ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C88 Volume 38 of the European Communities 10 April 1995
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
95/C 88/01 E- 1704/94 by Antoni Gutiérrez Diaz to the Commission Subject : Treatment of solid urban waste on Majorca 1
95/C 88/02 E-1761/94 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission Subject : Administrative costs of development aid from EU ( Supplementary answer ) 2
95/C 88/03 E-2000/94 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : LIFE and tourism 2
95/C 88/04 E-2142/94 by Leo Tindemans to the Commission Subject : Provision of services 2
95/C 88/05 E-2148/94 by Antoinette Spaak to the Commission Subject : Action taken on the resolution of Parliament on the promotion of bee-keeping in the Community 3
95/C 88/06 E-2156/94 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject : Risks to public health from electricity distribution 4
95/C 88/07 E-21 80/94 by Giulio Fantuzzi to the Commission Subject : Administration of quotas for processed tomato products 4
95/C 88/08 E-21 87/94 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject : Eligibility for Interreg II 5
95/C 88/09 E-2188/94 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject : Non-inclusion of certain municipalities as areas eligible for Interreg II 5
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2187/94 and E-2188/94 5
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95/C 88/10 E-2255/94 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject : Labelling of dangerous goods in transit 5
95/C 88/11 E-2267/94 by Luciana Castellina to the Commission Subject : Audiovisual programmes for the ACP/ALA countries 6
95/C 88/12 E-2271/94 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Advertising 6
95/C 88/13 E-2292/94 by Panayotis Lambrias to the Commission Subject : Absence of data regarding Greece in tables drawn up by the Statistical Office 7
95/C 88/14 E-2298/94 by Blaise Aldo to the Commission Subject: Negative effects of duty-free imports of products from ACP countries on French overseas departments and territories 7
95/C 88/15 E-2327/94 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : Fifth report on the social, economic and development situation of the regions of the European Union ( Competitiveness and cohesion : trends in the regions ) 8
95/C 88/16 E-23 32/94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Monitoring compliance with legislation on the free movement of Member State nationals within the Community 8
95/C 88/17 E-2333/94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Issuing of residence permits 9
95/C 88/18 E-2344/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Council Subject : Amount allocated in the budget to the Socrates and Leonardo Programmes 9
95/C 88/19 E-2358/94 by Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject: Somport tunnel, Aspe valley, France 10
95/C 88/20 E-2379/94 by Josu Imaz San Miguel to the Commission Subject : Promotion of wine consumption 10
95/C 88/21 E-23 80/94 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Council Subject : Requests of the European Parliament concerning the Council ( economic and finance ministers ) 11
95/C 88/22 E-23 8 1 /94 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Council Subject : Democratic controls and the process of economic and monetary union 11
95/C 88/23 E-23 90/94 by Gerardo Bianco , Giovanni Burtone, Antonio Graziani , Danilo Poggiolini , Carlo Secchi, Giampaolo D'Andrea , Maria Colombo Svevo , Livio Filippi and Pierluigi Castagnetti to the Commission Subject : Independence of national central banks and the EC Treaty 11
95/C 88/24 E-23 92/94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Progress of re-afforestation in Greece ( Supplementary answer ) 12
95/C 88/25 E-2396/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject : Dioxin deposits in the North Sea 12
95/C 88/26 E-2422/94 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Utilization of appropriations under Article B2-514 13
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95/C 88/27 E-2423/94 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : STOA studies 14
95/C 88/28 E-2425/94 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : List of congresses, meetings and activities funded from Item A 3050 15
95/C 88/29 E-2431/94 by Yves Verwaerde to the Council Subject : Tomlinson report on the management of Parliament's building projects in Brussels . . 15
95/C 88/30 E-2442/94 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez to the Commission Subject : Support for dam construction 15
95/C 88/31 E-2444/94 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez to the Commission Subject : Irrigation projects 16
95/C 88/32 E-2445/94 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez to the Commission Subject : Funds for irrigation 16
95/C 88/33 E-2456/94 by Nuala Ahern to the Commission Subject : Nuclear re-processing plant Thorp ( Sellafield, UK ) and Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) directive 17
95/C 88/34 E-2475/94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Villanova d'Albenga and Luni-Sarzana airports 17
95/C 88/35 E-2476/94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Right of the armed forces to form associations 17
95/C 88/36 E-2485/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission Subject : Growing marginalization of certain areas in Europe 18
95/C 88/37 E-2486/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission Subject : Adjustment programmes for the successive enlargements of the Union 18
95/C 88/38 E-2491/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission Subject : Common audio-visual policy in Europe 19
95/C 88/39 E-2496/94 by Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject : Size of bananas 19
95/C 88/40 E-2504/94 by Gijs de Vries and Jan Mulder to the Commission Subject : Distortion of competition in connection with veterinary checks 20
95/C 88/41 E-25 06/94 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission Subject : EP's powers with regard to the implementation of the GATT provisions on the rice sector 20
95/C 88/42 E-25 15/94 by Marie-France Stirbois to the Council Subject : Sacem ( French performing rights society ) 20
95/C 88/43 E-2521/94 by Michl Ebner to the Commission Subject : Harmonization of taxation on heating oil 21
95/C 88/44 E-2528/94 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject : Financial transfers to Portugal under the Community Support Framework 1989—1993 ( CSF I ) in 1994 21
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95/C 88/45 E-58/95 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject: Financial transfers to Portugal under the First Community Support Framework during 1994 21
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2528/94 and E-58/95 21
95/C 88/46 E-2531/94 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject : Interreg 2 — partnership principle 22
95/C 88/47 E-2536/94 by Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl and Doris Pack to the Commission Subject : Measures to ensure unified and effective legal protection of industrial property rights within the EC 22
95/C 88/48 E-2554/94 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Dumping of toxic waste in the village of Kouroupitos in Crete 23
95/C 88/49 E-2562/94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Promotion of business participation in European Union humanitarian projects 23
95/C 88/50 E-25 66/94 by Christine Oddy to the Commission Subject : UK blacks and Asians and qualifications 24
95/C 88/51 E-2573/94 by Christine Oddy to the Council Subject : Child soldiers 25
95/C 88/52 E-2585/94 by Carlos Pimenta to the Commission Subject : GATT/WTO agreements 25
95/C 88/53 E-25 89/94 by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission Subject : Abolition of shanty towns in the European Union 26
95/C 88/54 E-2592/94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Construction of a shipyard in Wismar, Germany 26
95/C 88/55 E-2600/94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Bankruptcy of the German travel company 'Mit uns reisen GmbH' 27
95/C 88/56 E-2611/94 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Civil defence . . 28
95/C 88/57 E-2612/94 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Wine market 28
95/C 88/58 E-26 14/94 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Companies responsible for pollution 29
95/C 88/59 E-2625/94 by Johanna Maij-Weggen and Peter Pex to the Commission Subject : Use of official languages at Europol in The Hague 29
95/C 88/60 E-2643/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission Subject : European Union aid for the countries of eastern Europe 30
95/C 88/61 E-2650/94 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Garching research reactor 30
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95/C 88/62 E-2651/94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Payment of tobacco premiums directly to growers 31
95/C 88/63 E-2652/94 by Armelle Guinebertière to the Commission Subject : Concern expressed by Community ( in particular French ) truffle producers regarding the conditions under which truffles are imported from the countries of eastern Europe 31
95/C 88/64 E-2655/94 by Glyn Ford to the Council Subject : Eurobail 32
95/C 88/65 E-2659/94 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Commission Subject : Narrow EMS currency exchange rate bands 32
95/C 88/66 E-2660/94 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Commission Subject : EMS rules as an obligatory criterion of compliance and convergence 32
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2659/94 and E-2660/94 32
95/C 88/67 E-2662/94 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject : Mértola-Castro Marim road link • 33
95/C 88/68 E-2666/94 by Pierre Bernard-Reymond to the Commission Subject : Implementation of the Directive of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace 33
95/C 88/69 E-2675/94 by Marie-France Stirbois to the Commission Subject : Situation of the beef and veal market in Europe 34
95/C 88/70 E-2678/94 by Giovanni Burtone to the Commission Subject : Funding in Italy for projects covered by the FIFG ( Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ) 35
95/C 88/71 E-26 82/94 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Trans-plantation of foetal tissue : 35
95/C 88/72 E-26 8 3/94 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Network of European CNS Trans-plantation and Restoration 36
95/C 88/73 E-2719/94 by Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject : Student loss of benefits on Euroform-funded course 36
95/C 88/74 E-2727/94 by Anne Andre-Leonard, Wilmya Zimmermann and Maartje van Putten to the Commission Subject : Follow-up to the UN International Conference on Population and Development ( ICPD, 5-13 September 1994 in Cairo ) 37
95/C 88/75 E-2733/94 by Kirsten Jensen to the Commission Subject : Infant formulae 38
95/C 88/76 E-2752/94 by Fernand Herman to the Commission Subject : Combining the office of Commissioner with an elective office 38
95/C 88/77 E-2756/94 by Lyndon Harrison to the Commission Subject : Biennial review of excise within the European Union 39
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95/C 88/78 E-2763/94 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject : Age-related discrimination in employment 39
95/C 88/79 E-2768/94 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : UN framework convention on climate change 39
95/C 88/80 E-2770/94 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : The Espoo Convention 40
95/C 88/81 E-2776/94 by James Moorhouse to the Commission Subject : Pan-Am Integrated Rural Development Project 40
95/C 88/82 E-2777/94 . by James Moorhouse to the Commission Subject : Pan-Am Integrated Rural Development Project 40
95/C 88/83 E-2778/94 by James Moorhouse to the Commission Subject : Pan-Am Integrated Rural Development Project 40
95/C 88/84 E-2780/94 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject : Euro Info Centres and the business sector 41
95/C 88/85 E-2788/94 by Karl-Heinz Florenz to the Commission Subject : Plant protection product exports 41
95/C 88/86 E-2791/94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Community tyre re-cycling initiative 42
95/C 88/87 E-2822/94 by Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission Subject : Measures against child prostitution 42
95/C 88/88 E-2833/94 by Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject : Discrimination in recruitment 43
95/C 88/89 E-2840/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject : ESF accounting system 44
95/C 88/90 E-2843/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject : Projects funded under the LEDA Programme 44
95/C 88/91 E-2854/94 by Glyn Ford to the Commission Subject : Sale of tortoise shell in Rangoon 45
95/C 88/92 E-2876/94 by Bernd Lange to the Commission Subject : Forthcoming essential EU legislation against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles — stage to be reached by the year 2000 45
95/C 88/93 E-2889/94 by Maria Colombo Svevo to the Commission Subject : Fourth action programme on equal opportunities for women and men 46
95/C 88/94 E-9/95 by Clive Needle to the Commission Subject : Child prostitution 46
95/C 88/95 E-12/95 by Terence Wynn to the Commission Subject : Tobacco 46
95/C 88/96 E-30/95 by Erika Mann to the Commission Subject : Anti-dumping proceeding concerning Portland cement originating in Poland, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic 47
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95/C 88/97 E-44/95 by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens to the Commission Subject : Cosmetics based on alpha-hydroxy acid 48
95/C 88/98 E-53/95 by Jose Apolinario to the Commission Subject : Cohesion Fund — projects in Portugal 49
95/C 88/99 E-60/95 by Karl-Heinz Florenz to the Commission Subject : 'Stage from the year 2000' — the future European measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles 49
95/C 88/100 E-69/95 by Roy Perry to the Commission Subject : First-aid requirements under Fishing Directive 92/29 49
95/C 88/101 E-l 01/95 by Christoph Konrad to the Commission Subject : Listing of fields falling within the remit of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy in the Official Journal of the European Communities 50
95/C 88/102 E-292/95 by Jose Apolinario to the Commission Subject : Reports of the Special Agriculture Council — 1994 50
EN 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/1
I
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1704/94 Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas by Antoni Gutierrez Diaz ( GUE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (28 October 1994) (1 September 1994) ( 95/C 88/01 ) With respect to the Honourable Member's first question, the waste management plan on the island of Majorca, which is part of the general waste management plan on the Balearic Subject: Treatment of solid urban waste on Majorca Islands , has already been examined by the Commission .
The Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands has In view of the results of the environmental impact approved and authorized the General Plan for the assessment carried out on each island , the waste Management of Solid Urban Waste on the island of management plan on the Balearic Islands intends to use an Majorca , which provides for the incineration of all such incineration plant ( in Son Reus ) on the island of Majorca waste and the building of an incineration plant in Son which will convert solid urban waste into energy ( this plant Reus . will account for approximately 7% of total electricity consumption). Other solutions ( filling, composting ) have been proposed for two other large islands . According to a number of very credible non-governmental organizations , this solution to the problem of solid urban waste on Majorca infringes several aspects of Community Moreover, the waste management plan on Majorca states law, in particular Directives 91/156/EEC ( x ) on waste, explicitly that current legislation on the environment 85/339/EEC ( 2 ) on containers of liquids for human ( whether Community, national or local ) will be applied as is consumption, 91/157/EEC ( 3 ) on batteries and necessary . accumulators containing certain dangerous substances and 85/337/EEC ( 4 ) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . Article 3.1 of Council Directive 91/156/EEC of 18 March 1991 on waste provides for the Member States to take appropriate measures to encourage the prevention or the What information does the Commission have about the reduction of waste production and its harmfulness and to General Plan for the Management of Solid Urban Waste on make for its upgrading through recycling or use as a source the island of Majorca ? How will it ensure that this plan and of energy . This Article does not favour any of the different the Son Reus incinerator comply with Community law on possibilities of waste management to be employed by the waste and the environment ? Member States . The Member States are still responsible for determining their own waste management strategy . The fact (!) OJ No L 78 , 26 . 3 . 1991 , p . 32 . that the waste management plan on the island of Majorca ( 2 ) OJ No L 176 , 6 . 7 . 1985 , p . 18 . has provided for all waste to be incinerated means that it ( 3 ) OJ No L 78 , 26 . 3 . 1991 , p . 38 . cannot be considered as an infringement of the provisions of ( 4 ) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7. 1985 , p . 40 . the abovementioned Directive . No C 88/2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
Under Article 3 of Council Directive 85/339/EEC of 27 June The Commission's administrative expenditure on 1985 on containers of liquids for human consumption, the development aid in 1993 stood at ECU 160 million, 4,8 % of Member States have to establish programmes to reduce the total expenditure on development aid . tonnage and volume of such containers . Spain was criticized by the Court of Justice for failing to communicate these programmes ( C- 192/90 , Decree of 10 December 1991 ).
Spain has not yet served notice of national measures WRITTEN QUESTION E-2000/94 implementing Council Directive 91/157/EEC of 18 March 1991 on batteries and accumulators containing dangerous by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) substances and the aforementioned Directive 91/156/EEC . to the Commission The Commission has initiated the necessary infringement (19 September 1994) proceedings . ( 95/C 88/03 )
As regards any possible infringement of provisions of Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the Subject: LIFE and tourism assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, the information the Can the Commission say how many tourism-linked projects Commission has is that the incinerator project, the have been approved within the LIFE Programme, and what construction of which is provided for in the waste their salient features are ? management plan, was subject to an environmental impact assessment . Therefore, no infringement of the provisions of the Directive has occurred . Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission (19 January 1994)
In 1993 the Commission granted financial aid to the WRITTEN QUESTION E-1761/94 following five tourism-linked projects under the financial by Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) instrument for the environment ( LIFE): to the Commission — environmental protection and the development of (1 September 1994) tourism in the Haute Vallée de la Loue ( France ), ( 95/C 88/02 ) — ecological management of the coastal tourist area in Emilia-Romagna ( Italy),
Subject: Administrative costs of development aid from — management programme for national parks in EU Ireland,
Has the Commission ever calculated the percentage of its — pilot plan for the sustainable development of the development aid budget which is spent on administrative drainage basin of Lake Plastira ( Greece ), costs ? Will it please provide information on these costs in relation to overall budget allocations for development — combined measures to protect and develop the natural aid ? and cultural development of the Zagori region ( Greece ).
Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (16 November 1994) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 142/94 by Leo Tindemans ( PPE ) to the Commission The Community had ECU 3 180 million for operational expenditure on development aid in 1993 , of which ECU (13 October 1994) 1 808 million from the general budget and ECU 1 372 ( 95/C 88/04 ) million from the European Development Fund . This sum does not include expenditure on cooperation with the central and eastern European Countries and the Subject: Provision of services independent States of the former Soviet Union ( Title B7-6 of the Budget ) nor that for 'External aspects of certain Before Council Directive 89/646/EEC ( x ) of 15 December Community policies' ( Title B7-8 ). 1989 ( Second Council Directive on the coordination of 10 . 4 . 95 L§N Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/3 laws , regulations and administrative provisions relating to WRITTEN QUESTION E-2148/94 the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit by Antoinette Spaak ( ELDR ) institutions ) came into force, was the requirement that a to the Commission Belgian credit institution must be authorized in France in order to provide such services consistent with the provisions (13 October 1994) of the Treaty of Rome on the freedom to provide ( 95/C 88/05 ) services ?
( x ) OJ No L 386 , 30 . 12 . 1989, p . 1 . Subject: Action taken on the resolution of Parliament on the promotion of bee-keeping in the Community
In its resolution, adopted in the conclusions of the report by Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi Mr Mertens ( A2-0091/85 ) ( a ) on the promotion of on behalf of the Commission bee-keeping in the Community, Parliament, in particular, (20 December 1994) called on the Commission to recommend even greater support than hitherto for measures relating to research in the following aeras :
Before Council Directive 89/646/EEC of 15 December 1989 — bee diseases and preventive measures , in particular to ( Second Banking Coordination Directive ) came into force, combat the main cause of disease at the present time , the the Commission did not rule out the possibility of a Member varroa mite; State requiring a credit institution which was already authorized in its home country of origin and wished to — the eradication of disease and interception of the killer supply banking services on its territory by way of freedom to bee; provide services to seek a second authorization . — the effect of chemicals used to combat bee diseases ( the However, the Commission considers that : residue problem); — the effect of pesticides on the development and health of — authorization should be granted upon request to any bee colonies ; institution which was established in another Member State and met the conditions laid down in the legislation — the importance of the honey-bee for the maintenance of of the Member State in which it wished to do wild plant life and hence for ecological balance; business ; — the importance of the honey-bee for crop pollination; — these conditions should not duplicate the equivalent statutory conditions already met in the Member State in — the effects of individual ingredients of honey on human which the institution was established , and the health . supervisory authorities in the host Member State should take account of controls and checks already carried out Can the Commission state what action it has taken on in the home Member State ; Parliament's call for these measures to be introduced ?
— the authorization requirement could be retained only if it (!) OJ No C 343 , 31 . 12 . 1985 , p . 121 . was justified in the public interest, e.g. where there was a need to protect consumers although there might be cases in which no such protection was necessary . Answer given by Mr Steichen . on behalf of the Commission In order to assess whether the required authorization was consistent with Community law, it would therefore be (8 December 1994) necessary to examine the nature of the banking services offered by way of freedom to provide services and the need for protection of the recipient of such services . For example , Bee-keepers ' organizations received aid for combating the granting of credit does not normally carry the same level varroasis in 1986 , 1987 and 1989 . This financial assistance of risk for the consumer as the collection of deposits . paid for awareness-raising and information campaigns Similarly, a distinction must be made between provision of dealing among other things with the prevention of residues services to other credit establishments or institutions and the in honey, surveys to determine the extent of infection and provision of services to private individuals . However, on the training, advisory and information programmes for basis of the information supplied by the Honourable bee-keepers . Member, it is not possible to express an opinion on a particular case . Under the 1984—1989 agricultural research programme eight research projects were selected concerning varroasis control and bee diseases , with Community funding of ECU 365 000 . No C 88/4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
The Commission funded two technical seminars on Although exposure to such fields in excess of the limits laid varroasis in the United Kingdom and Belgium, in 1992 and down in the proposed Council Directive on the minimum 1993 . health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (*) cannot be excluded, the possibility of that occurring from overhead Under the current agricultural and agro-industrial research power lines, electricity substations and other components in programme the Commission has received a project the electricity transmission and distribution network is concerning the selection of breeding of varroasis-resistant extremely remote . For example, a person standing directly bees, which could do away with the need for chemical and continuously under a high-voltage line at the minimum treatments and hence eliminate residues . distance possible for distribution networks in the Community ( typically 7 meters ) will be subjected to The Commission is aware of the importance of bee-keeping exposures several orders of magnitude below the limits in safeguarding the ecological balance in country areas, and referred to above, and two to three orders of magnitude of the role of pollination in crop production . It funded a below the even lower limits ( 2 ) suggested by the seminar on pollination held in Brussels in 1992 . international non-ionizing radiation commission for members of the public . It has recently forwarded a discussion paper on European apiculture (*) to the Council and Parliament and put (!) OJ No C 230, 19 . 8 . 1994 . forward proposals for improving the sector . ( 2 ) 'Health Physics' 58 ( 1990 ), I, pp . 113-122 .
(M COM(94 ) 256 final .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 180/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2156/94 by Giulio Fantuzzi ( PSE ) by Stephen Hughes ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (21 October 1994) (18 October 1994) ( 95/C 88/07 ) ( 95/C 88/06
Subject: Risks to public health from electricity Subject: Administration of quotas for processed tomato distribution products
Will the Commission provide comparative figures to show Regulation ( EEC ) No 668/93 ( 1 ) provides for transfers of how likely it would be for members of the public to the quotas granted to processing undertakings for approach or exceed the limits on exposure to fields and concentrated, peeled and other products according to waves laid down in the Directive on Protection of Workers certain fixed percentages , but the provisions discriminate from exposure to physical agents, as a result of exposure to heavily against undertakings which do not process peeled overhead power lines, electricity substations and other tomatoes . components in the distribution network ?
This mechanism could easily be replaced without prejudicing in any way the aim of respecting the production Answer given by Mr Flynn quotas as a whole, and could also encourage greater on behalf of the Commission competitiveness between tomato processing undertakings . (6 February 1995) Can the Commission say whether it intends to :
Depending on the conditions of exposure , particularly in 1 . remedy this illogical situation by proposing that the relation to time and location, and the size, shape and three different kinds of tomato processing be replaced position of an exposed person, electric and magnetic fields by a single processing sector; at the frequency range involved in electricity transmission and distribution might produce variable and non-uniformly distributed currents inside the body whose effects may range 2 . provide for the abolition of the mechanism for transfer from mild irritant or faint flickering sensations to between the various types of product in the quotas respiratory tetanus and fibrillation . allocated to firms, at least in the short term; 10 . 4 . 95 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/5
3 . reconsider the whole question of quotas for processed eligible for Interreg II and state the technical reasons for tomatoes in the context of the recent proposal for this ? reform of the fruit and vegetable COM ?
(!) OJ No L 72 , 25 . 3 . 1993 , p . 1 . Joint answer to Written Questions E-2187/94 and E-2188/94 given by Mr Millan Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1994) (10 January 1995)
Regulation ( EEC ) No 668/93 provides for three uses for All areas on internal Community borders de-lineated at fresh tomatoes sent for processing . This categorization and administrative level III of the Nomenclature of Territorial the quotas assigned to each use reflect the situation on the Statistical Units ( NUTS III ) are eligible for cross-border Community market . However, were market trends to cooperation programmes financed under the Interreg II indicate that there were underlying changes in this Community Initiative . breakdown of uses, the Commission could adapt the quotas accordingly . In Portugal NUTS III level means 'Grupos de Concelhos'.
Eliminating the system of transfers between products would The municipality of Braga is located in the Cavado NUTS III make the quota system even more rigid and therefore ' area which has a border with Spain and so is eligible under constitute an additional hindrance to the processing this Initiative . industries' adjustment to market trends .
In its communication to the Council and Parliament 0 , the The municipalities of Gouveia and Fafe are located in the Commission emphasized the drawbacks of market NUTS III areas of Serra da Estrela and Ave respectively management through the use of production or processing which are not situated on a border and so are not eligible quotas . under Interreg II .
(M COM(94 ) 360 final .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2255/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-21 87/94 by David Bowe ( PSE ) by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) to the Commission to the Commission (9 November 1994) (21 October 1994) ( 95/C 88/10 ) ( 95/C 88/08 ) Subject: Labelling of dangerous goods in transit Subject: Eligibility for Interreg II What progress has been made on labelling of dangerous Can the Commission explain the technical reasons why the goods in transit ? Is the Commission now considering a municipality of Gouveia, in the Guarda district ( Portugal ) parallel system of using both the existing Hazchem and was not included as one of the areas eligible for the Interreg Kemler systems ? II Community Programme ?
Answer given by Mr Kinnock WRITTEN QUESTION E-2188/94 on behalf of the Commission by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) (9 February 1995) to the Commission (21 October 1994) The Commission is aware of the importance of the Hazchem ( 95/C 88/09 ) emergency action code as used in the United Kingdom for the placarding of vehicles and rail wagons carrying Subject: Non-inclusion of certain municipalities as areas dangerous goods . eligible for Interreg II Despite considerable discussions at international level under Can the Commission confirm that the Fafe and Braga the auspices of the UN European agreements concerning the ( Portugal ) municipalities have not been included as areas international carriage of dangerous goods by road ( ADR ) No C 88/6 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
and the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail applicable to administrative activities of this type . The ( RID ), the United Kingdom has not until now received the purpose of these rules is, of course, to ensure necessary support of the other contracting States to the ADR non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all and RID to secure agreement on a composite placard participants and to oversee the various phases of the incorporating UK Hazchem code and RID/ADR Kemler procedure . code . Furthermore , the amount referred to in the question is The Commission acknowledges the undoubted benefits inconsistent with the facts . The budgetary impact of the offered to the UK fire services by their Hazchem system . measure will not be known until tenders have been When drawing up its draft proposal for a Directive on the evaluated . transport of dangerous goods by road , recently adopted by the Council , the Commission proposed a derogation for the United Kingdom allowing the Hazchem emergency action code to be mentioned ( Articles 6 , 8 of Directive 94/55/EC ). A comparable derogation has been drafted for rail transport . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2271/94 by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) However at international level discussions are continuing to the Commission and in these discussions the representatives of fire brigades (9 November 1994) now play a more active role . It is still the intention to develop ( 95/C 88/12 ) on the basis of these discussions a common code which will then incorporate the best elements of the Hazchem system into the international ADR and RID regulations and which Subject: Advertising would consequently become part of Community legislation on the transport of dangerous goods . Which Member States ban advertising during children's TV programmes ?
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2267/94 (12 January 1995) by Luciana Castellina ( GUE ) to the Commission The 'Television without frontiers' Directive 89/552/EEC ( ), (9 November 1994) which Member States were required to transpose into ( 95/C 88/11 ) national legislation by 3 October 1989 , contains a section coordinating the rules on advertising ( Chapter IV).
Subject: Audiovisual programmes for the ACP/ALA Article 11 , for example , states that children's programmes countries whose programmed duration is less than 30 minutes may not be interrupted by advertisements . In addition to this The Commission has decided to award the contract for the restriction and the other rules laid down in the Directive , audio-visual programmes for the ACP/ALA countries to an Article 3 allows Member States to impose stricter or more operator . ( Tender No 948-141-50628 ). detailed rules on broadcasters under their jurisdiction, in the areas covered by the Directive .
As this is a major contract worth ECU 5 million, and a However, the freedom which the Directive grants to the sensitive matter concerning the Union's image abroad , what Member States in respect of broadcasting organizations special measures has the Commission taken in awarding this under their jurisdiction is without prejudice to compliance contract ? with the rules of the Treaty and , more specifically, Article 59 EEC . Thus any measures must be proportionate to the objective of general interest being pursued .
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro As far as the Commission is aware, only the Flemish on behalf of the Commission Community in Belgium and Greece impose a general ban on (16 January 1995) advertising during or immediately before and after children's programmes .
The invitation to tender for the production of audio-visual 0 ) OJ No L 298 , 17 . 10 . 1989 . programmes for non-member countries has been organized in compliance with the Directives on public procurement 10 . 4 . 95 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/7
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2292/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2298/94 by Panayotis Lambrias ( PPE ) by Blaise Aldo ( RDE ) to the Commission to the Commission (15 November 1994) (15 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/13 ) ( 95/C 88/14 )
Subject: Negative effects of duty-free imports of products from ACP countries on French overseas Subject: Absence of data regarding Greece in tables drawn departments and territories up by the Statistical Office
Does the Commission envisage taking steps to ensure that products originating in ACP countries , which are currently The tables drawn up by the Statistical Office often contain a imported duty-free into French overseas departments and blank where Greece is concerned and a note is added saying territories , no longer undermine the production of local simply that no information is available . goods , especially in the Antilles ?
European regions overseas cannot compete favourably, This occurred recently in the table published on the teaching under these conditions , with products originating in ACP of foreign languages and also in the comparative table on countries, where production costs are markedly lower employment trends in the various countries of the European owing to socio-economic factors which go against our own Union . The latter subject is very topical and urgent and is of basic social requirements . This is therefore totally unfair particular concern to the European Parliament . If a country competition . such as Greece is not contained in an analytical table published by Eurostat, it is impossible to draw objective comparisons and to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to combat unemployment . Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission
Will the Commission say what measures it is taking to (6 January 1995) ensure that this repeated failure to provide information does not continue and whether every effort is made on each occasion to ensure that the comparative tables that are The Community has taken account of the Honourable published are as complete as possible ? Member's considerations : — The Community already took account of the situation of the French overseas departments in the first Lome Convention of 1975 . While the various Lome Conventions gave preferential access to products imported from the ACP States into the Community, Answer given by Mr Christophersen application of these preferential arrangements was on behalf of the Commission expressly ruled out in the overseas departments for (10 January 1995) certain products such as rum, sugar and bananas which are particularly sensitive for these regions .
— Some provisions of the Fourth Lome Convention supplement the arrangements governing access to the Where it is stated in Eurostat publications that statistics for overseas departments for products originating in the Greece are not available, this always means not that these ACP States : statistics have been omitted but that it has been impossible to obtain the corresponding information from the Member — Articles 177 and 178 of the Fourth Lome State . Convention allow a safeguard clause to be applied if a sector of the economy of a Community region ( in this case the overseas departments ) faces With a view to improving the availability of Greek statistics, difficulty . a plan financed by the Community Structural Funds was — Annex XXXIV states that 'the Community shall implemented over the period 1989—1 993 , and a new plan is have the right during the life of the Convention to now being prepared along the same lines . amend, in the light of the economic development requirements of the French overseas departments, the arrangements governing access to the latter's markets for products originating in the ACP States referred to in Article 168(2)'. No C 88/8 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
However, to obtain the cheapest prices possible for The Commission is not therefore in a position to provide the consumers and processors in the overseas departments, the data requested . The Portuguese authorities have, however, French authorities themselves successfully asked for certain begun to include the Azores and Madeira in the estimates of agricultural products originating in the ACP States to be national GDP in the figures for 1991 onwards . They have allowed to enter the overseas departments free of customs not yet indicated when the regional data for these areas will duties or agricultural levies under the specific supply be made available to the Statistical Office . arrangements provided for by Poseidom despite the fact that these products would be dutiable if imported into the rest of the Community .
Finally, Annex XXXII of the Fourth Lome Convention calls on the overseas departments and neighbouring ACP States WRITTEN QUESTION E-2332/94 to promote their cooperation, in particular in trade matters . Similarly, Title IV of Poseidom highlights and encourages by Sérgio Ribeiro ( GUE ) regional cooperation measures for better integration of the to the Commission overseas departments in their geographical areas (15 November 1994) ( Caribbean and Indian ocean). The Commission welcomes the recent progress in this field between the overseas (9SIC 88/16 ) departments and the countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States . Subject: Monitoring compliance with legislation on the free movement of Member State nationals within the Community
Despite current legislation on the freedom of movement, citizens of one Member State wishing to reside or work in WRITTEN QUESTION E-2327/94 another Community Member State still face discrimination by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) and they still have to contend with bogus contracts, low wages, long working hours and poor working and living to the Commission conditions and have no right to social security; moreover aid (15 November 1994) for associations which seek to organize and support such ( 95/C 88/15 citizens is being drastically reduced or even abolished .
Given that these citizens are not yet represented in the Subject: Fifth report on the social, economic and Immigrants Forum, I would ask the Commission what development situation of the regions of the measures it intends to take to back up the efforts that are European Union ( Competitiveness and cohesion : being made to remove existing barriers to the genuine free trends in the regions ) movement of citizens of the Member States as part of the integration of the Single Market ? 1 . Could the Commission say why the figures for per capita income relating to two regions of the European Union ( Madeira and the Azores ) do not appear in the statistics tables annexed to the fifth report on the situation of the Answer given by Mr Flynn regions of the European Union ( Competitiveness and on behalf of the Commission cohesion : trends in the regions )? (6 February 1995)
2 . Could the Commission provide such information ( per capita GNP ) anyway ? To the extent that the first part of the Honourable Member's question concerns the matters raised by his Written Question No 2184/94 , he is invited to refer to the Commission's answer to that question (*). Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission Community migrants organizations are eligible for associate membership of the European Union migrants forum . For (7 December 1994) example, the Irish organizations in the United Kingdom have taken up this opportunity and their representative is on the forum management board . The data for regional gross domestic product per head of population are provided by the Statistical Office based on H OJ No C 36 , 13 . 2 . 1995 . data from the national statistical institutes . The national statistical institute of Portugal has not provided information for the Azores and Madeira . 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/9
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2333/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2344/94 by Sérgio Ribeiro ( GUE ) by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) to the Commission to the Council (15 November 1994) (16 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/17 ( 95/C 88/18
Subject: Issuing of residence permits Subject: Amount allocated in the budget to the Socrates and Leonardo Programmes The Dutch Government has recently introduced new fees of FL 50 and 500 respectively for issuing residence and/or At its meeting of 21 June 1994 in Luxembourg the Council establishment permits . Such fees are applicable to citizens of of Education Ministers decided to cut by ECU 240 million the Member States and third countries alike . the amount allocated in the budget to the new student mobility programmes ( Socrates and Leonardo ) under the Article 7(1 ) of Directive 73/148/EEC (*) provides that Commission's original proposal . residence permits issued to nationals of a Member State shall be issued and renewed free of charge or for a fee not in excess It also rejected a plan to set up a Council affording the of the fees and charges applicable to nationals of that various partners in Education, including students , the Member State for the issue of identity cards . Will the opportunity to play a part in the creation of a genuine Commission say if it is aware of this decision by the Dutch European dimension for education . Government and whether or not this violates the provisions of the Directive in question ? What were the reasons for these decisions ?
0 ) OJ No L 172 , 28 . 6 . 1973 , p . 14 .
Answer Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi (1 March 1995) on behalf of the Commission (11 January 1995) As stated in the Council's reasons regarding the Socrates Programme which accompany the common position The Commission is aware of the new rules in the adopted by the Council on 18 July 1994 with a view to Netherlands relating to the fees for issuing residence permits adopting the European Parliament and Council Decision to nationals of Member States and to members of their establishing the Community action programme family . 'Socrates ' ( a ), the figure of ECU 760 million estimated as necessary 'strikes an acceptable balance between the wish to support a programme unanimously backed by the Council It would recall that fees for residence permits and the need to reflect the requirements of a tight budget'. It ( Verblijfskaart ) may not exceed the fees charged for identity should , however, be pointed out that some delegations documents issued to Dutch nationals . If they were higher, abstained ( 2 ) from the vote on the common position on the this would be contrary not only to Article 7(1 ) of Directive Socrates programme , which is currently the subject of a 73/148/EEC but also to the corresponding provisions of the conciliation procedure in the course of which this question other relevant Directives relating to residence for will be raised . Community nationals ( Directive 68/360/EEC of 15 October 1968 concerning workers ( x ), Directives 90/364/EEC and 90/365/EEC of 28 June 1990 concerning persons who have The funds estimated as necessary for the Leonardo ceased their occupational activity ( 2 ), and Directive Programme ( ECU 620 million ), which were approved on 93/96/EEC of 29 October 1993 concerning students ( 3 )). 6 December 1994, are justified in similar terms .
The Commission will contact the Dutch authorities once A Council affording the various partners in education the again with a view to obtaining all useful information in this opportunity to play a part in the framing of programmes connection . Where necessary, it will initiate the proceedings was not included since they have many opportunities in the provided for in Article 169 of the EC Treaty . Community context to make known their views on the European dimension of education . (!) OJ No L 257, 19 . 10 . 1968 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 180, 13 . 7 . 1990 . (M OJ No C 244, 31 . 8 . 1994, p. 51 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 317, 18 . 12 . 1993 . ( 2 ) Press release of 18 . 7 . 1994 . No C 88/10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2358/94 indicated in the above proposal for the multi-modal by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) transport network, the trans-European road network in its current configuration is approximately 58 000 km long, of to the Commission which 43 000 km already exist and 15 000 km are to be (15 November 1994) built by 2004 ( these refer mainly to re-alignment or ( 95/C 88/19 ) substitution of existing, parallel, congested low-quality roads ).
Subject: Somport tunnel, Aspe valley, France (!) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 103 , 25 . 4 . 1979 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7. 1992 . Is the Commission aware that the building of the Somport ( 4 ) COM(94 ) 106 . tunnel in the Aspe valley, France, would have a detrimental effect on the National Park of the Western Pyrenees ?
If this scheme is approved as part of a 120 000 km Europe-wide motorway network, how will the increase in CO2 emissions be justified under the Convention on Climate Change agreed at the Unced Conference ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2379/94 by Josu Imaz San Miguel ( PPE ) to the Commission Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard (22 November 1994) on behalf of the Commission ( 95/C 88/20 ) (7 February 1995)
Subject: Promotion of wine consumption The impact assessment of the planned Somport tunnel and its slip road , as carried out in 1993 pursuant to Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain The objective of restoring equilibrium in the wine sector public and private projects on the environment (*), states should be based on a suitable consumption promotion that the tunnel is situated in the centre of the Pyrenees policy, to the same extent as, if not more so than, on the National Park . reduction of excess production . Possibilities for market expansion exist both in the central and northern Member States and in third countries . Medical experts have , in Given the ecological importance of the site, the Commission addition, expressed the view that moderate consumption of has asked for further information from the French wine is beneficial to health . A controlled expansion in wine authorities as to whether, in carrying out this project, consumption could form a significant counterweight to the Directive 79/409/EEC on wild bird conservation ( 2 ) and social and environmental problems likely to arise from a Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats reform based on production outbacks alone . and of wild fauna and flora ( 3 ) have been duly taken into account . In view of the above, has the Commission considered strengthening the existing means of promoting wine The impact of increasing CO2 emissions on the greenhouse consumption, via the creation of a genuine policy for trade effect is of a global nature and cannot be usefully assessed at and public relations based on quality and on the medical the level of a single road project. opinions concerning the beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption ? The Commission has however announced that the multimodal trans-European transport network ( 4 ) will be the subject of strategic environmental assessment and that this assessment together with socio-economic assessment will be part of the basis for revising the network . In view of Answer given by Mr Steichen the importance of the transport sector's share and in on behalf of the Commission particular road transport's share in total greenhouse gas (9 January 1995) emissions and the forecast growth in emissions from transport, this issue will be an important feature of this assessment . The Commission's proposal for reform of the common organization of the market in wine (*) provides for the It should be noted however that the figure of 120 000 km current provisions concerning measures to expand the which is quoted in the question concerning the market in table wine to be replaced by new provisions, trans-European road network is not correct . As it is under Title IV, 'Promotion of products of quality', with a 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/11 view to achieving a fully-fledged promotion policy while WRITTEN QUESTION E-2381/94 taking full account of public health requirements and the by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE ) relevant aspects of social policy . This quality promotion to the Council strategy is intended to cover both the Community market and third countries and will be implemented in a reasonable (17 November 1994) manner with regard to health considerations . ( 95/C 88/22
The proposal is currently being studied by the Council . Subject: Democratic controls and the process of economic and monetary union In addition, the Commission has presented a communication and a proposal for a European Parliament Does the Council not consider it essential to strengthen and Council Decision based on Article 118a of the EC democratic controls in respect of the process of economic Treaty adopting a programme of Community action on and monetary union, so a to enable the European health promotion, information, education and training Parliament and the national parliaments to reach informed within the framework for action in the field of public opinions concerning the convergence programmes before health ( 2 ), which provides for health information and they are referred back to the Council ? education measures concerning the prevention of alcohol abuse and measures to train health professionals in the early detection of alcoholism . Answer
(!) COM(94 ) 117 . (1 March 1995) ( 2 ) COM(94 ) 202 . The drawing up and submission of convergence programmes are the exclusive responsibility of the Member States . It is therefore for each State to take the initiatives it deems appropriate in this field .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 80/94 by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE ) to the Council WRITTEN QUESTION E-2390/94 (17 November 1994) by Gerardo Bianco ( PPE ), Giovanni Burtone ( PPE ), Antonio ( 95/C 88/21 ) Graziani ( PPE ), Danilo Poggiolini ( PPE ), Carlo Secchi ( PPE ), Giampaolo D'Andrea ( PPE), Maria Colombo Svevo ( PPE), Livio Filippi ( PPE ) and Pierluigi Castagnetti ( PPE ) to the Commission Subject: Requests of the European Parliament concerning the Council ( economic and finance ministers ) (22 November 1994) 95/C 88/23 Can the Council explain why it has ignored the requests of Parliament to the effect that the opinions and Subject: Independence of national central banks and the EC recommendations of the Council of economic and finance Treaty ministers concerning the convergence programmes of the Member States should be made public ? Is the Commission aware of the fact that the Italian Government interfered in the appointment of the General Manager and senior executives of the Bank of Italy ?
Answer Does the Commission not consider that such interference is (1 March 1995) incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Treaty on European Union, which stipulates that, during the second stage for achieving economic and monetary union, each Member State shall start the process leading to the Whenever a convergence programme has been examined, independence of its central bank ? the Council has reached conclusions which are published in the press release for the meeting concerned . How does the Commission intend to guarantee compliance with the rules on national central bank independence with a view to moving on to the following stages in the process of economic and monetary union ? No C 88/12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
Answer given by Mr Christophersen re-afforestation projects not implemented and which on behalf of the Commission regions were affected ? (12 January 1995)
Supplementary answer given by Mr Fischler It is not for the Commission to comment on rumours on behalf of the Commission concerning alleged interference on the part of a Member State government. (8 March 1995)
This rule must be strictly observed, particularly in Further to its answer of 13 January 1995 ( ), the connection with the independence of central banks , a Commission is sending the information requested direct to principle which, as the Honourable Members point out, is the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. enshrined in Article 109e of the EC Treaty as regards the beginning of the third stage . It is with a view to the transition (!) OJ No C 42 , 20 . 2 . 1995 , p . 41 . to the third stage that the Commission and the European Monetary Institute are required under Article 109j to present to the Council a report that includes an examination of whether each Member State's national legislation is compatible inter alia with the provisions of the Treaty governing the independence of national central banks . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2396/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) to the Commission (23 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/25 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2392/94 by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE ) Subject: Dioxin deposits in the North Sea to the Commission (22 November 1994) For public health reasons it has been decided to take steps to achieve a drastic reduction in dioxin deposits in the North ( 95/C 88/24 Sea . As part of this endeavour, Belgium has evidently undertaken to achieve a reduction of over 70% . Subject: Progress of re-afforestation in Greece Can the Commission confirm that, far from diminishing, dioxin deposits are now in fact increasing ? Will the Over the last decade ( 1984—1993 ) a total of 539 029 Commission take measures to remedy this, and if so , what hectares of forestry were destroyed by fire in Greece . The measures ? ecological consequences of these fires are becoming increasingly evident . In particular, the ecological cycle of water has been disturbed, as is shown by the increased incidence of drought and the widespread flooding of urban, Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas tourist and agricultural areas : last week floods killed 14 on behalf of the Commission persons, made thousands of others homeless and caused (6 January 1995) incalculable damage .
Will the Commission say: Belgium has, together with the other North Sea States , given a national, political commitment to achieve reductions of 1 . Whether it can provide a survey of re-afforestation the order of 70 % , or more, of total deposits of dioxins to the projects that have been undertaken in Greece over the North Sea, provided that the use of best available last decade ( indicating units of a hundred hectares and technology or other low waste technologies enables such a the regions concerned )? reduction. This commitment was given in 1990 in the ministerial declaration of the third international conference 2 . What requests for co-funding have been submitted by on the protection of the North Sea . the Greek authorities over the last decade ? The North Sea States will be giving information on the 3 . Which regions have benefited from re-afforestation implementation of the above declaration at the next projects co-funded by the Community over the last conference which will be held in June 1995 . The decade and what level of Community funding was information requested concerning deposits of dioxins is not available ? yet available .
4 . How much money was approved for funding The Commission will consider whether further Community re-afforestation projects which were aborted so that the action is necessary to reduce deposits to the North Sea when money was diverted elsewhere ? Why were these sufficient information is available on the present deposits 10 . 4 . 95 LEN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/13
from the North Sea States and their effects on the North network for the dissemination of statistical information, Sea . regulations, decisions and other agricultural information;
— the international agricultural and rural christian youth movement, for a seminar programme . However, this measure was not renewed in 1994 ; WRITTEN QUESTION E-2422/94 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou ( NI ) — the European association for farming and rural training to the Commission for a seminar programme and a contribution to interpreting costs ; (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/26 ) — the European Federation of Agricultural Workers' Union for seminars , meetings and training and information measures aimed at those in key positions in Subject: Utilization of appropriations under Article B2-514 European agricultural workers' organizations .
Can the Commission provide a list of operations and In addition, within the framework of a programme of seminars financed under Article B2-514 and associations information visits to Brussels for agricultural organizations , and organizations receiving such appropriations for training the Commission contributed to the travel and hotel and information activities in respect of payments for 1993 expenses of specialized regional or sectoral groups with a and 1994 ? view to bringing them into contact with the departments and officials responsible for agriculture . In both 1993 and 1994 , some 100 groups were welcomed , totalling more than 3 000 individual participants . Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission The beneficiaries for more narrowly targeted measures of (13 January 1995) this kind are selected on the basis of requests , and in collaboration with the main representative professional organizations, so that the measure can be as thorough as Article B2 514 allows the financing of training and possible . information measures of European interest concerning agriculture . Initially, these measures were restricted exclusively to the European Council of Young Farmers Lastly, about one third of the appropriation is used to meet ( CEJA ) and the European Training and Promotion Centre specific requests from agricultural organizations for for Farming and Rural Life ( Cepfar ). seminars, symposia, European days on specialized or general themes , selected by the Commission according to the Since 1990 , budget item B-514 has been allocated greater guidelines set out in the budget remarks . The following resources with a view to financing, in addition to the organizations received financing for seminars in 1993 and activities of the CEJA and the Cepfar, specific measures 1994 ( situation at 30 November 1994 ): undertaking by other organizations , either under agreements concluded with the Commission or on a 1993 piecemeal basis . — Prosema ( Spain ) In 1993 and 1994 agreements were concluded with : — European Civic Forum — LOK ( Denmark), seminar and information visit — the CEJA for its programme of seminars to European — Chrétiens dans le monde rural ( Christians in rural young farmers ' organizations and for a young farmers ' society ) exchange programme; — Agricultural cooperatives of Epirus-Corfu — the Cepfar for its seminar programme and for a specific — GGLF ( Germany, farm workers ) measure for the new Nordic Member States ; — Salizal ( Spain, quality foodstuffs fair ) — Fadear ( France ) The CEJA and the Cepfar also receive a subsidy to cover — COPA, women s committee the interpreting costs arising from their various — Ampeva , European wine-growing inspectors activities; — FUJA ( young farmers in Wallonia ) — the Committee of Professional Farming Organizations — Gesase ( Greek farmers ) for a programme of information visits for agricultural — Wervel ( Flanders — Belgium ) organizations, schools and training centres and — Maisons familiales rurales agricultural decision-makers and for a computerized — Paseges ( Greek agricultural cooperatives ) No C 88/14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
— ICOS ( Irish agricultural cooperatives ) — Centre agricole stratégies ( Centre for Agricultural — Bund der Deutschen Landjugend ( for the new German Strategies ) Länder ) — Agrar Bündnis ( Agricultural League ) — Club de Bruxelles — Fédération nationale des groupements de défense — Ephémères ( Agricultural groups in the Oise district ) sanitaire du bétail ( Natural animal health protection — Europel ( Specialist in milk production at European federation ) level ) — Bund der Deutschen Landjugend ( German Young — Ehne ( Spanish Basque Country ) Farmers' League ) — Cogeca ( European agricultural cooperatives ) — ICA ( Intercommunity Faculty Agraria ) — Cevilar ( European wine-growers ) — INRA / Medef ( Mediterranean areas ) — CNA ( Portugal ) — Cogeca — Plataforma Rural ( Catalonia ) — CAP Portugal — Coldiretti Turin — Rural Initiative ( Spain ) — COAG ( Spain ) — Agricultural cooperatives of Epirus-Corfu — ICA ( Intercommunity Faculty Agraria ) — Coordination paysanne européenne — ACRE ( Spain ) — Sydase ( Greece ) — Forum ländlicher Raum ( Rural Forum ) — Coldiretti ( Italy ) — Ktinotrofiki — Mondial du vin — Organic farming in Greece — Forum ländlicher Raum — Lambrakis press ( dissemination of publication in — Reifea ( European inter-university network of Greece ) agricultural teachers ) — CAP ( Portugal ) — Ehne ( Spanish Basque Country ) — Agra Europe ( France ) — FO/FGTA ( France ) — Comité central propriété forestière ( Belgium ) — FGA-CFDT ( France ) — F.Ö.M. ( Allemagne ) — Setaa ( Portugal ), two grants : one for an information visit and one for the organization of a seminar — Coordination paysanne européenne ( Belgium ) — F.L.A.A.I. ( Italy ) 1994 — F.I.S.B.A. ( Italy ) — S.I.D. (Denmark ) — Setaafoc ( Portugal ) — LOK ( Denmark ) — Vlaams Agrarish centrum ( Flemish Agrarian Centre ) In addition, in both 1993 and 1994 part of the appropriations under this item ( ECU 100 000 ) was used to — Agri-Maubeuge ( France ) help finance interpreting costs of seminars and meetings, — Rural Forum Scotland alongside or instead of direct grants, on a piecemeal — European farming confederation basis . — Arbeitsgemeinschaft bäuerlicher Landwirtschaft ( Small farmers' group ) — Club de Bruxelles — Macra na feirme ( young farmers, Ireland ) — Cumann foghlaeireachta ( Ireland ) — Salon de l'agriculture de montagne ( upland farming WRITTEN QUESTION E-2423/94 fair ) by Jean-Yves Le Gallou ( NI ) — Paseges ( Greece ) to the Commission — ICOS (Ireland ) — Teagasc ( Ireland ) (30 November 1994) — Irish Farmers' Association ( 95/C 88/27 — CNA ( Portugal ) — Comité central de la propriété forestière ( Central Committee for Forestry ) Subject: STOA studies — Confédération paysanne ( Women's Farming Confederation ) Has the Commission already had studies carried out by — COPA, Women's committee STOA on the impact of immigration on the growth of drug — Club Demeter trafficking in the EEC as a whole ? — Deutsche Landwirtschaft Gesellschaft ( German Agricultural Association ) If so , what studies ? — Gesase — Jardins familiaux européens If not, will the Commission initiate such studies without — European Public Service Councils delay ? 10 . 4 . 95 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/15
Answer given by Mr Flynn WRITTEN QUESTION E-2431/94 on behalf of the Commission by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE ) (16 January 1995) to the Councii (31 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/29 ) The Commission does not take part in the work of the STOA ( Scientific and Technological Options Assessment), which is an internal parliamentary working party . It does, however, occasionally lend technical assistance when Subject: Tomlinson report on the management of. requested to do so . Parliament's building projects in Brussels
The Commission is not, therefore , in possession of any Will the Council give its views on the revelations contained information concerning the studies referred to by the in the Tomlinson report on the management of Parliament's Honourable Member since there have been no contacts with building projects in Brussels ? STOA in the fields in question .
Answer (1 March 1995)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2425/94 The report to which the Honourable Member refers is by Jean-Yves Le Gallou ( NI ) addressed to the Bureau of the European Parliament and is therefore an internal European Parliament document on to the Commission which the Council is not obliged to comment . (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/28 )
Subject: List of congresses , meetings and activities funded from Item A 3050 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2442/94 by Angela Sierra González ( GUE ) Can the Commission indicate what subsidies were granted under Item A 3050 for each of the congresses , meetings and to the Commission activities receiving such payments in the period 1993/94 ? (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/30 )
Answer given by Mr Delors Subject: Support for dam construction on behalf of the Commission (13 January 1995) If DG VI of the Commission is not prepared to provide EAGGF-Guidance funds for an irrigation scheme, how does it ensure that any associated request for ERDF or Cohesion Fund support for dam construction is reviewed with a view Item A-3050 began as a p.m . entry in 1993 . For 1994 , to the reduction in size or abandonment of the dam to take Parliament entered an appropriation of ECU 500 000 as a account of reduced water requirements ? subsidy for the European Jamboree . To date, ECU 400 000 has been paid out . The balance ( ECU 100 000 ) will be released as soon as the Commission has received an interim report and a statement of account concerning the use made of the subsidy . Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission A subsidy of ECU 5 000 was paid in 1994 to the ULB's (16 January 1995) Institut d'Etudes europeennes from revenue available for re-utilization to be recovered in 1995 . It is for the Commission, acting in agreement with the Member State and in the framework of the multiannual programming of the whole range of assistance from the No C 88/16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
Structural Funds to a particular region or area, to decide irrigation projects . Under the partnership and subsidiarity whether to grant assistance from the European Regional system, selecting the most appropriate methods of Development Fund ( ERDF ) for the construction of dams . assessment in each particular case is a matter for the national and regional authorities responsible for the definition and Applications from the Member States, mostly in the form of implementation of structural assistance . The results of the operational programmes, are subjected to prior appraisal prior appraisal of the medium-term socio-economic benefits both to establish that they comply with the requirements of of the set of measures proposed are given in aid applications . the legislation and Community policies and assess their An irrigation project is usually only one component in a impact on the achievement of the objectives sought and to multi-sectoral rural development strategy . ensure the coordination of assistance from the various Funds .
If the total cost of the project exceeds ECU 25 million, applications from the Member States for assistance from the ERDF must include an analysis of the costs entailed and of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2445/94 the socio-economic advantages of the project, including the by Angela Sierra González ( GUE ) likely rate of utilization and the forecast impact of the to the Commission project on the development of the region in question . (30 November 1994) In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, ( 95/C 88/32 ) implementation of the project is the responsibility of the Member State concerned . Subject: Funds for irrigation In the case of the Cohesion Fund, the Commission considers applications for finance for dams with particular attention The Community Support Framework for the Objective 1 to the environmental objectives of this financial instrument. regions of Spain recognizes the need 'to ensure that Assistance from the Cohesion Fund is granted only if the measures to supply water infrastructure take account of the project complies with those objectives . guidelines of the new CAP, which lay down substantial conditions for irrigation projects in certain areas' ( CSF, Chapter 1 , Section 1.4 ). What specific procedures will the Commission follow to ensure that all new irrigation receiving EU funds are compatible with the reformed CAP and will produce economic benefits for the farmers WRITTEN QUESTION E-2444/94 concerned ? by Angela Sierra González ( GUE ) to the Commission (30 November 1994) Answer given by Mr Steichen ( 95/C 88/31 on behalf of the Commission (12 January 1995) Subject: Irrigation projects It is made quite clear in the Community Support Framework Has the Commission ever investigated the economic ( CSF ) for the Objective 1 regions of Spain that water appraisal methods used by Member States in relation to infrastructure should take account of the guidelines of the irrigation and other water management projects ? What new common agricultural policy ( CAP). conclusions did the Commission draw from any such investigation concerning the ability of the Member States' To ensure that this is done, the CSF provides that measures appraisal methods to guarantee that Structural Fund to improve or extend irrigated areas will be examined in expenditure will secure 'medium-term economic and social detail when the application for aid to those regions is benefits', as required by Article 14(2 ) of Regulation ( EEC ) received ( CSF, Chapter 2, Section 2.2.9 ). No 2082/93 (*)?
The Commission will use this examination to check that (!) OJ No L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 , p . 20 . irrigation measures are compatible with the CAP on the basis of applications for Community assistance . At this stage, for all forms of assistance ( operational programmes ), Answer given by Mr Steichen the Spanish Objective 1 regions have justified measures for on behalf of the Commission the improvement or creation of irrigated areas . The Commission has checked that they comply with the CAP (17 January 1995) and that there are clear benefits for the farmers concerned . The Commission has to date undertaken no particular investigation of prior appraisal methods in relation to 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/17
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2456/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2475/94 by Nuala Ahern ( V ) by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission to the Commission (30 November 1994) (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/33 ) ( 95/C 88/34 )
Subject: Nuclear re-processing plant Thorp ( Sellafield , UK ) Subject: Villanova d'Albenga and Luni-Sarzana airports and Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) directive 1 . Does the Commission know whether its services are assessing the project submitted by the Liguria Region to 1 . Is a Thermal Oxide Nuclear Re-processing plant, develop Villanova d'Albenga and Luni-Sarzana airports for of a type exemplified by Thorp at Sellafield , UK, a tourism and sports travel ? project subject to Annex 1 to the EIA Directive 85/337/EEC (*)? 2 . If they are, how long will it take them to complete their assessment and make their comments and additions ? 2 . Is a Thermal Oxide Nuclear Re-processing plant, of a type exemplified by Thorp at Sellafield , UK, a project subject to Annex 11 to the EIA Directive 85/337/EEC ? Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission
3 . If the answer to either 1 or 2 above is yes , will the (16 January 1995) Commission please indicate the specific category or categories which cover this type of project ? The Commission has received no application for part-financing for the projects to which the Honourable 4 . If the answer to either 1 or 2 above is yes , will the Member refers . Commission indicate whether BNFL Pic complies with the EIA Directive for the Thorp facility ?
(!) OJ No L 175 , 5 . 7 . 1985 , p . 40 . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2476/94 by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) Answer given by Mr Bjerregaard to the Commission on behalf of the Commission (30 November 1994) (7 February 1995) ( 95/C 88/35 )
Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment Subject: Right of the armed forces to form associations requires an environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) to be carried out before development consent is given . With reference to the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on the right of members of the armed forces to According to the Article 4 , paragraph 1 , an EIA is form associations, and the report of the Legal Affairs mandatory before development consent is given to projects Committee ( Doc . 1-1387/83 ) ( l ) on the same subject, how that fall under Annex I, including 'installations solely did the Member States respond to Parliament's requests designed for the permanent storage or final disposal of and , in particular, radioactive waste'. If a project is of a kind that falls under — have their servicemen been granted the right, in Annex II 'installations for the production or enrichment of peacetime , to establish, join and actively participate in nuclear fuels ' (3 ( g )) or 'installations for the re-processing of irradiated nuclear fuels' (3 ( h)) or 'installations for the professional associations in order to protect their social interests ? collection and processing of radioactive waste ( unless included in Annex I )' (3 ( i )) an EIA has to be carried out where the Member State considers that its characteristics so — have the legal provisions of the individual States on these matters been approximated , taking into account the require ( Article 4 , paragraph 2 ). relevant articles of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human rights , the Council of Europe's The Commission is not aware of any current projects at Convention and the Protection of Human Rights and Thorp which fail to comply with the abovementioned Fundamental Freedoms and the European Social requirements . Charter ?
(!) OJ No C 127, 14 . 5 . 1984 , p . 86 . No C 88/18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
Answer given by Mr Flynn There is a further, more specific reference to planning in on behalf of the Commission Article 129b EC dealing with the new policy on (16 January 1995) trans-European networks, refers to the particular account to be taken of island, landlocked and peripheral regions .
The Commission is aware of the trends which are becoming The decisions taken by the Edinburgh European Council apparent in the Member States , and which seem likely to have provided greater resources for the less-favoured become more pronounced, concerning the right of members regions . of the armed forces to form associations . In this context, and on the basis of objective statistical It is following the steps being taken at European level to criteria, the Commission has identified the regions where harmonize national legislation in this area with particular disparities are greatest . Such regions are eligible for interest. For example , at its meeting on 14 October 1994 in measures under Objective 1 of the Structural Funds and Luxembourg, the Professional Council for defence hence for the corresponding Community assistance . personnel of Eurofedop ( European Organization of the International Federation of the Public Services ) urged the governments of the five Member States which do not yet recognise the right of association of European armed forces personnel to take immediate steps to apply the European Social Charter . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2486/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) to the Commission (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/37 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2485/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) Subject: Adjustment programmes for the successive to the Commission enlargements of the Union (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/36 ) The XXIInd general assembly of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, held in Cagliari, Sardinia , unanimously adopted a final resolution which Subject: Growing marginalization of certain areas in notably included the following paragraph : Europe 'The regions of the CPMR remind the Commission that the various enlargements of the Union have always been The XXII general assembly of the Conference of Peripheral accompanied by adjustment programmes and hope that Maritime Regions of Europe, held in Cagliari, Sardinia, an initiative in this direction may be taken'. unanimously adopted a final resolution which notably included the following paragraph : How does the Commission intend to respond to this concern expressed by the regions belonging to the 'The regions of the CPMR wish to remark furthermore CPMR ? that spatial planning policies should take into consideration the increasing marginalization of certain European areas which are jeopardized by growing disparities.' Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission How does the Commission intend to respond to this (16 January 1995) concern expressed by the regions belonging to the CPMR ? Only the third enlargement of the Community to include Spain and Greece in 1986 was accompanied , with the adoption of the Regulation on the IMPs ( integrated Answer given by Mr Millan Mediterranean programme ) in 1995 , by adjustment on behalf of the Commission programmes of the type to which the Honourable Member (16 January 1995) refers .
The Commission does not consider that the accession of Article 130a of the EC Treaty requires the Community to Austria, Sweden and Finland will have a particular negative 'aim at reducing disparities between the levels of impact at regional level on the Community, and more development of the various regions and the backwardness of specifically on the regions bordering on the new Member the least-favoured regions , including rural aeras.' States . 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/19
However, the Interreg Community Initiative will introduce of support, the recipient sectors or the ways in which such cooperation programmes for the new border areas designed finance should be used . to stimulate the conomic development of areas directly affected by the enlargement of the Community . The Commission has studied these suggestions and drawn up practical proposals in the light of its consultations on the Green Paper concerning the strengthening of the European programme industry .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2491/94 by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2496/94 to the Commission by Christine Crawley ( PSE ) (30 November 1994) to the Commission ( 95/C 88/38 ) (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/39
Subject: Common audio-visual policy in Europe Subject: Size of bananas
In order to encourage television stations which braodcast I am aware that procedures are being taken to enhance the European programmes , the French channels have proposed quality control of bananas . Will the Commission be banning that funding equivalent to 1 % of the budget for the the sale and importing of bananas below a certain size ? If so , European Structural Funds be allocated to them . what is the minimum size being considered ?
Such a contribution on the part of the Community would encourage a growth in trade in audio-visual products and cinema films within Europe . Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1995) Although the allocation of Structural Fund resources has been decided for the next six years , what proposals does the Commission have for promoting the wider distribution of The Commission issued quality standards for bananas in European broadcasts ? Regulation ( EC ) No 2257/94 ( 1 ). Community arrangements for monitoring compliance with these standards are currently being drafted . The quality standards to not apply to the marketing in the Community of plantains , bananas for processing or fig-bananas, the latter being a product Answer given by Mr Pinheiro quite different from the more usually marketed variety . on behalf of the Commission (10 January 1995) On the matter of sizing, the standards do indeed contain provisions laying down a minimum length for quality bananas of 14 centimeters , to be measured along the convex face of the fruit . It should be stressed that this minimum The Structural Funds contain no provision for incentives for length is the result of a consensus among all the trading television stations to broadcast European programmes . interests concerned .
The figure of 1 % of the budget of the Structural Funds Finally, it should be pointed out that the standards also referred to by the Honourable Member was proposed by allow for a tolerance margin in respect of size , and for the various public figures and professional organizations at the exemption of bananas produced in Madeira , the Azores, the European Audiovisual Conference as a target to be reached Algarve , Crete and Lakonia , where the climatic conditions in the matter of support for the European programmes mean that bananas do not reach 14 cm in length . These industry by the end of the century . smaller bananas may still be marketed, but only as fruit of quality class II .
However, this consensus as to a common target for the level (!) OJ No L 245 , 20 . 9 . 1994 . of funding must not be allowed to disguise the great variety of proposals put forward by professional circles concerning the origin of finance , its distribution between various types No C 88/20 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2504/94 The Commission can confirm that, in accordance with by Gijs de Vries ( ELDR ) and Jan Mulder ( ELDR ) Article 1(3 ) of Directive 85/73/EEC, 'any direct or indirect refund of the fees . . . shall be prohibited'. to the Commission
(30 November 1994) H OJ No L 32 , 5 . 2 . 1985 . ( 95/C 88/40 ) ( 2 ) OJ No L 340, 31 . 12 . 1993 . ( 3 ) OJ No L 302, 31 . 12 . 1972 . ( 4 ) COM(94 ) 346 . Subject: Distortion of competition in connection with veterinary checks
Is the Commission aware that: WRITTEN QUESTION E-2506/94 1 . a number of Member States are failing to charge the cost of carrying out the veterinary checks provided for by Marianne Thyssen ( PPE ) in Directive 90/675/EEC ( J ) to the consignor , the to the Commission consignee* or their agent, (30 November 1994) 2 . Belgian port authorities , while charging for these checks, ( 95/C 88/41 ) reimburse such expenditure in whole or in part to the payer, Subject: EP's powers with regard to the implementation of 3 . as a result of such practices , cargoes are being diverted to the GATT provisions on the rice sector ports with 'flexible' checking systems ? In view of the very short period remaining for the Union to meet its GATT obligations , can the Commission state what Is the Commission prepared to take action to prevent this measures it plans to take to enable Parliament to study the distortion of competition ? Commission proposals to implement the GATT provisions, given the economic implictions of the latter for agriculture in 0 ) OJ No L 373 , 31 . 12 . 1990, p . 1 . particular and, more specifically, the rice sector ?
Answer given by Mr Steichen Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (12 January 1995) (10 February 1995)
At Community level the financing of checks and inspections On 13 October 1994 the Commission submitted to the involving livestock products is regulated by Directive Council the proposals necessary to give legal effect to the 85/73/EEC ( ! ), as amended by Directive 93/118/EEC ( 2 ). results of the Uruguay Round negotiations and the Member States must finance the checks provided for in Parliament gave its opinion on the proposals on Directive 90/675/EEC . Pending , decisions setting 15 December 1994 . These proposals also included the Community fees, the Member States may charge national measures to be applied in the rice sector . ones . Community fees have already been set for meat covered by Directive 72/462/EEC ( 3 ).
In principle, from 1 July 1994 all Member States should have charged a minimum flat-rate amount of ECU 5 per tonne . This date is now being discussed by the Council. In WRITTEN QUESTION E-2515/94 addition, the Commission has presented the Council with a by Marie-France Stirbois ( NI ) proposal aimed at setting Community fees for fishery to the Council products ( 4 ). • (31 January 1995) The Commission intends to propose other common rules to ( 95/C 88/42 ) the Council for other livestock products , in line with what was agreed when Directive 93/118/EEC was adopted, i.e. 'taking account of the specific nature of the products to be Subject: Sacem ( French performing rights society ) checked , the nature of the checks to be made and the advisability, having regard to the rules on competition, of In France, Sacem requires all users of music to pay fees setting a Community fee'. It also intends to carry out a calculated as a percentage of revenue . In Luxembourg, it survey of the current situation in all Member States in order collects a fixed fee based on the number of seats in an to obtain reliable information . establishment and the price of drinks . 10 . 4 . 95 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/21
French fee-payers thus find themselves in an entirely 1992 on the approximation of the rates of excise duties on different and totally unfair position : mineral oils (*), Member States are required to apply a minimum rate of excise duty on heating gasoil of at least 1 8 — their average fee is four to five times higher . ECU per 1 000 litres . The same Directive requires the Commission to present a report, together with appropriate — because the fee is based on turnover, it unfairly taxes all proposals, on the existing minimum rates of duty, before the investments on promotion, publicity, the performance end of 1994 . The report and proposals must take into and staff, and thus the work of the owner or account the proper functioning of the internal market, the manager . real value of the rates of duty and the wider objectives of the Treaty . The Council will be asked to adopt the Is this unfair treatment not an infringement of Community Commission's proposals only after consulting the Parliament . law ?
(!) OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992 . What action does the Council intend to take to stop these practices which are in breach of the Treaty of Rome ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2528/94 Answer by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) (1 March 1995) to the Commission (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/44 ) Rules governing the activities of collective management societies in the field of copyright and associated rights have not been harmonized at Community level, as the Council Subject: Financial transfers to Portugal under the has not received any proposals from the Commission on the Community Support Framework 1989—1993 subject . ( CSF I ) in 1994 Can the Commission provide detailed information on the financial transfers under the Community Support Framework 1989—1993 effected in 1994 ( sums for each programme and/or sub-programme and the dates when the funds actually became available )? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2521/94 by Michl Ebner ( PPE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-58/95 (30 November 1994) by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) ( 95/C 88/43 ) to the Commission (30 January 1995) 95/C 88/45 Subject: Harmonization of taxation on heating oil Subject: Financial transfers to Portugal under the First The harmonization of the conditions of competition is a Community Support Framework during 1994 necessary step in the process of European unification . Given the differences in the tax regimes for heating oil in the Will the Commission state precisely the amount of financial various Member States of the European Union, can the resources allocated to Portugal under the First Community Commission say whether it intends to take steps to ensure Support Framework during 1994 , indicating the relevant that the taxation of heating oil — in particular where it is dates and the amounts allocated to each Operational used for industrial purposes — is harmonized at European Programme ? level ?
Joint answer to Written Questions E-2528/94 and E-58/95 Answer given by Mrs Scrivener given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission (10 January 1995) (2 March 1995)
The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable As far as the scope of the excise duty on mineral oils is Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a table containing concerned, this has to a vary large extent been harmonized the information requested . in Directive 92/81 /EEC ( J ). With regard to the question of rates , under Council Directive 92/82/EEC of 19 October No C 88/22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2531/94 this field , given that the EU's internal borders have been by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) abolished, and ensuring that SMUs may also develop their full potential in the single European market ? to the Commission (30 November 1994) ( 95/C 88/46 ) 2 . Are there plans to implement the European Patent for the Common Market of 15 December 1989 ( : ) within a reasonable time and at an acceptable cost, so that it may become effective and justify its existence ? Subject: Interreg 2 — partnership principle
The local authorities in the Algarve ( Portugal ) have not to 3 . Can the European Patent of 5 October 1973 , which, date been involved in the selection of specific projects because of its extremely high cost, is used only as a barrier in submitted to the European Commission for funding under a few countries, still be regarded as an appropriate European the Interreg 2 Programme . In view of the provisions of the instrument to fulfil its purpose all over the world, regulations on the Structural Funds , can the Commission particularly in comparison with conditions in the USA and explain the role of local authorities in the selection of the Far East ? projects submitted for funding through the Interreg 2 Programme and indicate how it intends to guarantee the involvement of local authorities in this Community 4 . Laws on the legal protection of industrial property initiative ? rights under patent law, such as the German Patented Designs Law, differ widely in the various EU countries , and this distorts conditions of competition . What measures are being taken to set up an appropriate legal protection system on a uniform legal basis within the EU Single Market, which Answer given by Mr Millan would be appropriate to wider application in the Far East, on behalf of the Commission and take into account that, pursuant to Article 87 of the (16 January 1995) EEC Treaty, the precedence established under this legislation may be used straight away to establish precedence of Community law over national law, although At the beginning of November , the Commission received in some EU countries , such as Germany, there is still a 'stay from the Portuguese and Spanish authorities a proposal of execution' for this legislation ? concerning the Interreg II Community Initiative . ( J ) OJ No L 401 , 30 . 12 . 1989 , p . 1 . The Commission is currently discussing with national authorities how local authorities can be involved in the choice of projects .
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1995)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2536/94 by Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl ( PPE ) and On 8 December 1994 the Council . ( Internal Market ) Doris Pack ( PPE ) adopted a resolution concerning the entry into force at the to the Commission earliest possible date of the Agreement of 15 December 1989 relating to Community patents . According to the (30 November 1994) information provided by the Member States that have not . ( 95/C 88/47 ) yet ratified the Agreement, the relevant national procedures are expected to be completed in 1995 . The Commission is very alive to the problem of the cost of the future procedure Subject: Measures to ensure unified and effective legal and will do its utmost to ensure that the matter is dealt with protection of industrial property rights within objectively by the Member States . the EC The European Patent Office , which is responsible for issuing 1 . Can the Commission give a time-table for uniform European patents under the control of the European Patent measures which are needed in the EU and would be Organization, is not a Community institution . The sufficient to achieve effective legal protection of industrial Commission is not, therefore , in a position to take direct property rights, healthy economic development, and the action in an attempt to resolve any particular problem protection of existing jobs and the creation of new ones, arising in connection with the cost of European patents . bearing in mind that national laws no longer have powers in However, in the context of the work currently going on in 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/23 the European Patent Office, the Commission, in its capacity WRITTEN QUESTION E-2562/94 as observer on the Administrative Council , will do all in its by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) power to draw the attention of the Contracting States' to the Commission delegates to the need for a European patent to be obtainable at an attractive cost. (5 December 1994) (9SIC 88/49 ) The Commission is fully aware that quite different legislative provisions currently apply in respect of utility models ( Gebrauchsmuster ). In preparation for a Subject: Promotion of business participation in European consultative document on the harmonization of the Union humanitarian projects different systems of utility models that is to be sent to interested parties in 1995 , the Commission is looking into The Community funds earmarked by the European the economic importance of this form of protection and into Commission for supply contracts charged to the budgetary the constraints that this might impose on the achievement lines for humanitarian aid and development cooperation and operation of the Community-wide market . total more than one billion pesetas per year . These funds are allocated by means of appropriate invitations to tender and competitions .
However, the majority of European Union enterprises, particularly those based in the least developed regions , do WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 54/94 not hear about the opportunities for contracts offered by the abovementioned Community programmes to assist by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE ) countries suffering the effects of armed conflict or natural to the Commission disasters . (5 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/48 ) Can the Commission say whether it considers the present level of dissemination of information concerning the procedures for tendering ( deadlines, guarantees and conditions of payment ) among European enterprises to be Subject: Dumping of toxic waste in the village of sufficient to promote their participation in the Kouroupitos in Crete abovementioned programmes ?
The eleventh Commission report to the European Moreover , does the Commission consider that it should Parliament on monitoring the application of Community establish facilities of some kind to enable enterprises to law in 1993 states that the Greek authorities have failed to reduce the cost of transporting aid supplies to their notify the Commission that they have taken the measures destination . necessary to comply with the judgment handed down by the European Court of Justice on the disposal of toxic waste in the village of Kouroupitos in Crete . Answer given by Mr Marin Will the Commission say what measures it has taken against on behalf of the Commission Greece and what stage the procedure under Article 171 of (16 January 1995) the Treaty on European Union has now reached ?
In order to ensure equality of access for Member States' firms which supply humanitarian aid products the Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard Commission publishes notices of invitation to tender in the on behalf of the Commission 'L' series of the Official Journal of the European (10 February 1995) Communities in the nine official languages . Firms have a period of 15 days from the date of publication to submit their tenders . As the Honourable Member points out in his question, Greece has failed to take the necessary measures to comply Firms wishing to participate in invitations to tender are with the judgment of the Court . provided with information about deadlines , securities, terms of payment and conditions for mobilizing different types of aid . The Commission has therefore sent a letter of formal notice instituting proceedings against Greece in accordance with Article 169 of the EC Treaty for failure to meet the The costs of transporting food aid-to the place of destination obligations imposed on it by Article 171 of the Treaty . are borne by the Commission as indicated in Regulation ( EEC ) No 2200/87 laying down general rules for the mobilization of products to be supplied as Community food aid . No C 88/24 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
For its part the European Community Humanitarian Office WRITTEN QUESTION E-2566/94 ( ECHO ) issues invitations to tender solely for emergency by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) food aid ( budget heading B7-511 ). There are two types of tender : to the Commission (5 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/50 ) 1 . Since food aid for refugees from the war in former Yugoslavia — particularly in Croatia , Serbia and Montenegro — is supplied directly by the Commission via the European Community Task Force ( set up by the Subject: UK blacks and Asians and qualifications heads of State and Government at the Birmingham European Council in October 1992 ) and because of the share-out of responsibilities between the UNHCR and Having now received a copy of the UK trade union GMB the Commission, invitations to tender are restricted . report 'Divided by Degrees', further to my question ( Written Firms are selected from a short list of undertakings Question E-1965/94 ( J )), will the Commission now state which have already participated, or expressed a wish to what remedial steps it will take to reduce unemployment participate , in a Commission invitation to tender . amongst UK blacks and Asians ?
H OJ No C 30 , 6 . 2 . 1995 , p . 40 . 2 . Food aid products for the Republics of the CIS and the Middle East are purchased in accordance with Regulation ( EEC ) No 2200/87, namely open invitations to tender published in the Official Journal of the European Communities . Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1995) The Commission mainly ensures access to information for firms intending to participate in invitations to tender in the development cooperation framework financed under the European Development Fund ( ACP countries ) and the As the Honourable Member is aware , unemployment is a Community budget ( ALA and MED countries ) by problem not only for black and Asian minorities but for publishing these invitations to tender in the ' S' series of the several other vulnerable groups in all the Member States . Official Journal of the European Communities .
The attention of the Honourable Member is drawn to the Commission's white paper on growth, competitiveness, In addition the Commission disseminates all sorts of employment and the recent white paper on social policy ( J ) and also the section on 'integration' of the Commission information about the projects which it finances in the 'blue communication on immigration and asylum of February pages' of a specialist publication called 'The Courier'. 1994 ( 2 ) which take up the question .
In so far as ethnic minorities may need special assistance to The Commission also tries to encourage participation by bring them to a position enabling them to compete increasing access to project and tender documentation via its effectively in the labour market, the Commission intends to network of offices in the Member States . Conferences for give the subject continued high priority in the budget line firms interested in these contracts are organized on a regular which allows it to support projects promoting harmonious basis, with the participation of Commission officials . co-habitation of peoples in the Community .
As the Honourable Member is aware, the principal instrument in this case is the European Social Fund, The cost of transporting the products supplied is of course particularly under Objective 3 . The new programme for included in the amount of the tender and completely covered Objective 3 in the United Kingdom gives priority to the by Community financing . long-term unemployed and the young unemployed . Insofar as ethnic minority groups are disproportionately represented in these groups, they should receive a greater share of resources . In addition, a new priority of those excluded from the labour market forms part of the Objective 3 Programme for the first time this year . Although ethnic minority groups are not specifically named under this 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/25 priority, they are an important part of other named 2 . measures are in place which may discriminate against categories , for example, homeless people , residents of inner third parties if they are appropriate to achieving the cities, and those needing training in English as a second stated objective . language . 3 . measures are in place which require conformity by third (!) COM(94 ) 333 final . parties where they are appropriate to protecting the ( 2 ) COMÍ94 ) 23 final . integrity of EU measures ?
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 73/94 on behalf of the Commission by Christine Oddy ( PSE ) (10 February 1995) to the Council (31 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/51 ) 1 . When products are deemed to be 'like' ('produits similaires' in the French translation ) certain rules apply for international trade , notably the most favoured nation clause Subject: Child soldiers ( MFN ) of GATT Article 1 and the national treatment principle of GATT Article III . Existing international law forbids the recruitment of children under the age of 15 into the armed forces , yet, according to a report from Quaker Peace and Service , The general agreement gives no definition of the concept of children younger than 15 have been recruited into armies , like product . However , a variety of criteria ( apart from tariff and twenty-seven countries recruit children between the classification ) have been suggested by GATT case law and ages of 15 and 18 . by GATT working groups including a product's properties, its nature and quality; varying nature of inputs of a product What is the Council's attitude to recruitment of ( e.g. if it has a vegetable , animal or synthetic origin ) a children ? product's end-use in a given market and consumers' tastes and habits .
Since GATT Article III covers only measures affecting Answer products as such, it has been considered that products may (1 March 1995) be 'like' irrespective of their production method .
The Council is unable to express its view on a matter for However the panel report on 'United States — measures which the Union has no competence . affecting alcoholic and malt beverages', adopted in 1992 , noted that Contracting Parties were not prevented from using their fiscal and regulatory powers for purposes other than to afford protection to domestic production . Moreover the new Uruguay Round agreement on technical barriers to trade ( TBT ) has marked a certain development in this WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 85/94 respect . Annex 1 to the TBT code lays down the 'terms and the definitions' for the purposes of the agreement . The by Carlos Pimenta ( ELDR ) definition of technical regulation and standards is : 'a to the Commission document which lays down product characteristics or their (5 December 1994) related processes and production methods'. The prevailing interpretation of this wofding is that distinction can be ( 95/C 88/52 ) made between like products if the production method by which a product has been produced affects the characteristics of the product ( e.g. leaves traces of Subject: GATT/WTO agreements chemicals ).
What classifications on interpretations are required to current GATT/WTO agreements to ensure that, where 2 . The GATT allows Contracting Parties to take appropriate, and with particular regard to measures to measures which run counter to their normal GATT protect people , animals or the environment : obligations, if these measures are necessary to protect human, animal and plant life and health ( Article XX ( b )) and 1 . distinctions can be made with regard to the processes for the conservation of natural resources ( Article XX used to develop 'like' products, ( g)). No C 88/26 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
However a number of conditions need to be fulfilled, such and find adequate solutions to the problem of makeshift as that such measures are not applied in a manner which dwellings by providing decent housing for those currently would constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable living in inhuman conditions ? discrimination between countries where the same conditions prevail, or a disguised restriction on international trade . Answer given by Mr Flynn 3 . GATT/WTO rules allow the Community ( or any other on behalf of the Commission GATT contracting party or WTO member ) to require (15 February 1995) imported products to be in conformity with standards and regulations applicable to products manufactured in the importing country. The Commission feels that the situation of slum dwellers is unacceptable . WTO members are recommended to adopt international standards as far as sanitary and phytosanitary measures In the White Paper on European Social Policy ( a ), the ( SPS ) and technical regulations and standards ( TBT ) are Commission states that 'housing is also a key issue in concerned . However, WTO members are allowed to deviate combating social exclusion and may also be an important from international standards and implement stricter source of new jobs'. The Paper also states that the measures if these prove to be necessary in the fulfilment of a Commission will coordinate these actions 'so as to provide a legitimate objective pursued because of 'fundamental well-structured and comprehensive contribution in this climatic or geographical factors or fundamental field'. technological problems' ( TBT code Article 2.2 ) or if there is 'scientific justification or as a consequence of the level of sanitary and phytosanitary protection a Member determines Apart from the ECSC Framework Programme , which grants to be appropriate . . .' ( SPS Article 3.3 ). In any case these loans at a particularly low rate to workers in coal and steel measures should be non-arbitrary, non-discriminatory, companies , the Community has no competence in this field . should not result into a disguised restriction on However, the Commission is pursuing various small international trade and should not be more trade restrictive projects on housing issues ( publications, financial aid, than necessary. cooperation with non-governmental organizations ( NGO )) and has launched a European initiative to prevent urban decline . In addition, since 1991 , the Commission has been particularly active in the exchanges promoted by the meetings of the Ministers responsible for housing. One result has been the European exchange programme in the field of housing, and it is through this programme that the Commission hopes to draw attention to the living WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 89/94 conditions of slum dwellers . by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE ) to the Commission (!) COM(94 ) 333 final . (5 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/53 )
Subject: Abolition of shanty towns in the European Union WRITTEN QUESTION E-2592/94 by Sérgio Ribeiro ( GUE ) There are still many shanty towns in the southern European to the Commission Union Member States where the inhabitants do not have the (5 December 1994) minimum facilities which all human beings require to satisfy their most basic needs . 95/C 88/54
Clearly, we in our respective societies in the European Union Subject: Construction of a shipyard in Wismar, Germany cannot allow ourselves to accept the existence of such shanty towns — centres of poverty and a source of shame amidst the burgeoning development and consumerism of There have been reports in the media that a shipyard to be urban areas . built in Wismar, Germany, is to receive funding in excess of ECU 300 million .
Does the Commission therefore believe that Member States must devise a policy to prevent the spread of shanty towns The news has met with some bewilderment in Portugal, by means of specific preventive measures where possibile where — supposedly on account of Community Directives 10 . 4 . 95 lEN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/27
— the Setenave shipyard, similar in design to the projected WRITTEN QUESTION E-2600/94 new yard, is undergoing a series of capacity reductions and by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE ) hence being forced to 'shed' workers , entailing very serious to the Commission social consequences . (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/55 ) The news also corroborates the thinking of the trade unions and the Workers' Committee, who maintain that the revival of shipbuilding could constitute the starting-point for a viable shipping industry and are seeking to oppose the policy Subject: Bankruptcy of the German travel company 'Mit being pursued . uns reisen GmbH'
The German travel company 'Mit uns reisen GmbH' has Is the Wismar shipyard consistent with Community suspended payments, with the result that hotel-owners and shipbuilding policy ? Have the Portuguese Government and tourist agencies are facing losses of Dr 750 million in Crete the Solisnor/Setenave management made any moves to and Dr 2 billion in Greece as a whole . What measures will ensure that Portugal can continue to engage in an industrial the Commission take to satisfy the legal demands of the activity of the utmost economic and social importance ? Greek firms which have suffered losses ? Does the Commission intend to take measures to introduce a standard between tour operators and hotels and establish provisions that will provide protection for hotel-owners, local agencies and tourists ?
Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission ( 11 January 1995) Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (10 February 1995) Re-structuring aid to shipbuilding, in particular investment aid and aid for closures , is governed by Articles 6 and 7 of the Seventh Directive on aid to shipbuilding ( 90/684/EEC ( 1 )). These articles apply and have applied to It is regrettable for all concerned when a firm ceases trading . all yards in the Community, including those in the ex-GDR At the European level, the package travel Directive and in Portugal . 90/314/EEC i 1 ), which took effect from 1 January 1993 , aims to provide protection and compensation for the consumer who has purchased a package holiday, travel or The re-structuring aid provided to the ex-GDR yards, tour in the event of cancellation or when the travel agent or including the aid provided to the MTW yard in Wismar, the tour operator selling the package becomes insolvent or takes place in the context of an overall reduction in bankrupt . The directive still has to be implemented in shipbuilding capacity in the ex-GDR of 40% . At the Greece, and in Germany it has only just taken effect . moment the Commission is monitoring the capacity reduction to assure compliance with the Seventh Directive . The Directive requires travel agents and tour operators to have insurance, bonding or guarantees to cover consumers' losses in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy . It has been left to the Member States to decide upon how to implement The Commission has not yet received a notification of the this measure at the national level . planned re-structuring of the Portuguese shipbuilding industry and cannot give an opinion at this moment . However , it may be recalled that in the proposed text an While the relationship between travel agents and tours 'agreement respecting normal competitive conditions in the operators is dealt with indirectly, the Directive does not commercial shipbuilding and repair industry' within the include specific measures covering compensation for losses framework of the OECD a possibility is foreseen to allow a of intermediaries resulting from their contractual maximum re-structuring aid of 17,7 million contos to the relationships which each other in the supply of packages . Portuguese shipbuilding industry .
Under Article 220 EC Treaty, work is continuing on the (!) OJ No L 380, 31 . 12 . 1990 . draft convention on bankruptcy which, while respecting the substantive law of the Member States , will deal with certain international aspects of bankruptcy procedures in the Community . This work should help to define who pays in the event of bankruptcy . No C 88/28 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
The Commission does not plan to present proposals in this WRITTEN QUESTION E-2612/94 field, in order to go beyond the provisions mentioned by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) above . to the Commission (!) OJ No L 158 , 23 . 6 . 1990 . (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/57 )
Subject: Wine market WRITTEN QUESTION E-2611/94
by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) The Commission's decisions in the wine sector seem to be to the Commission determined by an over simplistic arithmetically-based policy (8 December 1994) that would merely reduce the excessive annual output ( 190 ( 95/C 88/56 ) million hectolitres ) and increase the limited consumption ( 154 million hectolitres ).
Subject: Civil defence It seems essential to reduce supply by a selection process and to impose rules that are the same for all, including The recent disasters which have occurred in Europe, non-member producer countries, so as to prevent particularly in northern Italy, have revealed the serious competition that exclusively benefits non-member exporter short-comings in civil defence services in general . countries and disadvantages Community producers . Every Member State of the Community has its own organization to deal with civil defence and the provision of Does the Commission not consider that it should act along first aid in the event of unexpected natural incidents causing these lines to prevent the loss of market share in the sector widespread death and destruction . for DOC ( controlled denomination of origin ) wines , which represent 70 % of exports and about 40 % of Community Can the Commission put forward a Directive providing for production ? the establishment of a European coordination centre that will bring together different experiences and strengthen Community civil defence cooperation ? Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard (9 January 1995) on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1995) In its proposal for a Council Regulation ( EC ) on reform of The Commission has introduced several measures as part of the common organization of the market in wine ( 1 ), the Community cooperation on civil defence . Commission revealed the existence of a serious permanent imbalance between supply and demand on the wine market. Since 1987, five Resolutions have been adopted by the Council which have led to specific measures for training operators to deal with disasters such as forest fires, chemical In order to restore balance , production must be reduced to accidents and floods . levels compatible with utilization . This has required the fixing of a Community reference production, distributed On 31 October 1994 , the Council adopted a new among the Member States . resolution (*) on strengthening Community cooperation on civil protection in the event of natural and technological disasters which will increase the number of measures taken Clearly, however, the distribution of the regional and in this area . individual efforts needed to achieve this reduction in production can be neither mathematical nor arbitrary, and not all vineyards will be equally affected . However, given that there are differences between the civil protection organizations of the Member States ' national administrations, the establishment of a European The Commission has therefore proposed the adoption of coordination centre would not contribute anything to multiannual regional viticultural adjustment programmes Community cooperation on civil defence . to be drawn up in partnership by the Community, the Member State and the region . Theses programmes are the (!) OJ No C 313 , 10 . 11 . 1994 . chief tool for re-structuring the market in wine and will determine the means chosen by each region to achieve this . 10.4.95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/29
A wide array of measures ( green cropping, yield restriction, Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard abandonment, re-structuring, etc.) is available from which on behalf of the Commission the regions are to select those most suited to their specific (7 February 1995) circumstances and to the viticulture development strategy determined by the Member State . Certain vineyards may also be exempt from all obligations , such as those producing quality wines produced in specified regions . The question put by the Honourable Member implies a uniform rule on Community environmental policy .
With regard to access to the Community market for wine Community policy on the environment varies . Community from third countries, it should be remembered that the legislation on the prevention and reduction of pollution is reductions in customs duties negotiated under GATT also essentially sectoral . Where industrial plants are concerned, benefit European wine . for example, the Community has adopted the best techniques available which do not cost excessive amounts and take regional situation into account. Moreover, imports of wine from third countries are subject to compliance with quality characteristics . All other preferential conditions are the result of trade agreements Article 130r ( 2 ) of the EC Treaty states that 'Community concluded by the Community with certain countries ( 2 ) and policy on the environment shall aim at a high level of are governed by the Community's overall external policy . protection taking into account the diversity of situations in the various regions of the Community.'
(!) COM(94 ) 117 final . Even the proposal for a Council Directive on the integrated ( 2 ) For example, the opening of Community tariff quotas for wine from Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania ( Regulation ( EEC ) prevention and reduction of pollution aims to differentiate No 3671/93 ). the standards and limits of emissions from the plants according to region .
As regards the Honourable Member's proposal to implement corollary measures to ensure strict compliance with the Commission's proposals, it must be emphasized that better prevention and greater reduction of industrial pollution affects all Member States and that it is up to them, under Article 5 of the EC Treaty, to take all general and WRITTEN QUESTION E-2614/94 specific measures to ensure fulfilment of the obligations by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) arising out of the Treaty or resulting from action taken by the Community institutions to help it to achieve its to the Commission tasks . (8 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/58 )
Subject: Companies responsible for pollution WRITTEN QUESTION E-2625/94 by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE ) and Peter Pex ( PPE ) The differences which exist between the various national or to the Commission regional regulations in the Member States and the absence of the necessary harmonization at Community level have (8 December 1994) contributed to the establishment of industries responsible ( 95/C 88/59 ) for pollution throughout the Community ( one thinks , for example, of the giant poultry concern in Wallonia ). Subject: Use of official languages at Europol in The Hague Can the Commission propose a Directive prohibiting the establishment of firms which do not comply with the requirements already laid down in Community Directives As the remarkable manoevering as regards the use of official on the kitting out of structures and the use of anti-pollution languages at the European Trademarks Office shows , the equipment simply on the grounds that they will maintain position of official languages in the institutions of the and protect employment ? European Union is not always as clear as it might be .
1 . Will the Commission state what rules it is proposing on Can it also adopt corollary measures to ensure strict the use of languages at Europol headquarters , which is compliance by all Member States ? to be based in The Hague, in the Netherlands ? No C 88/30 r EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
2 . Will the Commission explain how it plans to approach During the 1992/93 , 1993/94 and 1994/95 exercises , the such problems in future, particularly now that the European Council has approved ECU 680 million in number of official languages is increasing steadily ? balance of payments support to the central and eastern European Countries ( CEEC ) ( of which ECU 105 million in grants ). Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission Since 1992 ECHO has provided an additional ECU 896,8 million of emergency humanitarian assistance to the (16 January 1995) CEEC .
The working languages for Europol will be laid down in the Convention to establish Europol .
The Honourable Members may care to note that the Treaty on European Union does not give the Commission a right of WRITTEN QUESTION E-2650/94 initiative concerning Europol ( Article K 3.2 ). by Hiltrud Breyer ( V) The draft text is currently under negotiation, but despite to the Commission efforts to conclude work during the German Presidency, (1 December 1994) work will need to be taken forward in the first half of ( 95/C 88/61 ) 1995 .
The Commission observes the language arrangemetns for Subject: Garching research reactor the Communities set out in Regulation 1 /58 (*) as amended by sucessive accession treaties . 1 . Why, when answering my urgent question (*) OJ No 17, 6 . 10 . 1958 . ( E- 1994/94 ( J )), and despite her specific queries, did the Commission fail to name the country of origin of the 400 kg of highly enriched uranium for the Garching research reactor ?
2 . Is it correct that the highly-enriched uranium comes WRITTEN QUESTION E-2643/94 from ' Community surplus stocks' originally from the by Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( PPE ) USA ? to the Commission (8 December 1994) 3 . If not, what is its country of origin ? 95/C 88/60 4 . If yes , when and how was the relevant institution in the USA informed that this highly enriched uranium from Subject: European Union aid for the countries of eastern ' Community surplus stocks' is to be used in the Garching Europe research reactor ?
Can the Commission give a breakdown for 1992, 1993 and 1994 of the total aid granted by the European Union to 5 . Was the US Congress informed ? non-member countries of eastern Europe ? 6 . When and how did the USA approve the use of the highly enriched uranium in the Garching research reactor ? Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (11 January 1995) 7 . Can the Commission confirm that the ESA acted illegally in handing the highly enriched uranium over to the Garching research reactor without the knowledge and Total aid granted by the Community to countries og eastern approval of the USA ? Does this constitute a breach of the Europe amounts to : USA-Euratom agreement ?
(in ECU million) 8 . What view does the Commission take of the fact that
1992 1993 1994 highly enriched uranium from the USA is to be used in the Garching research reactor, although the USA has already announced its opposition to the reactor ? Phare 1 014,3 1 003,7 979 Tacis 418,6 471,8 460 0 ) OJ No C 30, 6 . 2 . 1995, p . 45 . 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/31
Answer given by Mr Oreja WRITTEN QUESTION E-2652/94 on behalf of the Commission by Armelle Guinebertière ( RDE ) (16 January 1995) to the Commission (2 December 1994) 1 , 2 and 3 . The details requested by the Honourable ( 95/C 88/63 ) Member are business secrets and cannot be divulged without the explicit agreement of the parties concerned . Subject: Concern expressed by Community ( in particular 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 . The use of the fuel in question at the French ) truffle producers regarding the conditions Garching reactor is not subject to the prior notification of under which truffles are imported from the the American authorities, nor to their authorization, even countries of eastern Europe where all or part of the fuel may have originated in the United States . Under agreements recently concluded between the European Community and certain countries of eastern Europe such as Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Poland, truffles will be imported into the Community in accordance with provisions which are a source of concern to Community producers, particularly those in France . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2651/94 by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE ) Article 20(4 ) in the chapter on agriculture in the agreement to the Commission of 16 December 1991 , for example , states that Hungary and the Community will grant mutual concessions on a (2 December 1994) harmonious and reciprocal basis . 95/C 88/62 ) The import conditions are in fact highly advantageous to the Subject: Payment of tobacco premiums directly to countries in question and will enable them to flood the Community market with large quantities of truffles without growers regard for the quality thereof. Once again Greek tobacco growers are protesting loudly for Community tobacco premiums to be paid directly to It is likely that prices will be forced down as a result and that growers rather than via traders . In its Special Report competition will be distorted to the detriment of No 8(93 ) ( a ), the Court of Auditors proposes a scheme for Community producers ( according to the National direct payments to growers . Federation of Truffle Producers , black truffle production in France , Italy and Spain was only about 50 tonnes in 1993/94, which is much less than what will be imported What is the Commission's view of the Court's proposal and from eastern Europe ). the growers' consistent demand ? Does it intend to amend Regulation ( EEC ) No 2075/92 ( 2 ) on the common organization of the market in raw tobacco in order to Has the Commission taken into account the difficulties resolve the problem of tobacco premiums by legislation and , experienced by Community ( especially French ) producers as if so , when ? a result of the marketing ( under a rather vague appellation ) of imported 'truffles' whose quality in terms of taste is greatly inferior to that of French truffles ? (!) OJ No C 65 , 2 . 3 . 1994 , p . 1 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 215 , 30 . 7 . 1992, p . 70 . Furthermore , does the Commission not think that the nature and variety of truffles from eastern Europe should be determined, established and displayed ? Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission Finally, how does the Commission plan to protect (9 January 1995) consumers from being misled regarding the nature and quality of truffles ? The Council decided in July 1994 to allow premiums to be paid directly to tobacco producers . This decision was applicable as from the 1994 harvest. Answer given by Mr Steichen on behalf of the Commission Implementation of the decision requires the amendment of (13 January 1995) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2075/92 ( which the Commission will be proposing shortly ) and of the Commission's implementing regulations . The Community has granted preferential tariff concessions on truffles only to Hungary, which can export a quota of 127 tonnes at a preferential rate of duty of 3,2% . No C 88/32 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
However, the statistics available to the Commission show Union-wide harmonization of the substantive rules of that no fresh or processed truffles ( under customs codes domestic law for all issues identified . 0709 52 00 and 2003 20 00 ) are imported from the four countries listed by the Honourable Member . Moreover, no Member State has suggested examining the issue raised by the Honourable Member . The rate of duty applied to other non-member countries is currently 8 % and will be gradually reduced to 6,4 % by 1 July 2000 in accordance with the Community's commitments under the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2659/94 As part of the common agricultural policy, the truffle sector is governed by the market organization for fruit and by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE ) vegetables and the Commission monitors developments in to the Commission this sector closely . (14 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/65 ) With regard to the quality of Community and imported truffles and the protection of consumers, the Community is proposing that producers should protect and exploit certain Subject: Narrow EMS currency exchange rate bands specific products under Regulations ( EEC ) No 2081/92 on geographical indications and designations of origin and ( EEC ) No 2082/92 on certificates of specific character ( 1 ). Does the Commission consider the re-introduction of the Truffles fall within the scope of these Regulations . narrow exchange rate bands for the EMS currencies to be an obligatory convergence criterion for stages II and III of EMU ? f 1 ) OJ No L 208 , 24 . 7 . 1992 .
If so, when does the Commission consider that these narrow bands will have to be re-introduced ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2655/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2660/94 by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE ) to the Council to the Commission (19 December 1994) (14 December 1994) 95/C 88/64 ( 95/C 88/66 )
Subject: Eurobail Subject: EMS rules as an obligatory criterion of compliance and convergence In view of the numerous cases of Europeans in Member States held in jails for indefinite periods awaiting trial for Does the Commission consider compliance with the EMS offences which, in their own country, would qualify them discipline to be an essential convergence criterion for stages for release on bail, this phenomenon being particularly II and III of the EMU ? highlighted by the case of my own constituent, lorry driver John Harrower, what steps are Ministers taking to agree terms of a Eurobail system for the harmonization of judicial If so, when does the Commission expect to complete the liberties ? EMS with the 12 Member States ?
Answer Joint answer to Written Questions (1 March 1995) E-2659/94 and E-2660/94 given by Mr Christophersen on behalf of the Commission The Honourable Member is reminded that under (16 January 1995) Article K.l of the Treaty on European Union issues relating to judicial cooperation in criminal matters are one of the areas regarded as being ofcommon interest . Work under the The exchange rate criterion concerning exchange rate 'third pillar' thus seeks to promote and facilitate judicial stability is defined in the EC Treaty ( Article 109j ) and in the cooperation among Member States; its aim is not Protocol on convergence criteria, in the following terms : 10 . 4 . 95 LEN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/33
— observance of the normal fluctuation margins provided Answer given by Mr Millan by the exchange rate mechanism ( ERM ) of the European on behalf of the Commission monetary system ( EMS ) (16 January 1995)
— absence of severe tensions The transport sub-programme of the programme for the — absence of a devaluation on its own initiative modernization of infrastructure in the Community support framework for Portugal 1994—1999 makes no specific provision for a project to construct an alternative road to the for at least tht two years preceding the examination in order EN- 122 between Mertola and Castro Marim . to assess whether it is possible to move to the third stage of economic and monetary union ( EMU). However, the programme runs for six years and, depending on the selection criteria laid down for the 'Internal mobility' The Commission considers the functioning of the ERM measure , the project could be eligible . under its current characteristics to be satisfactory and therefore it considers it advisable not to modify it . The As far as the Interreg II Community Initiative is Commission recognizes the importance of exchange rate concerned , the sub-programme 'improving cross-border stability and the need to continue to pursue policies communications' of the Portuguese section of the joint consistent with the objective of price stability and sound proposal with the Spanish authorities includes a measure to public finance . Decisions on the transition to the third stage improve access which could also cover this project . of EMU will be taken in full accordance with the relevant Articles of the EC Treaty and the Protocol on the convergence criteria .
As for Member States which do not participate in the ERM, WRITTEN QUESTION E-2666/94 it is up to them to take the initiative to participate . Once the by Pierre Bernard-Reymond ( PPE ) Member State concerned has formulated its willingness to participate in the ERM and put forward its proposal , it is up to the Commission to the ministers and governors of central banks of Member (14 December 1994) States to take the decision by mutual agreement . In order to ( 95/C 88/68 ) be able to participate in the third stage of EMU, the Member States concerned will have to take into account the Treaty requirements . Subject: Implementation of the Directive of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirement's for the workplace
To my knowledge, four countries have not yet begun implementing Directive 89/655/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use WRITTEN QUESTION E-2662/94 of work equipment by workers at work (*). As this situation by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) could create a serious distortion of competition , does the to the Commission Commission envisage reminding these four countries of their duty ? (14 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/67 ) In addition, does the Commission have an assessment of the cost involved in the implementation of this Directive ? If not, does it intend to make such an assessment ? Subject: Mértola-Castro Marim road link 0 ) OJ No L 393 , 30 . 12 . 1989 , p . 13 . The people in the border area between Portugal and Spain along the lower Guadiana river have long been calling for a new road to be built to replace the existing EN122 , and such Answer given by Mr Flynn a road has been promised on numerous occasions . on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1995) The Operational Programme on Transport in the 1994—1999 CSF for Portugal or the Interreg 2 Programme could be used to satisfy the demands of the people in the area Three Member States have not yet informed the concerned . Commission of national measures taken to implement Directive 89/655/EEC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by Could the Commission say whether funding is available workers at work . Infringement procedures have therefore under the CSF or Interreg 2 to finance the building of such a been instituted against them under Article 169 of the EC road ? Treaty . No C 88/34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
Article 4 ( 1 ) of the Directive states that the employer must other areas, which explains why, when structural surpluses obtein and/or use work equipment which, if provided to arose ( from 1981 ), it was not possible to break the workers in the undertaking and/or establishment for the agreements which had been concluded without a general first time after 31 December 1992 , complies with the re-negotiation and loss of the advantages gained . The period provisions of any relevant Community Directive which is of shortage ended in 1973 , after the Community had been applicable and with the minimum requirements laid down in expanded to include three Member States which were major the Annex, to the extent that no other Community Directive beef producers , and as a result of the expectations raised by is applicable or is so only partially . the premium systems and the introduction of public intervention . Work equipment already provided to workers in the undertaking and/or establishment by 31 December 1992 While it is true that slaughterings of dairy cows caused by must comply with the minimum requirements laid down in reductions in milk quotas have from time to time increased the Annex to the Directive no later than four years after that the supply of beef in the short term, it is also true that the fall date . in the dairy herd , by reducing the number of calves born, has helped to stabilize the meat market . In addition, since 1991 , mainly as part of the reform of the common agricultural policy, a series of measures to control production have been introduced, as follows :
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2675/94 — imports of calves and young cattle limited to 425 000 by Marie-France Stirbois ( NI ) head ( in 1990 such imports amounted to 850 000 head ); to the Commission (6 December 1994) — individual producer quotas for the suckler cow premium (9SIC 88/69 ) ( intended to curb the growth in the number of suckler cows ) and regional quotas for the premium for male animals; Subject: Situation of the beef and veal market in Europe — a stocking density above which the animals on the According to the Court of Auditors , the Union's budget is holding are not eligible for premiums . Although the ECU 890 million worse off as a result of imports ( averaging effect of this was still limited in 1993 it will be felt 600 000 tonnes annually ) of beef and veal at a reduced rate increasingly in following years and should encourage of duties or duty free . We also know that Community producers to further extensify or disintensify their production exceeds demand by 600 000 tonnes per year . farming systems;
Can the Commission explain why reduced rates are — a weight limit on carcases for intervention . maintained , contrary to Community preference ? At the same time as these production control measures , the The Commission has further reduced prices by encouraging reform greatly stepped up direct support to producers in the the slaughter of milk cows ; has it taken any action to assist form of numerous premiums intended not only to promote Community producers ? extensification but also, and above all, to make producers less dependent on price fluctuations . The slaughtering of dairy cows , which are by-products of milk production and account for only some 20 % of market supply, has not Answer given by Mr Steichen contributed to the fall in prices as the Honourable Member on behalf of the Commission alleges . On the contrary, the fall in the number of dairy (12 January 1995) cows, by reducing the number of calves born , has greatly contributed to the contraction in supply and to the firming of prices . This trend is likely to continue since , with dairy cow productivity rising steadily by some 2% a year, As the Commission pointed out in its replies to the remarks producers will need fewer cows in order to meet their milk by the Court of Auditors in its latest report, the Community's beef surplus dates only from 1981 . quota .
During the years of shortage from 1960 to 1973 , when there Lastly, the favourble market trend has made it possible to do was an average annual shortfall of between 600 000 and without public intervention since autumn 1993 and to sell 700 000 tonnes , the Community, in line with the objective off most of the beef stocks . In mid-December 1994 these of Article 39 of the Treaty, sought to guarantee security of amounted to only 80 000 tonnes as against 1,1 tonnes two supply by concluding preferential agreements with a large years previously . number of third countries in the framework of multi-lateral arrangements bound under GATT . These concessions were reciprocated with advantages involving other products and 10 . 4 . 95 1 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/35
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2678/94 When negotiating with Italy on the Community programme by Giovanni Burtone ( PPE ) drawn up by her in accordance with the two Regulations ( EEC ) No 2080/93 ( J ) and ( EEC ) No 3699/93 ( 2 ) on the to the Commission FIFG, the Commission ensured that the basic Regulations (9 December 1994) and the principles drawn from the common fisheries policy ( 95/C 88/70 would be fully respected in a framework of effective cooperation and partnership with the national authorities, with due respect for its own responsibilities and powers . Subject: Funding in Italy for projects covered by the FIFG ( Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ) Allocation within a Member State of the assistance provided by the FIFG is in fact the responsibility of the national The Finance Committee , set up under Law No 41 of authorities the Commission would point out to the 17 February 1982 by the Italian Ministry for Agricultural, Honourable Member that Community legislation on the Food and Forestry Resources reached a decision in October Structural Funds, of which the FIFG is one, in fact debars on how the total sum of Lit 150 bn available under the FIFG direct assessment and selection of individual projects . should be distributed . (!) OJ Nó L 193 , 31 . 7 . 1993 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 346, 31 . 12 . 1993 . The Committee decided to give priority to the areas outside Objective 1 on the grounds that increasing the beneficiaries share would provide a financial incentive , thereby stimulating development . The Region of Sicily has had only three of its projects approved, amounting to little more than Lit 11 bn ( only 6,8% of the national total ). The projects rejected include those submitted by the Trapani Consortium for Fisheries Exploitation and the Rome company WRITTEN QUESTION E-2682/94 'Ecosfera', relating in both cases to measures to be carried by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) out in the provinces of Agrigento and Trapani . They are to the Commission considered particularly important by the Region of Sicily, from both a technical and a financial point of view, and (14 December 1994) because they concern areas which account for 35 % of the ( 95/C 88/71 ) Italian fishing industry .
Given the above , can the Commission say whether : Subject: Trans-plantation of foetal tissue
1 . it regards the criteria for the national distribution of 1 . What value does the Commission attach to the Ethical funds as arbitrary, since they penalize Objective 1 areas Guidelines on the trans-plantation of foetal tissue drawn up on the basis of discriminatory assessments which run as a pledge by Nectar ( Network of European CNS counter to the basic principles governing the Structural Trans-plantation and Restoration)? Funds , whose aim is to promote development in the most disadvantaged areas of the Community ? 2 . Are there plans to implement legal measures regulating 2 . it considers the percentage of funding allocated to Sicily transplants of foetal tissue throughout the Union ? If so, how as unfair, given the capacity of the Sicilian fishing would these differ from the Nectar guidelines ? fleet ? 3 . How many times has the trans-plantation of foetal 3 . it believes that direct examination of the projects by brain tissue into Parkinson's disease sufferers been clinically the European Union would have resulted in a fairer tested ? In which Member States has this already been tested, assessment of the Sicily projects ? and how many patients were involved ? Which Member States have already planned such transplants ?
4 . What is the estimated therapeutic success of the Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas transplants ? on behalf of the Commission (6 January 1995) 5 . What measures do the Commission and the Member States intend to take in order to curb the possible trade in foetal tissue ? The Commission assures the Honourable Member that distribution of financial assistance from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ( FIFG ) has scrupulously 6 . In addition to the project headed by Professor respected the indications drawn up at the time of the Bjorklund ( Sweden), is further research into embryonic or Edinburgh European Council . foetal tissue ( e.g. research into the culture of embryonic No C 88/36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95 cells, trophic factors, cell lines ) to be sponsored, either as 2 . Which of the Network's programmes are part of the Biomed Programme or in other ways ? supported ?
3 . What reasons can the EU give for its support of this research organization ? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission 4 . What documentation does the EU receive concerning (9 February 1995) Nectar's activities ( annual reports , congressional documents, etc )?
1 . The Commission has not taken up a position on the 5 . From which countries do the research teams involved Ethical Guidelines on the trans-plantation of foetal tissue in the Nectar network originate ? drawn up by Nectar .
2 . Issuing regulations on the trans-plantation of foetal Answer given by Mrs Cresson tissue does not fall within the Community's jurisdiction . on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1995) 3 . At present there is no systematic register of clinical tests at European level . As part of the research programme in the field of biomedicine and health, a research project 1 . The Commission supports two three-year research initiated in October 1994 on the treatment of Parkinson's projects carried out by Nectar, one since December 1993 for an amount of ECU 200 000 and the other since October disease by the trans-plantation of foetal cells provides for 1994 for an amount of ECU 350 000 . the establishment of a register of clinical tests and a comparative analysis of the results . 2 . The first research project is on the treatment of Huntington's disease through the trans-plantation of foetal 4 . The conclusions of the abovementioned research brain cells . The other project deals with the treatment of project are not yet available . Parkinson's disease through the trans-plantation of foetal brain cells . 5 . The Commission encourages discussion at Community level on the ethical and legal aspects of human 3 . These projects tie in with the objective of the Biomed 1 tissue banks . A seminar on this subject was held in The work programme ( research in the field of biomedicine and Hague in November 1994 , the report of which will be health). published and sent to the Honourable Member . 4 . Each project is subject to an annual report . Final 6 . The Biomed 2 Programme recently launched its first reports will be submitted at the end of the project. call for research proposals . Research into embryonic or foetal tissues is not excluded from the work programme . 5 . Tearns from the following Member States are working The Commission is carefully examining the ethics of this on the first project : Germany, France , the Netherlands , kind of research . A group of independent experts on the Sweden and the United Kingdom . human embryo and foetus ( HEF ) has recently been set up to this effect . Teams from the following Member States are working on the second project : Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands , Sweden and the United Kingdom .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2683/94 by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2719/94 to the Commission by Christine Crawley ( PSE ) (16 December 1994) to the Commission ( 95/C 88/72 ) (16 December 1994) 95/C 88/73 Subject: Network of European CNS Trans-plantation and Restoration Subject: Student loss of benefits on Euroform-funded course 1 . How long has the EU supported the Network of European CNS Trans-plantation and Restoration (Nectar), Is the Commission aware that young trainees on a and what is the amount of this support ? Euroform-funded Historic Building Restoration course are 10 . 4 . 95 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/37
actively discouraged by the UK's social welfare system from WRITTEN QUESTION E-2727/94 making the most of their course ? The South Birmingham by Anne André-Léonard ( ELDR), College has set up European partnerships for this successful Wilmya Zimmermann ( PSE ) and Maartje van Putten and important course . Students training on other courses on ( PSE ) the TEC-administered Training for Work programme to the Commission receive a training allowance and can travel in Europe as part of their course without loss of allowance . However, (16 December 1994) students on the Historic Building Restoration course remain ( 95/C 88/74 ) 'unemployed' and receive no allowance but are in receipt of unemployment benefit . If they travel abroad ( for two weeks on this course ) they lose their entitlement . Does the Commission feel that students are disadvantaged by this and Subject: Follow-up to the UN International Conference would the Commission comment with reference to the spirit on Population and Development ( ICPD , of a Unified Europe ? 5-13 September 1994 in Cairo )
At the Cairo Conference on Population and Development, the European Union committed itself to increase the budget for projects on population-related issues to ECU 300 million by the year 2000 .
Answer given by Mr Flynn How will this increase be implemented during the next five on behalf of the Commission years ? (17 February 1995) Which projects and programmes are foreseen in the coming years in the countries of Asia, Latin America, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries ? The Commission has discussed this matter on several occasions with the United Kingdom authorities responsible for the implementation of the Euroform Community initiative ( Department of Employment ) in the context of transnational trainee mobility founded via the European Answer given by Mr Marin social fund . on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1995)
The Commission has been informed that the British Government view is that the payment of allowances to At the International Conference on Population and trainees whilst undertaking a course supported by the Development held on 5-13 September 1994 in Cairo the European social fund is an eligible item of expenditure, and Community did not set a precise figure for total aid by the the guidance issued to potential applicants makes this clear . 15-strong Community for population-related projects in the It is , in the government's view, the responsibility of the year 2000 . The Commission does however, in its applicant organization to take this into account when the communication to the Council and Parliament, propose to application is submitted . significantly increase the amount of aid allocated to population-related issues (*). To that end , it will suggest to the Council and to Parliament that the amount of aid be stepped up to ECU 300 million between now and the year The Commission is aware of problems which can arise in 2000 by means of transfers and increases in the appropriate relation to loss of certain benefits by trainees when budget headings on condition that Community partners undertaking training abroad ( e.g. housing benefit), and from developing countries put forward enough projects to encourages project organizers to tke this into account when merit the increase . planning traineeships abroad and advising potential participants . The Commission remains committed to the Total expenditure to be covered partly by the EDF and aim of promoting trans-national trainee experience within the Community initiatives, although certain Member States , partly by the budget, is expected to rise from ECU 100 in view of the overall scale of activity and available budget, million in 1995 through ECU 140 million in 1996 , ECU 180 million in 1997, ECU 220 million in 1998 an ECU 260 give higher priority within their operational programmes to mobility for other target groups such as trainers . million in 1999 to ECU 300 in the year 2000 .
The Commission already has some projects planned for 1995 in Egypt, Syria, Morocco, and Bangladesh . It will redouble its efforts to develop others in Asia , Latin America and the Mediterranean, as well as in the ACP countries, No C 88/38 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95 within the framework of the programming missions for the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2752/94 8th EDF . by Fernand Herman ( PPE ) to the Commission (M COM(94 ) 100 final . (13 December 1994) ( 95/C 88/76 )
Subject: Combining the office of Commissioner with an WRITTEN QUESTION E-2733/94 elective office by Kirsten Jensen ( PSE ) to the Commission Commissioners , who are chosen for their general (16 December 1994) competence 'shall , in the general interest of the ( 95/C 88/75 ) Communities, be completely independent in the performance of their duties'. ( Article 10 of the Treaty of Brussels , known as the Single European Act). Subject: Infant formulae Consequently, Experts say that there is no guarantee that partially hydrolyzed products can be consumed without risk by 1 . is it permissible for European Commissioners to hold an persons suffering from allergies . elective office at the same time as their European office ? 1 . Has the Commission taken account of the fact that with Directive 91/321/EEC i 1 ), it is possible to market partiajlly hydrolyzed products with labelling such as 2 . can Commissioners stand as candidates for elective 'reduced allergy content' or 'hypoallergenic', with the office while they hold the office of Commissioner ? result that the consumer could be misled into thinking that tjhe product is actually suitable for persons with allergies ? Answer given by Mr Santer 2 . Can the Commission guarantee that there is no health on behalf of the Commission risk to persons with allergies who take these partially hydrolyzed products ? (1 February 1995)
i 1 ) OJ No L 175 , 4 . 7 . 1991 , p . 35 . 1 . Newly appointed Members of the Commission have always , of their own accord , desisted from professional activities and given up elective offices whose importance Answer given by Mr Bangemann would be such as either to restrict the time available for the on behalf of the Commission performance of their duties on the Commission or to create (9 February 1995) a risk of a conflict of loyalty which might cast doubt on their complete independence or compromise the general interest of the Community, as stated in Article 157(2 ) of the EC Directive 91/321/EEC on infant formulae and follow-on Treaty . formulae does not permit the marketing of products containing hydrolyzed proteins and bearing claims such as 'hypoallefgenic ' or 'reduced allergen content'. The Commission has therefore never had to deal with any case which raised difficulties in this respect . The Commission is currently discussing with Member States a draft amendment to the Directive in order to allow such In answer to parliamentary questions, however, it has stated marketing and claims . The draft is based on the report (*) of the view that the office of Member of the Commission the scientific committee for food and includes , in line with would be incompatible with that of a Member of the that report, the specifications which products should meet European Parliament ( a ) or a national parliament ( 2 ), but in order to be able to bear the above claims . not, in principle, with that of a local government councillor ( Written Questions Nos 657/73 and 54/74 ) ( 3 ). It should be stressed that these products would not be intended for people allergic to milk proteins . 2 . As regards Members of the Commission standing for election, the practice is to regard the performance of the ( ! ) Food-science and techniques-reports of the scientific committee duties of a Member of the Commission as incompatible with for food ( 28th Series, EUR 14452 ). campaigning for election to a national parliament or the European Parliament . Consequently, where a Member of the Commission is standing for election, he or she takes no 10 . 4 . 95 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/39 part in the work of the Commission as long during the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2763/94 campaign ( 4 ). by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission f 1 ) This point is in any case' specifically covered by' Article 6(1 ) of the Act concerning the election of representatives to the (21 December 1994) European Parliament by direct universal suffrage . ( 95/C 88/78 ) ( 2 ) Oral question H-437/84 by Mr Lomas . Proceedings of the European Parliament 320/84 . ( 3 ) OJ No C 39 , 6 . 4 . 1974 ; OJ No C 97, 16 . 8 . 1974 . ( 4 ) See inter alia the answers to Written Questions Nos 124/68 ( OJ Subject: Age-related discrimination in employment No C 83 , 23 . 8 . 1968 ) and 858/76 ( OJ No C 70, 21 . 3 . 1977). The rapid ageing of the European population is giving rise to new problems, one of which is age-related discrimination in employment, with respect to recruitment and training .
Does the Commission intend to adopt measures to eliminate WRITTEN QUESTION E-2756/94 age-related discrimination in recruitment and training ? If so , by Lyndon Harrison ( PSE ) what measures will be involved ? to the Commission (21 December 1994) Could legislation on the matter be introduced at Union level ? { 95/C 88/77 )
Subject: Biennial review of excise within the European Union Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission To help implement the first of the biennial reviews called for (6 February 1995) by Article 8 of Directive 92/84/EEC ( J ), the Commission has called for two pieces of research to be conducted by Groupe Bossard and Price Waterhouse . One consultancy is dealing with cross-border shopping by individuals and the other The Commission's white paper 'European social policy — a with determining whether competition between drinks way forward for the Union' ( J ) emphasizes the importance categories exists and , if it does , examining whether excise in of the economic and social role of older people and promises any way influences that competition . further proposals for action in this field . There is, however, no specific competence for adoption of binding legislation in the matter of age discrimination at Community level . The Both reports will contribute directly to the on-going public Commission is aware of this issue and has sponsored a debate about the excisability of alcoholic beverages . number of initiatives , including a major study, on the effects of age discrimination . Is the Commission able to confirm that the reports of both consultancies will be in the public domain and, if so , to (M COM(94 ) 333 final . indicate when the publication of both texts can be expected ?
(!) OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992, p . 29 .
Answer given by Mr Monti WRITTEN QUESTION E-2768/94 on behalf of the Commission by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) (8 February 1995) to the Commission (21 December 1994) The Commission does not envisage formal publication of ( 95/C 88/79 ) the reports .
However, copies of both have already been sent to the Subject: UN framework convention on climate change Parliament . Can the Commission state which Member States have so far ratified this convention ? No C 88/40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard about 5 160 families in total ( i.e. about 38 000 on behalf of the Commission people ). (14 February 1995)
With the exception of Belgium all the Member States have ratified the UN framework convention on climate change . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2777/94 by James Moorhouse ( PPE ) to the Commission (9 January 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2770/94 ( 95/C 88/82 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) to the Commission (21 December 1994) Subject: Pan-Am Integrated Rural Development Project ( 95/C 88/80 ) When was the Pan-Am Rural Development Project for Tibet given final approval by the EU Commission ? Subject: The Espoo Convention
Can the Commission state which Member States have ratified this convention ? Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1995) Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1995). The Pan-Am rural integrated development project was officially approved by the Commission on 11 November 1994 , following unanimous approval by the Member States As at 9 January 1995 , Spain, Austria and Sweden are the on 19 October 1994 . only Member States to have ratified the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context .
The Community and the other Member States are currently in the final stages of introducing the measures needed to ratify this Convention . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2778/94 by James Moorhouse ( PPE ) to the Commission (9 January 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2776/94 ( 95/C 88/83 ) by James Moorhouse ( PPE ) to the Commission Subject: Pan-Am Integrated Rural Development Project (9 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/81 ) When will the Pan-Am Rural Development Project in Tibet formally commence ? Subject: Pan-Am Integrated Rural Development Project
How many people in the Pan-Am area of Tibet will benefit Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan from the Pan-Am Rural Development Project ? on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1995) Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission The financing agreement to be concluded between the (10 February 1995) Commission and China has not yet been signed . Only when this has been done can the project begin . The project will benefit 1 450 families within the irrigation scheme itself ( i.e. about 10 000 people ) and 10 . 4 . 95 LJN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/41
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2780/94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2788/94 by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) by Karl-Heinz Florenz ( PPE ) to the Commission to the Commission (9 January 1995) (9 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/84 ( 95/C 88/85 )
Subject: Euro Info Centres and the business sector Subject: Plant protection product exports
Does not the Commission feel that it would be preferable if To which central and eastern European countries have plant the Euro Info Centres were sited in premises other than protection products been supplied using funds from the official administrative buildings of the Member States ? How Phare Programme ? What quantities have been supplied ( in does it explain the fact that, according to the list of Euro Info tonnes per annum by country ) and what steps are taken to Centres for 1993/94 distributed by the Commission ( DG ensure that the products are appropriately stored and XXIII), the Euro Info Centre PT-506 is located in a public used ? administration building and not in a building housing a business or business finance or support organization ( such as PT-505 or PT-508 for example )?
Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1995) Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (10 February 1995) The extensive Community support through the Phare Programme to central and eastern European countries includes supplies of crop protection chemicals to some of the The premises housing the Euro Info Centres ( EICs ) which partner states , namely Poland , Bulgaria and Albania . These currently form the network were selected following an supplies were necessary at the time because of the specific invitation to tender published in the Official Journal at the need to protect local agricultural production . Indeed, during start of 1989 . the first stages of economic transformation, in many countries the regular supply of essential agricultural inputs was disturbed and sporadic external assistance was Various criteria were taken into consideration, such as provided by Community and other donors . Since then, knowledge of the local and regional SME situation and Phare ressources have been mainly used for the provision of diversity of the buildings housing the Centres , so that all technical assistance and investment in the various priority types of information outlet would be properly represented sectors defined by the partner countries strengthening the and an even , dense geographical spread achieved . As the restructuring process . All crop protection chemicals Honourable Member of Parliament points out, certain EICs supplied in the Phare Programme were distributed in have thus been housed in private-sector buildings ( consular, agreement with the FAO International Code for the business and banking premises ) and others in public distribution and use of pesticides and were approved for use administration buildings ( regional or national ). The varied in the Member States of the Community. status of the premises housing the Centres and the consequently diverse nature of the network have proved an undeniable asset. Moreover, even where they are located in In 1990 the Community agreed with the Polish authorities a private-sector buildings , the EICs have, by virtue of their programme for the supply and internal distribution of crop contract, a 'public service' role . protection chemicals , including technical assistance to ensure adequate use and stockage and the reinforcement of the local capacity to reduce and monitor the impact of As regards the particular case of the EIC in Faro , the only pesticide use on the environment . Under the 1990 Phare applicant for the Algarve region, this EIC is one of the most Programme for Poland , 6 000 tons of crop protection active members in the Portuguese network . Its managers chemicals , to a value of ECU 47 million, were imported and have developed a dynamic strategy enabling them to reach distributed ( in 1990 ) in the Polish countryside to protect the businesses through personal visits , targetted mailshots and four main arable crops ( cereals, potatoes, sugar beet and other personalized information products . As a member of rape ) and thus stop the disastrous decline in food the BC-Net and BRE networks , this EIC is also very active in production . The supply, distribution and use of the seeking business partners and cooperation opportunities for pesticides were accompanied by a series of actions : businesses in the region . — Establishment of a team to monitor and control the progress of the programme and provide an 'early warning system' in case of difficulties ; No C 88/42 f EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
— Training of trainers for farmers and distribution of increase the number of tyre-collection companies to 50 . The technical materials for pesticides use; Commission has concluded that this is not a case of State aid within the meaning of Article 92(1 ) of the Treaty and that — Training of new entrepreneurs for the development of a the Danish initiative is consistent with Community law . new, market-based agrochemical distribution system; Will the Commission extend this action to the whole — Supply of scientific equipment and scientific cooperation European Union to reduce the number of tyres which end up with specialized institutes in western Europe to reinforce on tips, encourage tyre-collection companies in the twelve the Polish capacity to monitor and reduce the Member States and encourage the creation of new jobs ? accumulation of pesticide residues in the air, water and land .
In the second quarter of 1991 , 1 000 tons of pesticides have Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard been supplied to Bulgaria to a value of ECU 5 million . They on behalf of the Commission have been received and controlled by the state department of (13 February 1995) plant protection products . Distribution has been implemented by seven companies authorized by the government and specialized in trade with plant protection and veterinary products . The same companies were in The strategy for waste management ( ) together with the charge of the proper storage usually required for this type of Council resolution of 7 May 1990 on waste policy ( 2 ) and input. No specific technical assistance has been provided as Council Directive 91/156/EEC of 18 March 1991 ( 3 ) the products supplied were usually applied and well-known amending Directive 75/442/EEC ( 4 ) on waste formed the in Bulgaria . basis of a study by a Working Party on Used Tyres . The Working Party has sent the Commission a report recommending an overall approach to the problem rather During 1992 , the Community supplied 214 tons of than the introduction of a charge on the sale of new pesticides to Albania to a value of ECU 2 million . The tyres . request was determined on the basis of the types of crops grown in the country, the need to maximise domestic production previously imported, and the types of pesticides The Commission is currently considering what action to the Albanian authorities and farmers were capable of using take on the report . legally, responsibly and safely . About 100 specialists are officially authorized by the Albanian Government to sell (!) SEC(89 ) 934 final . pesticides provided they follow the strict rules defined by ( 2 ) OJ No C 122, 18 . 5 . 1990 . local authorities . The Community pesticides have been ( 3 ) OJ No L 78 , 26 . 3 . 1991 . properly and safely stocked and have been supplied with ( 4 ) OJ No L 194 , 25 . 7. 1975 . labels written in Albanian, indicating composition, instructions for users , safety rules and caution notice .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2822/94 by Giuseppe Rauti ( NI ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2791/94 to the Commission by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE ) (11 January 1995) to the Commission ( 95/C 88/87 ) (9 January 1995) {9SIC 88/86 ) Subject: Measures against child prostitution
Subject: Community tyre re-cycling initiative Is the Commission aware of the increasingly frequent press reports, new books , conferences and meetings — organized in particular by religious organizations — on child To ensure that fewer used car-tyres end up on tips and that prostitution in Third-World countries and elsewhere, which they are collected and re-cycled, the Danish Government has is always linked to poverty and adverse social conditions introduced a very small environmental tax on tyre sales to ( from Brazil to eastern Europe ). support companies which collect and re-cycle used tyres . It is estimated that the scheme, which guarantees a reasonable profit for companies collecting used tyres , will raise the It is estimated that every year throughout the world a further proportion of tyres re-cycled from 35 % to 80 % and one million children aged between 8 and 15 years old ( and 10 . 4 . 95 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/43 even some aged between four and five-years old ) are led into improving cooperation in various fields , including the trade prostitution . Along the ' street of sex' in Patpong ( Bangkok ) in human beings . The steps envisaged go from the extension child prostitution is blatant and it has been said that the of liaison officers' responsibilities to the establishment of a children concerned 'are women at ten, old at 20 and dead at manual on the legal provisions and the administrative rules 30', one of the reasons being that pimps use drugs and applicable in the various Member States . alcohol to ensure that their sordid business is as profitable as possible . There are even travel agencies which almost explicitly sell 'tourist packages ' offering 'thrills ' of this kind Furthermore , work is under way in the relevant Council in South-East Asia and South America , and it is estimated working party to identify potential weaknesses in police that in Thailand alone 800 000 adolescents and children are cooperation in combating the trade in human beings . involved and are exploited ruthlessly . Moreover , countries which ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child ( adopted in November 1989 and ratified Bearing this in mind , does the Commission appreciate how by over 160 countries , including Thailand ) undertake to complex and serious the problem is ? Does it have any protect children against all forms of sexual exploitation and statistics on the subject or, in any case , is it monitoring the abuse , and to take the appropriate steps to ensure that situation ? Finally, what measures does it intend to take children are not encouraged or forced to take up illegal against this worldwide crime to which no one should remain sexual activities and are not exploited through prostitution indifferent ? or other illegal sexual practices .
Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1995) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2833/94 by Raymonde Dury ( PSE ) to the Commission The Commission is aware of the worrying development of (11 January 1995) child prostitution networks , particularly in countries ( 95/C 88/88 ) suffering from poverty and worsening social conditions .
These principles were reaffirmed in the action programme Subject: Discrimination in recruitment adopted by the June 1993 world conference on human rights , which outlined , among other things, the steps which should be taken to combat child prostitution, child During administrative tests , prior to training, for people pornography and other forms of sexual abuse . applying to become air hostesses , an applicant was called for interview by the personnel department of Sabena , the Belgian airline . At the end of the interview, she asked how However , the Commission has no powers of its own to take she had done . The answer she received was that the or propose measures to directly combat this phenomenon . interview had gone well and that her slight lack of practice in Judicial and police cooperation in criminal matters is among Dutch would not prevent her from being recruited . the subjects of common interest which Member States However . . . her 'stature', which was described ( with discuss in the Council with a view to coordinating their gestures to back it up !) as 'massive', barred her completely action , but the Commission has no right of initiative . from the job .
Could the Commission investigate this discrimination in At their meeting in November 1993 , the Ministers for recruitment practised by Sabena ? If the facts turn out to be Justice and Home Affairs put combating the trade in human correct, what steps does the Commission propose to beings and prostitution on their work programme for 1994 . take ? At the same time , they adopted a series of recommendations aimed at heightening diplomatic authorities ' awareness of this scourge and strengthening the role of liaison officers in the Member States or non-member countries where these prostitution networks originate, so as to encourage Answer given by Mr Flynn exchanges of information . on behalf of the Commission (10 February 1995) At the Berlin meeting of the Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the Member States , the applicant countries and the countries of central and eastern Europe, held on The Commission regrets that an applicant for air hostess 8 September 1994 , it was decided to look at ways of training should be rejected in the manner described . No C 88/44 | EN | Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
As this rejection was not based on different selection criteria WRITTEN QUESTION E-2843/94 for men and women in a form likely to contravene the by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) relevant provisions of Community law, this type of discrimination in access to training is a matter for the to the Commission national law of Member States . (11 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/90 ) As Community law does not contain specific provisions in this field, the Commission is unable to take any action . Subject: Projects funded under the LEDA Programme
I should like an overview of the activities carried out under the LEDA Programme in the years 1992—1994 , broken down by Member State and accompanied by descriptions of the various projects . What was the budget for each ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2840/94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE ) to the Commission Answer given by Mr Flynn (11 January 1995) on behalf of the Commission ( 95/C 88/89 ) (10 February 1995)
Subject: ESF accounting system The local employment development action ( LEDA ) Programme does not provide direct project funding, but finances activities such as mini-circuits on specific themes, On the basis of the findings in the Annual Report of the experts' visits, international meetings , a range of Court of Auditors concerning the financial year 1993 , will publications, and local development instruments . So far the the Commission impose requirements on public vocational major local development instruments are the LEDA training institutions in the Member States with the aim of management development programme helping local developing an accounting system specific to the ESF ? practititioners launch new projects and manage programmes , the LEDA school ( an annual international foundation course for practioners from LEDA and other areas ), and the LEDA practical manual (a tool for local employment creation). Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission In the years 1992—1994 five mini-circuits with networking (16 February 1995) activities of an average duration of two years have examined the process of local labour market management culture and development, solutions for long-term unemployed, the issues of re-structuring of traditional industries and the role In view of the various accounting systems used by public of social actors in local development . The annual LEDA bodies for vocational training and in view of the subsidiarity school was organized in 1992 in Aidipsos ( Greece ) on principle, the Commission does not intend to oblige development of human resources and SMEs, in 1993 in Member States to implement a general European Social Estepa ( Spain ) on local diversification strategies, and in Fund ( ESF ) accounting system . 1994 in Leeuwaarden ( Netherlands ) on the management of local development process .
It is , however, important that accounting systems ensure that the information necessary for management, monitoring The LEDA Programme has a annual budget of ECU 2 and reporting purposes is consistently collected . Accounting million . Its 42 pilot zones are in all Member States, except systems of public bodies sometimes only partially meet Luxembourg . In the period covered, regions from the new specific ESF needs . This point is regularly subject to control Nordic Member States and Norway as well as from eastern after which recommendations are made by the Commission . and central Europe have held associate status . A map of the The way in which Member States meet these LEDA network is sent to the Honourable Member and to recommendations is their responsibility. the Secretariat-General of the Parliament . 10 . 4 . 95 LEN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/45
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2854/94 1 . Can the Commission confirm that it will meet the above by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) deadline ? If not, what are the obstacles involved ? to the Commission (16 January 1995) 2 . What grounds will the Commission give for those of its proposals which were put forward by industry ? When ( 95/C 88/91 ) will it forward the relevant studies to Parliament ?
Subject: Sale of tortoise shell in Rangoon 3 . Do these studies»cover all technologies currently being developed by European industry ? Has the Commission made representations to the Burmese authorities about the fact that in Rangoon there are large 4 . When will the Commission inform Parliament about the quantities of tortoise shell to be found on open sale ? current state of progress as regards the definition of new limit values ?
Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard (!) OJ No L 100 , 19 . 4 . 1994, p . 42 . on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1995)
The Commission has no information on the sale of tortoise Answer given by Mr Bangemann shells in Rangoon . on behalf of the Commission (8 February 1995) International trade in four tortoise species occurring in Myanmar is subject to the provisions applying to Appendix II of the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora ( Cites ), namely : Geochelone Directive 94/12/EC of 23 March 1994 established new platynota , Indotestudo elongata, Manouria emys and stringent emission limit values for new passenger cars Manouria impressa . approved from 1996 . The Directive also stipulated in Article 4 that the next stage of the Community's measures Under the provisions of Article lO.l.b ) of Council against emissions from motor vehicles to be enforced after Regulation ( EEC ) No 3626/82 ( J ), imports into the the year 2000, will be based on a new multi-faceted Community of the latter two species have been prohibited approach . Under this approach, measures will be designed since 1987 . Trade in the other two species is subject to the to produce effects meeting the requirements of the issue of an import permit . Community's future air quality criteria and will be based on a comprehensive assessment of their cost effectiveness in It should be noted that Cites only regulates international reducing emissions from motor vehicles . trade and that Myanmar is not a party to that convention . In order to prepare the forthcoming proposal, the auto/oil programme has been set up . This programme, a unique 0 ) OJ No L 384, 31 . 12 . 1982 . collaboration between the Commission and the automobile and petroleum industries, is examining inter alia the effects on emissions resulting from the reformulation of fuels and new engine technologies through different activities . An important part of this evaluation of effects will be provided by the results of a vehicle and fuel testing programme WRITTEN QUESTION E-2876/94 currently being carried out by the two industries . The by Bernd Lange ( PSE ) proposal will also be based on air quality modelling and will to the Commission cover all the technologies developed by the European industry as listed in Article 4 of Directive 94/21/EC . An (4 January 1995) examination of non-technical measures , and the potential ( 95/C 88/92 ) contribution that these could make to reducing emissions , is also being undertaken . Subject: Forthcoming essential EU legislation against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles — The industry testing programme will be completed soon and stage to be reached by the year 2000 the full results presented to the Commission by March 1 995 . At the same time, the air quality modelling component of the Directive 94/12/EC (*) of the European Parliament and the programme and an assessment of the cost effectiveness of Council of 23 March 1994 stipulates that the Commission the potential contributing measures to reducing noxious shall submit by 31 December 1994 proposals for achieving pollutants from passenger cars are being finalized . The substantial reductions in emissions from motor vehicles . Commission will review the results of the programme in the No C 88/46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95 second quarter of 1995 with a view to presenting a proposal 3 . Once a proposal has been finalized and approved by to the Council and the Parliament in the third quarter . the Commission, the Community institutions will be formally consulted during the second half of 1995 in accordance with the procedures for the adoption of a A meeting with Parliament representatives took place on Council Decision . 23 January 1995 with a view to presenting the status of the work already accomplished in the framework of the auto/oil programme
WRITTEN QUESTION E-9/95 by Clive Needle ( PSE ) to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2889/94 (19 January 1995) by Maria Colombo Svevo ( PPE ) ( 95/C 88/94 ) to the Commission (16 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/93 ) Subject: Child prostitution
What steps are being taken by the Commission with regard Subject: Fourth action programme on equal opportunities to the widespread child prostitution in Thailand and the for women and men Philippines ?
The abovementioned programme is of crucial importance, particularly during a period of serious employment and Answer given by Mrs Gradin social problems which tend to hit women hardest. There is on behalf of the Commission relatively little time in which to draw up the programme as it (23 February 1995) is scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 1996 .
1 . Can the Commission report on the progress of The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its proceedings and inform Parliament whether a working answer to Written Question No 2822/94 ( x ). document on the programme in question has already been drawn up ? 0 ) See page 42 of this Official Journal . 2 . Can it state whether and how it intends to involve the European Parliament in the proceedings for drawing up the actual programme ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-12/95 Answer given by Mr Flynn by Terence Wynn ( PSE ) on behalf of the Commission to the Commission (13 February 1995) (19 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/95 )
1 . The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member about the importance of the future fourth Subject: Tobacco programme on equal opportunities for men and women in the present context of far-reaching socio-economic change . According to the information published in the Zambian Preparation of the programme thus necessitates careful Financial Mail of 1 9 April 1 994 , the European Development consideration, a process which is now in progress . The Fund is financing projects to support tobacco growers in Commission is actively involved in drawing up the main Zambia and Malawi . guidelines for the programme . 1 . Is this information correct ? 2 . Informal discussions on this subject will be held with the most closely concerned bodies, including the 2 . If this infomation is correct, how much has been European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights . A allocated to this and does the Commission feel that it is Commission document will serve as a basis for these the role of the European Union to support such projects discussions . in developing countries ? 10 . 4 . 95 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/47
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro WRITTEN QUESTION E-30/95 on behalf of the Commission by Erika Mann ( PSE ) (10 February 1995) to the Commission (12 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/96 )
The European Development Fund ( EDF ) is financing a project to support export development in Zambia . This Subject: Anti-dumping proceeding concerning Portland project consists of a ECU 5 million credit facility available to cement originating in Poland, the Czech Republic producer associations of four specific sectors in Zambia and the Slovak Republic i 1 ) with export potential , including the tobacco sector and an equivalent amount for the supply inter alia of technical assistance to promote the further export development of The anti-dumping proceeding was initiated by the these four sectors, but also the identification and promotion Bundesverband der deutschen Zementindustrie ( Federal of other sectors with export growth potential . Association of the German Cement Industry). The Commission is currently conducting extensive investigations among cement manufacturers in the countries concerned and in Germany . The sectors chosen for assistance under this project were those offering the best possibilities to generate additional 1 . What implications would the imposition of punitive exports and having strong producer associations . Tobacco duties have particularly for SMEs among the cement is a long established export crop and an important cash manufacturers in the countries concerned, and could it crop . While tobacco production in Zambia had been in not run counter to the EU's general aim of promoting the decline , climatically and agriculturally Zambia has a high market economy transformation process and structural potential to produce large quantities of excellent quality change in these countries ? tobacco . Given the world demand for the Virginia flue-cured tobacco and Burley tobacco produced by 2 . Can the conflict not also be resolved under the trade Zambia , there is no reason to exclude financial assistance to agreements concluded with the countries concerned ? the tobacco sector in Zambia . Community imports of these tobaccos have grown during the last five years and the alternative to supply by ACP States , including Zambia , 3 . The Commission recently imposed heavy fines on EU would be to increase the opportunities available to US and enterprises participating in a cement cartel . Are the Brazilian production . directorates-general involved in the anti-dumping and cartel proceedings working together or independently of one another ?
The EDF financed in 1986 in Malawi the North-West (!) OJ No C 117, 28 . 4 . 1994 . Mzimpba flue-cured tobacco project, a five-year programme worth ECU 4,8 million for the training and settlement of 400 small-holders . The aim was to extend to small-holders the production of flue-cured Virginia tobacco , to boost income and living standards in an area of Answer given by Mr Van den Broek very low development, and to favour the diversification on behalf of the Commission from Burley tobacco . (6 February 1995)
The project was concluded and its result achieved . Since Since the proceedings have not yet been concluded, the funds are still available under this project, they are currently Commission is not in a position to reply to the specific used to foster the re-forestation programme and reduce the questions . However, in a more general fashion the following environmental consequences of tobacco curing . can be said : 1 . There are no small or medium-sized producers or exporters involved in the proceedings . In any event, Since 1986 no other programme in support of tobacco has negative effects on the economic transformation process been funded and there are no plans to do so in future . One of in the countries concerned are not expected . The aim of the aims of the EDF programmes in Malawi is the any anti-dumping measure is to restore fair competition, diversification of exports . Other donors ( Usaid, WB ) are which is a basic condition for an economically sound implementing programmes to increase tobacco production, re-structuring process . since this is perceived as the only short-term solution to improve small-holders' revenues . Furthermore, as far as overall trade between the Community and these countries is concerned, the level of exports affected by the proceeding is minimal ( 0,8 % of total exports from Poland, 1,5 % from the Czech Republic and 2,5 % from the Slovak Republic ). No C 88/48 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
In this respect it may also be noted that the present traditional beauty products . Despite their obvious proceedings are qualified as a 'regional case', that is , it effectiveness and their irritating properties, these products concerning only part of the Community market . In are not really medicines either . In the United States these accordance with the basic anti-dumping legislation of 'active' beauty products are classed as 'cosmeceuticals', and the Community Council Regulation ( EC ) must conform to higher standards than ordinary cosmetics, No 3283/94 ( 1 ), the exporters concerned will therefore but not so far to the same standards as pharmaceutical be given the opportunity to offer price undertakings, products . which, when accepted, will avoid the imposition of anti-dumping duties . A general consequence of undertakings is that they enable the companies Could the Commissione say : concerned to retain the full revenue of the export sales , which might be even higher than that received during the 1 . Whether it has information regarding this category of period of dumped exports . beauty products and the long-term effects, and possibly dangers, of using AHAs on a regular or even a daily 2 . The present proceedings are being conducted in full basis ? conformity with the agreements concluded between the Community and the countries concerned . These 2 . Whether it takes the view that regulatory measures by agreements contain provisions regarding dumping the Commission are needed to ensure that the sharply matters , which generally do not lend themselves to a increasing use of AHAs in cosmetics is subject to tighter different approach from that provided for in the controls ? Uruguay Round agreement, which is duly reflected in Community anti-dumping legislation . 3 . Whether it considers that stricter rules should be laid down for this category of cosmetics than those provided 3 . With reference to the recent Commission Decision to for in Council Directive 76/768/EEC ( l ) on the fine Community cement producers, it should be noted approximation of the laws of the Member States relating that the Commission, when deciding in anti-dumping to cosmetic products ? proceedings, takes into account the aspects of competition within the Community which may be relevant to its findings on injury suffered by Community (!) OJ No L 262, 27 . 9 . 1976 , p . 169 . industry or inflicted on the interests of the Community .
With regard to the specific Decision cited, an examination is now taking place to establish if, or to Answer given by Mrs Bonino what extent, the decision to fine some companies or on behalf of the Commission organizations involved in the anti-dumping proceedings (17 February 1995) concerning cement, might affect these proceedings . In this examination the usual inter-service cooperation takes place . 1 . The use of natural and synthetic alpha-hydroxy acids ( AHA), principally lactic, glycolic, malic and citric acids , has (!) OJ No L 349 , 31 . 12 . 1994 . been common in cosmetic products since the 1980s , mainly for their property of stimulating cell regeneration so as to improve the appearance of the skin . Control of their potential for causing irritation is a critical factor which is normally taken into account in cosmetics formulations, in which they are used individually, in combinations , or in the form of complex compounds which may or may not be WRITTEN QUESTION E-44/95 associated with other acids such as salicylic acid . by Marie-Paule Kesteliin-Sierens ( ELDR ) to the Commission 2 . With the exception of salicylic acid, which appears in (25 January 1995) the list of permitted preservatives, these cosmetics ingredients are not mentioned in the Annexes to Directive ( 95/C 88/97 ) 76/768/EEC . The Commission, which keeps abreast of scientific data published in the literature, is not aware of any undesirable effects associated with their use in cosmetics or Subject: Cosmetics based on alpha-hydroxy acid of the existence of experimental data suggesting long-term skin toxicity. It will continue to monitor investigations of the mode of action on the skin and the general toxicity of The cosmetic industry has recently brought a number of new these substances . anti-ageing products onto the market. These 'acid creams' based on alpha-hydroxy acid ( AHA), although clearly effective , irritate the skin and have a certain degree of Furthermore, as from 1 January 1997, information on toxicity. This puts them in a rather different category from various aspects including an 'assessment of the product for 10 . 4 . 95 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 88/49 human health, the undesirable effects and proof of the effect WRITTEN QUESTION E-60/95 claimed ' for all cosmetic products placed on the market will by Karl-Heinz Florenz ( PPE ) have to be available to the national control authorities , to the Commission in accordance with the provisions of Directive 93/35/EEC ( l ). (30 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/99 ) 3 . For over 25 years AHA have been used in high concentrations for topical application by dermatologists for the treatment of dry skin resulting from psoriasis or Subject: ' Stage from the year 2000 ' — the future European ichthyosis or to provoke chemical peeling . measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles On the other hand , cosmetic products containing AHA are clearly covered by the definition of cosmetic products in Directive 94/12/EC ( J ) of 23 March 1994 calls on the respect of the mode of application and objectives of their Commission to submit a proposal for a substantial use . They are not intended to prevent diseases . The expected reduction in emissions from motor vehicles by 31 December effects ( improvement of the skin in terms of firmness, 1994 ( Stage from the year 2000 ). moisture , condition, softness , reduction of wrinkles ) are typically cosmetic . At the moment the Commission has no plans for stricter rules for this category of beauty Can the Commission confirm that it is respecting this time products . schedule , and does it intend to base its proposals on feasibility studies or costs/benefit analyses submitted by the industry ? f 1 ) OJ No L 151,23 . 6 . 1993 .
( l ) OJ No L 100 , 19 . 4 . 1994 , p . 42 .
Answer given by Mr Bangemann WRITTEN QUESTION E-53/95 on behalf of the Commission by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) (3 March 1995) to the Commission (30 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/98 ) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question No 2876/94 (').
Subject: Cohesion Fund — projects in Portugal (') See page 45 of this Official Journal .
Will the Commission say which projects have already been approved in respect of Portugal under the Cohesion Fund , and indicate the amount of the Communities ' financial contribution and the date on which the respective projects were submitted by the Member State in question , the date on which they were approved by the Commission services , and , WRITTEN QUESTION E-69/95 finally, the date on which Communities' aid in respect of by Roy Perry ( PPE ) each project was actually made available to the Portuguese authorities ? to the Commission (18 January 1995) ( 95/C 88/100 )
Answer given by Mrs Wulf Mathies on behalf of the Commission Subject: First-aid requirements under Fishing Directive (23 February 1995) 92/29
Can the Commission confirm that Directive 92/29/EEC (') The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable stipulates that fishing vessels fishing more than three miles Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a table containing out to sea are obliged by law to carry 620 separate items of the information requested . first-aid equipment on board ?
(!) OJ No L 113 , 30 . 4 . 1992 , p . 19 . No C 88/50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10 . 4 . 95
Answer given by Mr Flynn If the omission was intentional , what were the reasons for on behalf of the Commission it ? (17 February 1995)
Directive 92/29/EEC on minimum safety and health Answer given by Mr Oreja requirements for improved medical treatment on board on behalf of the Commission vessels is based on Article 118A EC Treaty . It applies to any sea-going vessel and not only to fishing vessels . Vessels are (21 February 1995) classed in three categories taking into account their possible distance from the nearest port with adequate medical equipment . Those with no limitation on length of trips are in The Commission does not have sufficient details of the category A, those staying very close to shore or with no matter to be able to investigate the problem raised and is not cabin accommodation other than a wheelhouse are in therefore in a position to answer the question at the category C. moment . It would ask the Honourable Member to provide more details, including the reference of the incorrect Annex II of the Directive gives a list of medical supplies publication . including medicines such as analgesics , antibiotics , etc . and medical equipment such as bandages , thermometer , etc . The Honourable Member will be aware that the Office for Medical supplies for vessels in category A include 98 items Official Publications of the European Communities is an of which 46 are medicines . For vessels in category C medical inter-institutional service which published material supplied supplies include 15 items of which 8 are medicines . For the by several institutions , and he may find that the publication intermediate category 70 items are required of which 39 are in question was on behalf of the Parliament rather than the medicines . In addition , vessels carrying dangerous Commission . substances specified in the international maritime dangerous goods code published by the international maritime organization must carry the necessary antidotes defined in the code .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-292/95 by José Apolinârio ( PSE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-101/95 to the Commission by Christoph Konrad ( PPE ) (9 February 1995) to the Commission 95/C 88/102 ) (8 February 1995) ( 95/C 88/101 ) Subject: Reports of the Special Agriculture Council — 1994 Subject: Listing of fields falling within the remit of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy in the Official Journal of the Does the Commission plan to provide Members of the European Parliament with the reports of the SAC for 1994 ? European Communities If so , could it send copies to me ? The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy is responsible inter alia for the fields of 'trade ' and ' small and medium-sized undertakings'. However, these do not figure among the fields listed in the Answer given by Mr Oreja Official Journal of the European Communities as falling on behalf of the Commission within the committee's remit . (6 March 1995)
As far as the Commission is aware , was this omission intentional , or did somebody simply forget to include these The Commission takes the view that it has no jurisdiction in fields in the list in the Official Journal ? If the latter is the this matter . It feels that the question ought to be put to the case , will the Commission correct the error ? Council .