to their own rules , but forbidden in another, while the products so treated are which have to some extent been harmonized at Community freely traded , does this not create a restraint of trade ? level by Council Directive 84/450/EEC on that very subject . Will the Commission clarify what controls are enforced to check on chemical residues on food imported into the EC , especially from Eastern Europe ? 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/7

Answer given by Mr Steichen Will the Commission take this unfavourable situation into on behalf of the Commission account and provide due compensation in the next (22 September 1993) preliminary draft budget before the end of spring ?

The Commission has not prepared a list of plant protection preparations on the Community market . However, certain Member States compile such lists annually which are freely Answer given by Mr Pinheiro available . In addition , commercial publications exist which on behalf of the Commission give information on the plant protection products (1 July 1993) authorized in most Member States of the Community.

In the context of its work on the implementation of Council In the preliminary draft budget for 1993 the Commission Directive 91/414/EEC (*) concerning the placing of plant proposed an item entitled ' European dimension in the protection products on the market, the Commission is audiovisual industry' to provide support for Euronews , currently developing a list of the active substances on the European Radio International ( ERI, formerly Euroradio ) Community market on the date of implementation of the and the European dimension in film festivals and Directive ( 25 July 1993 ). This list will shortly be available audiovisual programmes . It entered ECU 5 million for it, and will be sent to the Honourable Member and the with the aim of preserving the ECU 3 million given to Secretariat general of the Parliament. support Euronews in 1992 . Differences in plant protection authorizations granted by Member States may give rise to trade difficulties . At first reading the Council cut the appropriation to ECU 3 Community work in the field of harmonization of million, and Parliament at its first reading concurred in this maximum pesticide residue levels has concentrated on those cut in the Commission's proposal . Of the ECU 3 million cases that have either given rise to trade problems or finally entered in the 1993 budget, Euronews received ECU represent a high potential to do so . 2,2 million , ERI received ECU 145 000 and the festivals ECU 655 000 . Member States are obliged to ensure that produce complies with Community maximum pesiticide residue levels from In the preliminary draft budget for 1994 the Commission the time it is put into circulation . However , sampling has proposed a specific item for Euronews and ERI , as their programmes are the responsibility of Member States and objectives are broadly similar; it is to be entitled will normally be modified to take into account produce 'Multilingual European television channels and radio from sources found to give rise to residues over the broadcasting networks ' and to have an appropriation of established limits . ECU 2,5 million , being ECU 2,3 million for Euronews and 0,2 million for ERI . (') OJ No L 230 , 19 . 8 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 488/93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 471/93 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh ( S ) by Mr Henry Chabert ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (12 March 1993) (11 March 1993) ( 94/C 32/13 ) ( 94/C 32/12

Subject: The future of the Euronews news channel Subject: Incineration of chemical waste near the Waddenzee Under the budget adopted for 1993 the project for the European multilingual news channel , Euronews , has finally North Refinery in Delfzijl is planning to build a chemical been confirmed . However, because of the Euroradio project waste incineration plant near the Waddenzee, with the and others , the appropriations entered against budget result that many vessels carrying chemical waste mainly heading B3-204 will benefit the European news channel from the west of the country will be obliged to cross the much less than originally envisaged . North Sea and the Waddenzee . Another processing plant is situated in Rotterdam . Does the Commission » consider this solution to be satisfactory in the very year when the European multilingual North Refinery has not yet conducted an environmental news channel is beginning to broadcast ? impact assessment since , according to the Dutch ministry No C 32/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

responsible, this is not necessary . However, is such activity WRITTEN QUESTION No 619/93 not governed by Council Directive 85/337/EEC ( ! ) on by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru ( S ) environmental impact assessments if it involves the burning of phenols and polycyclical aromatic compounds ? to the Commission of the European Communities (1 April 1993) 1 . Is it true that an environmental impact assessment ( 94/G 32/14 ) should be carried out for the planned North Refinery combustion plant, under Council Directive 85/337/ EEC ? Subject: Support for NGOs defending human rights 2 . Will the Commission inform North Refinery and the Dutch Government immediately of their obligations What steps have been taken to date to support NGOs under this directive ? defending human rights using appropriations entered against budget Item B7-5053 ? 3 . Does the Commission not agree that the siting of the proposed plant close to the Waddenzee , a wildlife area of very great international importance, should be covered by an environmental impact assessment ?

4 . Does the Commission not agree that the principle of in Answer given by Mr Marin situ disposal will be best complied with if chemical waste on behalf of the Commission from the west of the country is incinerated on the (11 October 1993) spot ?

(!) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . A total of some ECU 3,8 million was committed in 1992 under budget heading B7-5053 to support initiatives of non-governmental organizations or institutions aimed at promoting and defending human rights and strengthening the democratic structures of civil society in the developing Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas countries . on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1993) The Commission has recently decided to commit ECU 215 000 under the 1993 appropriation for heading B7-5053 in support of a number of initiatives to promote training, The installation described in the question is classified as an information and communication via different media in the Annex I project in Directive 85/337/EEC and is therefore fields of human rights and democratic principles . subject to a mandatory environmental impact assessment . The Commission will write to the Dutch authorities to assess the measures that have been taken to comply with the Note also the decision to create a reserve fund of ECU requirements of the Directive . 700 000 to help finance the participation of NGOs from developing countries in the World Conference on Human Rights , which was held recently in Vienna . The environmental impact assessment should include the information in Annex III of the Directive, particularly the direct and indirect effects of the project on inter alia fauna , flora and ecosystems . Potential effects on the Waddenzee area must therefore be thoroughly assessed .

According to Directive 91/156/EEC , Member States have to establish an integrated and adequate network of disposal installations ensuring waste disposal in one of the nearest WRITTEN QUESTION No 667/93 appropriate installations . by Mr Thomas Megahy ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities It is true that the so called principle of proximity is not (6 April 1993) absolute and totally rigid . It has to be interpreted in a flexible way, taking into account in particular geographical ( 94/C 32/15 ) circumstances or the need for specialized installations for certain types of waste . Therefore specific shipments of waste may be in conformity with this principle . The facts Subject: Structural funds : programme partnership communicated do not allow a judgement in this respect. What role is envisaged for local authorities within the next round of programmes ? 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/9

Answer given by Mr Millan Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1993) (29 September 1993)

The revised regulations governing the arrangements for assistance from the Structural Funds , which were adopted Resolution A 670 ( 16 ) by the International Maritime by the Council on 20 July 1993 , enshrine the prinicple of Organization ( IMO ) recommends that governments ask subsidiarity, under which it is up to the Member State masters of vessels over 5 000 GRT carrying dangerous or concerned to designate the authorities and bodies at polluting cargoes to steer clear of the Bocche di Bonifacio . In national, regional and local level which take part in the practice, however, this is widely ignored . partnership , which covers the preparation, financing, prior appraisal, monitoring and ex-post evaluation of measures . Following the recent accidents in British and Spanish waters, Italy and France have taken steps to ban vessels flying their flags with dangerous or polluting cargoes from the Bocche di Bonifacio , They have also tabled a motion in the IMP to amend resolution A 670 ( 16 ) so that other governments would be asked to do the same . WRITTEN QUESTION No 713/93 by Mr Max Simeoni ( ARC ) In accordance with the requests from Parliament and the to the Commission of the European Communities Council , the action programme set up by the Commission in (7 April 1993) its communication of 24 February 1993 ( x ) provides for immediate steps to be taken to identify sensitive areas at ( 94/C 32/16 ) Community level and to encourage suitable traffic control schemes to be proposed . The Commission has already Subject: Prohibiting the passage of oil tankers through organized a meeting, in April , of governmental experts from sensitive and dangerous areas such as the Bocche di the Member States to define the criteria for identifying Bonifacio environmentally sensitive areas with need protection and to see what type of traffic control measures the IMO should be In September 1992 the European Parliament adopted the encouraged to adopt . Bertens report ( } ) recommending that the passage of oil tankers or any other environmentally dangerous vessels through the Bocche di Bonifacio be prohibited . In view of the above, the Commission gives its wholehearted support to the initiatives by Italy and France to afford the It is important and urgent to take measures to protect the Bocche di Bonifacio better protection . Mediterranean and the Bocche di Bonifacio, which are of undoubtable ecological value for Europe and, being (!) COM(93 ) 66 . extremely sensitive, are intended to become a protected maritime area .

The geological nature of the Bocche di Bonifacio, their narrowness and the large number of small islands make a major environmental accident inevitable .

The Italian Government has prevaricated and the Ministry of the Environment has been unable to come to any WRITTEN QUESTION No 758/93 agreement with the Ministry of the Merchant Navy . by Mr Virginio Bettini ( V ) In view of this what steps will the Commission take to to the Commission of the European Communities protect sensitive areas in general and in particular what (15 April 1993) urgent steps will it take in respect of the Bocche di ( 94/C 32/17 ) Bonifacio ?

Will it make immediate representations to the Italian Government ? Subject: Harmful effects of the pesticide Insegar ( Fenoxycarb ) Should a solution be sought for Italian shipowners in order to compensate for the additional transport costs arising from the longer route between Italy and Porto Torres if Insegar ( Fenoxycarb ), a pesticide used in agriculture to passage through the Bocche di Bonifacio is forbidden ? control termites, ants, cochineal insects and , in particular, fruit moths and butterflies , was withdrawn as a (!) Resolution A3-0144/92 — OJ No C 284, 2 . 11 . 1992 , precautionary measure in spring 1992, by order of the p . 80 . Ministry of Health, because of the vast economic harm sustained by mulberry silkworm cultivators . No C 32/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

Fenoxycarb prevents silkworms from spinning properly, tankers off the coasts of Galicia and Scotland , and others and the Community has granted Italy Lit 35 billion in that are even more recent ? funding to assist its fledgling silk industry, partly with a view to reducing imports . i 1 ) OJ No C 47, 18 . 2 . 1993 , p . 19 .

Since Fenoxycarb , even in minute doses , is capable of preventing silkworms from spinning, does not the Commission believe that it should be included in the list of banned pesticides under Directive 79/117/EEC (') and the Answer given by Mr Matutes amended versions thereof ? on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1993) (!) OJ No L 33 , 8 . 8 . 1979 , p . 36 . In the recent transport by ship of plutonium oxide from the La Hague reprocessing plant to Japan the safety measures taken for the transport proved adequate, as they were for the Answer given by Mr Steichen previous transport in 1988 . on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1993) The principles of safety in the transport of radioactive materials were detailed by the Commission during the debate on the planned plutonium transport in the plenary The Commission can confirm that the use of fenoxycarb as a session of the European Parliament on 18 November plant protection product has been temporarily withdrawn 1992 . in Italy as at precautionary measure pending the outcome of investigations into its possible link with damage to the Safety of the transport of radioactive materials and mulberry silkworm . protection of the public and the environment are based on two principles : As these investigations are still in progress , it would be premature to consider the inclusion of fenoxycarb in — the integrity of the package even in case of a severe Council Directive 79/ 117/EEC on the prohibition of the accident to the means of transport; placing on the market and use of plant protection products containing active substances . However, considering the — the same level of protection must be realized irrespective local nature of the alleged risk associated with fenoxycarb, it of the transport modes . is unlikely that a Community-wide prohibition under Directive 79/117/EEC would be warranted . The translations of these principles into regulations should guarantee the safety of combined transport ( e.g. road/sea * transport).

The Commission has examined and found adequate the safety measures for this plutonium transport, as based on the opinion of the Standing Working Group on the WRITTEN QUESTION No 804/93 transport of radioactive material of the Commission and the by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ), to the Commission of the European Communities (19 April 1993) The basic standards for the safe transport of radioactive material are regularly revised in the light of experience ( 94/C 32/18 gained in the field and the results of safety oriented research sponsored by the Commission and the IAEA . In this context reference must be made to the discussions within the IAEA Subject: Maritime transport of plutonium and of oil and the International Maritime Organization ( IMO ) in which Member States of the Community and the The recent maritime transport of reprocessed plutonium Commission participate . from France to Japan has caused great controversy in the Community institutions as evidenced by the Commission's In general, if the safety of the transport cannot be assured by answer to Written Question No 2123/92 ( 1 ) by Mr Rogerio an appropriate package , as is the case of transport of Brito . plutonium and other hazardous materials which are not shipped in bulk, the ship — used for bulk transport — has to Now that the transfer has been concluded without disasters be designed in such a way that it can serve as an appropriate , or any contamination can the Commission assess the package . Besides that, safety in maritime transport benefits situation and draw conclusions for the future ? In addition from shore based services provided to all ships and assisting could it provide a comparative analysis of the advantages them when passing congested or environmentally sensitive and drawbacks of this form of transport compared with oil areas . These services are now under development in the tankers , particularly in view of the accidents involving oil Community . 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/11

Comparison of the safety of transport of plutonium and oil vegetable sector . These inspectors have already made several is not useful , as the hazardous properties of both goods checks on withdrawal operations, particularly for peaches . differ widely and precautionary measures are directly They found that the inspection procedures in place in Greece related to these properties . Besides that, the escort and other were adequate . This does not mean that there are not sophisticated safety measures of the plutonium transport anomalies . In the light of the findings of the inquiry referred were also for other reasons than safety in shipping, i.e. to to above, this procedure could be reexamined and requests provide extra safety especially to avoid any risk of unlawful for specific improvements sent to the Greek authorities . seizure of the cargo . It should be borne in mind that both plutonium and oil are transported with specially designed (!) OJ No L 137, 27 . 5 . 1985 . ships taking into account all possible maritime safety and environmental factors . Besides that, the conditions — ship design and navigation — of transport of both plutonium and oil are high on the agenda of the IMO .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 842/93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities (26 April 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION No 828/93 ( 94/C 32/20 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject; State of the environment in Greece (21 April 1993) 94/C 32/19 ) In view of the present state of the environment in Greece which is set to deteriorate still further, unless appropriate measures are taken and the relevant authorities institute Subject: Withdrawals of peaches in Imathia controls , does the Commission intend to work out a joint approach with the Greek authorities to correct existing Rumours of fake withdrawals of peaches by groups of ecological imbalances where they are caused by producers are circulating in Imathia among Greek peach Community-funded projects and , possibly, in other cases growers . Will the Commission therefore call , firstly, for an too ? Docs it intend to propose that a programme be drawn investigation into the matter and , secondly , consider up to rectify existing ecological imbalances and prevent such whether it is necessary to change the procedure for the imbalances occurring in future ? delivery of the fruit and tighten up the regulations to eliminate loopholes .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Steichen (1 October 1993) on behalf of the Commission (27 September 1993) In view of the existing incentive programmes and measures and the environmental legislation in force , the Commission does not intend to propose additional specific measures for The Commission has been made aware of rumours Greece . concerning possible fraud in the withdrawal of peaches in the prefecture of Imathia . It has therefore contacted the Greek authorities to ask them inter alia to make specific inquiries into this matter and to inform it as soon as possible of all necessary information .

If the inquiry shows that there has been fraud, the Greek WRITTEN QUESTION No 864/93 authorities should recover the amounts paid and impose the by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) administrative and penal sanctions provided for under to the Commission of the European Communities national legislation . (26 April 1993) .94/C 32/21 ) With regard to control arrangements , the Honourable Member is reminded that under Community legislation the Member States are responsible for organizing checks . Subject: The need to protect gorillas

Under Regulation ( EEC ) No 1319/85 ('), the Commission Three hundred gorillas — approximately half the total set up a specialized body of inspectors for the fruit and population in the world — are directly endangered and the No C 32/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

Central African National Park where they live is caught up are already financing construction of the 'Egnatia ' road, in the civil war which has broken out between government which is to reduce the isolation of Epirus . and rebel forces in Rwanda . The last scientists in the Park , who have already left the area , reported that 52 of the gorillas had already disappeared in recent weeks and they Furthermore, the Cohesion Fund has not so far received any fear that the animals are being eaten by starving rebel forces . official request from the Greek authorities to finance a Will the Commission take steps to provide Community railway between Volos and Igoumenitsa . support for efforts to protect the gorillas which are under immediate threat of extinction ? Nevertheless , under the Transport Infrastructure Programme ( budget heading B5-700 ), and in response to an application from the Greek authorities , the Commission has decided to finance 25% of the total cost of putting in standard-gauge track on the Paleofarsalos-Kalambaka line, Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas including its upgrading for speeds of up to 150 km/h , at an on behalf of the Commission estimated cost of ECU 28 million, and 50% of a jointly financed study, estimated to cost ECU 4,8 million, on a new (7 September 1993) single-track line ( standard gauge ) to the port of Igoumenitsa from Kalambaka , which would cover engineering and environmental studies . The Commission will positively consider the co-funding of viable projects aimed at the restoration of the protection of the gorilla population concerned .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 953/93 by Mr Sérgio Ribeiro ( CG ) WRITTEN QUESTION No 866/93 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) (29 April 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities ( 94/C 32/23 ) (26 April 1993) ( 94/C 32/22 ) Subject: Consequences of the European Court of Justice's judgment in the case brought by the ENU Subject: The need for a rail link for Epirus

The people of Epirus are asking for Community aid , as part On 18 February 1993 I tabled a question, pursuant to Rule of the Delors II package for instance , to build a rail link 60 of the Rules of Procedure , to the Commission, asking through Epirus connecting the ports of Igoumenitsa and what consequences it drew from the judgment handed down Volos as a ' bridge' between Europe and the Middle East . by the Court of Justice on 16 February condemning it for Will the Commission support their request ? violating Article 53 of the Euratom Treaty and vindicating the position of the ENU, the Portuguese National Uranium Undertaking ( Question H-0219/93 f 1 )).

I was somewhat puzzled by the reply I received dated 10 March : apart from telling me what I obviously knew — I Answer given by Mr Millan had after all asked the question — the Commission replied on behalf of the Commission that the consequences were . . . that the Commission (28 October 1993) services were analyzing the consequences .

Since I hope that it has now had time to analyze the The Commission has not so far received any official consequences to its full satisfaction , let me repeat my application for possible finance from the Structural Funds question ; will the Commission say what consequences it for building a railway between Epirus and Volos . Should draws from this judgment ? any such application from the Greek authorities reach the Commission it will be considered from every angle, including its degree of priority relative to other financing (') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-429 .(March requirements . Bear in mind that Community Programmes 1993 ). 2 . 2 , 94 Official journal of the European Communities No C 32/13

Answer given by Mr Matutes It has requested that the French authorities notify this aid on behalf of the Commission under Article 93 ( 3 ) of the EEC Treaty . (8 October 1993)

Following the judgment of the Court of Justice in the ENU case ( C-107/91 ), the Commission adopted a Decision on 19 July 1993 (') on a procedure for the application of the second paragraph of Article 53 of the Euratom Treaty, pursuant to Article 149 of that Treaty . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1004/93 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) The Commission Decision does not echo the view of the Empresa Nacional de Uranio SA ( ENU ) that a ' Community to the Commission of the European Communities preference' exists , and considers that the Euratom Supply (3 May 1993) Agency, while it should continue its efforts to find ( 94/C 32/25 ) Community users willing to purchase ENU's production, is not obliged to compel users to obtain supplies from that source as a matter of preference . Subject: Formulation of a European 'calibration law' (•) OJ No L 197, 6 . 8 . 1993 . The development of an environmentally friendly re-usable cup to replace the present disposable cup is prevented by provisions of the German calibration law . This law does not permit drinking receptacles to be marked with lines indicating different quantities .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 966/93 1 . Are there similar provisions in other Member States ? by Mr Reimer Boge ( PPE ) 2 . Does the Commission intend to harmonize national to the Commission of the European Communities legislation in this field ? (29 April 1993) 94/C 32/24 3 . If so , is it prepared to take account of such environmental aspects ?

Subject: Additional national premiums for growing rape in France

According to press reports , France has granted French Answer given by Mr Bangemann farmers an additional national premium of FF 700—800 per on behalf of the Commission hectare for growing rape on land that has been set aside . What is more , the French Government is supporting (12 October 1993) through further measures the rape methylester price and has pushed through pledges to take 40 000 m 1 in 1 993 and up to 140 000 m 3 in 1995 by means of binding agreements The Commission intends to harmonize national legislation between farmers , the State and mineral oil companies . on metrology . The harmonized legislation is likely to cover drinking vessels only as far as the metrological requirements This is the equivalent of 1 00 000 hectares of rape . with which drinking vessels must comply are concerned . Furthermore , only a small proportion of drinking vessels are subject to metrological rules in the Member States on Are these measures compatible with Community law ? account of their use .

The metrological requirements which its proposal will lay down in respect of measuring instruments will not exclude Answer given by Mr Steichen environmentally friendly drinking vessels . on behalf of the Commission (8 September 1993) However, the Commission does not intend to use metrological legislation as an instrument of environmental policy , as it can see no causal link between the metrological The Commission is informally aware of the aid granted by requirements with which drinking vessels must comply and the French Government for the production of rape environmental requirements , the two being mutually methylester on land intended for set-aside. independent. All drinking vessels with more than one No C 32/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94 nominal volume which meet the proposed metrological WRITTEN QUESTION No 1027/93 requirements will be acceptable under its proposal . by Mr Alex Smith ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1993) ( 94/C 32/27

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1025/93 Subject: Transportation of plutonium nitrate — by Mr Alex Smith ( S ) Compliance with IAEA Safety Series 6 to the Commission of the European Communities Has the Commission been advised of and does it concur (4 May 1993) with exemption issued by HM Department of Transport on 94/C 32/26 the test and endurance specifications for the plutonium nitrate flasks currently in use for the transportation of plutonium nitrate , specifically with regard to the relaxation Subject: Transportation of plutonium nitrate — of the period through which the flask may be left Radioactive sourcc term unattended , that fire engulfment and impact tests may be demonstrated by the use of scale models , and that should the Has the Commission been advised of the radioactive source flask be subject to fire engulfment within the IAEA standard term contained within a single flask of plutonium nitrate , conditions of time and temperature , there would be a have safety studies been completed to demonstrate that for significant loss of neutron shielding ? every foreseeable accident full or partial release of this radioactivity would result in acceptable consequences with regard to the safety of members of the public , and is the Commission satisfied that appropriate resources and Answer given by Mr Matutes contingency plans have been laid in all Member States that on behalf of the Commission could be affected by such a release, and that these plans are wholly sufficient to mitigate the potential consequences of (12 October 1993) an accidental release ? As explained in reply to Written Question No 1025/93 by the Honourable Member ( ] ), it is the competent authority of the country concerned which issues approvals for packages Answer given by Mr Matutes used for the transport of radioactive materials . When on behalf of the Commission carrying out the approval procedure it will examine all the evidence produced to show that the package meets the IAEA (12 October 1993) regulations .

The safety of the transport of radioactive materials is Full scale as well as model tests and calculations are accepted covered by safety standards established at the broadest means of seeking approval provided they are acceptable to international level in the framework of the IAEA, which arc the competent authority . As the regulations require , the loss applied by the national ' Competent authorities'. of shielding is limited , so that following the tests ( impact, fire, etc .) the package will still meet the requirements of the regulations for dose rate on the outside of the package . Whatever the contents of packages , there is no requirement in Community regulations for the Commission to be 0 ) Sec page 14 of this Official Journal . informed . Transport of radioactive materials is under national responsibility . There is no Community responsibility ( licensing ) in the authorization of a particular transport .

A safety assessment on the transport operation of plutonium nitrate was carried out prior to the commencement of WRITTEN QUESTION No 1029/93 operations by the UK Nuclear Installations Inspectorate . by Mr Alex Smith ( S ) This report is generally available . to the Commission of the European Communities (4 May 1993) Also an environmental hazard assessment was carried out in 1984 assuming the worst case scenario of a breach of the ( 94/C 32/28 container . It is a condition of the IAEA regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material that emergency Subject: Transportation of plutonium nitrate — Public systems and contingency plans are in place and liability and compensation operational . Is the Commission satisfied that in the event of an accident and release of radioactive materials from a consignment of 2 . 2 , 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/15 plutonium nitrate whilst under transportation at sea , that be extended and whether a programme should be launched the various parties involved in its transportation, including at the earliest opportunity to train senior management staff HM Department of Transport, would assume full and to deal with issues concerning culture, young people and unlimited liability in meeting all proven claims for women ? compensation for health injury , damage etc ., and would these measures of liability and compensation apply to other Member States including the Republic of Ireland ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Matutes (2 September 1993) on behalf of the Commission (3 September 1993) The European Social Fund , operating under the CSF ( Community Support Frameworks ), is cofinancing As mentioned in reply to Written Question No 1025/93 by operational programmes specifically promoting training the Honourable Member ( l ) the assessment made of the and employment for young people and women , for the environmental hazard involved with the transport of period 1989—93 . plutonium nitrate by sea, which takes place within British territorial waters , assuming the worst case scenario of breach of the container , concluded that the impact to the Eligibility for funding in the area of education has been marine ecosystem and to the population would be extended , reflecting the Commission's particular concern negligible . with young people .

The consignor and the carrier have taken out insurance With specific regard to women , in December 1990 the against public liability arising out of this transport of Commission adopted the NOW initiative , covering the plutonium nitrate by sea . period 1991 —1993 , with the aim of implementing innovative transnational measures to promote equal The 'Paris Convention on Third Party liability in the field of opportunities in employment for men and women . Nuclear Damage' would be applicable to nuclear damage . Under the Paris Convention all liability is channelled on to With the new reform of the Structural Funds, the one person . In the case of the transport of radioactive Commission has explicitly included equal opportunities for materials , the claim falls either upon the operator of the the first time as one of the tasks of the European Social Fund nuclear installation in connection with which the substances in the draft regulations . This should enable more are carried , or upon the carrier . Under the Paris Convention consideration to be given to women's participation in all liability is limited . ESF action, and operational programmes to be adopted specifically for measures promoting women's interests . Finally , the 'Paris Convention' does not apply to nuclear incidents occurring in the territory of non-contracting states The Commission is therefore willing to consider proposals or to damage suffered in such territory unless the national from Member States for specific measures for women and legislation of the operator otherwise provides . Ireland is not young people in the cultural field that are in line with the a party to the abovementioned Convention . Social Fund's objectives .

( ] ) See page 14 of this Official Journal . This supplements action taken following the Council resolution of 3 June 1 985 on promoting equal opportunities for boys and girls in the field of education .

IRIS and LEI are two other specific instruments of Community equal opportunities policy aiming to improve WRITTEN QUESTION No 1072/93 the situation of women on the labour market . by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities The Community also offers the possibility of financial (6 May 1993) support for projects organized by and for young people aged ( 94/C 32/29 between 15 and 25 outside the education and vocational training systems , through the ' Youth for Europe ' programme concentrating on priority action for young Subject: Programmes in favour of women and young people . The average participation rate of young women in people the 'Youth for Europe' programme is 48% .

Does the Commission intend to say whether it considers that As soon as the Treaty on European Union has been ratified , programmes in favour of women and young people should the Commission intends to submit a proposal for a Council No C 32/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 .. 2 . 94 decision , based on Article 126 of the Treaty, improving the The budget of this project is ECU 294 000 for the period general framework and coordination of activities financed from 1 January 1993 to 31 December 1995 . in this field to date .

This proposal for a decision will include financial support for transnational cooperation and training projects for youth workers , i.e. persons running or assisting with youth leisure activities . This type of project is already supported WRITTEN QUESTION No 1135/93 under the programme and measures described above . by Mr Thomas Megahy ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities (29 April 1993) ( 94/C 32/31 )

Subject: Research into nuclear safety WRITTEN QUESTION No 1125/93 by Mr Barry Desmond ( S ) Could the Commission explain why the Community's funds to the Commission of the European Communities for research into nuclear safety have suffered drastic (29 April 1993) cutbacks in the last few years ? Are there any plans to restore spending ? ( 94/C 32/30 )

Subject: Research and development of a cure for pigmentary retinopathy Answer given by Mr Ruberti on behalf of the Commission Pigmentary retinopathy is a genetic disease which, as yet, (7 September 1993) cannot be treated and leads to blindness . The Commission carries out nuclear safety R&D under the To what extent has the Commission shown interest and following programmes : concern for those suffering from pigmentary retinopathy, thus demonstrating awareness of the need for immediate — decommissioning research for a cure , to restore sight in 400 000 people throughout Europe ? — radiation protection

Would the Commission agree that cooperation between — nuclear fission safety Member States in the domain of research and development is best achieved through a Community sponsored effort ? — Teleman ( remote handling in nuclear environments ) — waste storage and management To ensure coordinated research efforts by Member States , will the Commission pilot such a scheme ? These activities are performed by the Joint Research Centre as well as on a cost shared basis under contract by national research organizations .

The reduction of Community funding during the last years Answer given by Mr Ruberti in the field of nuclear safety reflects the evolution of national on behalf of the Commission nuclear programmes and the appropriations voted by the (28 October 1993) budgetary authority in the annual Community budgets .

The Commission adopted on 16 June 1993 ( J ) its proposal Pigmentary retinopathy is the subject of an ongoing research for a Council decision concerning a framework programme project within the Biomed 1 programme , entitled of Community activities in the field of research and training 'Prevention of blindness : molecular research and medical for the European Atomic Energy Community care in retinitis pigmentosa'. This project is a concerted ( 1994—1998 ). This proposal provides for ECU 495 million action including 37 participants from 12 countries ( 10 from as the amount deemed necessary for research into nuclear the Community and two from EFTA ). safety and safeguards .

A description of the objectives of this project is addressed H COM(93 ) 276 final . directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat General of the European Parliament . 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/17

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1182/93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1193/93 by Mr Giis de Vries ( LDR ) by Mrs Martine Buron ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (13 May 1993) (13 May 1993) ( 94/C 32/32 ) ( 94/C 32/33 )

Subject: Transitional tariff arrangements in connection with German unification Subject: Decline in the agricultural machinery sector

In its proposal to amend the transitional tariff measures for Has the Commission investigated the combined adverse Bulgaria , Czechoslovakia , Hungary , Poland , Romania , effects of the reform of the common agricultural policy and the USSR and Yugoslavia to take account of German the in-flow of goods from Eastern European countries on unification ( COM(93 ) 0005 final ), the Commission industries dependent on agriculture such as the agricultural proposes that a number of agricultural products , namely machinery industry ? fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetable products , should be exempt from import duties . Recent figures show that in some countries half of the jobs in 1 . What amount is involved in exports of these products to agricultural machinery production have disappeared and the EC that this trend has recently been on the increase . ( a ) for all the exporting countries concerned ? ( b ) for each country ? Given that this process seems irreversible and is affecting all the EEC countries in the same way, does the Commission 2 . Why has the Commission brought forward this not agree that specific measures , along the lines of Renaval, proposal ? for example , should be introduced to accompany the major changes taking place in this industrial sector ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission (1 October 1993) Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission 1 . Since the statistics regarding use of the tariff quotas (12 October 1993) concerned are not yet complete , the Commission cannot give the Honourable Member the figures he requires, except for the former Yugoslavia, whose imports under the Regulation cited were of a total value of DM 0,83 million in The European Committee of Groups of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers has drawn the Commission's 1991 and DM 1,6 million in 1992 . The import data attention to the problem created by the restructuring of available for the other countries have not yet been European agriculture . systematically established, so that a conclusive evaluation cannot yet be made . All the information available has been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the It is tempting to assume a connection between the 13% Parliament Secretariat . drop in the volume of production of agricultural equipment between 1990 and 1992 , worth some ECU 12 billion ( 1985 2 . The Commission judged the proposal to be useful prices ), and the increase in imports of agricultural primarily for two reasons, already indicated in the recitals to machinery from the countries of Central Europe and the the Regulation referred to : CIS . However, the increase in these imports, from ECU 90 million in 1988 to ECU 138 million in 1992, is not — firstly, despite the relatively small quantities involved , particularly significant seen against the far more the chances of survival of a number of small enterprises considerable impact of the CAP . in the new Lander depend on the extension of this arrangement; As soon as it became aware of these problems , the — secondly , since the Community's trade policy is Commission set about identifying the exact causes and constantly developing towards closer cooperation with finding solutions . A study was commissioned from an the countries of Eastern and Central Europe , the outside consultant, whose preliminary report has now been elimination of existing tariff quotas needs to be received . Once it has the final report, the Commission will harmonized with the development of Community tariff examine what action should be taken . , quotas . No C 32/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1194/93 Some two years after the 1991 agreement, which included by Mr Christian de la Malene ( RDE ) an undertaking that there would be close surveillance of market trends in the various areas concerned ( installation to the Commission of the European Communities and production of transplants , Japanese imports of (13 May 1993) European cars and imports of Japanese cars into Europe , ( 94/C 32/34 ) specific reciprocity in individual sectors or general reciprocity, etc.), can the Commission summarize the results of the monitoring and provide specific data on trends in trade and penetration rates and on each of the market Subject: The future of the European car industry and trade sectors covered by the 1991 agreement between Europe and relations with Japan Japan ?

The agreement signed by the European Community and Japan on the car industry in July 1 991 refers to monitoring of the trend in vehicle flows between the two blocs in order Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1194/93 and 1195/93 to ensure that the Japanese side complies with the given by Mr Bangemann undertakings given in the agreement . on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1993) Will the Commission apprise us of all the information collected as a result of this monitoring process on the current position with regard to trade in the motor vehicle sector The Commission has in its possession reliable statistical sources enabling it to monitor movements on the between the European Community and Japan and tell us how it views the present situation in this industry ? What are Community motor- vehicle market . These cover, among other things , the ( monthly and annual ) new-vehicle its current projections concerning foreseeable developments registrations in each of the Member States of the in EEC-Japan relations in this sector . Community . These statistics are particularly detailed and precise since the competent authorities in each Member State list, for taxation purposes, the characteristics of each newly registered vehicle . Moreover , the database on external trade , COMEXT, provided by Eurostat and based on the combined nomenclature, provides information on WRITTEN QUESTION No 1195/93 the volume ( in value and unit terms ) of vehicle exports and by Mr Christian de la Malène ( RDE ) imports and on the balance with each of the non-member countries concerned . to the Commission of the European Communities (13 May 1993) The Japanese association of motor vehicle manufactures 94/C 32/35 provides monthly data on vehicle exports from Japan to the Community that have been authenticated by the Japanese authorities and which do not identify any perceptible discrepancy ( apart from time-lags due to transport and Subject: The European car industry and trade relations stock effects ) with the import data referred to above . The with Japan motor vehicle manufacturers established within the Community also provide production statistics on a regular Restoring balanced economic relations presupposes the basics . In addition several independent consultants political will to do so by both parties , but it also implies the specializing in the motor-vehicle sector regularly pass on availability of reliable statistics on the development of trade their medium and long-term forecasts concerning vehicle between the Community and Japan . demand . The Commission feels that the setting up of a motor-vehicle watchdog as suggested by the Honourable Member will not enable any more closely defined and Will the Commission supply us with the statistics currently complete statistics to be obtained than those already available on motor vehicle trade between Europe and Japan available and summarized in the enclosed table . and can it confirm that the monitoring of the Agreement between the EEC and Japan referred to in the declaration of More particularly with regard to the motor vehicle July 1991 has the necessary and adequate statistics at its agreement with Japan the Commission based itself, during disposal to enable it to keep a close watch on the trend in the negotiations , on a working hypothesis of sales of trade relations between the two sides, particularly in the car Japanese vehicles produced within the Community of industry ? 1,2 million in 1999 . Sales of those vehicles have not justified any challenge to the validity of that hypothesis . As for the monitoring provided for in the agreement on vehicles If such statistics are not available , docs the Commission exported to the Community from Japan , it is up to the consider that a statistical observatory should be set up Japanese authorities to ensure that the volume of exports to monitor trade developments or is it able to reassure us does not exceed the levels agreed bilaterally . Thus , as a result that this need can be covered by the monitoring of the of the consensus reached on 1 April 1993 , Japan accepted a Agreement ? 9,4% reduction in exports for the whole of 1993 to 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/19

1 089 million ( as opposed to 1 202 million in 1992 ). This Answer given by Mr Marin drop in exports had , in particular , been based on a forecast on behalf of the Commission fall in Community demand of 6,5 % for the whole of the (30 September 1993) year . The Commission is aware that registration since the beginning of this year give rise to more pessimistic forecasts for 1993 as a whole . In view of the agreement with Japan it The Commission attaches the greatest importance to the has therefore asked the Japanese authorities to resume social impact of its cooperation activities . It is aware of the consultations in order to take account of this variation in information and the rumours about the impact the Carajas demand on the Community market . The Commission feels mine is having on the Awa Guaja and other Indian in this connection , as in the past, that the flexible nature tribes . of the Japanese monitoring will enable an effective contribution to be made to avoiding market disruptions . Social impact is considered for the present within the framework of environmental assessment procedures . For Statistics for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles Commission-financed programmes in Brazil and other weighing less than 5 tonnes countries in Latin America , such environmental procedures came into effect in July 1992 and are based upon OECD Production in Community 'best practices' guidelines adopted in December 1991 . These Registration CE 12 of 12 call inter alia for an environmental impact assessment to be ( Source AAA ) ( Source DRI ) (') carried out where projects may have a significant negative effect on the environment ( including indigenous 1991 13 890 212 13 834 334 populations and other vulnerable groups in the area of 1992 13 948 563 14 065 529 influence of the project e . g . mining, toxic waste disposal, large-scale deforestation etc.). In countries covered by the ( ! ) Net of double entries and including LCV weighing less than 6 tonnes . Lome Convention, social impact is examined in the light of the recommendations set out in a Manual on Women in Development published in 1991 and a Manual on Environment which came into effect in June 1993 .

Imports by Community of 1 2 from Japan ( Source Comest ) (') The Commission would point out that it has on a number of occasions explained the situation and that even the Court of

1991 1 373 878 Auditors ' report did not list any irregularities, mistakes or failures by the Commission in its part-financing of the 1992 1 198 236 Carajas mine project . ( ] ) Not including the Canary Islands .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1222/93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1225/93 by Mr Wilfried Telkamper ( V ) by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (18 May 1993) (18 May 1993) ( 94/C 32/36 ) ( 94/C 32/37 )

Subject: The effects of development projects on indigenous Subject: Renewable primary products peoples For reasons of soil and water conservation the use of Is the Commission aware of the desperate situation of the environmentally acceptable oils , form oils and lubricants is Awa Guaja Indians in Brazil ( referred to in resolution urgently required . Scientific studies have shown that the use B3-0372/93 ). These people are still suffering the of oils, form oils and lubricants produced from renewable consequences of the Carajas mine , which was co-financed primary products has a mitigating effect on the by the Commission . Has the Commission conducted a environmental damage caused . One of the advantages lies in review of the impact on indigenous peoples of the the faster biodegradability rate of these substances . Despite development projects it finances ? Does it plan to introduce a this , the use of these products is subject to serious marketing system of social effects reporting into its projects selection problems . procedure to make sure that such tragedies never happen again ? Does it plan to introduce a requirement for Does the Commission intend at a future time to promote the consultation of local people into its project selection use of renewable primary products as oils , form oils and procedures ? once-through lubricants ? No C 32/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas closures . The Member State must submit to the Commission on behalf of the Commission a programme describing existing or intended measures in (20 October 1993) order to safety the Commission that they are adequate . The measures will then be implemented at the earliest opportunity . Hitherto the Commission has not suggested the use of any given material or materials , in connection with waste management, that is/are to be preferred to others in order to 3 . The objectives of the Multiannual Guidance protect the environment . This is partly due to the fact that it Programme specify reductions in fishing effort . These can be does not have reliable comparative ecological balance sheets achieved purely by capacity reductions or by a combination available . of capacity and activity reductions . Member States opting to reduce only capacity will not gain any advantages , since they are required to implement controls to ensure that the Once it has been proven that the management of the waste activity of the remaining vessels does not increase . arising from vegetable oils displays significant ecological advantages , in waste management terms as compared with mineral oils and that vegetable oils may ( rest of text missing).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1248/93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1240/93 by Mr Isidoro Sánchez García ( ARC ) by Lord O'Hagan ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (18 May 1993) (18 May 1993) ( 94/C 32/39 ) ( 94/C 32/38 )

Subject: Days-at-sea regimes Subject: Poseican : modification of Directive 77/93/EEC

1 . Is it true that only The Netherlands , Belgium and the Title IV ( 10.5 ) of the Annex to Council Decision United Kingdom are operating days-at-sea regimes ? 91/314/EEC (*) of 26 June 1991 setting up a programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of the 2 . When will these regimes be in force in all Member Canary Islands ( Poseican ) provides for the modification of States ? Council Directive 77/93/EEC ( 2 ) of 21 December 1976 on protective measures against the introduction into the 3 . Is the Commission aware that unfair advantages may Member States of organisms harmful to plants or plant be conferred on those Member States who do not implement products . days-at-sea regimes as a consequence of the Multiannual Guidance Programmes ? What action has been taken in this regard and when ?

(') O J No L 171 , 29 . 6 . 1991 , p . 5 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 26 , 31 . 1 . 1977, p . 20 . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (6 September 1993)

1 . Only the United Kingdom and the Netherlands intend Answer given by Mr Steichen to control the activity of individual vessels ( and also Spain on behalf of the Commission and Portugal for the vessels in the Treaty of Accession). Belgium does not have a days at sea regime . (29 September 1993)

2 . Under the new generation of Multiannual Guidance Programmes, all Member States are required to introduce On 22 March 1993 the Commission sent the Council , controls on the activity of fishing vessels , but this need not Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee a be a days at sea regime for individual vessels . The measures proposal for a Directive amending Directive 77/93/EEC on introduced to control activity are decided by each Member protective measures against introduction into the State . Some Member States already operate broad Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant restrictions in activity, for example seasonal or weekend products and their spread within the Community ( 1 ). 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/21

The proposal brings the Canary Islands within the scope of the Congo are operating in contravention of the law; there is the Directive , with additional provisions to protect the fraud on a large scale . Although the Congo's forestry laws special nature of their agricultural production . are reasonably good , the report concludes that monitoring of forestry activities is 'non-existent'. Various EC The Council has not yet adopted these measures . companies are taking advantage , directly or through joint ventures , of the lack of supervision . (') COM(93 ) 99 final .

1 . How much tropical timber is imported from the Congo to the EC ? Which EC companies are involved in these imports ? Has an estimate been made of the scale of the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1252/93 illegal trade in timber from other African countries ? by Mr Hemmo Muntingh ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities 2 . Does the Commission agree that this fraud shows the existence of a criminal trade in tropical timber (18 May 1993) comparable with illegal trafficking in women, drugs or ( 94/C 32/40 ) wild flora and fauna ?

Subject: Trade in tropical timber by EC companies in the 3 . Will the Commission combat fraud in the tropical trade Congo with the same instruments that it uses against other forms of criminal trade ? A report prepared for the World Bank and the Congo Government states that almost all forestry companies in the Congo are operating in contravention of the law . Although the Congo's forestry laws are good , the report concludes that monitoring of forestry activities is 'non-existent'. Various EC companies are taking advantage of this lack of supervision , either directly or through joint ventures . They include the Forestiere Nord Congo ( FNC ), the Societe Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1252/93 Forestiere de Missa ( SFM ), the Societe Congolaise and 1253/93 Arabe-Libyenne, the Societe Nord Bois de Sangha ( SNBS ), given by Mr Marin CIB and the Societe Congolaise Bois d'Ouesso ( SCBO ). on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1993) 1 . Which EC companies are involved in the above forestry activities in the Congo ? Which other EC companies are active in forestry in the Congo ? 2 . What profits or losses do these companies make in their The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for forestry activities in the Congo ? bringing to its attention the existence of the report to which he refers in his questions . This will enable it to contact the 3 . What forms of fraud have been identified in the tropical World Bank to obtain more details . timber trade in the Congo ? Which EC companies are associated with these ?

4 . How will the Commission ensure that all forms of fraud The Commission has clearly stated its desire to work towards sustainable management of rainforests while perpetrated by EC companies in forestry activities in the respecting the sovereignty of the relevant countries . Congo are halted immediately, or that the suspicion of fraud is disproved as soon as possible ? 5 . Will the Commission ask the World Bank for In June last year, at the UN Conference on the Environment clarification of the support for forestry projects in the and Development, the Community and its Member States Congo and other African countries referred to in the adopted the declaration in principle on the management, report ? conservation and sustainable development of all types of forest . Similarly, the Council on a number of occasions declared that the Community and its Member States would continue to work for a comprehensive , legally binding WRITTEN QUESTION No 1253/93 instrument on the same issue . The Commission meanwhile by Mr Hemmo Muntingh ( S ) clearly stated its desire to work for sustainable management to the Commission of the European Communities of rainforests while respecting the sovereignty of the countries concerned . (18 May 1993) ( 94/C 32/41 The Commission is currently looking into the relationship Subject; Criminal activity in the tropical timber trade between the timber trade and the sustainable management of forests and the issue of certification and ecolabelling of A report prepared for the World Bank and the Congo timber, which was widely discussed at the 14th ITTO Government states that virtually all forestry companies in meeting in Kuala Lumpur . No C 32/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

Turning more specifically to the Congo , we can see from the Answer given by Mr Ruberti latest Stabex figures received by the Commission that on behalf of the Commission Community imports of rough and sawn timber from the (30 September 1993) Congo were 484 000 tonnes in 1 990 and 387 222 tonnes in 1991 . The Commission does not have any estimates on the production of tropical timber and is not aware of any In the research field in question, the JRC , in its present fraudulent trade in it as all export traffic is directed through programme 1 992—94 , contributes to the specific research the port of Pointe Noire . programmes of the third framework programme 'Measurement and testing' ( in particular, prenormative work carried out in the European Solar Test Installation ) To the best of the Commission's knowledge , the main and 'Environment' ( assessment of energy/environment Community firms in the Congo involved in production and related issues ). Furthermore , the JRC provides science and export are : technology support for the Thermie and SAVE programmes . — Placongo ( managed by three EC firms : SIBT ( France ), Nordisk ( Denmark ) and Bruynzeel ( Netherlands )); There was no reduction of posts assigned to these tasks during the present programme period . The JRC intends to fill those posts which recently became vacant following — Socobois Wonneman ( Germany ); normal departures due to retirement .

— Foralac ( managed by the Portuguese group Barreto, based in London ).

There are also other small-scale producers . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1313/93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) The Commission condemns all fraudulent practices as to the Commission of the European Communities illegal and therefore reprehensible . (1 June 1993) (94/C 32/43 )

Subject: Assessment and cooperation with the CIS

Humanitarian and technical aid has been granted to the 12 republics which were previously members of the USSR , namely the Commonwealth of Independent States . Can the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1293/93 Commission say whether a general appraisal of the achievements and setbacks of cooperation with the CIS has by Mr Virginio Bettini ( V ) been undertaken so far ? to the Commission of the European Communities (1 June 1993) (94/C 32/42 ) Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (11 October 1993) Subject: JRC staff assigned to work on renewable forms of energy The Commission has not yet conducted a general evaluation of the results of the programme of cooperation with the Work on renewable forms of energy is being intensified in New Independent States ( NIS ), be it on technical assistance, the JRC's 1992—94 programme and the European humanitarian aid or loans . Parliament's resolution on the promotion of renewable forms of energy ( Bettini report — Doc . A3-0405/92 ) calls on A. Evaluation of technical assistance the Commission to step up JRC research in this field , in the context of the fourth framework programme , and envisages Where technical assistance is concerned this is because the additional funding for the JRC, to enable it to become a 1991 and 1992 programmes have not yet been completed . 'green centre ' developing energy and environmental analysis However , the Commission is currently setting up teams to methods . monitor projects and they will carry out evaluations as projects are completed .

In view of the fact that no steps have yet been taken to make At the beginning of June technical assistance to the former up for the reduction in JRC staff assigned to these expanding USSR was discussed in the European Parliament at the time activities, can the Commission say whether it intends to take of the public hearings of the RFLX Committee and the budget swift action to make its objectives feasible ? control exercise in respect of the Tacis and Phare 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/23 programmes , in the course of which the question of the competent authorities in the republics to put out calls for evaluation was raised . Considering the difficulties the tender and conclude contracts , and for the Commission encountered , the Commission held the view that the Tacis to approve the contracts, because of the large number of results were positive although they could have been medicines and supplies involved . It will not be possible to better . carry out an evaluation before the end of the year .

B. Evaluation of humanitarian and loan operations Finally, it should be stressed that, each year, the Court of Auditors checks the list of operations not yet completed . The Commission has not written a general report on the various aid operations sincc the latest and biggest has not yet 5 . Emergency aid (ECHO) been completed . However, the Commission monitored all operations whilst they were under way and , for those that The Commission has sent substantial emergency aid to have been completed , either the NGO responsible for several New Independent States, e.g. Armenia , Azerbaijan, carrying out the operation or independent bodies have made Georgia and Tajikistan . The aid was mainly for those the respective evaluations . affected by the conflicts which flared up in these countries . Briefly, therefore , it may be said that, despite some difficulties, the operations were completed satisfactorily . Concerning the loan of ECU 1 250 million granted by the Council on 16 December 1991 ( Decision 91/658/EEC ), it is too early to conduct an evaluation . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1325/93 The following conclusions are possible at this stage : by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities 1 . Grant of ECU 250 million to the former USSR (3 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/44 ) This food aid was distributed by non-governmental organizations in the territory of the former USSR in 1991 and 1992 . Distribution was supervised by an independent Subject: The situation of Greek fauna supervisory body . Delays were due mainly to the unstable political situation during this period . For instance , the operation , which was organized under Mr Gorbachev , had According to the ' Red Handbook of Endangered just got under way when there was the coup d'etat of August Vertebrates in Greece', which has recently been published , 1991 , whilst completion of the operation ran into the the situation of Greek fauna is giving particular cause for difficulties caused by the splitting up of the Union . concern . This invaluable work contains a comprehensive list Nevertheless , the operation was completed . of mammals , birds , reptiles and fish giving their population sizes and the dangers threatening them . According to this handbook, published by the Greek Zoological Association 2 . Grant of ECU 200 million to the cities of Moscow, St and the Greek Ornithological Association , 57 species and Petersburg, Chelyabinsk, Nizhniy-Novgorod and Saratov six sub-species of mammals in Greece are endangered . The endangered species include : the brown bear, the lynx, the The products supplied as food aid were sold by networks of Mediterranean seal , the red deer, the wild goat and the commercial outlets during the winter of 1991 —1992 . The dwarf hamster ( type of rodent). product of the sales went to a fund set up to finance aid for the elderly, orphans, students and other vulnerable The main threat to mammals is the destruction of their population groups . The operation was considered a natural habitats — defoliation of forests , property success . development, the opening of roads through forests, even in mountainous areas — together with hunting and poaching, 3 . ECU 500 million loan guarantee to Russia shortage of fodder and the use of traps . Will the Commission make an effective contribution towards This loan meant that Russia was able to import food to a protecting species of Greek fauna which are being value of ECU 375 million in 1992 . An evaluation will be threatened by Man 's thoughtlessness ? possible when the loan had been repaid in 1995 .

4 . Loan of ECU 1 250 million to the CIS States and Georgia Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission This loan should enable the beneficiary republics to import (4 October 1993) agricultural products , food and medical supplies . Deliveries of agricultural products and food are well under way to all republics and those of medical supplies have begun to most Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds ( ), republics . In the case of medical supplies, it takes longer for and Regulation ( EEC ) No 1973/92 LIFE ( 2 ) currently No C 32/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94 provide the legal and financial basis for action to protect demand in return for payment in the currencies of the biotopes and wild flora and fauna at Community level . OECD countries, thus obtaining essential revenue to pay for the imports they need in order to modernize other sectors of In addition , the Commission gives financial support to their economies . projects to conserve biotopes and protect endangered species in Greece . Mindful of this need , the Community acted promptly to abolish the customs duties levied on products from the Nonetheless, it falls primarily to the Greek authorities to countries of the former Soviet Union ( and of Eastern take the necessary measures to implement Community law Europe ) on entry into the Community, including the duties and maintain biodiversity in Greece . on most petroleum products , by bringing these countries within the Community's generalized scheme of tariff preferences ( GSP). That decision was taken as a temporary (') OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 206 , 22 . 7 . 1992 . measure to boost exports from these countries to the Community, pending the conclusion of European agreements aimed at the gradual establishment of a free trade area .

Furthermore, the application of GSP benefits to petroleum products from the countries of the former Soviet Union is perfectly consistent with the policy of liberalization which WRITTEN QUESTION No 1354/93 the Commission and the Community have been pursuing for by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) a number of years and reflects a desire not to discriminate as to the Commission of the European Communities regards the origin of the products concerned and to promote (4 June 1993) easier access to oil and gas markets . ( 94/G 32/45 ) As far as crude oil is concerned , imports into the Community have been exempt from customs duties for Subject: New markets for hydrocarbons several decades . The same applies to natural gas , export of which from the countries of the former Soviet Union to the Community are likely to increase significantly between now The countries of the former USSR wish to be able to export and 2000 or 2010 given the environmental advantages of hydrocarbons so as to finance the purchase of energy using natural gas compared with other fossil fuels . technology, plant and equipment from Community undertakings . Will the Commission therefore help Community undertakings to play a part in creating new Clearly, these imports of petroleum products will also have markets for hydrocarbons from the countries of the former to satisfy existing and future environmental regulations in USSR in the Community ? the Community ( as regards lead , sulphur , etc .). In this connection the European Energy Charter will be conductive to more substantial collaboration in the environmental field .

Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1993)

The countries of the former USSR are collectively the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1371/93 world's main exporters of hydrocarbons and possess by Mr Gerardo Fcrnandez-Albor ( PPE ) abundant reserves which are still largely unexploited or under-exploited . They therefore offer the Community an to the Commission of the European Communities excellent opportunity to diversify its sources of supply and (4 June 1993) to spread the attendant risk . ( 94/C 32/46

The European Energy Charter currently being drawn up should create the conditions for exploiting this potential , Subject; Possible disparities in Community milk policy while at the same time giving Community undertakings the possibility of direct access to new resources . It will also make Farmers in the Spanish region of Galicia have difficulty in access to the Community market easier for undertakings in understanding the conditions governing the application of the former Soviet Union . Community milk policy . Disparities in the way different countries view the EAGGF are illustrated by the It has been noticeable in recent years that, in spite of the fall phenomenon of 'black milk', which refers to surpluses in their exports , the countries of the former Soviet Union disposed of through foreign industry — estimated to have concentrated on satisfying guaranteed external amount of 1 million litres per month — at a price which will 2 , 2 , 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/25 always be more favourable than the 50-52 peseta are fulfilled . To this end , in 1992 the Commission started a surcharge . survey under the terms of Article 9 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 729/70 to check to what extent Member States verified Galician farmers do not understand why a country such as the actual existence and accurate accounting of milk Holland , which accounts for 5,9 % of cattle , 10,4 % of milk products falling within CN code 0401 which were the object production and 4,9 % of meat production , should receive of intra-Community trade during the 1991/92 marketing ECU 8 836,7 million from the EAGGF Guarantee Section in year . The first Member State to be visited as part of the the three-year period from 1986 to 1988 , while Spain , with survey is Germany . Missions will follow first to the Netherlands and then to other Member States . 6,6 % of cattle, 5,2 % of milk production and 6,2 % of meat production , received only ECU 2 762,7 million . This means that, in the above three-year period , the EAGGF spent 82 367 pesetas for every Dutch citizen and 9 812 pesetas for every Spaniard .

Can the Commission explain this disparity , which is leading WRITTEN QUESTION No 1404/93 Galician farmers to believe that Spanish interests are being by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) inadequately represented at Community level and that to the Commission of the European Communities they are not receiving equal treatment ? What is the Commission's position on 'black milk'? (8 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/47 }

Subject: Decommissioning of nuclear power stations

Answer given by Mr Steichen 1 . Does the Commission consider the financial reserves on behalf of the Commission set aside by the operators of nuclear power stations to be (30 September 1993) sufficient ? If not, what measures will it take in this connection ?

The quantities paid by the EAGGF ( Guarantee Section ) to 2 . What experience has been gained to date regarding the the Netherlands were Fl 11 213 million ( roughly ECU 4 163 permanent storage of spent fuel rods ? million ) and to Spain PTA 85 933 million ( roughly ECU 552 million ). These are mainly payments for refunds on 3 . What stage has been reached in R&D in the field of the quantities exported to third countries and , to a lesser extent, permanent storage of spent fuel rods in the Community ? aids paid for private storage and buying into intervention . 4 . In the Commission 's view, at what point should reprocessing be discontinued as a means of disposal and The Netherlands exported more than 40 times the volume immediate permanent disposal be made compulsory ? exported by Spain and the quantities stored in Spain were always much lower than those stored in the Netherlands . That is because the Netherlands is in surplus and produces twice as much as Spain with approximately a quarter of the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas population . Moreover, several Member States export their on behalf of the Commission products via Dutch ports, and this is charged to the Netherlands in the budget . (20 October 1993)

With regard to the non-declaration of produced milk , 1 . The Commission does not consider that the financial Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3950/92 , which sets an reserves in the Member States for decommissioning are additional levy in the milk and milk products sector, and inadequate . However decommissioning cost estimates Commission Regulation ( EEC ) No 536/93 , which sets the increased over the years and funding plans have to be detailed rules of application of the levy , lay down the adapted to this evolution . conditions for application of the levy by imposing strict requirements and very precise rules on both producers and 2 . There is no practical experience world-wide with buyers with regard to notifications, time limits , direct disposal of spent fuel elements nor with disposal of identification, etc . Buyers, carriers and producers are high-level waste from reprocessing . obliged to comply strictly with the provisions of the Regulations . In the event of non-compliance , there are 3 . Various R&D activities on direct disposal of spent fuel provisions for fines and penalties which could include elements are in progress in the Community, such as the AHE withdrawal of approval from the producer . ( Active Handling Experiment ) conducted in the Asse salt mine ( Germany ) under the Community R&D programme . Moreover, Member States are responsible for taking all the The AHE uses a Cf-252 neutron source to investigate the necessary control measures to ensure that all the provisions effects of direct disposal of spent fuel elements in a salt regarding the production and marketing of milk products formation . No C 32/2 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

4 . The Commission views both fuel reprocessing and implementation of the objectives of nature conservation and direct disposal of spent fuel as possible solutions . should also be taken into account in the framework of this action , the Commission could agree .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1453/93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1452/93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (9 June 1993) (9 june 1993) ( 94/C 32/49 ) ( 94/C 32/48 ) Subject: The 'Veïkou estate' in Athens

Subject; Merging of the Valia Kalda and Vikos Aoos The Athens Forestry Authority is illegally refusing to advise national parks in Greece the prefect of Athens to announce that the 'Veïkou estate' must be reafforested . Given that this 'estate ' is public land ( Ministry of Finance Decision No 39354/1987 ) and in view The merging of the Greek national parks Valia Kalda and of the serious environmental pollution in Attika, will the Vikos Aoos into a single national park is one of the Commission call on the Greek authorities to take all the proposals contained in a study drawn up by the Goulandris necessary measures for the reafforestation of this area ? Natural History Museum concerning northern Pindos . This study also proposes the development of suitable forms of activity ( tourism , rural activities etc.), taking account of the limitations , potential and resources of the area . The study also proposes recognition and development of the cultural Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas heritage and , finally, the creation of land registers and the ' on behalf of the Commission stipulation of special conditions which must be respected for (18 October 1993) the development or residential areas . Can the Commission help to achieve the goals set out in this study by means of Community funding ? In general , regional planning is the responsibility of the national authorities .

The Commission therefore has no legal means of approaching the Greek authorities .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1993)

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1490/93 Neither Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation by Mr Panayotis Roumeliotis ( S ) of wild birds , nor 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora require particular forms to the Commission of the European Communities of protection status for sites . However , they do set out the (14 June 1993) conservation measures in practice that enable those sites to ( 94/C 32/50 ) be maintained or , where appropriate, restored to a favourable conservation status . Subject: Need for a national park on Rhodes Since 1992 the Community provides funds under Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1973/92 ( LIFE ) for the first phase of According to local government representatives on Rhodes, the improvement of conservation and of the management the island urgently needs a national park . conditions of Greek National Parks . This action is implemented by the Greek Ministry of Agriculture as A national park would provide a haven for fauna , and competent authority . If the Greek Government believed that notably a rare species of deer, Dama Dama, which has merging the two National Parks mentioned by the inhabited the forests on the island for hundreds of years but Honourable Member was a measure supporting improved is now threatened with extinction despite the praiseworthy 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/27 efforts of the municipality . This is due both to the recent WRITTEN QUESTION No 1508/93 fires and the spread of poaching . by Mrs Nel van Dijk ( V ) Does the Commission intend to back this initiative . to the Commission of the European Communities ( 14 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/52 ) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission Subject: Action ( under Article 130r ) against the Netherlands Government in respect of subsidies to (1 October 1993) the Aldel aluminium manufacturers running counter to the principle of sustainability According to information recently provided by the Agriculture Ministry, the Embonas natural cypress forest on Aldel aluminium manufacturers and its parent company, Rhodes is regarded as a protected natural area , Hoogovens , together with Pechiney , are involved in negotiations with Mr Andriessen , Minister of Economic However, it is not a special protection area within the Affairs ( NL ), with a view to securing additional financial meaning of Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC on the assistance in the form of a further energy price reduction in conservation of wild birds which is the only Community addition to the annual ' subsidy' received by both in the form legal basis for nature conservation . of a reduction in the cost price of the electricity supplied to them . The Honourable Member could also refer to the answers Does the Commission agree that this aid from the given by the Commission to Written Questions No 2313/91 Netherlands Government by Mr Michael Papayannakis (') and No 1831/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( 2 ). — runs counter to the 'polluter pays' principle ( Article 130r ( 2 )), (') OJ No C 309 , 26 . 11 . 1992 . ( 2 ) OJ No C 6 , 11 . 1 . 1993 . — infringes the letter and spirit of the fifth programme of action for the environment, — runs counter to the principle of internalizing external costs and — runs counter to the EC objective for the year 2000 to WRITTEN QUESTION No 1505/93 stabilize the level of C0 2 emissions ? by Mrs Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities Is the Commission prepared to take action against these aid measures under Article 130r ( 3 ) ( iii ), given the fact that the (14 June 1993) harm resulting to both the environment and the public from 94/C 32/51 failure to act is incompatible with the objectives of the Community ? Subject: Unauthorized aid from the Netherlands If not, why not ? Government to Aldel and Pechiney aluminium manufacturers ( Articles 92 and 93 )

The Aldel aluminium factory and its parent company, Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1505/93 Hoogovens , together with Pechiney, arc involved in and 1508/93 negotiations with Mr Andriessen , Minister for Economic given by Mr Van Miert Affairs ( NL), with a view to securing additional financial aid on behalf of the Commission in the form of a further energy price reduction in addition to (12 October 1993) the annual ' subsidy' received by both in the form of a reduction in the cost price of the electricity supplied to The Commission learned from newspaper articles that the them . aluminium plants of Pechiney in Vlissingen and of Aldel in Delfzijl would benefit from a reduction in electricity prices Does the Commission agree that the aid provided and for the coming years . projected by the Netherlands Government runs' counter to Article 92 ( 1 ) of the Treaty, that exemptions provided for As such a measure can constitute state aid in the sense of under Article 92 ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) do not apply here and that Article 92 ( 1 ) EEC Treaty, the Commission by letter of in addition, this aid is incompatible with the fifth 28 April 1993 asked the Dutch authorities to notify the environmental action programme and should therefore be measures including relevant information to enable the prohibited ? Commission to assess the measures in relation to Articles 92 and 93 EEC Treaty . Is the Commission prepared to initiate proceedings against ( the Netherlands Government under Article 93 ( 2 )? Depending on the content of the answer of the Dutch Government the Commission will apply the appropriate If not, why not ? provisions of Articles 92—93 EEC Treaty . No C 32/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

The Commission will also take into account the Community cooperation with the Member States . If the conditions under guidelines on the state aid for environmental protection . which aid authorization was granted have changed , and there is no justification for the continued approval of the aid Article 130r of the EEC Treaty does not give the scheme in question , the Commission acts accordingly . Commission competence to take action against a Member State because of its granting of state aid to individual The Commission has in several cases initiated the procedure enterprises . The article rather deals with fixing the provided in Article 93 ( 2 ) of the EEC Treaty in respect of aid objectives of a Community policy in the field of the granted by Member States to aluminium production and has environment, and it contains the elements which have to be taken final decisions that aid received should be repaid . taken into account when elaborating this policy . These cases include , amongst others, Alcan Ludwigshafen and BUG-Alutechnik in Germany; and Aluminia and Comsal in Italy .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1507/93 by Mrs Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities (14 June 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1523/93 ( 94/C 32/53 ) by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Monitoring of State aids to primary aluminium (14 June 1993) producers ( 94/C 32/54 In answer to Written Question No 16/91 ( J ), the Commission states that it is not in a position to establish what contracts have been concluded in this industry . In Subject: Poverty in the EEC addition , it states that, should the price level be such as to suggest that the price might include an aid component, the According to data provided by the European Conference of Commission is empowered to take action . local and regional authorities , of the Community's 350 million citizens , 51 million are living in conditions ' below Under Article 93 ( 1 ) the Commission is required to keep all the poverty-line', and 5 million are actually homeless . systems of aid under constant review . Given the lack of council housing in the Community, what How can the Commission know, for constant review docs the Commission intend to do at least to guarantee the purposes , whether aluminium manufacturers are receiving right to housing ? aid if it is not in a position to establish what contracts have been concluded in that industry for the supply of electricity ?

Has the Commission ever taken action against state aid to Answer given by Mr Flynn primary aluminium producers under Article 93 ( 2 )? Can it on behalf of the Commission give reasons for taking, or not taking, such action , as the case may be ? (30 September 1993)

(!) OJ No C 214 , 16 . 8 . 1991 , p . 104 . The Commission has on several occasions expressed its concern about the persistence and development of various forms of social exclusion and recently issued a Answer given by Mr Van Miert communication on this subject ('Towards a Europe of on behalf of the Commission solidarity — intensifying the fight against social exclusion, (12 October 1993) fostering integration') ( 1 ).

Member States are obliged under Article 93 ( 3 ) of the EEC The communication stresses the multifaceted nature of the Treaty to notify any plans to grant or alter aid in sufficient processes leading to social exclusion and points out, time to enable the Commission to submit its comments . amongst other things, that access to decent housing is one of Member States may not put aid into effect until the the decisive factors in social integration . It also emphasizes Commission has approved the measures involved . If the the importance of a solemn affirmation of rights and the link Commission considers that any plan is not compatible with between this and the fostering of sound practice and the common market having regard to Article 92 of the EEC effective policies . Treaty, it initiates the procedures provided for in Article 93(2 ) of the EEC Treaty , However , the Commission has no specific responsibilities in the housing field and therefore does not intend to prepare Under Article 93 ( 1 ) of the EEC Treaty, the Commission legislation on the right to housing . Its activities in this keeps existing aid systems under constant review in area are mainly designed to facilitate the exchange of 2 , 2 , 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/29 information and the dissemination of good practice , in grateful for further, more specific information so that the particular through the support given to European networks matter may be investigated fully . of non-governmental organizations and low-cost housing bodies , and more generally to stimulate a public debate on the rights of the most deprived groups .

(M COM(92 ) 542 final , 23 . 12 . 1992 . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1S44/93 by Mr Alex Smith ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities ( 15 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/56 )

Subject: Radioactive waste disposal WRITTEN QUESTION No 1525/93 What information does the Commission possess on the by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) planned disposal route for radioactive waste arising from to the Commission of the European Communities reprocessing at ( 14 June 1993) ( a ) Dounreay 94/C 32/55 ( b ) Sellafield

( c ) La Hague Subject: Projects to protect Pre-Alpine basins ( d ) Karlsruhe and

The need to improve the eco systems of Pre-Alpine basins ( e ) Mol ? damaged by the dumping of urban and industrial waste is now one of the priorities in the Community's campaign to protect the environment and to safeguard human health . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission To this end , has the Commission examined the 'Affiri ' (30 September 1993) project, the aim of which is simply to install an oxygenator at the bottom of the basin which draws in water from the According to the information in the Commission's surface, purifies it at ambient temperature and then releases possession , the planned disposal routes for the radioactive it through a second outlet in the lake ? waste arising from reprocessing are as follows : ( a ) Dounreay : Low-level waste is disposed of in pits on the site . Intermediate-level waste is stored pending the availability of a facility to be provided by NIREX . High-level waste has to be vitrified and stored for 50 to Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas 100 years in line with British government policy . on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1993) ( b ) Sellafield : Low-level waste is disposed of at Drigg in near surface engineered facilities . When the NIREX facility mentioned under ( a ) becomes available, low-level and intermediate-level waste will be disposed Community legislation aimed at protecting the aquatic of in this facility . High-level waste is dealt with as under environment sets various quality standards and objectives ( a ). Waste resulting from the reprocessing of foreign for the Member States to achieve . It is , however, for the spent fuel will be dealt with as agreed in the bilateral Member States to take such action as they consider contractual arrangements . necessary to meet the requirements set out in the relevant legislation . ( c ) La Hague : Low-level waste has been disposed of in a near-surface engineered facility at the 'Centre de la Manche' till 1 992 ; it is now disposed of in a similar new Therefore, under normal circumstances , the Commission facility at the ' Centre de l'Aube', Medium-level, does not examine in detail the individual improvement long-lived and high-level wastes are stored after projects of Member States and the Commission has not vitrification pending the availability of a specific examined the Affiri Project. disposal facility, to be developed according to the planning and procedures defined in the French Atomic Law of December 1991 . However, if the Honourable Member is aware that the implementation of the Affiri Project is resulting in a breach ( d ) Karlsruhe : The various waste types are in storage on of Community legislation , the Commission would be site, and will be disposed of, according to types, in No C 32/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

various underground facilities ( Konrad for the Legacy : Nuclear Proliferation out of Control , held at non-heat-emitting waste ) as soon as these facilities Rhodes House, Oxford , on 21 April 1993 , organized by the become operational . High-level waste is stored in liquid Independent Oxford Research Group ? form, pending vitrification in the Pamela Facility at Mol .

( e ) Mol : The various waste types are in storage after having been conditioned , waiting for government decisions to Answer given by Mr Matutes proceed to the building of a near surface facility for the on behalf of the Commission disposal of low-level waste, and a deep underground (25 October 1993) facility for other waste types .

Although is has received the document in question, it is not for the Commission to take a stance on it .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1548/93 by Mr Alex Smith ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities (15 June 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1570/93 ( 94/C 32/57 ) by Mrs Christine Oddy ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Export of fuses to Iran and Iraq (17 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/59 ) What information docs the Commission possess on the number of companies in the Community that produce M7-39A1 and M-131 Fuses; and what knowledge it has of Subject: Protection of birds in Malta the export of such fuses to What steps will the Commission take to prevent the ( a ) Iran and shooting in Malta of birds which are protected species in the European Community ? ( b ) Iraq from Community Member States since 1983 ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Van den Broek (1 October 1993) on behalf of the Commission (25 October 1993) The Commission is fully aware of the ecological problems arising from bird hunting in Malta . The Commission does not possess information of any kind on production or on exports of fuses from Member In its opinion on Malta's accession request released States . on 30 June 1993 the Commission considers that ' unsustainable bird hunting in Malta is an issue of particular importance . Even though the Maltese authorities have enacted regulations to control bird hunting more strictly, these are not sufficient to comply with Community legislation . Considerable efforts will therefore have to be WRITTEN QUESTION No 1555/93 made by the Maltese authorities to implement Community provisions and they should give the Community clear by Mr Alex Smith ( S ) undertakings on this', It should be noted that the to the Commission of the European Communities Commission has been recently informed that the (15 June 1993) government of Malta is currently in the process of reforming its existing legislation, and of improving the effectiveness of ( 94/C 32/58 ) its implementation . These reforms should bring the Maltese legislation to closer conformity with Community Subject: Plutonium provisions , and in particular with those of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds . Will the Commission seek to obtain a copy of the proceedings of the International Seminar on the Plutonium 2 . 2 , 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/31

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1571/93 In 1986 , in response to Written Question No 2030/85 ( ] ) by by Mr Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) Mrs van Hemeldonck, Commissioner Sutherland confirmed that the matter had been resolved in a satisfactory to the Commission of the European Communities manner . (17 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/60 ) It appears that Beaulieu have challenged the Belgian Government's right to recover the subsidy in the Courts and , as a result, has still not repaid the grant eight years after it Subject: Financing for the Donana programme of action was found to be illegal .

Recently a programme of action for the Donana with a Can the Commission explain what steps it is taking to budget exceeding Ptas 63 million was submitted to the enforce its decision and how the action of the Belgian Courts Commission . can be reconciled with the principle that Community law is paramount ? According to the Spanish press , the Community contribution to the programme will be financed in (!) OJ No C 142 , 9 . 6 . 1986 , p . 8 . accordance with the 'Edinburgh small print', which is the same as the conclusions of the Presidency set out in Document SN 456/92 , section C , point 12(c ), containing a paragraph in which the Commission undertakes to consider Answer given by Mr Van Miert the specific situation of Spain in 1 994, given the drawbacks on behalf of the Commission of the current system of own resources . (18 October 1993)

In view of this : Following confirmation by the Belgian Government, in a letter dated 26 July 1988 , that Commission Decision Will the Commission finance the programme of action and , 84/111 /EEG of 30 November 1983 stating that the aid if so, on what legal basis and from which budget granted to Fabelta was incompatible with the EEC Treaty heading ? and would have to be repaid had not been implemented , the Commission brought an action before the Court of Justice .

Answer given by Mr Millan On 21 February 1990 the Court ruled that the Belgian on behalf of the Commission authorities had failed to implement the Commission (25 October 1993) Decision and reminded them of their obligations . Since that date the Commission has restated at regular The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its intervals , including after the referral of the matter to the answers to Written Questions Nos 601 /93 , 1107/93 and Belgian courts , that it does not intend to exempt the 1274/93 by Mr Valverde Lopez ('). Beaulieu group , which owns Fabelta , from fulfilling its obligations under Community law . (<) OJ No C 297, 3 . 11 . 1993 . The Belgian authorities informed the Commission that the Fabelta case would be heard before the Ghent Commercial Court on 24 September 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1575/93 by Mr Michael Welsh ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1576/93 (17 June 1993) by Mr Michael Welsh ( PPE ) ( 94/C 32/61 ) to the Commission of the European Communities (17 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/62 Subject; Recovery of illegal state subsidies in Belgium

In 1984 Commissioner Andriessen , then responsible for Subject: Persecution of Christians and Animists in Sudan competition policy, agreed with the Belgian Minister responsible for industry, Mr Eyskens, that aid paid to the Christian sources and aid workers have produced Belgian manufacturer Beaulieu , following its acquisition of irrefutable evidence of the persecution of the southern tribes the bankrupt carpet manufacturer Fabelta Zwijnaarde , was in the Sudan by the Islamic Government in what appears to illegal and would be returned to the Belgian authorities . This be a systematic attempt to establish an Islamic state and agreement was confirmed in an exchange of letters . eliminate all other religions . No C 32/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

The civil war between North and South has provided a cover progress in rectifying the human rights record and in for the mass displacement of the southern population, the improving democratic accountability has been the reason establishment of concentration camps where torture and for the significant scaling down of development rape are everyday occurrences , and forced conversion of assistance . Christians and Animists . Indeed it appears that Islamic aid agencies are using the provision of the most basic necessities The European Council , at its recent meeting in Copenhagen, of life as an inducement to convert, withholding them from expressed its serious concern at the human rights situation those who refuse to abjure their faith . in Sudan and urged the Government of Sudan not to support activities which go against a constructive relationship with Can the Commission give an account of its relations with the the Community and its Member States . The European Sudanese Government and state what action it is taking to Council declared that, in the light of the report of the Troika put a stop to its persecution of its citizens ? Can the mission , the Community and its Member States will Commission confirm that no aid , other than humanitarian consider how they can best contribute further to an assistance to the victims of the war , will be provided to the alleviation of the plight of the Sudanese people including Sudanese authorities and that the Commissioner restoration of respect of human rights . responsible will give appropriate instructions to the Community's representatives ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1584/93 Answer given by Mr Van den Broek by Mrs Raymonde Dury ( S ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities (22 October 1993) ( 17 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/63 )

The Commission follows closely the human rights situation in Sudan and takes every opportunity to impress upon the Subject: Exchange of information between Member States Government of Sudan its obligation to ensure full respect of on vocational training for the unemployed human rights in that country . With Article 128 of the Treaty of Rome vocational training In view of the unsatisfactory situation in Sudan and occupies a prominent place among Community policies, and especially the growing lack of respect for human rights , the ' the Maastricht Treaty considerably strengthens this area . Commission suspended in March 1990 the programming The spread of unemployment throughout Europe points up dialogue with the Government of Sudan on the utilization of the importance of training schemes that enable the Lome IV development resources . Following the execution of unemployed to obtain qualifications . a Sudanese national employed by the Commission in Juba, the Community and its Member States in October 1992 What is the situation regarding cooperation on the exchange publicly condemned the Sudanese authorities' 'callous of information between Member States on vocational disregard for human rights ' and expressed 'their abhorrence training for the unemployed ? of the systematic abuses of human rights throughout the country'. The Community and its Member States supported How does the Commission intend to encourage the the adoption , in December 1992 , by the UN General coordination of vocational training schemes particularly for Assembly of a resolution urging the Government of Sudan the unemployed , between regions and Member States ? to respect fully human rights and calling upon all parties to cooperate in this respect . Subsequently they co-sponsored a resolution adopted in March 1993 by the UN Human Rights Commission which condemned human rights abuses and appointed a special rapporteur to report on the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1585/93 situation . by Mrs Raymonde Dury ( S ) to the Commission of the European Communities Following a decision of the Council of Development (17 June 1993) Ministers in May 1993 , a Community Troika mission at ministerial level visited Sudan in June 1993 to underline the ( 94/C 32/64 ) seriousness with which the Community and its Member States view the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need to solve the underlying problems . On this occasion the Troika Subject: Instrument for the comparative analysis of stressed to all parties to the conflict the concerns of the vocational training schemes for the unemployed Community and its Member States regarding persistent reports of serious human rights abuses throughout the With the alarming rise in unemployment in the European Sudan . It also reminded the Government that the lack of Community, the development of policies for effective and 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/33 useful vocational training of the unemployed is vital . In the WRITTEN QUESTION No 1609/93 coming years , the coordination of training policies at by Mr Mihail Papayannakis ( NI ) European level will require the vital exchange of information among Member States on their various to the Commission of the European Communities experiences . (18 June 7 993) ( 94/C 32/65 In order to help Member States to interpret these experiences, does the Commission have an instrument ( along the lines of MISSOC , for example ) for the comparative analysis of national/regional training schemes Subject: Itinerant trade in the European Community that will enable the unemployed to obtain qualifications ? If not, does it envisage the introduction of similar mechanisms ? Greek Law No 2000/91 contains provisions which are incompatible with Community law and with the EEC Treaty , in particular Article 30 ( 1 ) which provides that '. . . this law prohibits the exercise of any commercial activity in an uncovered area . . . The same prohibition shall also apply to itinerant trade'. Regulation ( EEC ) No 559/92 Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1584/93 of the Ministry for Trade, adopted subsequently, provides and 1585/93 that . . licences shall be issued , after the local trade given by Mr Flynn association has been consulted , to special classes of persons on behalf of the Commission ( e.g. handicapped persons ) and for traditional good and (11 November 199.3) activities'.

In 1982, the Commission set up the MISEP Community Since : network ( Mutual Information System on Employment Policies ), composed of correspondents from the employment services in the Member States , the — the abovementioned law and regulation of the Ministry Commission , the OECD and a central secretariat. for Trade infringe Articles 54 ( 3 ) ( c ) and 86 of the EEC Treaty and Directive 75/369/EEC ( ! ) of 16 June 1975 on measures to facilitate the effective exercise of freedom of The network was created in response to the demand by the establishment and freedom to provide services in respect Member States within the Council for mutual information of itinerant activities and , in particular, transitional on developments in national employment policy measures measures in respect of those activities; and structures . MISEP's objective was to gather, collate , translate and disseminate information in the Member States to promote exchange of experience and enable the — it is completely contrary to statements made by Mr Commission to take on its proper role as coordinator at Delors according to which itinerant trade plays a unique Community level . social and political role in revitalizing commercial activity in cities and it should be granted freedom of movement without difficulties and prejudices so that it To ensure extensive dissemination of the information , the can be exercised on equal terms with trade conducted in network publishes a quarterly bulletin entitled 'Policies ' permanent establishments; ( Informisept ) containing articles on the new employment measures taken in the Member States and comparing measures , evaluations and statistical data . It also publishes a — itinerant street vendors and traders , who constitute an basic information report on each country describing the important part of European trade and play an important structure and content of their respective employment economic and social role ( 50 000 people are employed in policies . Greece and more than 800 000 undertakings provide full employment for more than 1,2 million people in the European Community), have been severly hit; In the field of vocational training in general , the Community's Euroform initiative is intended to give a Community dimension to vocational training and 1 . Will the Commission make a fresh study of the role employment promotion activities , promote the played by itinerant trade in local economies ? coordination of existing measures , networks and structures at regional, national and Community level , set up transnational exchange activities and provide support for 2 . How does it view the specific provision of Law No 2000 those actively involved in vocational training to keep up and what steps does it propose to take on the Greek with technological change and improve their management Government's refusal to comply with Directive and evaluation methods . 75/369/EEC and the provisions of the EEC Treaty ?

(') OJ No L 167, 30 . 6 . 1975 , p . 29 . No C 32/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Arehirafi Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1993) (3 September 1993)

The question raised by the Honourable Member concerns Most of the aquaculture research projects financed under the compatibility of Greece's legislative provisions on the FAR ( fisheries research and research coordination ) and itinerant trade with, on the one hand , the provisions of the AIR ( agricultural and industrial research including fisheries ) EEC Treaty dealing with the freedom to provide services programmes have among their objectives the development ( Article 59 ) and , on the other , the provisions of Directive and improvement of production techniques as referred to by 75/369/EEC on measures to facilitate the effective exercise the Honourable Member . The number of aquaculture of freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services projects financed under the FAR programme is 47, in respect of itinerant activities and , in particular , Community aid amounting to ECU 11,68 million , and transitional measures in respect of those activities . under AIR 20 aquaculture projects have been selected so far, the amount of Community aid involved being around ECU The provisions of the Greek Law referred to by the 12,5 million . Honourable Member restrict pursuit of the activity in question to certain categories of people ( e.g. the Particulars of each of the abovementioned projects ^re being handicapped ) and to certain traditional activities . sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat . The Commission is aware that the activity of itinerant traders plays a major social and political role in revitalizing town markets .

It is an activity which constitutes a service within the meaning of Article 60 of the EEC Treaty and is covered in WRITTEN QUESTION No 1615/93 some cases by Article 52 et seq . ( right of establishment ) and by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC ) in others by Article 59 et seq . ( freedom to provide services ). Identifying the dividing-line between these two basic to the Commission of the European Communities freedoms under the Treaty is not always easy. (18 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/67 ) However , for the provisions in question to apply , the services provided must include a cross-border component . Subject: Imports of hops from the former Soviet Union

The question raised by the Honourable Member does not In answer to my Written Question No 3257/92 ('), the involve a cross-border component since it concerns a Commissioner replied that the Commission had no record situation inside a Member State; it does not, therefore, fall of hops having been imported from the former Soviet Union within the jurisdiction of the Community . between 1986 and 1991 .

I have subsequently learned that, at all events, dried hops harvested in 1987 were imported into Belgium from the USSR .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1614/93 How is it that these imports are not included in Commission by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC ) statistics ? Can the Commission give its assurance that Member States are effectively meeting their obligations to the Commission of the European Communities under Regulation ( EEC ) No 737/90 ( 2 ). What steps is the (18 June 1993) Community taking to monitor this ? ( 94/C 32/66 ) (>) OJ No C 137, 15 . 5 . 1993 , p . 26 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 82 , 29 . 3 . 1990 , p . 1 . Subject: Aquaculture projects

Within the framework of the AIR and the former FAR programme, the Community is supporting research projects Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas into new production techniques in the field of on behalf of the Commission aquaculture . (20 October 1993) Can the Commission say what projects received support in 1990 , 1991 and 1992 ( stating the amounts )? No hops were imported from the Soviet Union in 1986 or 1987 . However , hops were imported into the Community Can the Commission also say what these projects involved from the former Soviet Union between 1988 and 1992 . and what results were obtained ? These were hop cones , fresh or dried , neither ground nor 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/35 powdered or in the form of pellets ( Combined financing of the six operational programmes presented by Nomenclature code 1210 1000 ), Greece for the period in question . That amount is broken down by sector as follows : An error slipped into the interrogation of the data base in that import figures were requested not in respect of the (ECU) former Soviet Union , but for the Ukraine , which since 1992 has been a full member of the International Hop Growers Sector Total operational Convention , programmes

In view of the information it has received , the Commission Forestry products 5 173 587 has no reason to believe that certain Member States are not Meat 16 111 056 applying all the provisions of Council Regulation ( EEC ) 34 251 530 No 737/90 of 22 March 1990 on the conditions governing Milk and milk products imports of agricultural goods originating in third countries Eggs and poultry 5 290 161 following the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power Various animal products ( honey ) 275 086 station . Cereals 13 455 737 Oilseeds 6 364 222 Besides , the Regulation docs not empower the Commission Wine and alcohol 3 636 426 to carry out direct controls on Member States' territory . Such controls are the preserve of the competent national Fruit and vegetables 28 094 457 authorities . Feedingstuffs 1 283 198

Total 113 935 460

In addition , in 1993 Greece presented three operational WRITTEN QUESTION No 1632/93 programmes for different sectors requiring Community assistance totalling ECU 28 032 243 . The appropriations by Mr Alexandros Alavanos ( CG ) available for Greece for this purpose are therefore not to the Commission of the European Communities sufficient . (22 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/68 The Commission is currently examining the problem in order to find a solution so that Greece's request for Subject: Implementation of Council Regulation ( EEC ) additional funds can be met . No 866/90 ( 1 ) OJ No L 31 , 7 . 2 . 1992 . It appears that all funding under Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 866/90 (') intended for Greece in 1993 has already been committed although we are only in the fifth month of the year .

For what investment projects have the above funds been used , or will they be used and what steps will the Commission take when and if further proposals for WRITTEN QUESTION No 1655/93 investment for 1993 are tabled ? by Mr Herman Verbeek and H OJ No L91 , 6, 4 . 1990, p . 1 . Mr Friedrich-Wilhelm Graefe zu Baringdorf ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 June 1993) Answer given by Mr Steichen ( 94/C 32/69 ) on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1993) Subject: Dumping of Community meat in the Sahel Pursuant to Regulation ( EEC ) No 866/90, the appropriations for Community part-financing of projects in Every year, thousands of tonnes of meat from the European Greece connected with the marketing and processing of Community, encouraged by large export refunds flood the agricultural and forestry products , as set out in the market in the Sahel area and the surrounding countries of Community support framework for Greece ( Commission West Africa , Decision 92/80/EEC ) ( ] ), amount to ECU 125 221 136 in current prices for the period from 1991 to 1993 . 1 . Can the Commission say how many tonnes of meat have been exported in recent years ? To date, a total amount of ECU 113 935 460 has been committed by the EAGGF Guidance Section for the 2 . What export refunds were paid for this purpose ? No C 32/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

3 . How many countries in the Sahel and surrounding area WRITTEN QUESTION No 1656/93 received exports of Community meat ? by Mrs Nel van Dijk ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities 4 . Is the Commission aware that these European Community meat exports arc making it impossible for (28 June 1993) farmers in West Africa to remain competitive ? ( 94/C 32/70 )

5 . When will the Commission amend its present export policy by putting a stop to the dumping of tonnes of Subject; Undermining of EC development aid to the Sahel meat on the local West African markets ? area by the dumping of EC meat

The EC is paying a subsidy of F1 4,5 per kilo to promote meat exports to West Africa . At the same time , it is providing development aid for this area in order to support Answer given by Mr Steichen local beef production . The dumping of European meat on behalf of the Commission surpluses in the Sahel is undermining smallholdings set up (7 October 1993) with European aid .

Does not the Commission agree that it is absurd to allow EC 1 . Total exports of fresh or frozen beef ( expressed in development policy in the Sahel to be undermined by its own tonnes of boneless meat ) from the Community to third meat dumping practices ? countries in Western Africa amounted to : Is the Commission prepared to launch an independent — 26 322 tonnes in 1989 investigation within six months into the impact of subsidized EC meat exports on development prospects for — 31 202 tonnes in 1990 stock breeders in the Sahel ?

— 53 247 tonnes in 1991 Is the Commission prepared to end within one year the export of subsidized EC meat, which is undermining its own — 51 145 tonnes in 1992 efforts to develop meat production in the Sahel ?

2 . Since March 1991 , the refund granted for individually packed bones pieces has been ECU 1 650/tonne . The overall sum granted for exports in 1992 amounts to ECU 84 million . Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission 3 . The principal countries of destination in Western Africa are Cote d'lvoire, Ghana and Benin . In 1991 and (1 October 1993) 1992 these three countries alone absorbed approximately 90% of all exports to the 17 countries of Western Africa . The Commission is aware of the export problems faced by certain West African producer countries , but it must also 4 . The Commission is aware of the export problems of take account of the actual import requirements of other certain producer countries in this part of Western Africa but countries located in this region of West Africa and of the it must also take account of the import needs of certain other situation on the Community beef and veal market, and must countries in Western Africa and the state of the Community try to arrive at a balance between the different aspects of the beef market . It must therefore strike a balance between the problem . various factors at issue . After an initial study , to which further information is likely 5 . After a preliminary assessment, pending re-evaluation to be added , the Commission , on 12 June 1993 , introduced on the basis of other data , the Commission on 12 June 1993 a reduction of 15 % in the refund for certain boned beef and applied a 1 5 % cut to the refund referred to in point 2 on veal packed individually ( ECU 1 400/tonne instead of ECU exports to West Africa . It will continue to keep a close eye on 1 650/tonne ) for export to West Africa . Moreover, the the trend of exports and, if necessary, adjust the level of the Commission will continue to study trends in the exports and refund accordingly . if necessary it will readjust the refunds . 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/37

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1657/93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1693/93 by Mrs Nel van Diik ( V ) by Jean-Pierre Raffin and Virginio Bettini ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (28 June 1993) (28 June 1993) ( 94/C 32/71 ) ( 94/C 32/72 )

Subject: Unauthorized nuclear power station at Subject: Duck poaching in France Dodewaard Under Article 5 of Council Directive 79/409/EEC ( ! ) 1 . Is the Commission aware that the ( 1988 ) operating hunting of Anatidae is prohibited during the period of authorization for the Dodewaard ( NL ) nuclear power breeding . Despite this , a French Government Minister station was quashed by the Council of State on 2 Tune openly went shooting for 'Anas incatenata galliae' (M and 1992 ? JM ).

2 . Is the Commission aware that this nuclear power The weapon he used which was capable was causing the station is now operating on the basis of its original local disappearance of the species is prohibited under authorization , issued in 1968 , which has since expired ? Article 8 of this Directive .

3 . Does the Commission consider it desirable for the What steps does the Commission intend to take to remedy Dodewaard nuclear power station to operate without this situation ? proper legal authorization before the PSA ( Probalistic Safety Assessment ) has been completed ? H Oj No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 , p . 1 . 4 . Does the Commission approve of the fact that the Netherlands Government and Parliament are willing to condone this situation pending the issuing of a further authorization in 1995 ? In this in accordance with the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas relevant European directives ? on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1993) 5 . Does the Commission agree that this nuclear power station should be taken out of service and an environmental impact assessment drawn up before a new authorization is Directive 79/409/EEC does not allow hunting of the species even considered ? Anas Incantenata galliae, even though the bird is sometimes considered liable to cause damage and thus to require 6 . What steps will the Commission take to end this surveillance . unacceptable situation ? According to the Directive , regulatory measures such as this must be applied in strictly controlled conditions ensuring that the species remains in a situation conductive to its conservation . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission In addition, the Commission's information indicates that (12 October 1993) this species is very resistant to external pressures , to which it usually responds by increasing its rate of reproduction . The Commission would point out that the responsibility for the safety of nuclear installations lies with the Member States on whose territory they are located . More particularly the system for authorizing and inspecting installations is the sole prerogative of the safety authorities in the Member State concerned and there are not specific Community WRITTEN QUESTION No 1714/93 regulations in this area . by Mrs Christine Crawley ( PSE ) In a document entitled ' Gedoogbeschikking Kernenergie to the Commission of the European Communities Centrale Dodewaard ' of 10 March 1993 the Dutch Ministry (29 June 1993) for Social Affairs , which is the safety authority empowered 94/C 32/73 ) to issue operating permits laid down specific technical conditions for the Dodewaard nuclear - power plant to enable it to be operated on a temporary basis under Subject: Equal opportunity employment practices satisfactory safety conditions . Is the Commission aware that many organizations now advertise themselves as 'Equal opportunities employers'? No C 32/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

Would the Commission consider preparing a legal definition WRITTEN QUESTION No 1724/93 for such a term with a set of criteria and guidelines for by Mr Honor Funk ( PPE ) Member States to cover issues such as recruitment, selection , training and career development which employers would to the Commission of the European Communities have to meet in order to designate themselves as a European (29 June 1993) Community equal opportunities employer ? 94/C 32/74 )

Is the Commission aware that application forms for jobs , Subject: Irradiation of foodstuffs training, college and university courses often contain requests for information about the age , gender , ethnicity, Large sections of the population are opposed to the marital status ? * irradiation of foodstuffs . According to surveys carried out by consumer organizations in Germany and France, 60 % of consumers are unequivocally opposed to the consumption Does the Commission agree that such information could be of irradiated foodstuffs . used to discriminate against significant groups of people who may be under-represented ? 1 . Has the Commission investigated the medium - and long-term effects of irradiated foodstuffs on public health ? If not, can any danger to humans safely be Does the Commission agree that this information, unless it excluded ? is kept absolutely confidential for monitoring purposes alone , might contravene EC legislation ? 2 . Is the Commission aware that, in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, only foodstuffs for export are irradiated ?

3 . Can the Commission ascertain whether the radioactive isotopes Cobalt-60 and Caesium-17 are used in the irradiation plant in Ede ( Netherlands ), the IRE plant in Answer given by Mr Flynn Fleurus ( France ) and in the ' Conservatome' plant near on behalf of the Commission Lyon and the Carbic plant near Paris ? (9 November 1993) 4 . How does the Commission view the potential hazards of such plant ? The Commission is aware of the fact that many 5 . Can the Commission exclude any possibility of the organizations advertise themselves as ' Equal opportunities creation of new pathogens through the irradiation of employers'. foodstuffs ? 6 . Can the Commission list the Member States which In the Commission's opinion , this has to be welcomed since strictly prohibit the irradiation of foodstuffs ? it reflects a marked shift in attitude , visible and growing in momentum since the mid-1980s . It acknowledges that it makes sound business sense to provide equal opportunities and to ensure that the law on non-discrimination is Answer given by Mr Bangemann effectively implemented . on behalf of the Commission (7 September 1993) For the time being, the Commission docs not plan to draft a legal definition containing criteria employers should meet to The Commission is not in possession of the surveys referred designate themselves as Community equal opportunity to in the Honourable Member's question and is therefore employers . unable to comment on the figures cited . It does , however, have the findings of surveys carried out in The Commission is aware of the fact that application forms certain countries , including France and the USA, and for often contain requests for information about age , gender, certain products , which reveal that a preference was ethnicity and marital status . expressed for irradiated foodstuffs .

For further information , the Honourable Member is asked While it is correct that such information could be used to to refer to the documents which the Commission has sent to discriminate against some groups of people, the mere him direct and to the Secretariat-General of the European collection and utilization of such information does not Parliament . necessarily constitute a discrimination or an infringement of the law . Only the use of such information for discrimination During the preparation of the proposal for a directive , the purposes would be unlawful . Commission asked the Scientific Committee to study all aspects of the process which concern human health . The Committee expressed its opinion in March 1986 after having considered a reference list of 540 studies of the 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/39 process . The Committee's opinion , which was published in geographical , historical and cultural elements which all all Community languages , mentions all of these studies . contribute to the European identity . Other essential Copies of the opinion were sent to the European characteristics of the Union, referred to in Article F of the Parliament . draft Treaty , arc the principles of democracy and the respect of fundamental human rights . This report, along with other more recent reports including the WHO report published in May 1992, makes it clear that On this basis the conclusions of the European Council the proper use of irradiation at the recommended doses does meeting in Lisbon in June 1992 noted that the Treaty on not pose any risk to man . European Union provides that any European State whose system of government is founded on the principle of The national legislation of Belgium , France and the democracy may apply to become a member of the Union . It Netherlands also allows products irradiated in these was further stated that the principle of a Union open to countries to be marketed within their respective European States that aspire to full participation and who territories . fulfil the conditions of memberhship is a fundamental element of European construction . The radioactive isotope Cobalt 60 is used in the plants at Ede ( Netherlands ), Flcurus ( Belgium ) and Lyon ( France ), The conclusions of the European Council in Copenhagen on while the company Orsay ( near Paris ) uses a linear electron accelerator . 21—22 June 1993 furthermore state that : 'the associated countries in Central and Eastern Europe that so desire shall become members of the European Union . Accession will take place as soon as an associated country is able to assume the obligations of membership by satisfying the economic and political conditions required . Membership requires that the candidate country has achieved stability of institutions WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1 769/93 guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and by Mr Guy Guermcur ( RDE ) respect for and protection of minorities, the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope to the Commission of the European Communities with competitive pressure and market forces within the (2 July 1993) Union . Membership presupposes the candidate's ability to ( 94/C 32/75 take on the obligations of membership including adherence to the aims of politcal , economic and monetary union . The Union's capacity to absorb new members, while Subject: Enlargement of the European Community maintaining the momentum of European integration , is also an important consideration in the general interest of both The European Council has finally acknowledged , in its the Union and the candidate countries'. conclusions at Edinburgh in December 1 992 , that accession negotiations with Austria , Sweden and Finland should be The Commission can only subscribe to these conclusions . initiated straight away . Can the Commission give an assurance : Finally, it should be pointed out than on 30 June the 1 . that enlargement of the Community will not be limited Commission adopted its opinion on the applications of to the EFTA countries alone , for reasons of their Malta and Cyprus in which it was stated that these two GNP ? countries have a 'vocation ' to joint the Union .

2 . that political criteria such as a return to democracy will be as decisive as they were for the accession of Greece , Spain and Portugal ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1775/93 Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission by Mrs Margaret Daly ( PPE ) (27 October 1993) to the Commission of the European Communities (12 July 1993) 94/C 32/76 Negotiations on enlargement were begun with Austria , Finland and Sweden on 1 February 1993 and with Norway on 5 April 1993 . Subject: Crash helmets Article O of the draft Treaty on European Union states : 'any European State may apply to become a member'. This is the Does existing Community legislation on VAT allow same text as Article 237 of the EEC Treaty . The term Member States the possibility of exempting or zero-rating ' European ' has not been officially defined . It combines crash helmets for cyclists ? No C 32/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener rights in developing countries . Moreover, the resolution on behalf of the Commission specifically requests the Commission to submit an annual (21 October 1993) report on this implementation . It is for this reason that the Commission's reply to question No 1821/92 by Mr Arbeloa Muru referred to ' implementation' of the Council resolution . Under Council Directive 92/77/EEC of 19 October 1 992 on the approximation of VAT rates ('), only those zero rates which were in force in Member States on 1 January 1991 in The Parliament's resolutions are rather more specific and accordance with Community law may be maintained at deal with current concerns of the Parliament . It is therefore present . Community law docs not allow the introduction of more appropriate for the Commission to refer to their 'being new zero rates . taken into account'.

The United Kingdom was the only Member State to apply a VAT zero rate to supplies of crash helmets for cyclists at 1 January 1991 and is thus the only Member State entitled to continue to do so .

0 ) Oj No L 316 , 31 . 10 . 1992 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 793/93 by Mr Ben Visser ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (12 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/78 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 789/93 by Mr David Martin ( PSE ) Subject: Aviation checklist to the Commission of the European Communities (12 July 1993) In the Algemeen Dagblad of 1 0 May 1993 the association of ( 94/C 32/77 ) KLM flight engineers expressed its disquiet at the nature and use of the checklist ( the routine checks prior to takeoff or landing ), following comments made by the American National Transport Safety Board ( NTSB). Subject: Commission's answer to question 1821/92

In its reply to parliamentary question 1821/92 (') by Mr Despite advances in aircraft design the checklist has Arbeloa Muru on human rights in developing countries, the remained unchanged for 50 years . Studies carried out by the Commission referred to resolutions by the Council and by NTSB show that the crew sometimes depart from the list, the European Parliament . 'do it from memory', skip parts of it to save time or fail to check whether appropriate operations have been carried out . As 'resolutions' of the Council are non-binding, as were Parliament's resolutions , but both seek to give political guidance to the Commission , why is it that the Commission Mistakes can also arise from the fact that manufacturers in its answer, refers to the need to 'implement' the Council have no standard terminology . For example , a throttle is resolution, but merely to 'take account of' Parliament's also known as a 'gashandle', a 'power lever', 'manette' or resolutions ? 'engine power control'.

1 . Is the Commission familiar with the NTSB's research, 0 ) OJ No C 61 , 3 . 3 . 1993 , p . 4 . and docs it accept the NTSB's conclusion that many ( near ) accidents are due to failing to use checklists properly or using out-of-date checklists ?

2 . Does the Commission also agree that the checklist is out Answer given by Mr Marin of date and that updating it would enhance safety ? on behalf of the Commission (20 October 1993) 3 . Is it necessary, for safety reasons , for the same terms to be used consistently for the same instruments ?

The resolution of 28 November 1991 of the Council and the 4 . What steps can be taken to ensure that all cockpit crews Member States meeting in the Council deals with the general regard the checklist as a key factor in safety and hence framework of the Community's approach towards human arc meticulous in their use of it ? 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/41

5 . What steps does the Commission feel are necessary to WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 794/93 ensure optimal design and use of the checklist ? by Mr Antonio La Pergola ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (12 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/79 )

Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission Subject: Situation of Community distillation in Italy (19 October 1993) It would appear that, by decree of the Minister of Agriculture of 24 April 1993 , the Italian Government unexpectedly decided to suspend measures in respect of 1 . The Commission is not familiar with the specific study purchases of alcohol produced through the preventive and carried out by the National Technical Safety Board ( NTSB ) support distillation of table wine and through the to which the Honourable Member refers , but it has distillation of surplus fruit withdrawn from the market identified 17 recommendations published by the NTSB over pursuant to Regulation ( EEC ) No 1035/72 i 1 ). the past 20 years in which reference is made to this key factor in air safety . By a previous decree of 17 February 1993 , withdrawal of these alcohols by the Italian intervention agency had been guaranteed for the whole of the current farming year . 2 . The Commission considers that checklists should be drawn up with the utmost care and be updated in accordance with the experience gained by manufacturers , On the basis of the last provision , Italian distillers concluded users and the authorities responsible for the safety of civil contracts with wine producers for support distillation , as aviation . provided for in Regulation ( EEC ) No 130/93 ( 2 ) of 26 January 1993 . According to the latest information available , the distillers have renounced these contracts 3 . It seems desirable for the same name to be used because it is now impossible to sell the alcohol to the consistently for the same instrument, whatever the type of intervention agency . aircraft . Manufacturers may, however, give different names to instruments which have the same function but employ Is the Commission aware of this decision taken by the Italian different technology . In this case , any ambiguities can be Government, which is seriously jeopardizing the legitimate clarified when the cockpit crew is being trained to use a new hopes of wine producers ? Does the Commission share the type of aircraft . view that interventions arranged in the course of a wine year constitute an organic set of measures intended to restore a balance in the market and must therefore be implemented as 4 . The basic training received by cockpit crews and the a whole , and that decisions such as those taken by the Italian procedures which they are obliged to carry out both by authorities represent a violation of the spirit of the rules airline companies and by law are aimed at strict observance governing the common organization of the market in of the safety procedures of which the checklist is an integral wine ? part . Thus failure to observe the list represents both human negligence and a breach of the law. Does the Commission not also consider that the Italian Government's decisions entail a serious form of 5 . The Commission believes that the efforts of the Joint discrimination between Italian producers and those in other Aviation Authorities (JAA ) to create harmonized manuals Community Member States and the risk of trade distortions should form the basis of harmonizing the design and use of in the internal market through the failure to dispose of checklists in Europe . Moreover, the proposals made by the Italian table wine surpluses intended for support Commission in its communication to the Council on distillation ? Community initiatives in the area of air incidents/accidents should help clarify what causes the latter and may 0 ) OJ No L 118 , 20 . 5 . 1972 , p . 1 . consequently bring to light new aspects of air safety . ( 2 ) OJ No L 18 , 27 . 1 . 19.93 , p . 13 .

The Commission also wishes to draw the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that the studies carried out by the NTSB generally concern accidents occurring in the Answer given by Mr Steichen United States . Since the operational and legal situation is on behalf of the Commission very different in Europe, what may be true of the United (30 September 1993) States cannot necessarily be applied to the Community .

The Commission has noted the Italian State Intervention Agency's decision to cease purchasing, from 27 April 1993 , No C 32/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94 alcohol produced by voluntary distillation ( preventive and of employment gives rise to problems for frontier workers, support distillation ) under Articles 38 and 41 of Regulation as described below . ( EEC ) No 822/87 (l ).

For a resident of the Netherlands who also works there it is This immediately provoked a suspension of wine deliveries possible to take out private insurance with the Netherlands to the distilleries since , according to the Italian distillers , Sickness Fund ( Ziekenfonds ), even above the contribution there are no longer any outlets for this alcohol on the normal assessment limit ( F1 56 650 in 1993 ). market, and also as a reaction to the failure to respect contractual commitments regarding support distillation . For frontier workers living in Germany and working in the Netherlands it is not possible to take out private insurance in The Commission reacted by asking the Italian authorities to the Netherlands with the Netherlands Sickness Fund if they respect the implications of accepting the intervention exceed the contribution assessment limit . They can only measures decided at Community level in order to avoid any insure themselves 'collectively' through their Dutch disruption of an already very fragile market . employers .

At present it seems that the Italian State Intervention Agency Could this be a breach of the principle of equality set out in may be in a position to revert to the previous arrangement Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408/71 0 , Articles 13—17, and the once the examination of its national intervention ban on discrimination enacted by the countries of the EC in programme , which has been submitted to the the social area , which forbids any form of discrimination Interministerial Economic Programming Committee , has against nationals of other EC countries ( Article 7 of the EEC been completed . Treaty )?

The Commission is keeping a close eye on developments ( 1 ) OJ No L 149 , 5 . 7 . 1971 , p . 2 . regarding this matter and will not fail to take appropriate steps if the Community wine market situation calls for rapid and effective action .

The Commission is of the opinion that Italian Government Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi decisions which affect the production of Italian table wine on behalf of the Commission and lead to discrimination between Italian wine producers (5 October 1993) and producers in other Member States do not constitute a barrier to Community trade . 'Reverse discrimination ' practised by the State against its own nationals docs not fall within the scope of application of Article 30 of the EEC Contrary to what is suggested in the question , the relevant Treaty . Dutch law (Ziekenfondswet) does not allow sickness insurance contracts to be taken out privately with a Dutch fund (Ziekenfonds). Nor is such a fund authorized any (') OJ No L 84 , 27 . 3 . 1987 . longer to offer private sickness insurance contracts .

This is because workers in the Netherlands are no longer covered by statutory sickness insurance if they earn a wage exceeding a particular amount ( F1 56 650 in 1993 ). Consequently, if they are to be insured , they must take out private insurance . This also applies to frontier workers residing in Germany and working in the Netherlands . Such WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 820/93 contracts may , in principle , be taken out with a Dutch or German insurer or with an insurer authorized to do business by Mrs Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert ( PPE ) somewhere in the Community . to the Commission of the European Communities ( 13 July 1993) The principle of equality of treatment ( Article 3 of ( 94/C 32/80 ) Regulation ( EFX ) No 1408/71 ) cannot be invoked in the case in question since the Regulation applies only to statutory social security schemes , and not to private insurance schemes . The principle of non-discrimination on Subject: Health insurance in the Netherlands for German frontier workers grounds of nationality is not applicable in this case either .

The fact that national legislation in their country of residence does not yet correspond with that in their country 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/43

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 834/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 852/93 by Mr Panayotis Roumeliotis ( PSE ) by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (13 July 1993) (15 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/81 ) ( 94/C 32/82

Subject: Entry of the drachma into the EMS Subject: Illegal operation of quarries on Mount Pendeli The European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Illicit marble quarrying on Mount Pendeli is haying a Monetary Affairs recently received confirmation from the disastrous effect on the Attica landscape as well as putting Greek Minister for Economic Affairs , Mr Stefanos Manos, classical monuments , such as the Acropolis, at risk through that the drachma would join the European Monetary creating a shortage of Pendeli marble for restoration System in the course of 1993 . Given that Greece has work . galloping inflation at 15,5 % , can the Commission and the Community in general confirm whether this will lead to the closure of a large number of firms ? Quarrying was banned in 1974 but the Minister for Agriculture states that it has continued unlawfully without the permit issued by the Ministry .

Answer given by Mr Christophersen What is the Commission's position on these activities which on behalf of the Commission are a threat to the environment and our cultural heritage ? (8 October 1993)

The Greek government's convergence programme foresees that the drachma would join the ERM whenever sufficient nominal convergence has been achieved ; no specific date has Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas been proposed . At present, trends in prices and in other on behalf of the Commission nominal variables in Greece relative to the Community suggest that the necessary convergence has yet to be (28 October 1993) attained . It is for the Greek authorities to decide on the exchange rate strategy for the drachma taking account of all the appropriate circumstances . Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (') requires that projects for the extraction of marble be made subject to prior assessment where Member States consider that they are likely to have a significant effect on the environment, e.g. by virtue of their size or location. WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 923/93 However, according to the information provided by the by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) Honourable Member it would appear that the Mount to the Commission of the European Communities Pendelis quarries are still in operation, even though the (15 July 1993) extraction of marble has been prohibited since 1974 . 94/C 32/83

The Commission is therefore in a position to broach the matter with the Greek authorities in those cases where work Subject: Industry in Thrace has been authorized after 3 July 1988 , the date on which Directive 85/337/EEC entered into force . Approximately 300 industrial and craft enterprises in Greek Thrace are heavily indebted . According to a study carried out by the Association of Greek Industrial Enterprises, As for the illegality of the quarrying, the Commission would because of their accumulated debts to banks and interest point out that it falls exclusively to the Member State payments, the firms in question , which at present employ concerned to ensure that its national laws are complied 5 000 workers , have their backs against the wall . According with . to the Association, these firms are viable but for them to continue operating, Dr 12 billion are needed in the first year ( 1 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 . and a further Dr 2,3 billion in subsequent years .

In order to save the enterprises in Greek Thrace, measures such as the following are needed : interest subsidies on loans No C 32/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94 of working capital , cancellation of late interest payments, the concern always being closely to involve the Council and roll-over of long-term loans , interest subsidies, an increase the Parliament in accordance with their request . from 6 to 12% in the Employment Office grant, and a reduction in VAT rates . Following this stage , the Commission will propose the instruments needed to implement the agreed services . In view of the above , what can the Commission do to help firms in Greek Thrace to escape bankruptcy ? (!) COM(91 ) 476 final . ( 2 ) COM ( 93 ) 247 final .

Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission (1 October 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1926/93 It is for the Greek authorities to propose suitable measures by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) for restructuring industrial enterprises in Thrace, including accompanying social measures . to the Commission of the European Communities ( 19 July 1993) The Commission would be prepared in response to such a ( 94/C 32/85 ) proposal to examine what measures could be given financial assistance from the Structural Funds within the new Community support framework for Greece for Subject: Product liability rules 1994—99 . There are Community rules which provide that producers are liable for every injury, damage or death caused by their products . However, the rules are applied differently or are not applied in all the Member States ( Italy and Spain). WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 924/93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) In view of this , does the Commission agree that common to the Commission of the European Communities and uniform product liablity rules must apply throughout the Community as soon as possible ? (IS July 1993) ( 94/C 32/84 )

Subject: Single market in postal services Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archiraii on behalf of the Commission The Commission's 'green paper' contains a number of ideas (6 October 1993) for the liberalization of certain postal services . However , plans for a single market in postal services are still behind schedule . The Council adopted in 1985 Directive 85/374/EEC on the liability of producers for defective products , which provides When will a definite decision on this subject be for damages in the event of personal injury or death announced ? attributable to a defective product . It has been implemented by 10 Member States , and France and Spain are expected to implement draft bills in early course . While the Directive, in Answer given by Mr Bangemann essence , is a harmonizing directive , three options were left on behalf of the Commission open to the Member States in respect of (18 October 1993) ( i ) the definition of a product ( they could include or exclude primary agricultural products ); Following the publication of the 'Green Paper on the development of the single market for postal services ' on ( ii ) the inclusion or exclusion of a defence in relation to 11 June 1992 ( ] ), there was a particularly thorough period development risk and of public consultation during which a large number of meetings were held with the parties concerned and more ( iii ) the application or non-application of a ceiling or than 200 written contributions were received . This period liability of not less than ECU 77 million . was extended up to this year, when the Commission received opinions in particular from Parliament, the This has resulted in some minor divergences . Economic and Social Committee and most of the Member States . However, a study pursuant to Article 21 of the Directive on its application in practice is currently under way and will be In the light of the Green Paper and the outcome of the available towards the end of the year . This will form the consultation, the Commission has prepared a basis of the report in 1995 on the use of the options in communication to the Council and Parliament entitled practice . The results may indicate that the options can be 'Guidelines for the development of Community postal removed or that in practice no prejudice arises from their services' ( 2 ) setting out its thinking with regard to the sector, use . 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/45

The Commission has contacted the Member States to ensure 1 . To which regulated professions within the meaning of as uniform as possible an application of the Directive in Directive 89/48/EEC ( 2 ) does the French Doctor of Laws respect of the liability of producers . degree give access either by itself or in combination with other diplomas ?

2 , Which diplomas are required in order to take up those professions in Member States other than France ?

(') Oj No C 185 , 7 . 7 . 1993 , p . 24 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-1944/93 ( 2 ) OJ No L 19 , 24 . 1 . 1989 , p . 16 . by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) to the Commission of the European Communities (19 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/86 Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1993) Subject: Drought in Attica

The problem of drought affecting the inhabitants of the 1 . The French doctor of laws degree is essentially an Attica basin is assuming alarming proportions . There is a academic degree and is only in some cases one of the direct link between this and the deteriorating changes in elements liable to form part of the training of certain climate which specially commissioned UN research shows university lecturers . It never seems to be a final degree in will accelerate rapidly over the next 20 to 30 years with itself giving access to a given profession . In any case, drastic effects on the ecosystem . In view of this , will the determination of the regulated professions covered by Commission submit a proposal to the Council for the Directive 89/48/EEC on a general system for the recognition promotion of renewable sources of energy in Attica and for of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of Community funding in the immediate future to support professional education and training of at least three years' plans for 'sustainable development' in this area ? duration in the French system is a matter for national rules, i.e . those of France .

2 . Without knowing precisely which regulated professions are concerned in France, it is impossible to Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas identify the corresponding professions in other Member on behalf of the Commission States . (18 October 1993)

The Commission is of the opinion that there is sufficient scope for funding under existing Community funds and programmes and it therefore does not plan to put any specific additional proposals to the Council . WRITTEN QUESTION E-1974/93 by Mr José Apolinârio ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (19 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/88 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1948/93 by Mr Yves Verwaerde ( LDR ) Subject: Information plan for young people to the Commission of the European Communities Can the Commission tell me : (19 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/87 ) 1 . whether an 'Information plan for young people' exists, what funds are to be allocated to it, and what requirements need to be met by youth organizations Subject: General system for the recognition of wishing to apply, higher-education diplomas — French Doctor of Laws degree 2 . how the Plan is being, or has been publicized amongst youth organizations , With reference to the answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission to question No 3032/92 ( ') on 3 . the names of the organizations which submitted the French Doctor of Laws degree : applications within the established deadline ? No C 32/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2240/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2001/93 by Mrs Concepció Ferrer ( PPE ) by Mr José Apolinario (PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (30 July 1993) (19 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/89 ) ( 94/C 32/90 )

Subject; Action plan for informing young people Subject; Production aid in the olive oil sector

The action plan for informing young people about the Portuguese olive oil producers ( producing over 500 kg ) have European Community proposed four kinds of action for the regularly drawn attention to excessive delays in production current year : support for trial programmes for young aid payments . Can the Commission tell me the payment people , investigation into the setting up of a European deadlines for each of the Community Member States ? databank , meetings of those who are to provide young people with information and direct information campaigns aimed at young people .

Can the Commission provide specific information on the Answer given by Mr Steichen development of this programme , including completed on behalf of the Commission activities , the proposed timetable , the plan's budget, (27 September 1993) allocation of the budget, the terms for participation in the programme , etc .? By reason of the stabilizing mechanism in the olive oil sector, production aid for olive growers producing on average at least 500 kg of oil is paid as follows :

Joint answer to Written Questions E-l 974/93 ( a ) an advance , in general corresponding to more than and E-2240/93 80% of the total aid amount, paid after estimated given by Mr Ruberti production is fixed ( for the 1992/93 marketing year, on behalf of the Commission Regulation ( EEC ) No 1090/93 of 4 May 1993 ). The (29 October 1993) deadlines for payment of the advance vary, however, depending on the procedure followed : the rapid procedure provided for in Article 12 ( 2 ) of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2261 /84 ( 1 ) or the normal procedure The Youth Information Action Plan was adopted by the provided for in paragraph 3 of that Article . Commission on 2 September 1992 pursuant to an initiative taken by the Council in February 1992 . It has a budget of ( b ) the balance, paid within 90 days of the fixing of ECU 500 000 for 1 993 . As 1 993 is its first year of operation definitive production ( for the 1991/92 marketing year, the Plan is necessarily experimental in nature . Regulation ( EEC ) No 1205/93 of 17 May 1993 ).

The four types of activities to which the Honourable (') OJ No L 208 , 3 . 8 . 1984 , p . 3 . Members refer have been implemented gradually by the Commission , which has maintained close contact with the agencies responsible for youth policy in the Member States and with the international organizations representing the youth movements , particularly the European Youth Forum .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2014/93 The Commission will assess the impact of these activities and produce a full report on the progress of the programme by Mr Alex Smith ( PSE ) at the end of the first year . to the Commission of the European Communities (23 July 1993) The Action Plan is only one aspect of the Community's ( 94/C 32/91 ) measures aimed at young Europeans . Others include the 'Youth for Europe' programme and the information projects implemented under the budget heading created by Subject: Environmental protection Parliament 'Priority measures in the youth field'. A list of the projects supported under this budget heading will be included in the annual report for 1993 . What organizations were consulted by the Commission in its preparation of the proposals released on 2 June 1993 to improve the requirements for environmental protection in the drafting and implementation of Community policies ? 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/47

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas Answer given by Sir Leon Bnttan on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (12 October 1993) (21 October 1993)

On 2 June 1993 the Commission adopted a set of internal The latest forecast of the man/month requirements for the mechanisms and measures to ensure that it is better able to implementation of the Tacis programme in Kyrgyzstan is integrate environmental considerations at the early stages of contained in the Tacis 1992 action programme for the definition of Commission policy and action in all policy Republic of Kyrgyzstan . The programme for Kyrgyzstan areas . focuses on four priority areas . The breakdown in terms of man/month for the four scctors is as follows : Since the measures are of an internal nature no external organizations were consulted by the Commission . — civil service reform and social protection : 158

However, in preparing these measures the Commission took — energy : 64 into account the specific references to the need for integration in the resolutions adopted at the end of 1992 — support of enterprises : 36 by the Parliament and by the Council of Ministers on the fifth EC environment action programme 'Towards — food production and distribution : 111 . sustainability', and experiences in Member States in this field . The man/month costs in the action programme 1992 for Kyrgyzstan are calculated at the rate of ECU 15 000 .

The planning figure of ECU 1 5 000 per month is an estimate . Therefore the planned figure does not necessarily correspond to the actual costs per expert . The planned WRITTEN QUESTION E-2055/93 figure of the man/month costs include a wide range of overhead costs necessary to support the experts in their by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) specific tasks . The overhead costs include transport costs, to the Commission of the European Communities food and accommodation . (23 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/92 The actual man/month costs vary considerably . Depending on the specialization required by the final beneficiary the expert costs can be higher or lower than the estimate . The Subject: Use of funds for the Tacis programme in 'market price ' of experts in the area of agriculture is lower Kyrgyzstan than energy experts . The actual costs should never exceed the planned figure . In cases where the actual costs are below The Tacis programme for Kyrgyzstan receives an annual the planning estimate, the remaining sum will always be non-repayable subsidy from the Community of ECU 9,23 allocated to other priority areas . million, most of which will be disbursed in 1993 . 71 % of this sum ( ECU 6,55 million ) is earmarked for providing 31 In this context it may be emphasized that the Tacis experts a year to work in the country , which amounts to programme is dealing with hardship countries . Inevitably, expenditure of ECU 211 000 per expert per year . This is this element has repercussions on the level of expert fees . equivalent to approximately Ptas 3 165 000 , Bfrs/Lfrs 8 440 000 and FF 1 400 000 per expert per year — sums The experts implementing the Tacis programme are chosen which compare very favourably with the fees paid within the in a restricted tendering procedure . Companies originating Community . from one of the Community Member States or from the recipient countries can participate in the tender . Local Can the Commission provide details on the following consultancy groups can apply directly or jointly with points : have these 31 experts a year been taken on , wholly or companies from the Member States . In a number of cases partly, on a contract basis ? What are their names and Western consultancy companies have included local experts qualifications ? Which tasks do each of them carry out ? How as subcontractors in their project proposals . have they been selected — at random or through competitions ? Have they been taken on through the intermediary of any particular companies and , if so, subject The Coordinating Units co-planning and administering the to what conditions ? What were the reasons for choosing Tacis programme in the NIS, consist of local staff. In a first such companies ? stage they are supported by a team of Western experts . The long term objective is to have the Coordinating Units work autonomously as the counterparts of the Tacis Can the Commission also state whether, for example , headquarters . Kyrgyzstan citizens could be involved in the work carried out by these experts so that they can carry out these tasks themselves in the future ? No G 32/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 2. 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2081/93 Community's cooperation policy by some Commission by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) officials who are overlooking the fact that Portuguese is the official language of five ACP States (Cape Verde, to the Commission of the European Communities Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola and (23 July 1993) Mozambique ) — a fact which should suffice to refute the ( 94/C 32/93 ) provocative claim referred to above ?

Subject: The Leader programme for Macedonia Can the Commission confirm my information that the BCC Answer given by Mr Marin company owned by Mr D. Tsitouridis is responsible for the on behalf of the Commission Leader programme for Macedonia ? (21 October 1993)

The article in question was published in Partenariat, the Answer given by Mr Steichen CID's information bulletin, which is clearly identified as on behalf of the Commission being a CID publication in a box on the last page of every (5 October 1993) issue. The Courier merely reproduces this publication to give it a broader audience; it is in no way responsible for the content of the articles. The Commission would have liked the Honourable Member to provide it with the information necessary to Any queries concerning the editorial content of Partenariat allow it to evaluate the contents and import of his should be addressed to the Centre for Industrial question : Development (CID). — with which Leader groups did the company in question deal ? — in what capacity (external managing consultant, other)? WRITTEN QUESTION E-21 12/93 — are there complaints against this company and if so, why ? by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (PSE) to the Commission of the European Communities In general, however, the Commission respecting the (26 July 1993) principle of subsidiarity and the autonomy of the Leader groups, does not become involved in their management ( 94/C 32/95 ) methods and the resultant decisions. Subject: Damage to the environment in the area of Kastellokambos in Achaia

According to the Eleftheros newspaper of 4 May 1993, the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2094/93 problem of pollution of the sea around Kastellokambos in by Mr José Mendes Bota (LDR) Achaia by sewage from the Achaia Beach hotel complex has assumed serious proportions. As they see the summer to the Commission of the European Communities approaching the alarmed inhabitants of the area are calling (23 July 1993) for a halt to this unacceptable situation which is lowering ( 94/C 32/94 ) their quality of life, and threatening the environment and public health. Will the Commission approach the Greek authorities on this matter ? Subject: Since when have Portuguese-speaking countries counted as 'French-speaking' countries ? I was stunned to see in the March/April 1993 edition of the ACP-EEC Courier, which is funded by the Commission, Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas that countries such as Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau are on behalf of the Commission included on a list of 'French-speaking' countries, according (8 October 1993) to an article on the results of the EEC-West Africa Industrial Forum (FORDAK/92 ) held last December in Dakar, an event in the organization of which the CID ( Centre for The conditions under which urban waste water must be Industrial Development) — also funded by the Commission collected and treated in accordance with Council Directive — played a substantial part. 91/271/EEC depend both on the characteristics of the waste water and the sensitivity of the receiving waters. Can the Commission say who is responsible for this lapse ? Is it the ACP-EEC Courier or the CID, or is it the result Compliance with these conditions will not become of a philosophy surreptitiously introduced into the compulsory until 31 December 1998 at the earliest in the 2 . 2 , 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/49 case of discharges from agglomerations of over 10 000 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2143/93 population equivalent into areas identified as sensitive. by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE) to the Commission of the European Communities Until that time, the Commission is unable to raise the matter (26 July 1993) referred to by the Honourable Member with the Greek authorities . ( 94/C 32/97 )

Subject: Correct implementation by Greece of Directive 76/160/EEC

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 126/93 Greece is failing adequately to implement Directive by Mr Alex Smith ( PSE ) 76/160/EEC C ) laying down limit values in respect of the to the Commission of the European Communities water at beach resorts . Analyses are only being carried out at (26 July 1993) approximately one-fifth of the 16 000 kms of Greek ( 94/C 32/96 beaches , and three-fifths of these beaches have been given the green light for swimming . Moreover, owing to staff shortages and inadequate infrastructures, analyses are not being carried out on a systematic basis and only two of the Subject: Safe carriage of irradiated nuclear fuels five microbiological parameters laid down in the Directive are used . Finally, no analyses are being carried out in respect When did the Commission obtain a copy of the Working of the third group of parameters in Greece . In view of these Paper number 30 by the International Atomic Energy shortcomings, what action does the Commission intend to Agency for the Second Technical Committee Meeting of the take to persuade Greece fully to comply with Directive Joint IAEA/IMO ( UNEP ) Working Group on Safe Carriage 76/160/EEC ? of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel ( INF ) by sea , held in Vienna on 26—30 April 1993 ; and what input if any has the Commission had into the formulation of the new code ? ( 1 ) OJ No L 31 , 5 . 2 . 1976 , p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission (5 October 1993) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission The Commission participated in the Second Technical (8 October 1993) Committee Meeting of the Joint International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA)/International Maritime Organization ( IMO ) ( UNEP ) ( J ) Working Group on the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel ( INF ) by sea . Article 1 of Directive 76/160/EEC limits the scope of the Directive to areas in which bathing is generally practised by The Commission supported the objective that the code a large number of bathers . The Commission questioned the should cover besides INF also the appropriate formulation Greek authorities about their failure to identify a sufficient for the safe carriage of plutonium and high level waste . The number of bathing areas . Following this enquiry the Greek outcome of the meeting IAEA/IMO ( 26—30 April 1993 ) authorities increased the number of monitored areas from is to be submitted to the International Maritime 554 in 1989 of 1 207 in 1992 . Organization .

The corresponding draft code has since then been approved The analyses carried out by the Greek authorities covered all by the Maritime Safety Commission ( MSC ) and the the microbiological and physico-chemical parameters Maritime Environmental Protection Commission ( MEPC ) ( Nos 1 , 2 , 7, 8, 9 and 10 ) with a mandatory value and two Committees of the IMO and will be presented to the IMO parameters ( Nos 3 and 12 ) with a guide value . In this respect Assembly in October of this year for official adoption . the Greek authorities are complying with the obligations of the Directive .

(M UNEP : United Nations Environment Programme . No C 32/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 167/93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 195/93 by Mrs Christine Oddy ( PSE ) by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (28 July 1993) (29 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/98 ) ( 94/C 32/99 )

Subject: Provision of economic aid to Palestine by the Arab Subject: Tobacco subsidies countries

Will the Commission ensure that the planned reduction in What action is the Commission taking to convince the Arab subsidies for tobacco production from £l billion to £270 countries in the Middle East of the need to provide economic million will be achieved ? aid to the territories under Israeli occupation , to supplement the aid already supplied by the Community, which has to date been the largest donor ? Does the Commission not agree that as smoking tobacco is dangerous for people's health, that further efforts should be made to ensure that the subsidy is further reduced ? Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (25 October 1993)

Answer given by Mr Steichen The Commission takes advantage of any meeting with on behalf of the Commission donors from Arab countries to discuss matters related to (5 October 1993) assistance to the Palestinians living in and outside the Occupied Territories . On these occasions the Commission informs representatives from Arab countries about the efforts the Community undertakes and reminds them of the 1 . With the recent reform of the tobacco regime , the need to assist the Palestinians . Commission has ensured that, for 1993 and 1994 , Community tobacco production will be limited within the Furthermore the Commission participated in a demarche of quota ( fixed at 370 000 tonnes for 1993 and at 350 000 the Community Troika in the Gulf countries to Saudi tonnes for 1994 ). Given that premium levels will be Arabia , the United Arab Emirates , Kuweit, Oman and the unchanged , and in the absence of subsidies for public General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council intervention and export refunds , the annual expenditure for ( 20—21 September 1993 ). the sector should be kept within the defined limits . The Troika invited the Gulf countries to support the 2 . The Commission is aware of the detrimental effects of Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, politically, as well as tobacco smoking on health and has, through its programme economically, as it represents an important step towards ' Europe against cancer', undertaken a series of actions peace and stability in the region as a whole . The Gulf war aimed at reducing tobacco consumption , notably through should be left behind . health information and education , but also through specific preventive measures .

The Commission recognizes that reduction or discontinuation of aid to Community tobacco producers would make tobacco cropping unprofitable . However , WRITTEN QUESTION E-2210/93 supply of tobacco to meet existing demand will remain by Mr Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) unaffected owing to tobacco imports from third countries . to the Commission of the European Communities The latter already cover about 70 % of the total Community consumption . (29 July 1993) ( 94/C 32/100 ) Finally, it should not be forgotten that Community production is mainly concentrated in less-favoured areas in Subject: Unrestricted availability of potentially harmful which economically viable alternatives for small farmers medicinal plants often do not exist . In Belgium certain plant-based products described as being beneficial to health are on sale both generally and, in some cases , in pharmacies . 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/51

These products arc not classified as medicines , and are thus to set up a forum with the task of investigating the extent of not subject to any legal requirements concerning attacks on disabled persons , drawing up an annual report specification of their potentially harmful effects in certain and investigating the possibility of introducing circumstances ( e.g. pregnancy ). anti-discrimination laws ?

Such products are not necessarily harmless ; some consist of a mixture of medicinal plant extracts which may endanger the consumer's health . The medicinal plants themselves are Answer given by Mr Flynn also on unrestricted sale, especially at health food shops . on behalf of the Commission Serious incidents have occurred following the use of Chinese (11 November 1993) plants which may cause damage to the kidney and liver .

Does the Commission not consider that there is a need to The Commission will consider what measures should be regulate the market in such plant-based products on a taken in response to the increasing violence against disabled Community-wide basis , so that they would have to bear .a people as part of discussions within the European Forum for detailed description of their composition and recommended Disabled People . The question has already been raised at the uses and , in the case of potentially harmful plants or plant meetings of the three advisory bodies within the Helios II extracts, would only be available from pharmacies on programme on 20, 21 and 22 September 1993 . prescription ? Conscious of the role that enhanced public awareness can play in combating indifference, hostility and violence towards the disabled , the Commission has provided impetus and support for the first 'European Disabled People's Day' Answer given by Mr Bangemann to be held on 3 December 1993 . This event in Brussels will on behalf of the Commission bring together 518 disabled people from all 12 Member States to debate matters in connection with respect for (5 October 1993) human rights from the point of view of the disabled , and will be attended by top-level representatives from the Community institutions . Under Community law, herbal products sold as having preventative or curative effects with regard to disease are to The Commission also provided support for the organization be regarded as medicinal products . They therefore require a of Eurable , the first European conference for the physically marketing authorization to verify their quality, safety and disabled , held in Maastricht on 2 to 4 August 1993 , which effectiveness if they are industrially manufactured . brought together 450 participants from 41 countries , a large majority of whom were disabled . During the conference , a The Commission shares the Honourable Member's analysis working party debated the topic 'combating discrimination : that some medicinal plants may be toxic and subject human rights and the disabled'. to medical prescription in accordance with Directive 92/26/EEC of 21 March 1992 ( ').

(') OJ No L 113 , 30 . 4 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2282/93 by Mr Henri Saby ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2249/93 ( 94/C 32/102 ) by Mrs Claudia Roth ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Decentralized cooperation (30 July 1993) The purpose of the decentralized cooperation provisions set 94/C 32/101 out in Articles 20 , 21 , 22 and 230 of the Lome IV Convention is to give a whole range of bodies — both decentralized public bodies ( at regional , local , district and Subject: Violence against handicapped persons other levels ) and private concerns ( groups of companies , chambers of commerce , producers, cooperatives, NGOs , What steps has the Commission taken and will it take to media operators , etc .) — a central role in projects and implement the recommendations contained in the programmes . resolution adopted by Parliament on 22 April 1 993 on the upsurge of violence against handicapped persons and , in Can the Commission make an initial appraisal of the particular, paragraph 3 where the Commission is requested operations financed from EDF funds and from the No C 32/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94 appropriations for regional cooperation with especially since the concept was introduced into the new Mediterranean countries ? Can it say which strategies have guidelines for cooperation with the ALA developing been adopted and what steps have been taken to ensure that countries . they are implemented in a manner consistent with the priorities set for developing countries ? Decentralized cooperation schemes under way in Latin Furthermore , would it not be appropriate to consider America include : extending this type of initiative to other regions of the world ( Latin America , Asia , etc .) and to the countries of Central — Al-Invcst, an industrial cooperation programme for and Eastern Europe ? which the Community has provided ECU 9,2 million and which draws on the know-how of economic operators ( chambers of commerce , industry federations , investment-promotion organizations , etc .);

Answer given by Mr Marin — cooperation between towns in the areas of municipal on behalf of the Commission administration or water management; (10 November 1993) — a forthcoming programme for cooperation between universities . The Commission will be reporting to the Council and Parliament on the initial stages of the implementation of decentralized cooperation in time for the Council meeting of Decentralized cooperation in central and eastern Europe is 2 December . In view of the magnitude of the subject, this wide-ranging . The Phare programme, in particular, includes answer outlines only the main facts and guidelines . projects that involve the ordinary citizen in public affairs, promote local government reform or the direct funding of non-governmental organizations via the Phare democracy With regard to the fourth Lome Convention, the programme and local development or women's projects . programming in 1990—91 of the resources of the first Other measures to link regions and cities in East and West financial Protocol specifically provided support for involve support from the ERDF-backed Recite programme decentralized programmes in a few countries , most notably or open programmes , such as ECOS and LEDA, and Cote d'lvoire, where such a programme is now under way . funding for twinning initiatives . On a more general basis , however, efforts were made during the indicative programming stage to encourage this type of cooperation by creating explicit or implicit opportunities according to the nature of the programme . Furthermore , Budget Item B7-5077 ( Decentralized cooperation in the some programmes of microprojects have grown in developing countries ) is proving very useful in the complexitiy and consistency and can now be said to promotion of this type of cooperation . It funds public constitute decentralized cooperation . information and education , the preparation of wider-ranging programmes and pilot projects . In so far as its very limited resources allow, it has already been used to This opening stage must be viewed as one of preparation , finance operations in Central and South America , Vietnam exploration of possibilities , making central government and and the ACP countries . Other operations are in the pipeline. potential agents of decentralized cooperation aware of this They concern a wide range of decentralized bodies : local type of cooperation , and pilot projects . Manuals have been government, NGOs, associations of various kinds, trade distributed for this purpose . We are now regularly unions , women's and youth movements . encountering real and growing interest in this approach, not only from decentralized cooperation bodies in the ACP States and the Community but central government too . That decentralized cooperation projects funded from the Lome, Mediterranean or ALA resources coincide with the developing countries' own priorities is undoubtedly A series of programmes have been launched in the course of attributable to the way in which financing decisions are regional cooperation under the New Mediterranean Policy : subject to cooperation guidelines agreed by the Commission MED-URBS ( ECU 5 million ), MED-Campus ( ECU 6,5 and the countries concerned . At a more basic level, we are million ), MED-INVEST ( ECU 9 million ) and MED-Media trying to promote grassroots development and democracy ( ECU 5 million). In each case the aim is to mobilize by strengthening intermediate structures between the decentralized bodies in the southern or eastern central government and the citizen , with each level Mediterranean along with their counterparts in a number of complementing the others . Member States .

Various forms of decentralized cooperation are now under way with the Asian and Latin American ( ALA ) countries , 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/53

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2365/93 since the beginning of the year. How does the Commission by Mr José Apolinario ( PSE ) intend to help President Mubarak and the Egyptian Government to curb acts of terrorism by extremist to the Commission of the European Communities fundamentalists and prevent any adverse effects on tourism (1 September 1993) in Egypt ? ( 94/C 32/103 )

Subject: 'Poverty III' programme Answer given by Mr Van den Broek The Community has provided assistance to various projects on behalf of the Commission aimed at fighting social exclusion as part of a programme (22 October 1993) entitled 'Poverty III', The programme was established in 1989 for a five-year term , and its assessment is scheduled to be finalized in 1994 . The Commission has followed closely developments in Egypt and deplores the terrorist attacks by extremist groups Can the Commission provide detailed information on all the which have caused loss of life and injury. The Commission projects which have received Community assistance since and partners in the EPC framework continue to monitor the the inception of the programme as well as an indication of situation and would discuss any reaction in that the Community's contribution to each of the projects framework . concerned ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2461/93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) As required by the Council Decision of 18 July 1989 to the Commission of the European Communities establishing a Community programme for the economic and (1 September 1993) social integration of the least privileged groups in society ( Poverty 3 ), the Commission will shortly be submitting an ( 94/C 32/105 ) interim report to the Parliament and Council on the implementation and results of the programme . Subject: Disadvantaged groups selected this year in Greece Mid-term evaluations and details of activities under each of for vocational training measures the projects co-financed by the Community are being sent directly to the Honourable Member and the Which disadvantaged groups were selected this year in Secretariat-General of the Parliament. Greece for vocational training measures under the Community's human resources programme, 'Horizon'? The Community financial contribution to the projects is around 50% of actual expenditure, rising to 55% in exceptional cases . The average sum involved in ECU 250 000 per year for the model projects and ECU 50 000 for innovative activities . Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (9 November 1993)

Disadvantaged groups eligible under the Community's WRITTEN QUESTION E-2391/93 Horizon initiative are those suffering from a physical or by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) mental handicap or specific problems preventing their integration into the labour market. Persons affected by new to the Commission of the European Communities and exceptional socio-economic conditions with a massive (1 September 1993) and lasting impact on the balance of employment are also 94/C 32/104 eligible .

Subject: Response to terrorist acts in Egypt Projects are selected by the national authorities following Community guidelines and the specific national priorities established by the Member State concerned . Seven dead and 20 wounded is the final toll of the bomb attack which took place in a busy district of Cairo on 19 June . This attack is the eighth in the Egyptian capital No C 32/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2538/93 Community has opened up various avenues for action. by Mr Gerardo Fernández-Albor ( PPE ) These include budgetary resources to promote democracy and human rights . to the Commission of the European Communities (1 September 1993) ( 94/C 32/106 )

Subject: Community participation in reestablishing WRITTEN QUESTION E-2554/93 democracy in Somalia by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities It seems that the most crucial element in the reconstruction (1 September 1993) of Somalia will be the success of the process culminating — possibly in 1995 — in the first democratic elections to be ( 94/C 32/107 ) held in the country since 1967 . Subject: Construction of a waste incineration plant at Fyli, The process should follow the course which was approved Attica in Addis Ababa last May , under the auspices of the UN , and will have to overcome some serious deficiencies such as the Without carrying out any environmental , economic or country's administrative subdivision ; in many of the 18 technical studies , the local authorities of Fyli in Attica have regions , where serveral tribes or subtribes coexist, there are published an invitation to tender for the construction of a as many as seven administrative subdivisions . plant for incinerating houshold refuse, industrial waste and waste rubber with a daily capacity of 4 000 tonnes . In view In view of the Community's determination to support the of the fact that waste incineration, particularly using this establishment of democratic regimes in Third World method, is a hazardous technology which cannot resolve the countries , does the Commission intend to set up a special problem of waste management, how does the Commission plan to help Somalia complete successfully the process intend to act on this matter ? which should lead to free and democratic elections no later than 1995 ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (18 October 1993) Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission The Community has specific legislation on the incineration (13 October 1993) of waste in the form of several Directives which have been approved or are being adopted by the Council .

The Honourable Member alludes in his question to the If the incineration plant planned in the municipality of Filis Unosom-led process for rebuilding the Somali is for household waste only, it will be subject to the administration, under which 1 8 regions and 92 districts will provisions of Council Directive 89/369/EEC on the be created . prevention of atmospheric pollution from new municipal waste incineration plants (') and the emission limit values While true that such a large number of administrative units , laid down therein . each of them further divided into clans and sub-clans , does not make the job of welding the country together again any If the incineration plant is also to be used for industrial easier, it should be pointend out that the Addis Ababa waste recognized as dangerous within the meaning of Agreement of 28 March 1993 also makes provision for a Article 1 of Council Directive 91/689/EEC on dangerous Transitional National Council ( TNC). Although unelected , waste ( 2 ), it will be subject to the provisions of the proposal the TNC does have three representatives ( including one for a Council Directive on the incineration of dangerous woman ) from each region and delegates from 15 of the waste ( 3 ), adoption of which by the Council is planned for country's political factions . the end of the year . If the operating permit for the plant is granted by the competent Greek authorities prior to the notification of the new Directive to the Member States, the In a declaration at the end of the Council ( general affairs ) incineration plant will be regarded as an existing plant and meeting on 8 June , the Community and its Member States will have to comply with the requirements of the Directive reiterated their full backing for the UN in its attempt to within three and a half years of notification . maintain peace and stability in Somalia . Furthermore, in accordance with Council Directive Without trying to predict what measures will be taken after 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain the two-year transitional period , it should be noted that the public and private projects on the environment ( 4 ), planned 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/55 installations for the incineration, chemical treatment or preparation for the European Council meeting on landfill of toxic , dangerous waste must undergo assessment 29 October 1993 . before a permit is granted by the competent authorities . The Presidency of the European Council drew the following Community legislation does not, however , call for any conclusions with regard to the social dimension : technico-economic assessment or study .

Community policy on waste management ( Council 'The Union Treaty offers new foundations for social resolution of 7 May 1 990 on waste policy ( 5 )) gives priority policy, subject to the provisions of the Protocol annexed to the prevention and reduction at source of waste to the Treaty . We are aware of the importance of this production, followed by recycling and re-use . Incineration aspect of the Community's activities, particularly in the or landfill are therefore considered to be the last resort, but present circumstances , and we have decided to existing Community provisions or those being discussed implement — in all their forms — the possibilities must be complied with . afforded by the Treaty for a more mutually supportive Community . ( 1 ) OJ No L 163 , 8 . 6 . 1989 . (2 ) OJ No L 377, 12 . 12 . 1991 . The European Council confirmed the creation of an ( 3 ) COM(92 ) 9 final , 19 . 3 . 1992 . Agency for Health and Safety at Work, to be responsible ( 4 ) OJ No L 175 , 27 . 6 . 1985 . for providing Community authorities with all the data ( 5 ) OJ No C 122 , 18 . 5 . 1990 . relating to the assessment of situations and the expertise necessary for the improvement of working conditions.'

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2613/93 by Mr José Torres Couto ( PSE ) to the Council of the European Communities (1 September 1993) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2634/93 ( 94/C 32/108 by Mr Gérard Fuchs ( PSE ) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Social Europe (1 September 1993) In view of the result of the Danish referendum , what ( 94/C 32/109 ) measures does the European Council intend to take to relaunch 'social Europe'? Subject: Directive on VAT harmonization/second-hand vehicles

Answer The Sixth Directive on VAT harmonization stipulated that (22 December 1993) the Council should adopt before 31 December 1977 ( Article 32 of Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 (*)) a Community taxation system to be applied to second-hand 1 . Implementation of the social dimension of the internal goods . Fifteen years later, despite endless discussions in the market remains one of the Council's major concerns . Council, this Seventh Directive has not yet been adopted .

In this connection, it has been discussing in particular ways and means of combating unemployment . Moreover, contrary to its undertaking in Directive 92/77/EEC ( 2 ), the Council did not adopt the said directive The Standing Committee on Employment — at its meeting by 31 December 1992 . The coexistence of conflicting national systems and the application of the transitional on 22 September 1993 — in which the Presidents-in-Office of the Labour and Social Affairs Council and of the Ecofin Community VAT system creates distortions of competition Council took part — and the Ministers for Labour and and implementation problems as regards intra-Community Social Affairs at their informal meeting in Bruges on 22 and transactions relating to second-hand vehicles , thereby adversely affecting many SMUs operating in this sector . 23 September 1993 , held a wide-ranging exchange of views on the problem, referring in particular to adaptability of the labour market, reduction of wage bills arid the role of Yet the Community has an extremely high rate of sales of training . second-hand vehicles , amounting to approximately 27 million units per year, and a turnover estimated at over ECU The Labour and Social Affairs Council meeting on 100 billion . By way of comparison, 12 million new vehicles 12 October 1 993 continued the discussion on this tropic in are sold each year in the Community . No C 32/56 Official Journal of the European Communities 2 . 2 . 94

1 . Is it acceptable that the adoption of the Seventh WRITTEN QUESTION E-3047/93 Directive should be blocked on the sole grounds that one by Mrs Marie-José Denys ( PSE ) Member State is opposed to even a relatively low tax on certain works of art ? to the Council of the European Communities (29 October 1993) 2 . Has the Commission received complaints from some of ( 94/C 32/110 the professions concerned about the resulting distortions of competition ? If so, has it initiated the consultations provided for in Article 101 of the Subject: Free movement of persons Treaty ? Will the Council state whether it is legal for a Belgian 3 . Why has the Commission not initiated the procedure national , who owns property and has been resident in provided for in Article 175 of the Treaty against the France for 10 years and is covered by a private social Council ? insurance scheme in that country to have her application for renewal of her residence permit rejected for the first time in 4 . What other actions does the Commission intend to take 1993 . to speed up the adoption of the Seventh VAT Directive ? This happened despite the fact that she presented the authorities with a work contract, which she was asked to produce for the first time in 1993 . (!) OJ No L 145 , 13 . 6 . 1977, p . 1 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992, p . 1 . Are these measures not contrary to the principle of free movement of persons within the Community ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener Answer on behalf of the Commission (22 December 1993) (21 October 1993) The Council did not know of the facts reported by the On 3 February 1989 the Commission presented a new Honourable Member. However, it would point out that it proposal for a Seventh Directive aimed at harmonizing the falls to the Commission to ensure that the provision of the system of value added tax applicable to works of art, Treaty and the measures taken by the institutions pursuant collectors ' items, antiques and used goods . thereto are applied .

Substantial progress was made in the discussion on the proposal in 1991 and 1992, although it could not be adopted by 31 December 1992 in spite of the undertaking given by the Council in Directive 92/77/EEC of 19 October WRITTEN QUESTION E-3056/93 1992 ( approximation of VAT rates ). by Mr Ernest Glinne ( PSE ) to the Council of the European Communities Nor was it possible to obtain unanimous agreement on the proposal at the meeting of the Ecofin Council on 7 June (29 October 1993) 1993 . ( 94/C 32/111 )

Under Article 100a ( 2 ) of the EEC Treaty, fiscal provisions Subject: Measures taken by the Zurich multinational may not be adopted by a qualified majority . It follows that, insurance company in order to adopt the proposal for a Seventh Directive, the Council must act unanimously and, for this , all the Member According to a report by the International Federation of States must agree on all the areas covered by the Commercial , Clerical , Professional and Technical proposal . Employees ( FIET), 15 avenue de Balexert, 1269 Chatelaine — Geneva ( Switzerland ), appearing in its journal ( Issue As mentioned by the Honourable Member, there are indeed No 5 , 1993 ) the Zurich insurance . company recently distortions of competition . While these already existed launched what can only be described as a textbook example before 1 January 1993 , their impact has been further of a social dumping offensive . In January 1993 it purchased accentuated with the establishment of the single market . part of the British Municipal Mutual Insurance Co . ( MMI ) — one of the largest insurance companies in the United The Commission has received complaints relating to a Kingdom (2 300 staff in the spring of 1992 providing number of sectors covered by the proposal and is services to local authorities and frequently to other investigating all the courses of action available under the members ) — the Zurich cancelled the collective agreement relevant provisions of the EEC Treaty . with the MSF Union concluded twenty years previously. At the beginning of March 1993, almost 1 600 MMI posts were transferred to the new employer, the Zurich 2 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 32/57

Municipal, staff having to accept, without consultation , the What is the Commission's opinion and what steps will it immediate revocation of their pension entitlements, take ? forfeiting their MMI cover for the considerably lower benefits offered by the Zurich company . The director of the new company subsequently stated that it was not the policy of the Zurich company to sign written agreements with any Answer recognized union and would take measures to end the (22 December 1993) current agreement, since collective agreements were not binding and no period of notice was required . In my opinion, this is a gross violation of ILO Conventions, It is for the Commission, which is responsible for ensuring European directives ( particularly with regard to collective that the Treaties and provisions taken pursuant thereto are bargaining in respect of redundancies, restructuring and applied , to assess whether and to what extent Community company transfers ) and the spirit of the European Social law has been observed in the case raised by the Honourable Charter . Member .