ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 391

Volume 40 of the European Communities 23 December 1997

English edition Information and Notices

Notice No Contents Page

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

(97/C 391 /01 ) P-2693/96 by Clive Needle to the Council Subject : Council implementation of measures to protect children 1 (97/C 391 /02) E-3228/96 by Petrus Cornelissen and Peter Pex to the Commission Subject : Discrimination against the elderly (Supplementary answer) 2 (97/C 391/03) E-3598/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4004 : Transnational meetings of representatives from undertakings operating on a trans-frontier basis 3

(97/C 391 /04) E-3600/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-722 : Information society 3 (97/C 391 /05) E-3603/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-320 : Business promotion (small and medium-sized enterprises) 3 (97/C 391/06) E-3604/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-321 : Operations relating to cooperatives 3 (97/C 391 /07) E-3605/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-322 : Employment and growth for Europe 4 (97/C 391/08) E-3606/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-323 : Growth and employment 4 (97/C 391 /09) E-3607/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-325 : Community measures to assist tourism 4 (97/C 391 / 10) E-3608/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Article B5-41 1 : Operations relating to industry 4 (97/C 391/ 1 1 ) E-3609/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-331 : Action to encourage transfrontier provision of equity capital for small and medium-sized enterprises 5 (97/C 391 /12) E-3610/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4010 : Labour market 5 EN Price : ECU 35 (Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page (97/C 391 / 13) E-36 11 /96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4011 : Eures (European Employment Services ) 5 (97/C 391 / 14) E-36 12/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B4-3101 : Subsidy to the European Environment Agency 5 (97/C 391 / 15 ) E-36 13/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Financing of certain associations from the Community budget 6 (97/C 391 / 16) E-36 14/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Financing of certain associations from the Community budget 6 (97/C 391 / 17 ) E-36 15/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Financing of certain associations from the Community budget 6 (97/C 391/ 18) E-36 16/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Financing of certain associations from the Community budget 6 (97/C 391 / 19) E-36 17/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Financing of certain associations from the Community budget 6 (97/C 391 /20) E-36 18/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Financing of certain associations from the Community budget 7 (97/C 391/21 ) E-3620/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-305 : Sport in Europe 7 (97/C 391/22) E-3621/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4000 : Industrial relations and social dialogue : 7

(97/C 391 /23 ) E-3622/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4002 : Meetings of workers ' organizations in the Community 7 (97/C 391 /24) E-3623/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Item B3-4003 : European Technical Trade Union Bureau 7

(97/C 391 /25) E-3624/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-1006 : Promotion and safeguard of regional and minority languages and cultures . . 8 (97/C 391 /26) E-3625/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-1010 Youth for Europe 8 (97/C 391 /27) E-3627/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Item B3-2001 : Measures to encourage cultural initiatives in connection with European influence 8 (97/C 391 /28) E-3629/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B5-102 : Consumer information 8 (97/C 391 /29) E-3630/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4012 : Measures to achieve equality between men and women 8 (97/C 391 /30) E-3631 /96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Item B3-4102 : Helios II (integration of disabled persons) 9 (97/C 391 /31 ) E-3632/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4103 : Measures to combat poverty and social exclusion 9 (97/C 391 /32) E-3633/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4104 : Measures for the elderly and families 9 (97/C 391 /33 ) E-3634/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4300 : Public health, health promotion , information on health, health education and public health training 9

(97/C 391 /34) E-3635/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4301 : Combating cancer 9 (97/C 391 /35 ) E-3636/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4302 : Health aspects of drug abuse 10

(97/C 391 /36) E-3637/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B3-4303 : Combating AIDS and certain other transmissible diseases 10 EN Notice No Contents (continued) Page

(97/C 391 /37 ) E-3638/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Item B3-4310 : Health protection, hygiene and safety at work , including subsidy to the International Labour Office 10

(97/C 391 /38 ) E-3641 /96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B4-304 : Legislation and other general action based on the Fifth Action Programme on the Environment 10

(97/C 391 /39) E-3642/96 by Jean- Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Budget heading B4-306 : Awareness and subsidies 10

(97/C 391 /40) E-3644/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission Subject : Article B4-320 : LIFE (Financial Instrument for the Environment) — Projects on Community territory . 11

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-3598/96 , E-3600/96 , E-3603/96 , E-3604/96 , E-3605/96 , E-3606/96 , E-3607/96 , E-3608/96 , E-3609/96, E-36 10/96 , E-361 1 /96 , E-36 12/96 , E-3613/96 , E-3614/96 , E-3615/96 , E-3616/96, E-3617/96 , E-36 18/96 , E-3620/96 , E-3621 /96 , E-3622/96 , E-3623/96 , E-3624/96, E-3625/96 , E-3627/96 , E-3629/96 , E-3630/96 , E-3631 /96 , E-3632/96 , E-3633/96, E-3634/96 , E-3635/96 , E-3636/96 , E-3637/96 , E-3638/96 , E-3641 /96 , E-3642/96 and E-3644/96 ... 11

(97/C 391 /41 ) E-0 176/97 by Edith Miiller to the Commission Subject : Underwater pipelines in Gijon (Spain ) ( Supplementary answer) 11

(97/C 391 /42) P-02 17/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Labelling of genetically modified soya and maize ( Supplementary answer) 13

(97/C 391 /43 ) E-0233/97 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Council Subject : Freedoms and property rights of Greek Cypriots in the occupied part of Cyprus 14

(97/C 391 /44) E-0258/97 by Richard Howitt to the Commission Subject : Defence closures in South Essex 14

(97/C 391 /45 ) E-0508/97 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission Subject : Construction of the high-speed rail link between Rome and Naples ( Supplementary answer) 15

(97/C 391 /46) E-0523/97 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : GMO plants 16

(97/C 391 /47 ) E-05 30/97 by Ana Miranda de Lage to the Council Subject : Spanish government aid to Tunisia 16

(97/C 391 /48) E-0541 /97 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten and Petrus Cornelissen to the Commission Subject : Cross-border travel involving public transport by rail 17

(97/C 391 /49) E-0568/97 by Ulf Holm to the Council Subject : A common financial policy 18

( 97/C 391 /50) E-0584/97 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Council Subject : Persecution of opposition leaders in Albania 19

( 97/C 391 /51 ) E-06 17/97 by Heinz Kindermann to the Commission Subject : Use of the nerve agent ivermectin in Scottish salmon farms (Supplementary answer) 19

(97/C 391 /52) E-0621/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission Subject : Failure to implement legislation on combined transport 21

(97/C 391 /53 ) E-0634/97 by Joan Colom i Naval to the Commission Subject : Community grants to the media 21

( 97/C 391 /54) E-0644/97 by Claudio Azzolini , Guido Podestà and Antonio Tajani to the Council Subject : Raphael Programme 22

(97/C 391 /55 ) E-0650/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Illegal immigration via Italy 23

(97/C 391 /56) E-0653/97 by Felipe Camison Asensio to the Commission Subject : Health and mobile telephones 23 EN

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(97/C 391 /57) E-0661/97 by Ludivina Garcia Arias to the Commission Subject : Taxes on business companies 24 (97/C 391/58) E-0684/97 by Friedhelm Frischenschlager to the Commission Subject : Application of the codecision procedure to the common agricultural policy 25 (97/C 391/59) E-0685/97 by Friedhelm Frischenschlager to the Commission Subject : Amending the EC Treaty at the 1GC to enable a motion of censure to be tabled against individual Members of the Commission 26

(97/C 391 /60) E-0839/97 by Pedro Marset Campos , Laura González Alvarez and Maria Sornosa Martinez to the Commission Subject : Alarming fall in the level of the water table in Murcia , Spain 27 (97/C 391 /61 ) P-0903/97 by Phillip Whitehead to the Commission Subject : Environmental and health impact of animal waste 27 (97/C 391 /62) E-0909/97 by Wilfried Telkämper to the Council Subject : Worsening human rights violations in Mexico 28

(97/C 391 /63) E-0911/97 by Willi Rothley to the Commission Subject : EU aid to Rhineland Palatinate in 1996 (Supplementary answer) 29

(97/C 391 /64) E-09 13/97 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Research into BSE 30

(97/C 391 /65) E-0921 /97 by Ian White to the Council Subject : Procedure for urgent consideration of legislation in the Council 30

(97/C 391/66) E-0963/97 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission Subject : Outside consultants engaged by the Italian Ministry of Public Administration and European competition legislation 31

(97/C 391/67) E-0972/97 by Leen van der Waal (I-EDN) to the Commission Subject : New vaccine against swine fever 32

(97/C 391/68) E- 1008/97 by Pierre Bernard-Reymond to the Commission Subject : Origin of feed products for farmed fish 33

(97/C 391/69) E- 1020/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council Subject : EU research funding for cloning experiments 34

(97/C 391 /70) E- 1022/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council Subject : Health hazards arising from genetically engineered foods 34

(97/C 391 /71 ) E- 1023/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Health hazards arising from genetically engineered foods 35

(97/C 391/72) E- 1025/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Health testing of genetically produced or modified foods 37

(97/C 391/73) E- 1027/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council Subject : Legal basis for the marketing of genetically modified products 38

(97/C 391 /74) P- 1037/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Council Subject : Crisis in Albania 39

(97/C 391/75) E- 1043/97 by Yiannis Roubatis to the Council Subject : The situation in Albania 39

(97/C 391/76) E- 1062/97 by Cristiana Muscardini , Amedeo Amadeo and Spalato Belleré to the Council Subject : Civil war in Albania 40

Joint answer to Written Questions P-1037/97 , E-1043/97 and E-1062/97 40

(97/C 391 /77) E- 1046/97 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo to the Council Subject : SFOR military units in Bosnia 41 (97/C 391 /78) E- 106 1 /97 by Jean-Claude Martinez to the Commission Subject : Acquisition of French land by Belgian farmers 41 EN Notice No Contents (continued) PaSe

(97/C 391 /79) E- 1098/97 by Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission Subject : Future jurisdiction of the EU Court of Justice 42 (97/C 391/80) E- 1100/97 by Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission Subject : Fourth multiannual guidance programme for fisheries 43 (97/C 391/81 ) E-l 109/97 by Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission Subject : Animals 'tortured ' in order to produce the basic ingredient for pharmaceutical products 43 (97/C 391/82) E-l 134/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : New NATO Research and Technology Organization 44 (97/C 391 /83 ) E-l 136/97 by Carlos Pimenta, Willy De Clercq , Franco Malerba, Carole Tongue and Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos to the Council Subject : Situation of the Brussels I European School (Uccle) 44 (97/C 391 /84) E-l 159/97 by Richard Howitt to the Commission Subject : European Commission Mobile Information Display 45 (97/C 391/85) E-l 167/97 by Ludivina Garcia Arias to the Commission Subject : Industrial competitiveness for the European chemical, maritime and automobile industries 46 (97/C 391/86) E-l 171 /97 by Jaime Valdivielso de Cue to the Council Subject : Regulating the COM in potatoes 47 (97/C 391 /87) E- 1173/97 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : Milk and BSE 48 (97/C 391/88) E-l 179/97 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission Subject : Promotion of quality beef and veal products 48 (97/C 391 /89) E-l 181 /97 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission Subject : EU funding for the slaughter of ostriches in Raiano (Italy ) 49 (97/C 391/90) E-l 191/97 by Shaun Spiers to the Commission Subject : Public health policy 49 (97/C 391 /91 ) E- 11 92/97 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez to the Commission Subject : Non-industrial fishing in the Canary Islands 50 (97/C 391 /92) E- 1198/97 by Sirkka-Liisa Anttila, Mirja Ryynänen and Kyösti Virrankoski to the Commission Subject : Cuts in export subsidies for EU agricultural produce , particularly Emmental cheese, and their effects on the volume of cheese manufactured in Finland 51 (97/C 391/93) E-l 20 1 /97 by Anthony Wilson to the Council Subject : Raids on MED TV Kurdish language satellite TV 52 (97/C 391 /94) E-l 203/97 by Ulla Sandbaek (I-EDN) to the Commission Subject : ECHO disaster preparedness programme (DIPECHO) 53 (97/C 391/95) B- 121 3/97 by Glenys Kinnock to the Commission Subject : Harmonizing the rules of procurement for aid 54 (97/C 391 /96) E-1217/97 by Peter Sichrovsky to the Commission Subject : Euro information campaign on the impact of European monetary union in the USA 54 (97/C 391/97) E-l 227/97 by Evelyne Gebhardt to the Commission Subject : Discrimination against Union citizens in the Federal Republic of Germany 55 (97/C 391 /98 ) E-l 232/97 by Patrick Cox to the Commission Subject : Status of bicycle helmet legislation in the Union 56 (97/C 391 /99) E- 1234/97 by Laura González Alvarez to the Commission Subject : Cable in Tarifa 56 (97/C 391/ 100) E-l 238/97 by Sebastiano Musumeci to the Council Subject : Racist attacks on Italians in Germany 57 (97/C 391 / 101 ) E-l 240/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Rice imports from the OCT 58 (97/C 391/ 102) E-l 243/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Inadequate safeguards in the nuclear industry 58 EN

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(91/C 391 / 103 ) E- 1256/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Inadequate safeguards in the nuclear industry 59

Joint answer to Written Questions E- 1243/97 and E- 1256/97 59

(97/C 391 / 104) E- 1244/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Petrol price increases 59

(97/C 391 / 105 ) P- 1249/97 by Freddy Blak to the Commission Subject : Women and information technology 60

(97/C 391/ 106) E- 1255/97 by Mirja Ryynänen to the Commission Subject : New means of creating employment 61 (97/C 391 / 107) E- 1262/97 by Franz Linser to the Commission Subject : Conformity of certain Austrian taxes and levies with Community legislation 62

(97/C 391 / 108) E- 128 1 /97 by Daniela Raschhofer to the Commission Subject : Compliance of certain Austrian taxes and charges with Community legislation 62 Joint answer to Written Questions E- 1262/97 and E- 128 1 /97 63

(97/C 391 / 109) E- 1267/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallstrom to the Commission Subject : Noise prevention research 63

(97/C 391 / 110) E- 1268/97 by Alessandrc Danesin to the Commission Subject : Cancellation of the contribution for the 1996 Cartoons on the Bay festival 64

(97/C 391 /111 ) E- 1282/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council Subject : Search for permanent nuclear waste storage site in eastern Belgium and Lorraine 65

(97/C 391 / 112) E- 1283/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : Search for permanent nuclear waste storage site in eastern Belgium and Lorraine 65 (97/C 391 /113 ) E- 1284/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council Subject : Chlorine content of water in swimming pools 66

(97/C 391 / 114) E- 1295/97 by Richard Howitt to the Commission Subject : EC Energy Centre , Katowice 67

(97/C 391 / 115 ) E- 1297/97 by Barbara Diihrkop Diihrkop to the Commission Subject : Fisheries agreements with New Zealand and other countries 68

(97/C 391 /116) E- 13 15/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Breach of Community legislation on the environmental impact of the temporary pre-treatment and storage plant for dangerous toxic waste in Campolungo ( Ascoli Piceno) 68

(97/C 391 / 117 ) E- 13 16/97 by Mark Watts to the Commission Subject : European monetary laws 69

(97/C 391 / 118) E- 132 1 /97 by Gary Titley to the Commission Subject : EU legislation for the licencing of crane operators/drivers 69

(97/C 391 /119) P- 1327/97 by Honor Funk to the Commission Subject : EU funds for structural improvements in disadvantaged areas 70

(97/C 391 / 120) E- 1337/97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission Subject : Observation and monitoring measures during the Atlantic bonito fishing season 70

(97/C 391 / 121 ) E- 1348/97 by Susan Waddington to the Commission Subject : Women officials in the Commission 71

(97/C 391 / 122) E- 1352/97 by Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission Subject : Cotton sowing forecasts for the 1997/98 marketing year 71

(97/C 391 / 123) E- 1354/97 by Spalato Bellere to the Commission Subject : Liberalization of air transport in the EU 72

(97/C 391 / 124) E- 1355/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject : Implementation of Directive 92/52/EEC and the Council 's resolution on the sale of infant formulae in the Third World 73 EN Notice No Contents (continued) Pa§e

(97/C 391 / 125) E- 1366/97 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject : Production and marketing of honey 74

(97/C 391/ 126) E- 1367/97 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission Subject : Mutual recognition of generic products 75

(97/C 391/127) E- 1369/97 by Abdelkader Mohamed Ali to the Commission Subject : Abolition of export refunds in the sector of milk and milk products exported to Ceuta and Melilla ... 75

(97/C 391/ 128) E- 137 1 /97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Council Subject : Community Reference Laboratories and the work of the Commission 76

(97/C 391/ 129) E- 1376/97 by Giacomo Santini to the Commission Subject : The Province of Bolzano's Agricultural Research Centre 77

(97/C 391/ 130) E-l 378/97 by James Moorhouse to the Commission Subject : Human rights violations in Tunisia 77

(97/C 391/ 131 ) E-l 380/97 by Mark Watts to the Commission Subject : Occupation of property in the Canary Isles 78

(97/C 391/132) E-l 38 1 /97 by Mark Watts to the Commission Subject : Discriminatory income tax systems within the EU 78 (97/C 391/133 ) E-l 384/97 by Mark Watts to the Commission Subject : Sale of British goods from French market stalls 79

(97/C 391/134) E-l 385/97 by Mark Watts to the Commission Subject : Disabled access and TENs funding 80

(97/C 391/ 135) E- 1402/97 by Concepció Ferrer to the Council Subject : Signature of the association agreement with Lithuania 80 (97/C 391/136) E-l 404/97 by Jean-Claude Pasty to the Commission Subject : Renault affair (European Union aid for a factory in Spain ) 81

(97/C 391/ 137 ) E- 1405/97 by Fiorella Ghilardotti , Luigi Colajanni arid Luciano Vecchi to the Commis­ sion Subject : Disparities between Italy and the other Member States of the European Union as regards the rules governing access to the European Social Fund , Adapt and initiatives on employment 82

(97/C 391/ 138) E-l 408/97 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission Subject : European Social Fund assistance for retraining and re-employing workers 82 (97/C 391/139) E- 14 13/97 by Nel van Dijk and Doeke Eisma to the Commission Subject : Rocket launch site on the island of El Hierro 83

(97/C 391/140) E-l 426/97 by Phillip Whitehead to the Commission Subject : Voltage harmonization 84

(97/C 391/141 ) E- 1436/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission Subject : Erasure of 20th century from computer memories 85

(97/C 391/142) E- 1438/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission Subject : Parallel shipping registry in EU Member States 86

(97/C 391/143) P- 1456/97 by Giovanni Burtone to the Commission Subject : Compatibility of Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 with Regulation (EEC) No 2080/92 86

(97/C 391/144) P- 1476/97 by Norbert Glante to the Commission Subject : The economic benefits of transport telematics 87

(97/C 391/ 145) P- 148 1 /97 by Mark Watts to the Commission Subject : Treatment of non-French nationals by French police when transporting goods through France 88

(97/C 391 / 146) E- 1486/97 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission Subject : Prices of medicinal products 89

(97/C 391/ 147) E- 1488/97 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission Subject : Europe against cancer and tobacco 89 EN f Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page

(97/C 391/ 148) E- 1494/97 by Antoine-Francois Bernardini to the Commission Subject : Legislation on mobile crane transporters 90 (97/C 391/ 149) E- 1497/97 by Pervenche Berès to the Commission Subject : Energy — power stations 90 (97/C 391 / 150) E- 1498/97 by Pervenche Berès to the Commission Subject : Energy — pollutants 91 (97/C 391 / 151 ) E- 150 1 /97 by Pervenche Berès to the Commission Subject : Programmes for small and medium-sized businesses 91 (97/C 391 / 152) E- 1506/97 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission Subject : EU contribution for restructuring of the Enichem Manfredonia plant (Italy) 92 (97/C 391 / 153) E- 1508/97 by Leen van der Waal (I-EDN), Brigitte Langenhagen and Christine Barthet-Mayer to the Commission Subject : Allocation of horse mackerel admissible catch totals between Member States 93 (97/C 391 / 154) P- 15 12/97 by Richard Howitt to the Commission Subject : Access to information 95

(97/C 391 / 155) E- 1524/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Freedom of movement in the EEA 95 (97/C 391 / 156) E- 1525/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Preserving the architectural heritage 96 (97/C 391/ 157) E- 1526/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject : Wolves in northern Italy *. 97 (97/C 391 / 158 ) E- 155 1 /97 by Georg Jarzembowski to the Commission Subject : Scrapping programmes in the inland waterways sector 98

(97/C 391 / 159) E- 1562/97 by Ben Fayot and Viviane Reding to the Commission Subject : Consumer credit — protection of non-residents by Belgian legislation 98 (97/C 391/160) E-1566/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen and Jan Sonneveld to the Commission Subject : National implementation of the nitrate directive 1 00

(97/C 391/161 ) E- 1744/97 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission Subject : Transposition of the 'nitrates ' directive 100 Joint answer to Written Questions E-1566/97 and E- 1744/97 100

(97/C 391/162) E- 1569/97 by Honório Novo to the Commission Subject : Establishment of anchovy quotas 101

(97/C 391 / 163) P- 1570/97 by Concepció Ferrer to the Commission Subject : The impact of the new COM on Community-produced fruit and vegetables 101

(97/C 391 / 164) E- 1573/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Subcontracting in the textile industry ! 102

(97/C 391 / 165) E- 1580/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Reform of the COM in olive oil 1 03 (97/C 391 / 166) P- 1586/97 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Financial support for the 'Euro-Film News' review 1 04 (97/C 391 / 167) P-1588/97 by Susan Waddington to the Commission Subject : Europol Convention 105

(97/C 391/ 168 ) E- 1593/97 by Susan Waddington to the Commission Subject : Telecommunications base stations — risk to public health 105 (97/C 391/ 169) E- 1597/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Information society 106 (97/C 391 / 170) E- 1598/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Subcontracting in the textile industry 107 EN Notice No Contents (continued) Pase

(97/C 391/171 ) E- 1600/97 by Wayne David to the Commission Subject : Nicaraguan Government's proposal for a Ministry of the Family 107 (97/C 391/172) P- 1602/97 by Anna Karamanou to the Commission Subject : Subsidizing the cost of shipping raw materials to the Greek islands 108 (97/C 391/173) P- 1605/97 by Dagmar Roth-Behrendt to the Commission Subject : Commission Directive of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children 109 (97/C 391/174) E- 1609/97 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Mandatory requirement to state precise names of vegetable oils and fats in processed food ingredients 109 (97/C 391 / 175) E- 16 17/97 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Imports of pharmaceutical products 110 (97/C 391 /176) P- 16 19/97 by Eryl McNally to the Commission Subject : Open borders and child pornography Ill (97/C 391/ 177) E- 1622/97 by Eva Kjer Hansen to the Commission Subject : Minority rights Ill (97/C 391/178) E- 1629/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject : Nationality of the staff of the European Training Foundation and of CEDEFOP 112 (97/C 391/ 179) E- 1634/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject : Ratification by Kenya of the Convention against Torture 112 (97/C 391 /180) E- 1637/97 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission Subject : Portugal 's initiative on legalizing drugs 113 (97/C 391/ 181 ) E- 1649/97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject : Closure of the school of stomatology 113 (97/C 391 /182) E- 1656/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission Subject : Lifting of duty on Turkish textiles 114 (97/C 391/183) E-1658/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission Subject : Report on drugs in Europe 115 (97/C 391/ 184) E- 1665/97 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject : Directive on integrated pollution prevention and control 115 (97/C 391/ 185) E- 1667/97 by David Bowe to the Commission Subject : Community strategy for integrated control of emissions 116 (97/C 391/186) E- 1674/97 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission Subject : Line C for the Rome underground 117 (97/C 391/ 187) P- 167 8/97 by Helena Torres Marques to the Commission Subject : Authorizations and payments in respect of the NOW Initiative 117 (97/C 391/ 188) P- 1679/97 by Marianne Eriksson to the Commission Subject : Structural Funds support for printed circuit production in Scotland ( Supplementary answer) 119 (97/C 391 / 189) P- 1680/97 by Johannes Blokland (I-EDN) to the Commission Subject : Transposition of the packaging directive 119 (97/C 391/ 190) P- 168 1 /97 by John Iversen to the Commission Subject : Openness 120 (97/C 391/ 191 ) E- 1685/97 by Barbara Schmidbauer to the Commission Subject : New layout for the Rond Point Schuman 121 (97/C 391/ 192) E- 1686/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission Subject : Exports of old clothes to the Third World 121 (97/C 391/ 193) E- 1689/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission Subject : The EEC-CIH agreement on harbours in relation to the Hidrovia project 122 (97/C 391/ 194) E- 1704/97 by Marianne Eriksson to the Commission Subject : The right of non-EU citizens to visit EU employees in Brussels 1 23 EN

(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page

(97/C 391 / 195) E- 17 18/97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission Subject : EU Directive on protection against harmful biological materials in the work-place 123 (97/C 391 / 196) E- 17 19/97 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Competition rules in the market garden sector in the Attiki region 1 24 (97/C 391 / 197) P- 1724/97 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Action by the Turkish authorities in blocking European Union funds intended for the Turkish Human Rights Association 1 25 (97/C 391 / 198 ) E- 1732/97 by Esko Seppanen to the Commission Subject : Material privileges of EU officials : Economat shops 126 (97/C 391 / 199) E- 1747/97 by Honório Novo and Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject : Imports of textiles and clothing from Indonesia 1 26 (97/C 391 /200) E- 1752/97 by Josep Pons Grau to the Commission Subject : Financial support for conservation and community development programmes in Africa 127 (97/C 391 /201 ) E- 1755/97 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject : Automatic distribution infrastructures 128

(97/C 391 /202) E- 1768/97 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Assessment of the PHARE programme 128 (97/C 391 /203 ) E- 1769/97 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : Barriers to trade with China 1 29 (97/C 391 /204) E- 1770/97 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission Subject : European investment in Burma 129 (97/C 391 /205 ) P- 177 1 /97 by Arlene McCarthy to the Commission Subject : European Commission conditions for the retention of documentation by successful European grant applicants 130 (97/C 391 /206) E- 1773/97 by Werner Langen to the Commission Subject : EU funds channelled to Rhineland-Pfalz since 1994 130 (97/C 391 /207) E- 1775/97 by Laura González Alvarez , Honório Novo and Carlos Carnero González to the Commission Subject : Negotiations with the Mexican government regarding the San Andres agreements 131 (97/C 391 /208 ) E- 1776/97 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Commission Subject : Green Paper on a reduction in working hours 132 (97/C 391 /209) E- 1777/97 by Angela Sierra González , Laura González Alvarez , María Sornosa Martinez and Carlos Carnero González to the Commission Subject : Forms of cooperation with the Saharaui people 133 (97/C 391 /210) E- 1789/97 by Caroline Jackson to the Commission Subject : Joule programme : the Osprey project 134 (97/C 391 /211 ) P- 1796/97 by Lissy Gröner to the Commission Subject : Pilot phase of 'European Voluntary Service ' 134 (97/C 391 /212) E- 1797/97 by Christoph Konrad to the Commission Subject : Opening times of washing facilities in Germany 135 (97/C 391 /213 ) E- 1801 /97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission Subject : Staffing problems at CEDEFOP 136 (97/C 391 /214) P- 18 12/97 by Karl Habsburg-Lothringen to the Commission Subject : Sensitive areas 1 37 (97/C 391 /215 ) E- 181 6/97 by John Corrie to the Commission Subject : ACP resolution on great apes and destruction of tropical forests 1 37 (97/C 391 /216) E- 183 1 /97 by Spalato Belleré to the Commission Subject : Increase in the incidence of hepatitis C 138 (97/C 391 /217 ) P-l 834/97 by Nicole Fontaine to the Commission Subject : Automobile distribution 138 EN Notice No Contents (continued) Page

(97/C 391/218 ) E- 1854/97 by Joaquin Siso Cruellas to the Commission Subject : Subsidy for the Instituto Ramon J. Sender, Fraga, Spain 139 (97/C 391 /219) E- 1870/97 by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission Subject : EU involvement in the development of As Pontes , Galicia 140 (97/C 391 /220) E- 1879/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Development of the social dialogue 1 40 (97/C 391/221 ) E- 1900/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility 141 (97/C 391 /222) E- 190 1 /97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission . Subject : Green paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility 141 (97/C 391/223) E- 1902/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Green paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility 141 (97/C 391 /224) E- 1903/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility 142 (97/C 391 /225) E- 1904/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility 142 Joint answer to Written Questions E- 1 900/97 , E- 1 901 /97 , E- 1 902/97 , E- 1 903/97 and E- 1 904/97 142

(97/C 391 /226) E- 1909/97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission Subject : XXVth report on competition policy 142 (97/C 391/227 ) E- 191 8/97 by Lis Jensen (I-EDN) to the Commission Subject : Financial aid to US firms 143 (97/C 391 /228) E- 1924/97 by Anita Pollack to the Commission Subject : Tigers in India 143 (97/C 391/229) E- 1927/97 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez , Nel van Dijk , Magdalene Hoff, Doeke Eisma , Gianni Tamino and Antoni Gutierrez Diaz to the Commission Subject : Environmental impact assessment on the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands — Spain ) 144 (97/C 391 /230) E-1953/97 by Brendan Donnelly to the Commission Subject : Re-use of recycled radioactive metals in food containers 144 (97/C 391 /231 ) E- 1954/97 by Ian White to the Commission Subject : Commission response to petitions no 1 138/l)5 and 1 184/95 on Toxic Shock Syndrome 145 (97/C 391/232) P- 1956/97 by Leonie van Blade! to the Commission Subject : Palestinians on the Libya-Egypt border 145 (97/C 391/233 ) P- 1960/97 by Katerina Daskalaki to the Commission Subject : Violation of the rights of Eleni Fokas , a teacher in a Greek enclave in northern Cyprus 146 (97/C 391 /234) E- 1970/97 by Spalato Bellere to the Commission Subject : Allowing sex in prisons 146 (97/C 391 /235) E- 1974/97 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission Subject : Continuation of mental health reform in Greece 147 (97/C 391/236) E- 1978/97 by Bryan Cassidy to the Commission Subject : Members of advisory committees 147 (97/C 391 /237) P- 1990/97 by Caroline Jackson to the Commission Subject : Information on the amount of EC aid granted to the Country of Wiltshire since June 1994 148 (97/C 391 /238) E-2000/97 by Caroline Jackson to the Commission Subject : EC aid granted to Bath and North East Somerset since June 1994 148 (97/C 391/239) E-2009/97 by Jens-Peter Bonde (I-EDN) to the Commission Subject : Noise standards for machinery and engine-rooms 149 (97/C 391/240) P-20 12/97 by Graham Watson to the Commission Subject : Hong Kong 149 EN

(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page (97/C 391 /241 ) E-2025/97 by Anne Mcintosh to the Commission Subject : Unemployment in the European Union's service sector industry 150 (97/C 391 /242) E-2036/97 by Jose Apolinario to the Commission Subject : Promotion of tourism in operational programmes 151 (97/C 391 /243) E-2039/97 by Bernhard Rapkay to the Commission Subject : EU funding channelled to the Eastern Ruhr area ( the cities of Dortmund and Hamm , and Unna district) 151 (97/C 391/244) E-2042/97 by Bill Miller to the Commission Subject : Charity organizations 152 (97/C 391 /245) P-2296/97 by Joan Colom i Naval to the Commission Subject : Outstanding appropriations for structural actions 152

EN 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 1

I

(Information)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

(97/C 391/01 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2693/96 by Clive Needle (PSE) to the Council (10 October 1996)

Subject: Council implementation of measures to protect children

Following the affirmation of concern by governments in Stockholm at the World Congress against Commercial Exploitation of Children and the European Parliament's resolution B4- 1000/96 calling for the protection of children against violence , what kind of immediate action is the Council proposing to take in order to implement the above-mentioned recommendations ?

Can the Council also identify the structured remit and resources available to Europol to act at a European level to protect children ?

Answer (4 July 1997)

On 29 November 1996 the Council has adopted a Joint Action establishing an incentive and exchange programme for persons responsible for combating trade in human beings and sexual exploitation of children ('). The aim of this Joint Action and the exchange programme "STOP" that it establishes is to create a framework for training , information , study and exchange actions for people responsible for combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children . The programme covers the years 1996-2000 and shall have at its disposal ECU 6.5 million , to be used for projects involving more than one Member State . The annual appropriations are to be authorized by the budget authority . The Commission shall be responsible for implementing the measures provided for in the Joint Action, and it shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council .

Also on 29 November 1 996 the Council has adopted a Joint Action concerning the creation and maintenance of a directory of specialized competences , skills and expertise in the fight against international organized crime, in order to facilitate law enforcement cooperation between the Member States of the European Union (2 ). The Europol Drugs Unit (EDU) shall establish , maintain and disseminate the directory , which as a first step shall cover the areas of illicit drug trafficking and trafficking in human beings .

On 16 December, the Council adopted a Joint Action extending the mandate given to the Europol Drugs Unit (3). The extension adds "traffic in human beings", as defined in the Europol Convention , to the areas of criminality in which the EDU has competence to aid effective action by the police and other law enforcement agencies within and between Member States . The definition , set out in the Annex to the Convention , covers the subjection of a person to the real and illegal sway of other persons by using violence or menaces or by abuse of authority or intrigue with a view to the exploitation of prostitution , forms of sexual exploitation and assault of minors or trade in abandoned children .

On 24 February 1997 the Council has adopted a Joint Action concerning action to combat trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of children (OJ L 63 , 4.3.1997 , pp . 2-6]. The aim of the Joint Action is i.a . to criminalize a wide range of behaviour defined as "trafficking" and "sexual exploitation" concerning adults as well as children , including the possession of pornographic materials . As a rule this criminalization will have C 391 /2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

extraterritorial effects , eg . as regards the so called sex tourism . Another aim is to ensure exchange of information , mutual assistance and pther cooperation as efficiently as possible between the relevant responsible authorities at the national level as well as between the Member States . The Council is to assess the fulfilment by Member States of their obligations under the Joint Action by the end of 1 999 , in tune with the conclusions of the Stockholm Conference .

The EDU's budget for 1997 is 12% higher than in 1996 , enabling it to take on a range of new work . The EDU's budget for 1998 has been increased with 20% to ECU 6.722.000 .

The EDU has been studying this matter in conjunction with a number of Member States and the Commission . The Drugs and Organised Crime and Europol working groups are currently discussing this matter further and the Netherland's Presidency organised a conference on the related topic of trafficking in women on 24-26 April 1997 .

(') OJ L 322 , 12.12.1996 , pp . 7-10 . ( 2 ) OJ L 342 , 31.12.1 996 , pp . 2 and 3 . (<) OJ L 342 , 31.12.1996 , p . 4 .

(97/C 391 /02 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3228/96 by Petrus Cornelissen (PPE) and Peter Pex (PPE) to the Commission (28 November 1996)

Subject: Discrimination against the elderly

1 . Can the Commission confirm that EU citizens in the Netherlands who are not Dutch citizens are not eligible for various concessionary rates , for example on ferries and buses (')?

2 . To what extent does this inequality of treatment violate European rules?

3 . If it is clear from the answer to question 2 that this unequal treatment violates European rules , what action will the Commission then consider to put an end to discrimination on grounds of nationality ?

(') See the article in the Omlander Courant of 7 October 1996 .

Supplementary answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)

Further to its answer of 31 January 1997 ('X the Commission is now in a position to provide the following information .

On 4 February 1997 , the Commission wrote to the Dutch authorities asking them to give their comments , within sixty days of receiving the letter, on the situation described by the Honourable Members .

In a letter dated 14 April 1997 , the Dutch authorities requested a one-month extension of the deadline for replying .

As the deadline has expired , the Commission will send a reminder to the Dutch authorities .

(') OJ C 96 , 24.3.1997 . 23 . 12 . 97 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /3

(97/C 391 /03 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3598/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4004 : Transnational meetings of representatives from undertakings operating on a trans-frontier basis

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for the financial year 1995 , and for each of the activities and beneficiaries (company representatives or company works-council representatives) granted subsidies under budget heading :

B3-4004 Transnational meetings of representatives from undertakings operating on a trans-frontier basis ?

(97/C 391 /04) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3600/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B5-722 : Information society

With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B5-722 : Information society ,

1 . can the Commission say whether subsidies were granted to private or public bodies ?

2 . If they were , can the Commission provide a breakdown of the exact amount of the subsidy for each body and for each activity ?

(97/C 391 /05 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3603/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B5-320 : Business promotion ( small and medium-sized enterprises)

With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B5-320 : Business promotion ( small and medium-sized enterprises),

1 . can the Commission say whether subsidies were granted to associations , trade unions or employers ' bodies?

2 . If they were , can the Commission provide a breakdown of the exact amount of the subsidy for each association , trade union , body and activity ?

(97/C 391 /06) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3604/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B5-321 : Operations relating to cooperatives

With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B5-321 : Operations relating to cooperatives ,

1 . can the Commission say whether subsidies were granted to associations , trade unions or employers ' bodies ?

2 . If they were, can the Commission provide a breakdown of the exact amount of the subsidy for each association , trade union , body and activity ? C 391 /4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391/07) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3605/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B5-322 : Employment and growth for Europe With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B5-322 : Employment and growth for Europe , 1 . can the Commission say whether subsidies were granted to associations , trade unions or employers ' bodies ? 2 . If they were, can the Commission provide a breakdown of the exact amount of the subsidy for each association, trade union , body and activity ?

(97/C 391 /08 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3606/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B5-323 : Growth and employment With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B5-323 : Growth and employment, 1 . can the Commission say whether subsidies were granted to associations , trade unions or employers ' bodies ? 2 . If they were , can the Commission provide a breakdown of the exact amount of the subsidy for each association , trade union , body and activity?

(91IC 391 /09) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3607/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B5-325 : Community measures to assist tourism With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B5-325 : Community measures to assist tourism , 1 . can the Commission say whether subsidies were granted to associations , trade unions or employers ' bodies? 2 . If they were , can the Commission provide a breakdown of the exact amount of the subsidy for each association , trade union , body and activity?

(97/C 391 / 10) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3608/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Article B5-411 : Operations relating to industry With regard to the 1995 financial year, can the Commission say , with respect to budget heading B5-411 : Operations relating to industry :

1 . whether associations , trade unions or employers ' organizations were subsidized ?

2 . If so , can it specify the amount of the subsidies on an association-by-association , a trade union-by-trade union or employers ' organization-by-employers ' organization and on an activity-by activity basis? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /5

(97/C 391 / 11 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3609/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B5-331 : Action to encourage transfrontier provision of equity capital for small and medium-sized enterprises With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B5-331 : Action to encourage transfrontier provision of equity capital for small and medium-sized enterprises , 1 . can the Commission say whether subsidies were granted to associations , trade unions or employers ' bodies ? 2 . If they were , can the Commission provide a breakdown of the exact amount of the subsidy for each association , trade union, body and activity ?

(97/C 391 /12) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3610/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B3-4010 : Labour market Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the subsidies earmarked in 1995 , under budget heading

B 3-40 10 : Labour market,

for each activity , trade union , association and works council ?

(97/C 391 /13) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3611/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B3-4011 : Eures (European Employment Services) Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the subsidies earmarked in 1995 , under budget heading B3-401 1 : Eures (European Employment Services) for each activity , trade union , association and works council?

(97/C 391/ 14) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3612/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B4-3101 : Subsidy to the European Environment Agency With reference to the financial year 1995 and budget heading B4-3 101 : Subsidy to the European Environment Agency , 1 . can the Commission say whether the European Environment Agency granted subsidies to outside bodies? 2 . If it did , can the Commission list the activities and assocations which received a subsidy and indicate the level of subsidy in each case ? C 391 /6 ΠΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 / 15 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3613/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Financing of certain associations from the Community budget Can the Commission provide full details of the amounts granted , under the 1995 budget (taking all relevant budget headings together) to the following French trade-union organisation : — Fédération de l'Education Nationale (FEN) [ National Education Federation] at national level and to its branches in the regions and departments?

(97/C 391 / 16) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3614/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Financing of certain associations from the Community budget Can the Commission provide full details of the amounts granted , under the 1995 budget (taking all relevant budget headings together) to the following French trade-union organisation : — Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) at national level and to its branches in the regions and departments ?

(97/C 391 / 17 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3615/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Financing of certain associations from the Community budget Can the Commission provide full details of the amounts granted , under the 1995 budget (taking all relevant budget headings together) to the following French trade-union organisation : — CGT-FO/Force Ouvrière at national level and to its branches in the regions and departments?

(97/C 391 / 18) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3616/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Financing of certain associations from the Community budget Can the Commission provide full details of the amounts granted , under the 1995 budget (taking all relevant budget headings together) to the following French trade-union organisation : — Confédération Française Démocratique des Travailleurs (CFDT) at national level and to its branches in the regions and departments ?

( 97/C 391 / 19 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3617/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Financing of certain associations from the Community budget Can the Commission provide full details of the amounts granted , under the 1995 budget (taking all relevant budget headings together) to the following French trade-union organisation : — Confédération Française des Travailleurs Chrétiens (CFTC ) at national level and to its branches in the regions and departments ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /7

(97/C 391 /20) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3618/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Financing of certain associations from the Community budget

Can the Commission provide full details of the amounts granted , under the 1995 budget (taking all relevant budget headings together) to the following French trade-union organisation : — Confederation Generale des Cadres (CGC) at national level and to its branches in the regions and departments ?

(97/C 391 /21 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3620/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-305 : Sport in Europe

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-305 : Sport in Europe ?

(97/C 391 /22) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3621/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4000 : Industrial relations and social dialogue :

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures for each activity , trade-union , association and works council subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1 995 , under budget heading B3-4000 : Industrial relations and social dialogue ?

(97/C 391 /23 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3622/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4002 : Meetings of workers ' organizations in the Community

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures for each activity , trade-union , association and works council subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-4002 : Meetings of workers ' organizations in the Community?

(97/C 391/24) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3623/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Item B3-4003 : European Technical Trade Union Bureau

Can the Commission give, a breakdown , on an activity-by-activity , trade union-by-trade union , association­ by-association or works committee-by-works committee basis , of the amount of the subsidies granted in respect of the 1995 financial year from the following item :

B3-4003 : European Technical Trade Union Bureau ? C 391 /8 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /25 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3624/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B3-1006 : Promotion and safeguard of regional and minority languages and cultures Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised, for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-1006 : Promotion and safeguard of regional and minority languages and cultures ?

(97/C 391 /26) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3625/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-1010 Youth for Europe Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-1010 : Youth for Europe ?

(97/C 391 /27) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3627/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Item B3-2001 : Measures to encourage cultural initiatives in connection with European influence Can the Commission give a breakdown , on an association-by-association and activity-by-activity basis , of the amount of the subsidies granted in respect of the 1995 financial year from the following item : B3-2001 : Measures to encourage cultural initiatives in connection with European influence?

(97/C 391 /28 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3629/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B5-102 : Consumer information 1 Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B5-102 : Consumer information?

(91IC 391 /29) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3630/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4012 : Measures to achieve equality between men and women Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures, for each association and activity subsidised, for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-4012 : Measures to achieve equality between men and women? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /9

(97/C 391 /30) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3631/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Item B3-4102 : Helios II (integration of disabled persons) Can the Commission give a breakdown , on an association-by-association and activity-by-activity basis , of the amount of the subsidies granted in respect of the 1995 financial year from the following item : B3-4102 : Helios II (integration of disabled persons)?

(97/C 391 /31 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3632/96 by Jean- Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B3-4103 : Measures to combat poverty and social exclusion Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-4103 : Measures to combat poverty and social exclusion?

(97/C 391 /32) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3633/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997) Subject: Budget heading B3-4104 : Measures for the elderly and families Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B 3 -4 104 : Measures for the elderly and families?

(97/C 391 /33) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3634/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4300 : Public health , health promotion , information on health , health education and public health training Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-4300 : Public health , health promotion , information on health , health education and public health training ?

(97/C 391 /34) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3635/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4301 : Combating cancer Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-4301 : Combating cancer? C 391 / 10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /35) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3636/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4302 : Health aspects of drug abuse

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-4302 : Health aspects of drug abuse ?

(97/C 391 /36) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3637/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B3-4303 : Combating AIDS and certain other transmissible diseases

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised , for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-4303 : Combating AIDS and certain other transmissible diseases ?

(97/C 391 /37) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3638/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Item B3-4310 : Health protection , hygiene and safety at work, including subsidy to the International Labour Office

Can the Commission give a breakdown , on an association-by-association and activity-by-activity basis , of the amount of the subsidies granted in respect of the 1995 financial year from the following item :

B3-4310 : Health protection , hygiene and safety at work , including subsidy to the International Labour Office?

(97/C 391 /38 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3641/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B4-304 : Legislation and other general action based on the Fifth Action Programme on the Environment

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised, for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B3-304 ; Legislation and other general action based on the Fifth Action Programme on the Environment?

(97/C 391 /39) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3642/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Budget heading B4-306 : Awareness and subsidies

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the figures , for each association and activity subsidised, for the subsidies granted in the financial year 1995 , under budget heading B4-306 : Awareness and subsidies ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/11

(97/C 391/40) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3644/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Article B4-320 : LIFE (Financial Instrument for the Environment) — Projects on Community territory

Can the Commission give a breakdown , on an association-by-association and activity-by-activity basis , of the amount of the subsidies granted in respect of the 1995 financial year from the following article :

B4-320 : LIFE (Financial Instrument for the Environment) — Projects on Community territory?

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-3598/96, E-3600/96, E-3603/96, E-3604/96, E-3605/96, E-3606/96, E-3607/96, E-3608/96, E-3609/96, E-3610/96, E-3611/96, E-3612/96, E-3613/96, E-3614/96, E-3615/96, E-3616/96, E-3617/96, E-3618/96, E-3620/96, E-3621/96, E-3622/96, E-3623/96, E-3624/96, E-3625/96, E-3627/96, E-3629/96, E-3630/96, E-3631/96, E-3632/96, E-3633/96, E-3634/96, E-3635/96, E-3636/96, E-3637/96, E-3638/96, E-3641/96, E-3642/96 and E-3644/96 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (17 July 1997)

Further to its answer of 14 February 1997 ('), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information .

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat .

(') OJ C 105 , 3.4.1997 .

(97/C 391 /41 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0176/97 by Edith Muller (V) to the Commission (3 February 1997)

Subject: Underwater pipelines in Gijon ( Spain)

The European Union is funding , inter alia under Resider II , a substantial part of plans for the treatment of waste water on the Asturian coast drawn up by the Confederation Hidrografica del Norte .

Using these funds , underwater pipelines to discharge waste water into the sea are about to the built at Aviles and Gijon before detailed plans for the construction of treatment plants have been drawn up , which will mean that waste water is discharged into the sea without first having been treated .

This goes against the provisions of the 'Plan Nacional de Saneamiento y Depuration de Aguas Residuales ' adopted on 17 February 1995 by the Spanish Cabinet, which stipulates that urban waste water entering collection systems must first be treated , and Directive 91 /27 1 /EEC (') of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment .

It is also in breach of the 'precautionary ' and 'preventive action ' principles on which Community environment policy is based , pursuant to Article 130r of the Treaty on European Union .

The coastal area affected by the underwater pipeline projects is of considerable ecological and economic importance (tourism and fishing); this applies in particular to the western coastline of Capo Penas , which has been designated a 'protected landscape' under the 'Plan de Ordenacion de los Recursos Naturales de Asturias'.

The Commission has itself stated — in an interpretation of Directive 85/337/EEC (2) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment — that waste water treatment projects with a major environmental impact — such as the one before us — must be subjected to an assessment . C 391 / 12 IEN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

What steps does the Commission intend to take with a view to ensuring that the above treatment plans comply with Community legislation on the treatment of urban waste water? Can it state whether an environmental impact assessment is to be carried out on the planned pipelines ?

Does it intend to institute infringement proceedings , pursuant to Article 169 of the Treaty on European Union , against the Spanish Government for failing to comply with the provisions of Article 130r of the Treaty , regarding the ' precautionary ' and 'preventive action ' principles which apply in the environmental field?

Is it willing , if necessary , to freeze the Community funds if the plans are not revised and the treatment plants built before any sewage is discharged into the sea?

(') OJ L 135 , 30.5.1991 , p . 40 . (2 ) OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 , p . 40 .

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

Further to its answer of 13 March 1997 ('), the Commission is now in a position to provide the following additional information .

Directive 91/271 /EEC concerning urban waste water treatment stipulates that there is a general need for secondary treatment or an equivalent treatment, at the latest by 3 1 December 2000 , for all discharges of waste water from agglomerations of more than 15 000 population equivalent (p.e.) (population equivalent being a unit of measurement currently used to quantify the pollution of waste water and corresponding to the organic load discharged per person per day). The time limit is extended to 31 December 2005 for all discharges from agglomerations of between 10 000 and 15 000 p.e ., as well as for discharges to fresh-water and estuaries from agglomerations of between 2 000 and 10 000 p.e .

By way of derogation , Member States also had the option , under Article 6 of the Directive and at the latest by 31 December 1993 , of identifying specific less sensitive areas as marine water bodies or areas in which the discharge of waste water does not adversely affect the environment of the area in question , or of adjacent areas, as a result of morphology , hydrology or specific hydraulic conditions . In these less sensitive areas , discharges of urban waste water of less than 150 000 p.e . may be subjected to treatment less stringent than secondary treatment but must, at the very least, undergo primary physical or chemical treatment, with the additional proviso that, on the basis of comprehensive studies , it is clear that such discharges will not adversely affect the environment. Member States shall provide the Commission with all relevant information concerning the abovementioned studies .

As regards discharges from agglomerations of more than 150 000 p.e ., Article 8.5 of the Directive stipulates that in exceptional circumstances , when it can be demonstrated that more advanced treatment will not produce any environmental benefits , such discharges into less sensitive areas may likewise be subjected to less stringent treatment . In such circumstances , Member States shall submit beforehand the relevant documentation to the Commission .

The Commission has not received notification from the Spanish authorities regarding the identification of less sensitive areas , nor has it received any information on possible studies or any documentation of the kind mentioned above .

According to the information available , the plans for the wholesale drainage of the areas of Aviles and Gijon (drawn up on the basis of ad hoc studies cofinanced by the ERDF and within the framework of the NPCI — Asturias 1987-1991 ) provide for a vast set of coordinated actions including not only underwater pipelines to discharge waste water but also collection systems and treatment plants , with the overall aim of improving the environment.

In this connection , the administrations concerned (central , regional and local) have drawn up ad hoc agreements for the implementation of the various projects envisaged . These agreements , which have been published in the Official State Gazette (cf. BOE No 125 of 26 May 1993 for the Aviles area and BOE No 144 of 17 June 1991 for the Gijon area), provide for investment totalling some 13 billion pesetas for each of the areas in question .

Certain projects envisaged under the abovementioned plans have been the subject of cofinancing from Community funds , following the submission of applications by the national authorities and depending on their degree of technical and financial maturity . It should be pointed out that, in the case of the Resider II operational programme referred to by the Honourable Member, the initial plan is for a collection system at Aviles and a treatment plant at Gijon as well as for an underwater pipeline at Gijon , as indicated in the question . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 13

Consequently , the Commission considers that, while the underwater pipeline projects for the discharge of urban waste water at Aviles and Gijon may constitute a first stage in a process leading to the discharge of waste into the sea, they are not sufficient on their own to ensure compliance with the Directive . Secondary or equivalent treatment facilities will need to be in place before the expiry of the time limits indicated above . In its capacity as guardian of the Treaty, the Commission is responsible for monitoring the transposition and implementation of Community legislation and , in the event of non-compliance with the provisions of Directive 9 1 /271 /EEC within the prescribed time limits , it will examine the relevant documentation in the framework of Article 169 of the EC Treaty . As regards Directive 85/337/EEC , the Commission has no information on the carrying-out of an environmental impact assessment . However, in the case of the work listed in Annex II to the Directive, such an assessment is not compulsory . In point of fact, it is up to the competent authorities to request such an assessment if they consider that the nature of the project (size of the project, siting , etc .) render this necessary . By the same token , it would appear opportune to point out that any form of participation involving Community funds is conditional on compliance with Community standards , including those relating to the environment .

(') OJC 186, 18.6.1997 .

(97/C 391/42) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0217/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (3 February 1997) Subject: Labelling of genetically modified soya and maize 1 . Will the recently adopted novel food regulation be applied to Ciba Geigy's genetically modified maize , which has already been approved for marketing and cultivation within the EU ? 2 . If not, what is the Commission's view of the legal situation where two transgenic useful plants and thousands of novel foods are not covered by the novel foods regulation? 3 . If the genetically modified maize and soya are not covered by the novel food regulation, does the Commission agree that in this case national labelling of the genetically modified organisms is possible, since this question was deliberately left open in directive 90/220/EEC (')?

(') OJ L 117 , 8.5.1990 , p . 15 .

Supplementary answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997) Further to its answer of 27 February ('), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information .

As the Honourable Member is aware , the approvals for placing Ciba-Geigy's maize and Monsanto's soybeans on the market were given under Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment (2), which is the relevant legislation . At the time of approvals of these products , the Directive did not foresee any labelling requirements in the absence of safety reasons . As far as ( he labelling of products derived from Ciba-Geigy's maize and Monsanto's soybeans is concerned , the Honourable Member may have heard that the Commission intends to take an initiative on the basis of Directive 79/ 1 12/HKC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling , presentation and advertising of foodstuffs ( 3 ), which would imply making products derived from genetically modified maize and genetically modified soybeans subject to the principles of the labelling of novel foods as laid down in the novel foods Regulation (EC) 258/97 (4).

(') OJL 138 of 5.5.1997 . ( 2) OJL 117 of 8.5.1990 . O OJ L 33 of 8.2.1979 . (4) OJ L 43 of 14.2.1997 . C 391 / 14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /43 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0233/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council (13 February 1997)

Subject: Freedoms and property rights of Greek Cypriots in the occupied part of Cyprus The European Court of Human Rights has condemned Turkey for violating the property rights of Titina Loizidou , a Greek Cypriot who has been denied all access to her property in the occupied northern part of Cyprus since the Turkish invasion of 1974 . The Court also rejected claims put forward by Turkey that the Convention on Human Rights in Europe did not apply in the case of the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus because it (i.e. Turkey) had not yet approved the entry into force of the Convention . In the light of the Court's decision , will the Council say whether it intends to exert pressure : 1 . to secure the implementation of the Court' s decision in the case of Titina Loizidou and in any similar case in which property rights have been violated by the occupying forces ; 2 . to enable Eleni Foka to teach in the occupied territories and to enjoy free access to the free part of Cyprus ; 3 . to secure the replacement of another Greek teacher who was teaching in Karpasia until recently when he retired and whom the Turkish authorities have refused to replace ; 4 . to enable the children of Karpasia to have free access to the textbooks and other teaching material which the Republic of Cyprus sends them (history and divinity books never reach their destination)?

Answer (4 July 1997) The Council is concerned about human rights violations in Cyprus and regrets the violations reported by the Honourable Member . However, the Council has no competence in the supervision of judgements rendered by the European Court of Human Rights . The Council emphasizes that, within its scope of competence , it spares no effort towards a just and viable political settlement in Cyprus . The Council is convinced that such a solution will be the most effective way to render human rights violations in Cyprus a thing of the past . As far as the problem of the enclaved persons is concerned, there has been no further progress on the implementation of the recommendation arising out of the humanitarian review undertaken by UNFICYP in 1995 . The Council has taken due note of the European Parliament's Resolution No B4-0286/97 and follows with the utmost attention the efforts made by the UN to ameliorate the living conditions of the enclaved persons and to restore their fundamental rights .

The Council would also like to point out that the current Financial Protocol signed in June 1995 aims at supporting efforts to promote a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus question . An amount of 12 MECU has been made for potential initiatives agreed jointly with Cyprus for projects promoting confidence building measures . It is foreseen that additional funds could be made available for the financing of programmes and projects to promote development of the whole island .

(97/C 391 /44) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0258/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (7 February 1997)

Subject: Defence closures in South Essex

Is the Commission aware that the forthcoming closure of the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Foulness and of the military barracks at Shoebury , both in my constituency , present a further major challenge to the defence conversion strategy in the area? Will the Commission ensure that priority is given to allocation of KONVER funds in response to these closures , to assist the workers affected?

Will the Commission ensure that projects developed in response specifically benefit the Southend travel-to-work area, as laid down in the priority areas already agreed ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/15

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (18 March 1997)

The Commission has not had cause to study the cases to which the Honourable Member refers , but accepts that the closure of these etablishments might constitute a serious problem in the area .

In the Konver II programme agreed with the United Kingdom it is stated that the final distribution of grants will take account of the distribution of relevant job losses within the context of the area strategy . The regional partnership responsible for the implementation of Konver in the United Kingdom should ensure that resources are allocated accordingly , in a manner appropriate to their region . Further resources will become available for the programme to be extended until the end of 1999 . Significant defence job losses occurring during the implementation of the programme should entail a review of how these resources are to be allocated . Priority should be given , in particular, to customised human resource development actions for the workers concerned . The Commission is not responsible for the selection of individual projects . Individual projects are appraised against agreed selection criteria developed by each regional partnership to reflect the objectives of the Konver programme . In principle , this should ensure that projects are focused on the problems faced by workers in the priority areas concerned , including the Southend area . However, the Commission would support initiatives designed to ensure that projects of a sufficient quality come forward from the worst affected areas in the region .

(97/C 391/45) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0508/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (19 February 1997)

Subject: Construction of the high-speed rail link between Rome and Naples Directive 85/337/EEC (') stipulates that an environmental impact assessment must be carried out (Article 4) in accordance with Articles 5 to 10 prior to the construction of lines for long-distance railway traffic (Annex I). Despite this , Rome City Council has authorized the commencement of work in the Tor Sapienza area on the high-speed Rome to Naples link . Contrary to the provisions of Directive 85/337/EEC, this project makes no provision for consultation of the local inhabitants of the areas affected (which include the La Rustica and Casal Bertone districts).

The project, which will have an enormous environmental impact, involves the quadrupling of the track and an increase in daily traffic levels from 30 to 330 trains .

Would the Commission : 1 . ' give its views on this matter? 2 . state whether it considers that representations should be made to the relevant Italian authorities with a view to ensuring compliance with Community law?

(') OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 , p . 40 .

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

Further to the answer it gave on 13 March 1997 ('), the Commission is now able to provide the following information .

In the light of the information supplied by the Honourable Member, the Commission has taken up this matter with the Italian authorities and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure compliance with Community law in this field .

(') OJ C 186, 18.6.1997 . C 391/ 16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391/46) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0523/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (20 February 1997)

Subject: GMO plants

What consideration has the Commission given to the fact that pollen from GMO plants could be blown on the wind and pollinate non-GMO species , thus negating any attempt to label the produce of GMO crops?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

Under Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms ('), Member States ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment which might arise from the placing on the market of genetically modified organisms .

Directive 90/220/EEC requires that genetically modified organisms are only given consent to be placed on the market in the Community following assessment of any risks to human health or the environment .

In this context an applicant notifying for placing on the market of a product containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms has to supply all information necessary for evaluating the foreseeable risks of the product to human health or the environment. In this context safety issues associated with pollen spreading from genetically modified crop plants to other sexually compatible plants has to be addressed .

The Commission recognises the importance of labelling to consumers . The novel foods Regulation (EC) No 258/97 (2 ), which has just been adopted by the Council and the Parliament provides for specific rules for the labelling of food and food ingredients containing , consisting of, or derived from genetically modified organisms .

The Commission also intends to deal with the issue of labelling in the context of a proposal for amendment of Directive 90/220/EEC on the placing on the market of genetically modified organisms, to be adopted by the Commission in the course of 1997 . As part of this , the Commission adopted on 2 April 1997 , a proposal for a Commission Directive which aims at amending Annex III of Directive 90/220/EEC in order to include , amongst others, further labelling requirements for products containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms . Currently under this Directive , no specific labelling requirement stating that the product contains or consists of genetically modified organisms can be required in the absence of safety reasons .

(') OJ L 117 , 8.5.1990 . ( 2 ) OJ L 43 , 14.2.1997 .

(97/C 391 /47) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0530/97 by Ana Miranda de Lage (PSE) to the Council (19 February 1997)

Subject: Spanish government aid to Tunisia

On 26 January 1997 a Spanish newspaper published a report according to which the Spanish Government would not make its aid to Tunisia conditional upon respect for human rights by that country .

In view of Articles B , F, J and J.l of the Treaty on European Union and Articles 130u , 228 and 238 of the Treaty establishing the European Communities , and also the efforts made by the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament to ensure that the democracy clause is systematically included in agreements concluded with third countries , including Euro-Mediterranean agreements (of which Tunisia is a signatory), can the government of an EU Member State sacrifice respect for human rights to further its own national interest and not make economic cooperation with a country conditional upon respect for human rights in that country ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 17

Answer (14 July 1997)

In its relations with third countries the Union indeed attaches special importance to respect for human rights and democratic principles .

Tunisia was the first country to sign a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement . Article 2 of the Agreement, referred to as "the human rights clause", stipulates that relations between Tunisia and the European Community and its Member States , as well as the provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles .

This "human rights clause", which is systematically included in agreements with third countries , establishes a certain conditionality between the human rights record of a signatory country and the EU's readiness to increase its cooperation with that country .

The Council wishes to stress that all Member States respect their obligations under the Treaty or arising out of international agreements concluded by the European Community .

(97/C 391 /48) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0541/97 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE) and Petrus Cornelissen (PPE) to the Commission (21 February 1997)

Subject: Cross-border travel involving public transport by rail

1 . Can the Commission confirm that, when selling tickets for cross-border travel , the Dutch railway company , NS , cannot, as a rule, give consumers information regarding all the applicable fares and (group) reductions in all the countries covered by the journey to be undertaken ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that the travel zones covered by reduced-fare tickets of different railway companies do not connect up with each other, with the result that rail travellers are forced to pay full fare for the part of the journey involving the border crossing , and that they are also obliged to alight from the train at the first station beyond the border in order to buy a new reduced-fare ticket at the ticket office because that ticket cannot be bought on the train or at the point of departure ?

3 . What possibilities does the Commission see for encouraging the use of public transport for international journeys and for harmonizing national fare scales and reduced-fare schemes for cross-border travel by public transport in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (10 April 1997)

The Commission attaches the greatest importance to the development of rail transport and in particular to the improvement of international services that facilitate transport between the Member States .

To achieve this , the railways must offer passenger services that are competitive with those provided by other modes of transport, in term of price, convenience , comfort and flexibility . It is therefore necessary to create a framework that will both permit and induce the railways to offer the services that their customers demand . The Commission, in its White Paper 'A strategy for revitalising the Community railways ' ('), proposed an overall policy designed to achieve this end . The Commission also dealt with the improvement of public transport in its Green Paper 'The citizens network' ( 2).

The Commission is naturally concerned about the difficulties which passengers seem to face in buying discount tickets for cross border trains . It is aware that this may discourage the use of rail transport for international travel and believes that the Community must create the framework that encourages the railways to improve their services . The Commission is working actively on this matter and has proposed opening access to railway infrastructure for international passenger services which should stimulate the development of services designed for the needs of international travellers . However, this framework must allow the railways the independence of management necessary if they are to respond rapidly and fully to their customers ' needs , under the supervision of the national authorities . C 391 / 18 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Consequently , the setting of fares , including the offering of discounts , is the responsibility of the railways themselves , and of their supervisory authorities . It is up to them rather than the Commission to ensure the provision of information and the selling of tickets in ways that induce more customers to use rail for international journeys .

(') COM(96) 421 . ( 2 ) COM(95 ) 601 .

(91tc 391 /49) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0568/97 by Ulf Holm (V) to the Council (25 February 1997)

Subject: A common financial policy

EMU will involve ECB coordination of Member States monetary policies . Several economists believe that , if monetary union is to be fully operative , financial policies should also be coordinated .

Does the Council agree with them ?

Answer (14 July 1997)

The Council wishes to direct the honoured member's attention to the fact that in the third stage of EMU as regards participating Member States , the European System of Central Banks will according to Article 105 of the Treaty and the Protocol on the ESCB define and implement the monetary policy of the Community . Concerning exchange rate policy , the Council may according to Article 109 of the Treaty conclude formal agreements on an exchange-rate system in relation to non-Community currencies consistent with the objective of price stability or in the absence of such a system formulate general orientations for exchange-rate policy . These general orientations shall be without prejudice to the primary objective of the ESCB to maintain price stability .

For economic policy in general , including budgetary policies , other rules apply . Article 102a says that Member States shall conduct their economic policies with a view to contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the Community .

Article 3a(l ) of the Treaty establishing the European Community stipulates that the activities of the Member States and the Community shall include the adoption of an economic policy based on the close coordination of Member States ' economic policies .

Under the procedure provided for in Article 103 of the Treaty the Council determines the broad guidelines of the economic policies of the Member States and of the Community .

In order to ensure closer coordination of these policies and sustained convergence the Council monitors the development of economic performance in the Member States and the consistency of Member States ' policies with the broad guidelines .

In this context, in stage three of EMU , the Council will examine the stability programmes of participating Member States , and the convergence programmes of the non-participating Member States . In stage three of EMU Member States remain responsible for their national budgetary policies , subject to the provisions of the Treaty and the Stability and Growth Pact. 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 19

(97/C 391 /50) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0584/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council (25 February 1997)

Subject: Persecution of opposition leaders in Albania

At the instigation of the Albanian Government, the judicial authorities have charged the opposition leaders of the Socialist Party , Retzet Mei'dani , the Social Democratic party , Skender Ginoussi , the Democratic Alliance, Arben Imani , and other party leaders with being directly responsible for the violent incidents which followed the collapse of the country's pyramid finance schemes , of which the Albanian Government had been forewarned by the International Monetary Fund .

In view of the flawed nature of the political system in Albania which effectively has no constitution and bearing in mind Parliament's resolutions on human rights in that country and on the release of the Socialist party leader, Fatos Nano — who remains in prison despite international pressure — what practical measures will the Council take to halt this unacceptable persecution by the regime , to secure the release of Fatos Nano and re-establish a democratic constitution and all democratic freedoms in Albania?

Answer (14 July 1997)

The Council welcomes the fact that President Berisha announced a pardon for Mr Fatos Nano on 16 March 1997 following Mr Nano's release from prison along with other prisoners after the Albanian Minister of Justice had ruled that their security could no longer be guaranteed because of the anarchy sweeping the country .

The Council is of the opinion that the formation of a Government of National Reconciliation has paved the way for a return to a functioning democracy and the rule of law in Albania .

The Council is actively engaged in the efforts to help Albania to return to political stability and to prepare fresh elections in June , to restore internal security , as well as to help in providing humanitarian assistance and in working with the international financial institutions on support for wider economic reforms .

These efforts are mainly carried out through the international Advisory Mission in Albania, initiated by the Council and set up within the coordinating framework of the OSCE to advise on humanitarian , economic , political and security related issues . The civilian efforts require constant cooperation and coordination by the international entities , such as the Union , the OSCE and the Council of Europe , which play their part in their respective areas of competence .

(97/C 391/51 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0617/97 by Heinz Kindermann (PSE) to the Commission (4 March 1997)

Subject: Use of the nerve agent ivermectin in Scottish salmon farms

According to reports in the New Scientist in September 1996 the use of the nerve agent ivermectin, developed to control parasites in cattle, sheep and pigs, is becoming increasingly widespread in Scottish salmon farms . As far as I am aware , the use of this substance in fish farming was prohibited throughout the EU until September 1996 . At that stage the Scottish environmental authority SEPA decided to license ivermectin for use in fish farming . But the illegal use of ivermectin was evidently widespread already . In any event the veterinary department of the British Ministry of Agriculture has according to its own reports over the past three years detected traces of ivermectin in as much as ten per cent of salmon sold in Britain .

Experts take the view that ivermectin fed to salmon or passing into the water could also reach humans , in toxic concentrations . The possibility of damage to the human embryo , the human baby through breastmilk, and the elderly cannot be ruled out . Ivermectin is a very stable chemical , does not dissolve easily in water and accumulates with each step up the food chain in the same way as DDT , as tests with mussels have shown . C 391/20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

1 . Is the Commission familiar with these facts?

2 . In the view of the Commission , is the SEPA contravening European law by licensing ivermectin for use in fish farms?

3 . What steps have been taken or are proposed by the Commission , to stop the use of ivermectin in salmon production and protect European consumers from any possible risks to public health ?

4 . Does the Commission have information on ivermectin residues in salmon exported from the UK to other EU Member States for human consumption ?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (12 May 1997)

Further to its answer of 26 March 1997 ('), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information .

The Scottish environmental protection agency (SEPA) is responsible for granting discharge consents on the basis that what is used in fish will eventually end up in the wider aquatic environment . It does not authorise the administration of veterinary medicinal products .

A veterinary pharmaceutical product has to be authorised for marketing according to Council Directive 8 1 /85 1 /EEC laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin ( 2). One of the conditions to grant a market authorisation for administration to animals whose flesh or products are intended for human consumption is that any pharmacological active substance contained therein is listed in Annexe I , II or III of Council Regulation (EEC) 2377/90 ( 3) or that an application for the establishment of maximum residue limits accompanied by the necessary documentation has been submitted to the European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products (EMEA) before 1 January 1996 in cases where the substance was authorised in a veterinary medicinal product in a Member State before 1 January 1992 . The last mentioned exemption is only valid until 1 January 1998 or 1 January 2000 depending on the nature of the substance .

Ivermectin is listed in Annex I for cattle , sheep , pigs and horses (4). The extension to deer is pending . No application for the use in salmon or any other fish has been submitted to the EMEA .

The only legal possibility to administer a veterinary medicinal product containing ivermectin to salmon in the Community would be the very exceptional circumstances laid down in Article 4 of Council Directive 81 /851 /EEC ... Where no authorised product for a condition exists the Member States may exceptionally , in particular to avoid causing unacceptable suffering to the animal , permit the administration of another product by a veterinarian on his direct personal responsibility to an animal or to a small number of animals or a particular holding . The product used has to be either authorised in the Member State for another species or another condition , or, if the first two possibilities are not relevant , for use in human beings . If there is no authorised product available, extemporaneously a veterinary medicinal product may be prepared by a person authorised to do so under national legislation in accordance with the terms of a veterinary prescription . In all cases a very extended withdrawal time of not less than 500 degree days (i.e. 50 days at seawater temperature 10°C) has to be observed to ensure that food produced from treated animals does not contain residues harmful to consumers . A new product is likely to obtain a market authorisation in the near future and will displace this possibility .

The British veterinary medicines directorate (B VMD) tests continuously for residues testing salmon produced in its territory . According to the information communicated to the Commission , the percentage of samples considered positive for ivermectin decreased from 1 1 % in 1994 to 3.1 % in 1995 . This year no positive sample was reported .

(') OJ C 186, 18.6.1997 , p . 263 . (-) Council Directive 81 /851 /EEC on the approximation of the Member States relating to veterinary medicinal products as amended by Council Directives 90/676/EEC and 93/40/EEC - OJ L 317 , 6.1 1.81 ; OJ L 373 , 31.1290 ; OJ L 214 , 24.8.93 . (') OJ L 224 , 18.8.1990 , amended by Council Regulation (EC ) 434 , OJ L 67 , 7.3.1997 . C ) Commission Reg . 2901 /93 , OJ L 264 , 1993 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/21

(97/C 391/52) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0621/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (4 March 1997)

Subject: Failure to implement legislation on combined transport

Combined transport, to which the EU has devoted so much effort , is the form of transport that promotes the optimum use of goods vehicles . According to a report in the authoritative Greek periodical , Trochoi kai T.I.R. a confused situation has been allowed to develop in Greece through a failure to implement the recent Legislative Decree 431 /95 and through the Greek Ministry of Transport's tolerance of utility vehicles for national transport being used for combined transport with Community trailers .

The above Decree states that combined transport between Member States of the EU may be carried out by any natural or legal person who fulfills the conditions for "pursuing road haulage laid down by Presidential Decrees 57/89 and 294/91 and Regulation 881/92 (') on the international carriage of goods by road . It is expressly stipulated that the trailer must be covered during towing by the Community authorization required for the towing vehicle .

Is the Commission aware of this situation and what representations has it made or will it make to the Greek authorities to implement these provisions forthwith and impose immediate administrative and penal sanctions on anyone in breach of them?

(') OJL 95 , 9.4.1992 , p. 1 .

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997)

Legislative decree 431/95 relates to the implementation of Greek national law and this matter falls within the responsibilities of the Greek authorities .

Council Regulation (EEC) No 881 /92 of 26 March 1992 ('), which is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States concerns international carriage of goods for journeys carried out within the territory of the Community . In this regulation , international transport is defined in terms of the movement of the motor vehicle . Consequently a semi-trailer which arrives unaccompanied in Greece and is then hauled by a tractor to a destination in Greece is to be regarded as national transport in Greece . It is subject to applicable Greek rules if the tractor is registered in Greece and to Community cabotage rules (2) if the tractor is registered in another Member State . If however the semi-trailer is hauled by a tractor registered in another Member State at the time of its arrival in Greece , then it would be regarded as international transport under Regulation 881 /92 and a Community authorization is needed for the tractor .

(') OJL 95, 9.4.1992 . (2 ) Council Regulation (EEC ) No 3 1 1 8/93 of 25 October 1993 ; OJ L 279, 12 . 1 1 . 1 993 .

(97/C 391 /53 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0634/97 by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission (4 March 1997)

Subject: Community grants to the media

Can the Commission provide a list of the media which received a Community subsidy in the financial years 1995 and 1996, specifying the amount and the budget line to which it was charged? c 391 /22 FEN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

The Commission does not give subsidies to the media in the Community . However, on rare occasions and under strict conditions , the Commission may sometimes provide small amounts of seed finance for particular projects on an ad hoc basis . The list of projects receiving such finance in 1995 and 1996 is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament . All the projects listed were financed from line B3-3300 . It is the firm conviction of the Commission that such finance in the Community , for which it has the intention of establishing objective criteria , should be kept to a very strict minimum .

(97/C 391 /54) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0644/97 by Claudio Azzolini (UPE), Guido Podestà (UPE) and Antonio Tajani (UPE) to the Council (10 March 1997)

Subject: Raphael Programme

Article 128 of the EC Treaty places new emphasis on culture and refers to incentive measures in this field .

The Raphael Programme has been the subject of a number of discussion meetings , particularly the most recent tripartite meeting between the Council , the Commission and Parliament on 21 January 1997 .

Will the Council state its objective reasons for delaying the adoption of such an important programme ? Will it say , in particular, why the budget appropriation of ECU 86 million proposed by Parliament for the Raphael Programme was rejected , along with the Commission proposal which reduced the appropriation to ECU 57 mil­ lion , and why the Council 's proposal amounted to only ECU 30 million?

Will the Council also state its reasons for proposing a two-yearly programme , with a possible extension for a further two years , instead of proposing a four-year programme from the outset , given the risk that the success of the Raphael Programme could be undermined by interrupting the measures taken under it?

Answer (14 July 1997)

1 . The procedure for adopting the programme referred to by the Honourable Members is currently suspended , as the Council is awaiting the European Parliament's agreement to the convening of the Conciliation Committee , in accordance with the provisions of Article 189b(3 ) of the EC Treaty . Without such agreement, conciliation cannot take place and the procedure for adopting the programme cannot be completed .

2 . Article 1 28 of the Treaty , referred to by the Honourable Members , requires the Council to act unanimously . The result arrived at by the Council in its common position on the financing of the programme was therefore one which received unanimous approval .

3 . Bearing in mind the fact that ECU 10 million were entered in the 1996 Community budget for activities of the same type as Raphael , the Council considered that 1996 could be seen as a preparatory year for the programme .

The Council therefore opted for a four year duration for the programme , from 1 January 1997 .

The Council proposed not a biennial programme, but a four-year programme with a review clause after two years , on a proposal from the Commission , in the light of the budgetary situation and the results achieved in the first stage of the programme . Although the financial allocation adopted by the Council is ECU 30 million over four years , the Council nevertheless agreed at its meeting on 11 June 1996 to support the entry of a sum of ECU 10 million as part of the budgetary procedure for 1997 and 1998 . This means that, in accordance with the abovementioned review clause, the Commission could , after two years , make any proposals it considers appropriate in respect of the budget, without causing the programme to be interrupted . 23.12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /23

(97/C 391 /55 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0650/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: Illegal immigration via Italy Mr Tamas Kiss , a senior official at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, an intergovernmental organization based in Vienna , recently stated that ' Italy is one of the favourite countries of destination for illegals who want to get into the European Union ' (International Herald Tribune , Paris , 11 February 1997). The reporter, Celestine Bohlen , added that 'a major problem is the lack of coordination among the Italian coastal services ', of which there are at least four .

Given that this affects the whole Union , can the Commission confirm these statements and say how it will intervene to put a stop to these illegal activities ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission ( 18 April 1997)

As part of the work carried out under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union , the Commission is kept regularly informed of the position regarding clandestine immigration into the Member States . In this respect , although the geographical position of some Member States such as Italy can of course make them more susceptible to clandestine immigration , it is in fact a phenomenon affecting all Member States . The work of combating illegal immigration relies mainly on control at the external borders . Differences of views between certain Member States have as yet prevented the text of the draft convention on external frontiers (') from being adopted . It must be said however that , even if the Convention were in force , the organization and coordination of the departments responsible for immigration control would continue to be a matter for the internal authorities of the Member States and , therefore , in the case in point, the relevant Italian authorities . Moreover, since 1996 , the Commission has been implementing Community-funded programmes to promote cooperation between the administrative bodies of the Member States , thanks to which training is being developed and immigration officials in the Member States are becoming more acquainted with the methods and procedures followed by their counterparts in other Member States , resulting in an enhancement of the national departments ' ability to deal with the problems raised by the Honourable Member .

(') Commission proposal for a decision , based on Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union , establishing the Convention on control of persons crossing the external frontiers of the MemberStates (OJ C 11 , 15.1.1994).

(97/C 391 /56) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0653/97 by Felipe Camison Asensio (PPE) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: Health and mobile telephones What facts have prompted the Commission to draw up a plan with a view to intensifying research into the ways in which health may be affected by mobile telephones?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997)

There has been public debate about the possible health effects of using mobile phones . From time to time , this debate is fed by media attention , in particular in the United States of America but increasingly in Europe as well , and by the publication of results of research work which is often fragmented . The green paper on a common approach in the field of mobile and personal telecommunications (') therefore proposed further research into the possible health effects related to the use of mobile phones . This need for further research was confirmed during the consultation on the green paper . C 391/24 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Hence , the Commission decided on 5 October 1995 to request a multi-disciplinary group of independent experts to investigate whether the use of mobile phones may cause any health risk and to make any appropriate proposals for further research in this area. In September 1996 , the group reported that the available studies and existing literature give no evidence of any increased health risk . However, the group also concluded that data are sparse and insufficient to draw firm conclusions and confirmed that further research is necessary in particular into the a-thermal effects . The group recommended a framework for a research programme that would run over five years .

The Commission is currently considering details of a future research programme in this field .

(') COM(94) 145 .

(97/C 391 /57) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0661/97 by Ludivina Garcia Arias (PSE) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: Taxes on business companies

Can the Commission tell me what the situation is in each Member State with regard to taxes on business companies , specifying the regional situation where appropriate ?

Can the Commission tell me if the European Union's scheme of regional incentives, whose objective is to achieve more balanced regional development and to attract fresh undertakings coincides with , approximates to or is very different from the most and least favourable situations for companies as far as company tax is concerned?

Can the Commission forward to myself and the European Parliament the appropriate statistical reports on the geographical distribution of company taxes , regional incentives and Community regional aids ?

Does the Commission believe that these subjects should be included in our thinking on tax harmonization in the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (4 June 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the sixteenth edition of the Inventory of Taxes published by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities , which gives a brief description of corporation tax legislation in each Member State . The Inventory of Taxes is the only official document published by the Commission on this subject.

The Community grants which firms established in assisted areas may receive are subject to the tax arrangements applicable in the relevant region . The aid may not in any event exceed the aid intensity ceilings authorized by the Commission for competition policy purposes . The ceilings are set in terms of net grant equivalent so as to take account of differences between Member States and regions as regards tax arrangements applicable to such aid .

The Commission does not have any statistical tables on corporation tax or on Community regional incentives or aid .

The effects of tax incentives or aid on competition between Member States is currently being discussed by the taxation policy group set up following the Commission's report of 22 October 1996 on the development of tax systems ('). The aim is to bring about some coordination so as to restrict the harmful effects of tax competition on tax structures .

(') COM(96) 546 final . 23 . 12 . 97 PEN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /25

(97/C 391/58) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0684/97 by Friedhelm Frischenschlager (ELDR) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: Application of the codecision procedure to the common agricultural policy

Part A of the final report of the Temporary Committee of Inquiry on alleged contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Community law in relation to BSE , which was adopted by the European Parliament , by a very large majority , on Wednesday , 19 February 1997 during its February part-session in Strasbourg , makes provision in the section entitled 'Recommendations ' for the Commission , together with the European Parliament , to call at the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC ) for the codecision procedure to be applied to agricultural policy matters .

As part of the critical scrutiny of the Commission's implementation of the measures recommended by the European Parliament, I have the following questions for Commissioner Fischler (DG VI), who has political responsibility for the common agricultural policy :

Will the Commission follow the above recommendation made by the European Parliament?

If not, why not?

If so , what practical steps has the Commission taken so far to ensure that this recommendation is implemented?

In the Commission's view , what are the ten most important questions arising in connection with this matter?

What are the elements making up the Commission proposal ?

In what way will the Commission work together with the European Parliament to implement this recommen­ dation ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (12 May 1997)

In so far as the Honourable Member refers to point 3.5 of Parliament's recommendations in its report on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the Commission would point out that it has proposed to the intergovern­ mental conference that the codecision procedure should in general be extended to all the Community's legislative activity . It has suggested defining legislative areas on the basis of objective criteria set out in its report on the scope of the codecision procedure which was presented to the conference (')•

With regard more particularly to the common agricultural policy , the Commission has proposed that the codecision procedure be applied to a number of areas to be explicitly referred to in the Treaty which concern the conception and orientation of the common agricultural policy .

As indicated in the above-mentioned Commission report, this would in practice involve : — certain aspects of the common market organizations referred to in Article 40(3 ) of the EC Treaty . A specific procedural solution should be found with Parliament in instruments adopted by codecision procedure in cases were there is an urgent need for the Council to amend an act ; — application of the competition rules to production of agricultural products and trade in these products ; — the setting up of one or more agricultural guidance and guarantee funds provided for in Article 40(4) of the EC treaty ; — common rules on public health , animal and plant health , animal welfare , feedingstuffs and seeds ; — structural policy in agriculture and fisheries ; — policy on product quality .

The Commission will continue to endeavour to convince the Member States within the conference to adopt its proposal, which concurs with that of Parliament , that all legislative acts should be adopted by the codecision procedure . Within the conference it has always , and again recently, been unequivocally in favour of generalizing the codecision procedure to apply to all legislation . C 391 /26 Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

With regard more particularly to health protection in agriculture , the Commission proposed in its report to the conference that the Community should be given real powers to harmonize rules pertaining to human health at Community level , particularly in the areas of animal and plant health , and to do so using the codecision procedure .

Under the current EC Treaty , the Commission has undertaken to give priority to recourse to Article 100a for proposals whose main object is human or animal health in the veterinary and plant health sectors . In accordance with the undertakings to Parliament, the first amendments to replace the legal basis initially proposed by Article 100a have meanwhile been submitted to the Council .

(') Commission Report under Article 189b of the EC Treaty on the scope of the codecision procedure ( SEC (96) 1225).

(97/C 391 /59) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0685/97 by Friedhelm Frischenschlager (ELDR) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: Amending the EC Treaty at the IGC to enable a motion of censure to be tabled against individual Members of the Commission

Part A of the final report of the Temporary Committee of Inquiry on alleged contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Community law in relation to BSE , which was adopted by the European Parliament, by a very large majority , on Wednesday , 19 February 1997 during its February part-session in Strasbourg, makes provision in the section entitled 'Recommendations ' for the Commission to submit proposals to the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) for an amendment to the Treaty enabling a motion of censure to be tabled against individual Members of the Commission .

As part of the critical scrutiny of the Commission's implementation of the measures recommended by the European Parliament, I have the following questions for President Santer , President of the Commission :

Will the Commission follow the above recommendation made by the European Parliament?

If not , why not?

If so , what practical steps has the Commission taken so far to ensure that this recommendation is implemented?

What are the elements making up the Commission proposal ?

In the Commission's view , what are the ten most important questions arising in connection with this matter?

In what way will the Commission work together with the European Parliament to implement this recommen­ dation ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (23 May 1997)

This question basically covers the same ground as the Honourable Member's written question No . 684/97 (')•

As regards the recommendation that it should be possible for motions of censure to be tabled against individual Members of the Commission , the Commission clearly set out its position in a communication on its composition , organization and operation adopted on 5 March 1997 . A copy of this has been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat-General .

The Commission would stress that it is and must remain collectively answerable to the European Parliament . Motions of censure against individual Commission Members should not be entertained , since they would undermine the Commission's status as a collegiate body .

(') See page 25 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /27

(97/C 391 /60) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0839/97 by Pedro Marset Campos (GUE/NGL), Laura González Alvarez (GUE/NGL) and María Sornosa Martinez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Alarming fall in the level of the water table in Murcia, Spain In recent years, various buildings and monuments in the central part of Murcia have developed cracks and residents in the area fear that this will cause them to collapse . A total of 5000 people in the city live in buildings which have been damaged by this natural phenomenon .

A number of studies have been carried out and the results thereof confirm that the fall in the level of the water in the subsoil is creating serious problems affecting the foundations of the buildings . This fall is essentially due to a rainfall shortage in recent years , a shortage which is part of the structural drought which has affected the Murcia region and, indeed, the whole of southern Spain over the last ten years .

In view of the fact that Murcia is the only city in the world to be affected by a fall in the level of the water table , could the Commission answer the following questions ? 1 . Is the Commission aware of the situation? 2 . What action is it planning to take with a view to having a comprehensive study of the situation carried out in order to establish appropriate legislation applicable to this particular case? 3 . Does it not consider there to be an urgent need for a set of measures to be adopted by local and regional authorities in order to help the people affected by this phenomenon ? 4 . What action has it taken in order to protect groundwater following the Council resolution of 20 February 1995 on the protection of groundwater? 5 . To what extent can the Interreg II C draft Community initiative for the Murcia region , which has recently been submitted by Spain , help to relieve the problem ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

The Commission has not received any information about the falling groundwater table in Mucia from the Spanish Government and has not been made aware of this question through other sources . No Community legislation aims at dealing with natural phenomena such the one referred to by the Honourable Members . The Spanish Government sent the Commission the draft operational programme entitled 'Regional planning and the fight against drought' Interreg II C (Objective 1 ) 1997/ 1999 on 6 February 1997 . The draft directly addresses the Honourable Members ' concerns since it recognizes the 'growing overexploitation of numerous , in particular subterranean , water ressources in a large number of hydrological basins ' in Spain .

This is why it considers , among other provisions , a set of specific measures to ' evaluate , manage and monitor the overused watertables '. These measures are currently being drafted and will shortly be spelt out. They involve , on a priority basis and using the most suitable means , the protection and conservation of existing aquifers , and hence making better use of water resources (particularly for irrigation which accounts for 80% of consumption) and the modernisation of distribution networks and their management in order to avoid excessive losses (out of every 100 m3 used, only 47 m3 reaches its destination in irrigated areas).

These measures may also demand more selectiveness in the use of new techniques , particularly desalination , which should preferably be carried out using seawater and not water from the saline aquifers .

(97/C 391 /61 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0903/97 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission (5 March 1997)

Subject: Environmental and health impact of animal waste What action is the Commission taking to assess the potential environmental and health impact of the incineration and landfill of animal waste ? C 391/28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Is the Commission funding any research into this issue?

What action is the Commission taking to coordinate the research efforts in the Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (11 April 1997)

Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (environmental impact assessment (EIA) Directive (')) provides for a mandatory environmental assessment of activities listed in its annex I. Waste-disposal installations for the incineration , chemical treatment or land fill of toxic and dangerous wastes are part of annex I and must, as a consequence , be the subject of an EIA in every case . Directive 97/ 1 1 /EC (2), amending Directive 85/337/EEC extends the mandatory EIA activities of annex I considerably and provides additionally to the existing Directive for an EIA of waste disposal installations for the incineration or chemical treatment of non-hazardous waste with a capacity exceeding 100 tonnes per day .

Under Article 4 of Directive 75/442/EEC (3 ), as amended by Directive 91 / 156/EEC (4), on waste , Member States have to take the necessary measures to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment, and in particular without risk to water, air, soil and plants and animals ; without causing nuisance through noise or odours ; and without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest .

The law applicable to animal waste containing pathogens is Directive 90/667/EEC ( 5 ) laying down the veterinary rules for the disposal and processing of animal waste , for its placing on the market and for the prevention of pathogens in foodstuffs of animal or fish origin and amending Directive 90/425/EEC (6).

As far as research in this field is concerned , some related projects have been funded within the framework of the agriculture and agro-industry programme (AIR) programme and the ongoing specific programme for research , technological and development and demonstration in the field of agriculture (FAIR) programme . These research projects deal with treatment of farm slurries and and agro-industrial wastes to reduce the environmental impact and improve the valorisation of such wastes .

0 OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 . 0 OJL 73 , 14.3.1997 . 0 OJ L 194, 25.7.1975 . 0 OJL 78 , 26.3.1991 . 0 OJL 363 , 27.12.1990. 0 OJ L 224, 18.8.1990 .-

(97/C 391/62) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0909/97 by Wilfried Telkamper (V) to the Council (11 March 1997)

Subject: Worsening human rights violations in Mexico

In the run-up to the mid- 1997 elections in Mexico , in which the ruling PRI is threatened with heavy losses , a disturbing upsurge is being recorded in grave violations of democratic principles and human rights, in particular the right of freedom of expression and trade-union rights , that poses a threat to society at every level .

— Journalists who file reports on government corruption , the complicity of government departments in drug-dealing or even on simple social injustices , have been threatened , persecuted , beaten up , tortured , abducted , and even shot . An recent extreme case is the murder ofjournalist Yolanda Figuerra, her husband F. Balderas and their children early in December (see Observer for 8 . 12 . 1996). As testimony to numerous other cases , I enclose the letter from Human Rights Watch to President Zedillo of 14.11.1996 .

— Human Rights Watch has also established that the government tacitly , and indeed overtly , supports acts of violence by PRI groups , and fails to prosecute acts of terrorism against its critics . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /29

— Lawful social movements are being suppressed and threatened, and workers ' rights continuously violated under the corporatist political system , which seeks all the more ruthlessly to prevent independent trade unions from being formed .

— Human-rights defenders have received death threats , in particular the acknowledged PRODH Centre . 1 . Is the Council informed of these developments and has it consulted on this situation (e.g. in the context of CFSP)?

2 . Has the Council made representations to Mexico on the basis of the appropriate preamble to the existing Convention with Mexico and the Paris Solemn Declaration ?

3 . Is the Council prepared in these circumstances to issue a binding declaration stipulating that in any new Convention with Mexico , the human rights clause , as provided for by the Council for all conventions , will be an essential requirement?

Answer (14 July 1997)

The Council was unaware of the incidents raised by the Honourable Member and has therefore not had an opportunity to discuss them .

In its mandate to the Commission to negotiate a new agreement with Mexico , the Council included a clause on human rights . In that clause, respect for human rights is considered an essential element of the future agreement . In this respect the draft agreement with Mexico is being treated in the same way as all new agreements concluded with third countries .

(97/C 391 /63) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0911/97 by Willi Rothley (PSE) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: EU aid to Rhineland Palatinate in 1996

What were the amounts of appropriations from the European Union allocated to Rhineland Palatinate in 1996 under the mechanisms listed below?

1 . European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);

2 . European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) — Guidance Section ;

3 . European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) — Guarantee Section ;

4 . European Social Fund (ESF);

5 . European Community research programmes ;

6 . European Community environment programmes ;

7 . Other European Community programmes .

Supplementary answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (15 July 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. C 391/30 f EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391/64) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0913/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: Research into BSE

What stage has been reached by research into BSE ? Have investigations been carried out into the possible use of meat meal (which was used for cattle breeding) for the breeding of animals other than cattle or in fish farms (salmon , etc.) in Europe and have any initial findings or analyses been forthcoming concerning the consequences of this ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 May 1997)

Details of the research programme carried out by the Community have already been submitted to the temporary committee of inquiry . A further call for proposals under the FAIR programme was published on 17 December 1996 with a deadline of 14 February 1997 . Twenty three proposals for projects were received and these are currently under evaluation .

Concerning the use of meat and bone meal for animal feeding , tests carried out in the United Kingdom have demonstrated that the other food species , notably pigs and poultry, are not susceptible to oral exposure to high concentrations of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent . Sheep , on the other hand , have developed disease in similar experiments and infective material has been recovered from their tissues . The Commission is not aware of any similar experiments on fish . Recent publications have indicated that some fish species do have the normal prion protein , as is found in the mammalian and avian species . Abnormal prion protein , which is associated with this diseases , has not been found in fish . It is therefore reasonable to expect that fish could be susceptible but there is no evidence to date that they develop disease . One project submitted under the FAIR programme is aimed at investigating the susceptibility of fish to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).

In the absence of definitive data, the Commission has taken the view that a high level of protection is necessary for all species which may enter the human food chain . Consequently , it has adopted Decision 94/382/EC of 27 June 1994 which requires minimum parameters for the processing of animal waste , and came into force on 1 January 1995 (')• This has been reviewed in the light of more recent evidence , and even more stringent parameters were applied as from 1 April 1997 (2). Furthermore , based on the advice of the scientific veterinary committee , the Commission has also proposed the removal of specified risk materials from animal feed throughout the Community . However, this proposal was rejected by a simple majority in Council on 17 December 1996 . The Commission is , at present , reflecting on the necessary follow-up to this matter .

(') OJ L 172, 7.7.1994 . ( 2 ) Decision 96/449/EC - OJ L 184, 24.7.1996 .

(97/C 391 /65) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0921/97 by Ian White (PSE) to the Council (11 March 1997)

Subject: Procedure for urgent consideration of legislation in the Council

In its reply to Question E-2153/96 ('), the Council pointed out that it cannot take a decision at first reading until it has obtained the opinion of the European Parliament (and that this justified the fact that Parliament, in its rules , allows Council to request urgency from Parliament).

As it is similarly the case that Parliament cannot take a decision in its second reading until Council has completed its first reading , should there not be a similar provision allowing Parliament to request urgency from Council?

(') OJ C 72 , 7.3.1997 , p . 16 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /31

Answer (14 July 1997) The purpose of the European Parliament's second reading is to give it the opportunity to state its views on the common position adopted by the Council . The EC Treaty imposes a time limit on Parliament for doing this , which does not begin to run until the Council has forwarded its position to it . On the other hand , the Treaty lays down no time limits concerning first reading by the two Institutions . However, as stated in reply to Question No E-2 153/96 , there is nothing to prevent the European Parliament, when delivering its Opinion, from calling upon the Council to take a decision or adopt its common position swiftly .

(97/C 391 /66) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0963/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (13 March 1997) Subject: Outside consultants engaged by the Italian Ministry of Public Administration and European competition legislation In Decision No 4/97 by its Inspection Unit (rapporteur : Pietro De Franciscis , chairman : Riccardo Buonadonna), the Italian Court of Auditors declared that 13 decrees issued in 1994 by the Directorate-General for Local and Regional Coordination in the Ministry of Public Works did not comply with the law . These decrees provided for contracts with outside consultants engaged by the Italian Ministry of Public Administration at a total cost of LIT 7 billion .

The Court of Auditors stated that a call for tenders from outside consultants must be issued by the Ministry for Public Administration even if the nature of the consultancy was ' intellectual'. Furthermore , these calls for tenders must, in the opinion of the Italian Court of Auditors , comply with European legislation on the award of contracts, specifically Directive 92/50/EEC ('). This decision is all the more interesting in view of the fact that, apart from the above-mentioned decrees by the Ministry of Public Works , many Public Administration agencies in Italy fail to respect European legislation on outside consultants . For example, the Rome City and Provincial Councils have frequently received questions from various local and provincial councillors concerning alleged irregularities in awarding consultancy contracts .

Can the Commission state whether it is aware of any irregularities committed by the City and the Province of Rome in awarding contracts for outside consultants ? Does the Commission not agree that the above-mentioned decision by the Italian Court of Auditors also relates directly to the consultancy contract for the privatization of the City of Rome's local energy and environment agency, which has already been the subject of two previous questions by this author? Finally , can the Commission say whether it has initiated infringement proceedings against Italy in connection with the Ministry of Public Administration's failure to comply with the legislation governing public contracts ?

(') OJ L 209 , 24.7.1992 , p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1997)

The information it has at present does not indicate to the Commission that the City and Province of Rome have committed any infringements of the Community public procurement Directives in awarding outside consultancy contracts .

The Italian Court of Auditors ' decision mentioned by the Honourable Member may certainly refer to the contract for assistance and consultancy services in introducing measures to restructure , convert and possibly upgrade the City of Rome's local energy and environment agency (ACEA), including via privatization, in so far as consultancy services are included among the services listed in Annex I.A to Council Directive 92/50/EEC of 18 June 1992 relating to the coordination of procedures for the award of public service contracts . (') Under Article 8 , contracts which have as their object such services must be awarded in accordance with the provisions of Titles III to VI . C 391 /32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

the estimated value of which , net of VAT , is not less than ECU 200 000 . In the case of the above-mentioned contract, the Commission has no reason to believe that its value reaches the threshold that triggers application of Directive 92/50/EEC . In this connection , the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the answer to his own Written Question P-1071/97 (').

As regards the Honourable Member's last question , the Commission , in carrying out the institutional tasks laid down by Article 155 of the EC Treaty, monitors the transposal and application by the Member States of Community rules on public procurement . It would draw the Honourable Member's attention to the General Report on the Activities of the European Union and the annual report on the application of Community law . Among the infringement proceedings initiated against Italy in this area, the Commission recently decided to send reasoned opinions in four of them and has referred matters to the Court of Justice in one of them .

(') OJ L 209, 24.7.1992 . (2 ) OJ C 373 , 9.12.1997 , p . 60 .

(97/C 391/67) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0972/97 by Leen van der Waal (I-EDN) to the Commission (13 March 1997)

Subject: New vaccine against swine fever

NRC Handelsblad reported on 15 February 1997 that the institute for animal husbandry and animal health (ID-DLO) at Lelystad had developed a marker vaccine against swine fever. Bayer and the ID-DLO anticipate that the registration file will be submitted before the end of this year to the European body responsible for the registration of veterinary drugs .

1 . Does the Commission share my view that the use of marker vaccines can largely eliminate the objections to vaccination in relation to international trade , as vaccinated animals can easily be distinguished from animals infected with swine fever?

2 . Does it share the view that in areas with large pig populations marker vaccines can play a useful role in combatting swine fever, to supplement other necessary measures such as a complete registration system and the achievement of closed holdings or areas as far as possible?

3 . If so , is it willing to fund research into the desired efforts to prevent and combat the disease in such areas and the possible role of marker vaccines?

4 . Is the Commission willing to give priority to dealing with the registration application for a marker vaccine which Bayer is to submit shortly ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 May 1997)

1 . When considering the use of a marker vaccine or a conventional vaccine against classical swine fever, it must be taken into account that the so-called carrier sow syndrome is of special importance in relation to the control and eradication of this disease . When pregnant sows are exposed to strains of low or moderate virulence , the infection may initially go unnoticed but the virus can be transmitted to the foetuses in the uterus . Depending on the stage of pregnancy and the virulence of the virus strain , the sow may later abort or produce mummified piglets , weak piglets or piglets which appear to be born healthy . Large amounts of virus may be disseminated at farrowing . The apparently healthy piglets , from an epidemiological point of view , can be the most insidious of all . These piglets may shed large quantities of virus for months without showing signs of disease or developing an immune response . Vaccination of carrier sows has in the past not been able to prevent the birth of piglets carrying the virus . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/33

When applying vaccination, it must furthermore be kept in mind that the immune response, being a biological process, never confers absolute protection under field conditions nor is it equal in all pigs in a vaccinated population . The immune response tends to follow a distribution whereby the response in most pigs will be average , in a few will be excellent and in a small proportion will be poor. Those with a poor response may not be protected by an effective vaccine .

The biological aspects of vaccination described above appear to be the same and independent of the use of a marker vaccine or a conventional vaccine . This means the reservations on the use of vaccination can most likely not be eliminated by using a marker vaccine . The development of a marker vaccine , defined as a vaccine that can elicit a protective immunity distinguishable from the immune response elicited by the natural infection with the wild type virus , can overcome the problem relating to the difficulties existing at present in interpretation of seropositive reactions in animals which have an unknown vaccination status . This sole but unique characteristic , however, will not be able to eliminate a number of the disadvantages connected with the use of vaccines in the eradication of classical swine fever.

2 . The legislation proposed in 1991 by the Commission and adopted by the Council on Community measures for the control of classical swine fever took into account that vaccination might be required in an emergency situation . In Article 14 of Council Directive 80/217/EEC (') the conditions for use of vaccines are described in detail . The provisions of Directive 80/217/EEC have since 1980 been amended eight times to reflect progress in laboratory diagnostic techniques and other developments important for the control of classical swine fever in domestic pigs and wild boar. At present there are still open questions concerning the ultimate efficiency and safety of marker vaccines being developed and not yet registered . When further information is available on these topics it will be taken into account when an up-date of the legislation is carried .

3 . The Community has several programmes concerning funding of research and technological development. In the event a research project on the development and use of a marker vaccine or on the control of infectious diseases in densely populated livestock areas is received for funding within these established programmes, the project in question will be evaluated in accordance with the normal procedures . The Commission has in the past provided financial contribution for research projects , which deal with development or improvement of a vaccine to control a disease for which the Community legislation does not foresee use of vaccination or emergency vaccination only .

4 . There is no provision in the current rules for a fast-track procedure to deal with applications for Community authorization of veterinary medicinal products . However, it should be pointed out that the procedure normally only takes a relatively short time (roughly 10 months) and that the time required for scientific evaluation can be reduced still further if the monograph submitted by the firm is of high scientific quality .

(') OJ L 47 , 21.2.1980 .

(97/C 391 /68) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1008/97 by Pierre Bernard-Reymond (PPE) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Origin of feed products for farmed fish

Could the Commission state whether it is true that, as of 20 February 1997 , there were no regulations in place to prevent farmed fish intended for consumption from being fed meat and bone meal of the same kind as those whose use as cattle feed resulted in the grievous problem of BSE ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is thought to have originated from the feeding of meat and bone meal of cattle or sheep origin which had not been processed sufficiently to inactivate the agent of the disease , starting probably in the early 1980s .

There is no evidence that fish are susceptible to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies . However, this cannot be ruled out at present . In the absence of definitive data, the Commission has taken the view that a high C 391 /34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

level of protection is necessary for all species which may enter the human food chain . Consequently , it has adopted Decision 94/382/EC of 27 June which requires minimum parameters for the processing of meat and bone meal , which came into force on 1 January 1995 (')• This has been reviewed in the light of more recent evidence , and even more stringent parameters were applied as from 1 April 1997 (2). Furthermore , based on the advice of the scientific veterinary committee , the Commission has also proposed a ban on the use of specified risk materials from animal feed throughout the Community . However, this proposal was rejected by a simple majority in Council on 17 December 1996 . The Commission is , at present , reflecting on the necessary follow-up to this matter .

The Commission can therefore state that measures have been taken since 1995 to protect all food species , and that these measures have been progressively tightened in the light of new knowledge . On the date mentioned by the Honourable Member, the controls on processing had improved considerably compared with the situation in the early 1980s which is thought to have given rise to the BSE problem .

(') OJ L 172, 7.7.1994 . (2) Decision 96/449/EC - OJ L 184 , 24.7.1996 .

(97/C 391 /69) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1020/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: EU research funding for cloning experiments

1 . (a) Has the Roshin Institute in Edinburgh received research funding from the European Union ? (b) If so , how much ?

2 . (a) Has EU funding been utilized directly or indirectly to finance cloning experiments with sheep cells by this institute? (b) How much EU funding has been utilized directly and indirectly ?

3 . (a) Have any EU funds been used directly and indirectly for cloning experiments with sheep? (b) Which institutes receive such funding? (c) How much EU funding has each institute received?

Answer (14 July 1997)

It is for the Commission to provide an answer to this Question , in view of the Commission's competence to implement and monitor Community research programmes .

(97/C 391 /70) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1022/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: Health hazards arising from genetically engineered foods

A study of the absorption of food-derived DNA in the gastro-intestinal tract of mammals has been published by W.Doerfler and R.Schubbert (W.Doerfler/R.Schubbert : Medicinal-genetic implications . Absorption of foreign DNA via the gastro-intestinal tract . In Deutsches Arzteblatt — Arztliche Mitteilungen No 25/26 Cologne 1994). Doerfler and Schubbert conclude, in contrast to prevailing scientific opinion , that food-derived DNA in the gastro-intestinal tract is not completely destroyed by the digestion process but that DNA fragments of up to a 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /35

quarter of the size of the original DNA — i.e. functioning genetic sequences — reach the gastro-intestinal tract . This DNA can be absorbed and recombined by microorganisms and pathogens . This exogenous DNA was also found in blood cells and could also be absorbed by receptors of muscular cells .

1 . What is the Council's assessment of the risk that proteins of body cells and microorganisms coded on the exogenous DNA may be translated in the human body ?

2. Does the Council agree that, as a result, antiobiotic resistances , which in many transgenic plants are present as marker genes , must be reevaluated?

3 . What is the Council's reaction to the fact that antibiotic resistances could therefore enter pathogens in the human body?

4. Should the market authorization for genetically modified maize produced by Novartis (previously Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz), which contains a resistance against amplicilin , not be reviewed and possibly withdrawn as a result of these new scientific findings ?

5 . Does the Council agree that, at the very least, antibiotic resistance genes should be avoided in transgenic plants?

6 . Is the Council prepared to take account of these new scientific findings when deciding whether to grant future market authorizations for genetically modified and produced foods ?

7 . Does the Council agree that the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries as a result of new scientific findings constitutes , by its very nature , a general hazard , in view of the constant risk of a synthesis of allergenic substances following recombination ?

Answer (14 July 1997)

The Council is not aware of the study referred to by the Honourable Member and as a result can neither comment on it nor draw conclusions from it .

It would also remind the Honourable Member that, before genetically modified foodstuffs are placed on the market, a number of scientific checks have to be made at both the national and Comhiunity stages in the assessment of applications for their placing on the market .

Furthermore , Article 16 of Directive 90/220/EEC makes it possible inter alia for consent already given to the placing of a product on the market to be reviewed where a Member State has objective reasons to consider that a duly authorized product presents a risk to human health or the environment.

(97/C 391 /71 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1023/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Health hazards arising from genetically engineered foods

A study of the absorption of food-derived DNA in the gastro-intestinal tract of mammals has been published by W.Doerfler and R.Schubbert (W.Doerfler/R.Schubbert : Medicinal-genetic implications . Absorption of foreign DNA via the gastro-intestinal tract . In Deutsches Arzteblatt — Arztliche Mitteilungen No 25/26 Cologne 1994). Doerfler and Schubbert conclude, in contrast to prevailing scientific opinion , that food-derived DNA in the gastro-intestinal tract is not completely destroyed by the digestion process but that DNA fragments of up to a quarter of the size of the original DNA — i.e. functioning genetic sequences — reach the gastro-intestinal tract . This DNA can be absorbed and recombined by microorganisms and pathogens . This exogenous DNA was also found in blood cells and could also be absorbed by receptors of muscular cells .

1 . What is the Commission's assessment of the risk that proteins of body cells and microorganisms coded on the exogenous DNA may be translated in the human body? C 391 /36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

2 . Does the Commission agree that, as a result, antibiotic resistances , which in many transgenic plants are present as marker genes, must be reevaluated?

3 . What is the Commission ' s reaction to the fact that antiobiotic resistances could therefore enter pathogens in the human body ?

4 . Should the market authorization for genetically modified maize produced by Novartis (previously Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz), which contains a resistance against amplicilin , not be reviewed and possibly withdrawn as a result of these new scientific findings?

5 . Does the Commission agree that, at the very least, antibiotic resistance genes should be avoided in transgenic plants?

6 . Is the Commission prepared to take account of these new scientific findings when deciding whether to grant future market authorizations for genetically modified and produced foods ?

7 . Does the Commission agree that the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries as a result of new scientific findings constitutes , by its very nature , a general hazard , in view of the constant risk of a synthesis of allergenic substances following recombination ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1997)

1.-3 . The Commission draws the Honourable Member's attention to the opinion of the three scientific committees consulted in the context of the Ciba-Geigy maize dossier which will be published in the forthcoming weeks . The scientific committee for animal nutrition concluded 'that the probability of the transfer of a functional bla-gene construct from genetically modified maize into bacteria is virtually zero , and that if the virtually impossible event occured , it would have no clinical significance.' The scientific committee for food stated that 'the probability for transfer of plant DNA to bacteria is small , as is the chance for the transformed DNA to become functional in the bacteria . Even if the unlikely sequence of events were to take place , it would have no detectable additional effects as the bla-gene is already widely spread in nature including human and animal gastrointestinal tracts'.

4 . In the same opinion , the scientific committee for food (SCF) drew the conclusions that ' no nutritional concerns are associated with the use of this transgenic maize', that 'no human toxicological concerns arise regarding the inserted traits ' and ' that it is unlikely that the genetic changes introduce any new potential for allergenicity'. The scientific committee for animal nutrition agree with the conclusion of the SCF that 'there is no evidence indicating that the use in animal feeding of the genetically modified maize will give rise to any adverse effect on animal health'.

Recently the marketing of Ciba-Geigy maize has been prohibited in Austria invoking Article 16 of Directive 90/220/EEC ('). The additional arguments given by the Austrian competent authority referring among other things to the recent publication of Schubbert , Renz , Schmitz and Doerfler (Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . USA 94 , 961-966 , 1997 ) have been evaluated by the SCF . The SCF noted that none of the conclusions of SCF concerning the toxicity , nutritional value , allergenicity and secondary changes were affected by the Austrian arguments . The Commission is currently waiting for the other two scientific committees consulted to issue their opinions .

5 ., 6 . In this regard , the Commission draws the Honourable Member's attention to the opinion of the scientific committee for animal nutrition which declared : 'Although the presence of antibiotic markers does not necessarily imply a risk to animal or human health or the environment, this has to be evaluated on a case by case base , as it was done with Ciba Geigy maize.' The SCF concluded : 'The Committee was conscious of the general question of the use of genes coding for antibiotic resistance in marker gene constructs in the development of novel foods and proposes to scrutinise the future needs and application of marker genes'.

7 . As far as the synthesis of allergenic substances following recombination is concerned , the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries does not constitute by its very nature a general risk . This must be evaluated case-by-case . There exist experimental methods to analyse new proteins for their allergenic potential . A recent report of the International food biotechnology council (IFBC ) and the ILSI allergy and immunology institute (All), entitled Allergenicity of foods produced by genetic modifications and published as a special supplement to Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (Vol . 36 , 1996) is devoted to the assessment of foods derived from biotechnology .

(') OJ L 117 , 8.5.1990 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /37

(97/C 391/72) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1025/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Health testing of genetically produced or modified foods

The European Parliament and Council regulation on novel foods and novel food ingredients provides for health testing of genetically modified or produced foods .

1 . (a) What criteria are envisaged for such health testing? (b) What testing methods are available ?

2 . (a) How is a genetically modified or produced food tested for allergenic effects ? (b) What testing methods are available for this purpose? (c) What is the Commission ' s response to the fact that the US Food and Drug Administration claims that no testing methods are currently available for assessing the allergenic effects of genetically modified or produced foods ?

3 . Does the Commission agree that this state of affairs in effect makes consumers guinea-pigs ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (9 June 1997)

To resolve the scientific questions arising during the assessment of novel foods (NF) and novel food ingredients (NFI), the Commission has asked the scientific committee for food (SCF), pursuant to Article 4(4) of European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 258/97 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients ('), for an opinion on the scientific aspects of the information necessary for the approval of applications for the placing of NF and NFI on the market .

This opinion has existed in the form of recommendations since January 1997 and is currently being published by the Office for official publications , which publishes reports by the SCF. The recommendations contain , along with general explanatory notes , detailed plans for the testing of all the groups of NF cited in Regulation (EC) No 258/97 , including those produced by genetic engineering .

In the light of these recommendations , the Honourable Member's questions can be specifically answered as follows :

1 (a) In order to evaluate the safety of novel foods , the scientific committee for food identified the following elements : — specification of the NF ; — the effects of the production process used for the NF ; — previous experience with the organism used as a source for the new NF ; — the effects of gene modification on the properties of the host organism ; — the genetic stability of the genetically modified organism (GMO) used as the source of the NF ; — specificity of the expression of the novel genetic material ; — the transfer of genetic material from GMOs ; — ability of the genetically modified microorganisms to survive in the human intestine and to colonize it ; — expected consumption or degree of use of NF ; — information regarding previous exposure of man to the NF or its source ; — nutritional information about the NF ; — microbiological information about the NF ; — toxicological information about the NF. c 391/38 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

1 (b) To obtain toxicological information to assess NF or NFI , different testing methods are available . These include in vitro and in vivo mutagenicity studies, reproduction and teratogenicity studies , as well as long term feeding studies , following a tiered approach on a case-by-case basis . In the case of novel foods or isolated novel food components , which differ by identifiable characteristics from traditional foods , it is possible to restrict testing to only those characteristics rather than the whole NF . Defined chemical substances can be tested by methods described in the SCF report No 10 . This includes mutagenicity studies and an appropriate feeding study in a rodent species . Toxicological endpoints that may be analysed could include metabolism , toxicokinetics , chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity , reproductive function , teratogenicity , and possibly neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity .

2 (a) and (b) As a general principle of assessment, the immunological reactivity of individuals who react to a traditional food counterpart or a novel protein expressed by genes derived from a source known to be associated with food allergy inserted into the novel food , should be tested by appropriate in vitro and in vivo tests . If the novel protein is expressed by genes derived from a source known to be associated with food allergy , sera of people with confirmed allergies to that source can be subjected to specific immunological tests , e.g. Western Blotting or radioallergosorbent test (RAST). If in vitro tests are negative , in vivo skin prick tests or clinically supervised double blind placebo controlled challenges on volunteers may be performed .

A number of factors can serve as indicators of the potential allergenicity of novel proteins , such as sequence epitope homology with known allergens , heat stability , sensitivity to pH , digestibility by gastrointestinal proteases , detectable amounts in plasma, and molecular weight .

2 (c) The Commission is not aware of such an opinion having been expressed by the Food and drug administration .

3 . The Commission does not agree . Rather, the Commission's concern is to ensure , by comprehensive testing of NF and NFI , that European consumers are as safe with NF and NFI as they are with traditional foodstuffs .

O OJL 43 , 14.2.1997 .

(97/C 391 /73) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1027/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: Legal basis for the marketing of genetically modified products

The marketing of genetically produced or modified food products is regulated by Directive 90/220/EEC (') and European Parliament and Council Regulation 258/97 (2) concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients (the ' novel food regulation').

1 . What rules govern the marketing of transgenic plants which are used as animal feedingstuffs and hence indirectly enter the human food chain?

2 . (a) How is the marketing of transgenic plants which are used directly for human consumption and also for animal feedingstuffs and the production of renewable raw materials regulated ? (b) Is there only one procedure for this or more than one? (c) How do these procedures relate to each other?

(') OJ L 117 , 8.5.1990 , p . 15 . ( 2 ) OJ L 43 , 14.2.1997 , p . 1 .

Answer (14 July 1997)

1 . Directive 90/220/EEC and Regulation (EC) No 258/97 govern , inter alia, the placing on the market of respectively products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and food and food ingredients that contain GMOs within the meaning of Directive 90/220/EEC or consist of such organisms , subject to the exclusions laid down in those acts . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /39

2 . Directive 90/220/EEC does not, as such , distinguish on the basis of the use to which the product to be marketed will be put, although any Community legislation governing the product will apply and information relating to the planned use must be given . Regulation No 258/97 covers foods and ingredients intended for human consumption .

3 . The inter-relationship of the conditions for the application of the Directive and the Regulation is defined in Articles 1 , 3 and 9 of the Regulation .

(97/C 391 /74) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1037/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Council (11 March 1997)

Subject: Crisis in Albania

The international community has been following the events in Albania in astonishment . Albania is a country of particular interest to the EU , in one respect because it borders directly on two Member States — Italy and Greece .

A chaotic situation reigns in which uncontrolled irregular forces are operating , though all the international media report that they are led by President Berisha . These forces are operating mainly in southern Albania where the Greek minority is concentrated and the Greek consulate is situated . I am extremely concerned that violence will be perpetrated on the Greek minority (in the form of a pogrom) and against the Greek consulate because Mr Berisha needs scapegoats .

Will the Council say : 1 . why it did not immediately convene the Council of EU Foreign Ministers to discuss the crisis in Albania, 2 . what immediate measures it will take to restore the conditions for democracy and political calm in the country , and 3 . how it will respond to protect the Greek minority in the event of an unprovoked attack ?

(97/C 391 /75 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1043/97 by Yianms Roubatis (PSE) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: The situation in Albania

The continuing turmoil in Albania and the inability of the present government to address the situation by democratic means are plunging the country into an increasingly serious political , social and economic crisis .

In an attempt to contribute to formulation of an EU policy , the Greek Government has called first of all for an extraordinary meeting of the working party on the Balkans to be convoked and for a report to be drawn up immediately by the embassies of Community countries in Tirana .

Given that the developments in Albania may lead to more widespread chaos and destabilization in the Balkans , will the Council say : 1 . whether it intends to raise this matter at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers ; and 2 . whether it has explained to the Albanian Government the position of the European Union regarding developments in that country , and the consequences they may have as regards Albania's relations with the European Union? C 391 /40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391/76) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1062/97

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI), Amedeo Amadeo (NI) and Spalato Belleré (NI) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: Civil war in Albania

The present crisis in Albania, far from being an exception , is typical of the situation on the European Union's doorstep , which is affecting Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and various other countries which , while having their own specific historical backgrounds and problems , share the same plight : an inability to deal with the transition from Communist oppression to the market economy . The Albanian rebellion is a further illustration of the need for a common foreign policy , particularly in view of the fact that the present events in Albania are taking place next to the Community's external borders .

Will the Council intervene in this part of the Balkans 1 . by promoting the establishment without delay of a government that is as representative as possible of Albanian political forces , with a view to isolating the extremists ; 2 . by promoting the restoration of public order and respect for democratic principles , launching an exceptional aid plan to provide swindled Albanian investors with compensation and thereby defuse the protest movement and bring the crisis to an end ; 3 . by providing not merely economic aid but, above all , various forms of political and cultural support to help build up effective democratic institutions?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-1037/97, E-1043/97 and E-1062/97 14 July 1997)

Albania has been at the top of the Council s agenda since the very outbreak of the present crisis in February 1997 ; the Council has actively engaged itself to help Albania return to political stability , and to restore internal security and is providing humanitarian assistance as well as working with the international financial institutions on support for wider economic reforms .

In March 1997 the Council took the initiative to set up an Advisory Mission to Albania within the coordinating framework of the OSCE to advise on humanitarian , economic, political and security related issues . An Advance Team was sent immediately to prepare that Mission . On the basis of its recommendations, the international Advisory Mission was established alongside the Italian led Multinational Protection Force (MFPF). The Council fully supports the efforts of the states involved in the MNPF (Italy , France , Greece , Spain , Portugal , Austria, Denmark, Turkey and Romania), which helps create a secure environment for the safe provision of the international assistance . The Council has also welcomed the increased monitoring presence of the European Community Monitor Mission (ECMM).

The Union attaches special importance to a close cooperation and coordination between the international organisations involved . It fully supports the efforts of Mr Vranitzky , the overall coordinator and Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE and his Resident Deputy , Mr Grubmayr, in that regard .

The Council has welcomed the decision by the Albanian authorities to hold elections on 29 June and looked to all political parties to participate fully in them and to honour their results . It has emphasized that the primary responsibility for the future of the country lies with the Albanian people . It has called on the international community to support the electoral process notably by making available the necessary number of observers .

The 2nd of June Council adopted a Common Position under Article J. 2 . defining the EU's overall action in Albania . The Union will help Albania, within the coordinating framework of the OSCE, to promote the democratic process , a return to political stability and internal security and the holding of free and fair elections . It will continue to provide humanitarian aid as needed and to support economic reforms in accordance with its regional approach and subject to the commitment of the Albanian authorities to genuine reform . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/41

The Council has noted that the Commission , on behalf of the EC , is responding to the immediate needs of the Albanian people through European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO); is considering focusing PHARE assistance on areas related to the consolidation of democracy , the relaunching of economic activity and the strengthening of public administration ; is coordinating with International Financial Institutions the provision of financial assistance ; is ready to contribute to the initiative of WEU and the Council of Europe aimed at reestablishment of a viable police force as well as is ready to support the election assistance and monitoring activities of the OSCE .

The Council has taken note of the information given by Italy and the Commission respectively on the international ministerial conference on Albania in Rome planned for after the elections and on the proposed donors ' conference together with the IMF once the new Albanian Government has embarked on an economic programme supported by the IMF . The Council has repeatedly explained to the Albanian Government the position of the European Union regarding developments in Albania and the consequences they may have as regards Albania' s relations with the European Union and maintains contacts with the Albania authorities through the Union's HOMs . The Council is convinced that the outlined efforts will also contribute to the safety and well-being of the Greek minority in Albania .

(91/C 391 /77) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1046/97 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo (PPE) to the Council (24 March 1997)

Subject: SFOR military units in Bosnia What remit has the European Union bestowed on the SFOR military units deployed in Bosnia and what is their margin for manoeuvre ?

Answer (4 July 1997)

The Stabilisation Force "SFOR" was authorised by UN Security Council Resolution 1088/96 of 12 Decem­ ber 1996 , which also sets out the rules of engagement . Although individual EU Member States have contributed an important share of the personnel and finances , the EU as such is not responsible for the implementation of the military aspects of the Dayton/Paris Agreements on the basis of which IFOR and its follow-up force SFOR have been established . Therefore , "SFOR" is a military initiative not carried out under the auspices of the European Union .

Nevertheless , also in the light of the EU's leading role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU has actively participated in the international decision-making process which led to the deployment of IFOR and later SFOR in order to provide a safe environment for reconstruction and return of refugees . Against this background , the EU has made an essential contribution to the implementation of the conclusions adopted at the Peace Implementation Council 's Conferences which were held in London in December 1995 and 1996 with the aim of co-ordinating the international assistance to stabilisation and reconstruction in Bosnia-Herzegovina .

(97/C 391/78) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1061/97 by Jean-Claude Martinez (NI) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Acquisition of French land by Belgian farmers Belgian farmers who purchase land in France do not pay farmers ' social security contributions nor tax of any kind . C 391 /42 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

As far as France is concerned , these Belgian farmers are considered to be based in Belgium and should therefore pay tax and other contributions in Belgium . Under Belgian rules , they come under French law since their land is in France . Given the unfair situation this is creating with regard to the payment of contributions and the resulting distortion of competition , what does the Commission intend to do to stop this injustice ?

Another consequence of this situation is that Belgian farmers can offer French landowners very attractive buy-out terms in order to purchase land at very low prices , in the knowledge that they will also benefit from extremely favourable conditions of use .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)

The tax situation of Belgian farmers who farm land in France while keeping their tax domicile in Belgium is governed by the convention concluded between these two Member States on 10 March 1964 , as amended by the codicil of 15 February 1971 . Pursuant to Article 3 of the convention , income derived from real estate, including farms (irrespective of the method of farming), is taxable only in the Member State where the land is situated . Consequently , such Belgian farmers pay income tax in France , as non-residents , on the income they derive from the land which they farm in France . They are , of course , taxable on the rest of their income in their Member State of residence , i.e. Belgium . In the circumstances , the Commission considers that Belgian farmers who farm land in France do not benefit from special tax conditions under ordinary law .

The Commission will place itself, however, at the disposal of the Honourable Member in order to examine those special cases where he can supply further details .

(97/C 391 /79 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1098/97 by Jesus Cabezon Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (21 March 1997)

Subject: Future jurisdiction of the EU Court of Justice

Under the current wording of Article L of the TEU , the EU Court of Justice does not have jurisdiction over foreign and security policy or justice and home affairs .

Does the Commission not think that the EU should enhance the powers of the Court of Justice as regards the monitoring and enforcement of human rights and fundamental freedoms of EU nationals and hence , by extension , of nationals of non-member countries ? What steps are being taken to have these points included in the conclusions of the IGC and the new Treaty ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

In the context of judicial monitoring of respect for fundamental rights , the Commission has always considered that limiting the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice solely to the Community does not fill all the lacunae in the protection afforded to fundamental rights in the areas in which the European Union operates .

That is why the Commission has stressed at the Intergovernmental Conference that the idea of a provision in the Treaty giving the Union (or the Communities ) powers to accede to international instruments for the protection of fundamental rights needs to be retained and that, in any event , the amended version of Article L of the Treaty on European Union concerning the powers of the Court of Justice should not exclude any area of Union action from the outset . 23 . 12 . 97 | EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/43

(97/C 391 /80) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1100/97 by Jesus Cabezon Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (21 March 1997)

Subject: Fourth multiannual guidance programme for fisheries The fourth multiannual guidance programme for fisheries proposed a large reduction in fish catches by the Community fleet over the next few years . For the present, this proposal has been rejected . Does the Commission intend to reformulate -the initial proposals of the fourth MGP and suggest a reduction in catches based on the reductions already made by each country during the third MGP?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (20 May 1997)

The Honourable Member will be pleased to know that the Council adopted its guidelines for the multiannual guidance programmes (MAGP IV) on 15 April 1997 . The Commission would like to remind the Honourable Member that , in its original proposal , the cuts called for under MAGP III were already taken into account , since it calculated the reductions in fishing effort under MAGP IV on the basis of the targets set under MAGP III .

(97/C 391 /81 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1109/97 by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission (24 March 1997)

Subject: Animals 'tortured' in order to produce the basic ingredient for pharmaceutical products In connection with shocking documentation published by 'Impronte', the official journal of the Italian Anti-Vivisection League (LAV), can the Commission say whether it is acquainted with the 'techniques ' used at the Wieth-Ayerst laboratory in the United States , where a multinational produces 'Premarin ' and exports it all over the world? This pharmaceutical product — according to the October 1996 edition of 'Impronte' — is produced from approximately 75 000 mares in special ' farms ' in the United States and Canada . The animals are forced to 'perform' under conditions of torture , because the system for collecting their urine 'injures their flesh ' and their supply of water is even rationed in order to obtain urine with a higher concentration of oestrogens (22 litres of water per day instead of the 40-50 litres they need). It should also be noted that at a certain point the horses which survive are sent to special fattening centres and the meat eventually reaches Europe .

In view of all this , is the Commission able and willing to take some action against Wieth-Ayerst, at least in the context of its 'activities ' in European Union countries ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (2 May 1997) As the Commission does not have any information to confirm that there are farms within the Community where urine is collected from pregnant mares to produce the pharmaceutical product mentioned by the Honourable Member, it is not possible to take any action . C 391/44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391/82) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1134/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (24 March 1997 )

Subject: New NATO Research and Technology Organization

NATO's new R&T Board, which held its first meeting at the end of November 1996 as the governing body of NATO's Research and Technology Organization, replaces the previous management bodies of the Defence Research Group and AGARD (Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development).

Given the desire to continue emphasizing aeronautical technology in the fifth framework programme and the growing need , within the Community framework, for technological assessments with a solid scientific basis , does the Commission plan to monitor the Technology Coordination Reports, which were first compiled in 1995 , and draw conclusions on the possible implications for the development of civil technology of this source of information which is available to most Member States ?

Answer given by Ms Cresson on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997)

Information gathered on reports concerning technological cooperation within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) indicates that these reports deal chiefly with the reorganization of science and technology activities carried out within the organization .

The Honourable Member's question is a pertinent one , since certain technologies have a dual use and research in such fields as aeronautics is of both civilian and military interest.

Research carried out within defence organizations such as NATO may also have an impact on the development of civilian technologies , as supported by Community programmes .

However, information on defence research into dual-use technologies is generally sensitive and not published . Consequently , if there is to be complementarity between civilian and defence research , it must be coordinated at Member State level and between the firms and research institutions involved .

In the field of aeronautics , the Commission has set up a task force to provide an interface between the industries and research centres involved in both civilian and defence research . This exchange of information makes it possible to avoid duplication of effort , particularly in dual-use technological fields .

(97/C 391 /83) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1136/97 by Carlos Pimenta (PPE), Willy De Clercq (ELDR), Franco Malerba (UPE), Carole Tongue (PSE) and Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos (PPE) to the Council (24 March 1997 )

Subject: Situation of the Brussels I European School (Uccle)

The European Communities (along with the Member States) are the Contracting Parties to the Convention defining the Statute of the European Schools (see Decision 94/557/EC, Euratom (') and 94/558/ECSC (2) of 17 June 1994). Moreover, the European Communities in article A-327 of the 1997 general budget, have set aside ECU 98 302 000 for the Schools , of which ECU 6 255 298 is earmarked for operating expenditure with regard to buildings , and 5,896,683 ECU for operating expenditure and equipment .

In theses circumstances , what steps does the Council intend to take in order to tackle the disturbing situation which has arisen at the Brussels I European School (Uccle), bearing in mind the following : — The Belgian Minister for the Civil Service , along with the public works department, plans to build an annex to the Brussels I European School . This is intended to house some primary school children and will be situated at Rue Berkendael , next to the future 'Federal Centre for Clinical Observation of Sex Offenders', whose establishment is provided for in legislation on the sexual abuse of minors (Decision of the Belgian Council of Ministers of 30 August 1996) planned site of the annex . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /45

— The parents of pupils at the European School (resolution of the General Assembly of the Parents ' Association of 30 January 1997) completely refute this plan . They are annoyed that the Belgian authorities could make such a proposal and are amazed that it has been endorsed by the School's head teacher. — The public works department is carrying out studies and other preparatory measures whilst the School 's Board of Governors has still not given its opinion on the choice of the site . — The European Institutions , in line with established precedents of the Court of Justice , are bound by a general duty to assist their staff and cannot therefore ignore the opinion shared by all parents involved , who are , for the most part, officers of the European Union .

(') OJ L 212, 17.8.1994 , p . 1 . ( 2 ) OJ L 212 , 17.8.1994 , p . 15 .

Answer (14 July 1997)

As the Honourable Parliamentarians are aware , the Council of the European Union has no direct statutory powers in relation to the administration and organisation of the European schools . These matters are governed by an intergovernmental convention under which the Commission represents the interests of the European Communities at the level of the Board of Governors .

However, the Secretary-General of the Council , as the appointing authority , is acutely aware of the difficulties which have arisen in both Brussels schools and in relation to the delays which have occurred in building the new third European school . With these in mind and to assist his staff, many of whose children are affected by these problems , the Secretary-General , in conformity with the provisions of Article 24 of the staff regulations , has addressed letters to the competent Belgian authorities drawing their attention to the situation in both European schools .

Replies to these concerns have been received directly from the President of CISHIC , the Committee responsible for relations between Belgium and international institutions , informing the Secretary-General of the measures which have been taken so far by the Belgian authorities . Informal contacts are kept with the Secretary-General of the Governing Board and he is continuously advised of the preoccupations of Council staff in this respect .

Nevertheless , the influence of the Council in this field is extremely limited and it is suggested that the concerns of the honourable parliamentarians be taken up with the Commission services who are represented on the Board of Governors .

(97/C 391 /84) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 159/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (26 March 1997)

Subject: European Commission Mobile Information Display

Why is it, when the Commission's Mobile Information Display visited Southend College in my constituency on 6-7 March 1997 , there was no information available on Members of the European Parliament and their role? Is it that the Commission does not consider the Parliament an equal partner in the European Union? Or is it that in an information display comprising a 30-tonne lorry there was insufficient space to include information on MEPs?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (6 May 1997)

The mobile information centre to which the Honourable Member refers did indeed visit South East Essex college in Southend-on-Sea on 6 March 1997 . His presence in the mobile information centre attracted a well above average number of members of the public and was very much appreciated . There were an adequate number of relevant publications but perhaps they were not sufficiently brought to the attention of the Honourable Member. C 391 /46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

The publications carried on board the mobile information centre are selected in order to satisfy the information needs of those visiting the vehicle . School and college students need to understand the functioning of all the European institutions and the roles of their representatives at a European level . Accordingly , the following publications which contain detailed information on the Parliament and MEPs are always included on board the mobile information centre :

Parliament publications : The European Parliament Your Voice in Europe Europe at a Glance Constituency leaflet (lists MEPs and includes map of institutions of European constituencies in the United Kingdom) United in Democracy

Commission publications : Your ministers decide on Europe (fact sheet) Europe in ten points The ABC of Community law Working together : the institutions of the Community

A copy of the video 'the Parliament at work' is given to each school and college visited . The European profiles CD-ROM , which provides detailed information on the Parliament and a profile of each United Kingdom MEP, is also available .

(97/C 391 /85) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1167/97 by Ludivina Garcia Arias (PSE) to the Commission (3 April 1997)

Subject: Industrial competitiveness for the European chemical , maritime and automobile industries

At the February 1997 part-session, the Commission's communications on industrial competitiveness for Europe's chemical , maritime and automobile industries were adopted , which continue the excellent thrust of Commission industrial policy .

The deepening of the single market and the on-going process of globalization mean that we will increasingly be faced with constant industrial change and readaptation .

How much sectoral consultation of European trade unions currently takes place on these subjects? Does the Commission intend to provide for a permanent mechanism for sectoral trade union consultation on these programmes , and on industrial issues linked with these policies in general ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

The European trade unions are regularly consulted by the Commission in the framework of the social dialogue which takes place on a cross-industry as well as on a sectoral level . In this context, questions related to the single market and to globalisation , and their effect on industrial change and adaptation are discussed as well .

On 18 September 1996 , the Commission published its communication concerning the development of the social dialogue at Community level ('). Chapter B deals with the sectoral social dialogue , describes its present organisation in joint committees and informal working parties , and discusses the perspectives for further development .

The Honourable Member mentions three sectors . In the automotive industry , as in most industrial sectors , good performance and competitiveness are often linked with good relations between trade unions and employers . This is particularly true in the automotive sector where in order to review the impact of the range of European policies as they affect the automobile industry , the Commission created a permanent high-level group where representatives of car manufacturers , suppliers , user groups , social partners, the Parliament and the Commission will be represented . The first meeting of this high-level group is foreseen for the 24 June 1997 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /47

In the maritime industry, in addition to the joint committee on maritime transport established at Community level , European trade unions are represented also in the yearly maritime industry forum (MIF) bringing together the marine industries , a gathering of the main actors of this industry . In 1994 an interpanel on human resources was created . It participates at the highest level of the forum (high level panel). Through this mechanism of consultation , the opinions and recommendations of the trade unions are brought to the attention of the Commission .

As for the chemical industry , during the discussions following the communication ' An industrial competitive­ ness policy for the European chemical industry : an example ' ( 2), the Commission expressed its desire to be able to count on the active co-operation of employees ' representatives for the follow-up of this communication . As a result, representatives of the European-level trade unions of the mining , chemical and energy sectors have began to participate in some working groups to develop concrete actions to improve the competitiveness of the European chemical industry . They also participated in the forum on the competitiveness of the European chemical industry , organised by the Commission in Brussels on 15 April 1997 .

The Commission will ensure the involvement of trade union representatives as well as of other concerned parties to identify and implement future actions that could contribute to improve the competitiveness of the chemical sector and of industry as a whole . This co-operation is an established fact and forms part of wider annual contacts with employees ' representatives to discuss all questions concerning the chemical industry , as for example has been the case in the potassium industry .

(') COM(96) 448 . ( 2 ) COM(96) 187 final .

(97/C 391 /86) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1171/97 by Jaime Valdivielso de Cue (PPE) to the Council (2 April 1997)

Subject: Regulating the COM in potatoes

In response to numerous requests for a regulation of the COM in potatoes from agricultural cooperators and spokesmen for the sector, Commissioner Fischler himself has said that there is a need for a regulation to stabilize the market and guarantee minimum incomes for European potato growers .

The Commission submitted a proposal for a regulation (COM in potatoes) over five years ago , which Council has not yet approved ; last November, it was one of the items to be dealt with on the Council's agenda, and was withdrawn because insufficient support was forthcoming . What measures has Council taken with a view to adopting , with all possible dispatch , a regulation (COM) on potato-growing?

Are contacts being made with the representatives of the Member States in order to ensure that this item is included on the Council's agenda? Does a study of any kind exist assessing farmers ' losses as a result of the lack of a COM? Does Council intend to issue any instructions to the Commission with a view to information campaigns to make farmers aware of strategies with regard to diversifying production , etc .?

How does Council view the calls made on 4 February 1997 by the 'Coordination Paysanne Europeenne ' for a common organization of the market to guarantee that the market is properly supplied and producers enjoy decent levels of income , so that this crop can continue to be grown in areas where it is traditional , and production can be reduced where it is more intensive by cutting down on the use of pesticides and fertilizers ?

Answer (14 July 1997)

As the Honourable Member has pointed out, a proposal for a Council Regulation on the common organization of the market in potatoes was presented to the Council by the Commission on 25 November 1992 . It was placed on the Council's agenda and has been discussed a number of times in four years, most recently on 18 November 1996 . At that meeting a fresh compromise suggestion was put forward by the Irish Presidency . The Council was , however, unable to reach agreement . C 391 /48 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

The proposal for a Regulation in the sector is , nevertheless, still on the table for the Council , and the Commission has said that it is willing to collaborate with the Presidency in drawing up a fresh compromise effort after studying the technical aspects of the matter.

(97/C 391 /87) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1173/97 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza (PSE) to the Commission (3 April 1997) Subject: Milk and BSE

Can the Commission tell me : 1 . Why the consumption of milk and milk-products from countries where cases of BSE have been detected is still authorized, even for children? 2 . Would it be possible to include the country of origin on the packaging and labels of powdered milk and other foodstuffs for children?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1997) When the World Health Organization was consulted on questions of public health connected with human and animal transmissible spongiform encephalopathies , it reported in 1996 that milk and milk products could be considered safe for consumers , even, in countries with a high incidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy . The Scientific Veterinary Committee, which at the Commission's request assessed the potential risk of BSE transmission to humans and animals through bovine colostrum , milk and milk products , concluded that milk from healthy cows and products derived from such milk not containing additives of animal origin may be consumed without any risk in whatever form and by any species . There is no proof that milk transmits BSE and the Scientific Veterinary Committee has qualified the risk involved in milk as negligible . In the light of these opinions , milk and milk products have never been subject to any consumer restriction . Current Community law does not require the systematic indication of origin on food labelling , including powder milk and other baby food . Article 3(1 )(7) of Directive 79/ 1 12/EEC (') provides that particulars of the place of origin must be indicated on the label only where failure to give such particulars might mislead the consumer as to the true origin or provenance of the foodstuff. Given the opinion delivered by the Scientific Veterinary Committee , the Commission does not intend to amend legislation in order to make it compulsory to indicate the origin of certain ingredients such as milk on the labelling of foodstuffs containing this type of ingredients . Manufacturers or packagers may of course voluntarily indicate the origin of the product as such or of some of its ingredients .

(') OJ L 33 , 8.2.1979 .

(97/C 391 /88 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1179/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (3 April 1997) Subject: Promotion of quality beef and veal products With reference to Regulation No 1318/93 ('), will the Commission provide the names of the beneficiaries of the measures to promote and market quality beef and veal in Italy, together with details of the amount of funding allocated and the results achieved?

Does the Commission intend to amend this regulation and/or Regulation No 2067/92 (2 ) and , if so , in what way ?

(') OJ L 132 . 29.5.1993 . p . 83 . (2 ) OJ L 215 , 30.7.1992 , p . 57 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/49

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 May 1997) The Commission has recently adopted a proposal (') for a Council Regulation replacing Regulation (EEC) No 2067/92 on measures to promote and market quality beef and veal . As regards the results of promotional action in Italy , a study for the 1995/96 marketing year covering five sales points of a supermarket chain showed that during the promotional action period the number of customers had increased by 6% and the number of pieces of meat sold to each had risen by an average of 34% . In a survey on the EQB (European Quality Beef) collective logo carried out for the Intercarne Qualita group 25% of those questioned recognized important differences between quality meat and other meats and 46% recognized certain differences between the two types of meat . For 63% of those questioned these differences lay in consistent quality of the meat, for 54% in its tenderness , for 46% in its taste and for 35% in the existence of quality control .

(') COM(97) 70.

(97/C 39 1 /89) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 181/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (3 April 1997) Subject: EU funding for the slaughter of ostriches in Raiano (Italy) According to a report in the daily newspaper 'II Messaggero ' of 3 March 1997, work has begun on the first slaughterhouse for ostriches in Raiano (L'Aquila), involving ' an investment of five billion lire , 70% of which is to be funded under special terms by the EU and the state'. Can the Commission confirm this report and say from what budgetary chapter and on what grounds this funding has been provided? Since there are no rules on the protection of ostriches on farms and in slaughterhouses , does the Commission not consider that to allow this activity would pose a direct threat to the welfare of these animals ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1997)

According to the information available to the Commission and the details provided by the regional and national authorities in Italy , the Structural Funds have provided no finance for slaughterhouses for ostriches in Abruzzi . If the Honourable Member has more detailed information , the Commission will investigate the matter further. This type of stock-raising , which could be an economic activity aimed at a niche market and boost agricultural income, must, however, take account of the specific requirements of the species and animal welfare rules . Any activity concerned with stock-raising and the processing of production must , of course , comply with Community and national rules on health and hygiene governing meat production .

(97/C 391/90) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1191/97 by Shaun Spiers (PSE) to the Commission (3 April 1997)

Subject: Public health policy

Does the Commission recognize the contradictions between its policy of promoting better public health , and in particular EU funding of types of activity for limiting the spread of AIDS/HIV, and the charging of VAT on man-made Factor VIII? C 391 /50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Does the Commission accept that charging VAT on man-made Factor VIII provides an incentive to health care providers to use human factor VIII which results in a higher risk of infection ?

Accordingly , will the Commission consider amending the Sixth VAT Directive to exempt man-made Factor VIII from being subject to VAT?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1997)

In managing their budgets , doctors , hospitals and health authorities are increasingly presented with difficult decisions about the costs and benefits of new and often expensive medical procedures and pharmaceutical products . No doubt the introduction of a man-made alternative to blood-clotting agent, Factor VIII , which has hitherto been derived from human blood is one such example . In this respect the possibility of risk of infection involved in the use of Factor VIII derived from human blood is a matter for Member States' medical authorities to assess .

The Commission does not accept that there is a contradiction or indeed any connection between its policy of funding activities for limiting the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome/human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS/HIV) and the fact that man-made recombinant factor VIII is subject to VAT . It would be neither desirable nor practical to manipulate the VAT system to provide special treatment of goods or services on the basis that this might, arguably , be of some benefit to a Commission funded project .

Article 13A(l)(d) of the Sixth VAT Directive (77/388/EEC) provides for a Community-wide exemption of supplies of human blood and organs ('). As recombinant Factor VIII is a man-made product and not derived from human blood , it does not come within the scope of this exemption . It therefore falls to be taxed as a pharmaceutical product . However, Member States may apply a reduced rate of at least 5% to supplies of pharmaceutical products and some Member States are entitled to maintain reduced rates below 5% existing prior to 1 January 1991 . Member States therefore have considerable latitude and the majority do in fact apply reduced rates to pharmaceutical products . Although Factor VIII derived from human blood is exempt from VAT , it must be remembered that such exemption does not entitle the supplier to recover input VAT incurred in connection with its production . On the other hand , recovery of input tax is permitted where positive rates apply . It is therefore wrong to conclude that VAT is always a significant element in the cost of Factor VIII . Indeed in some cases , if exemption were to be applied to man-made Factor VIII the incidence of VAT could be increased .

For these reasons the Commission does not envisage making any proposal to extend the scope of the exemptions under Article 13A(l)(d) to include man-made blood substitutes .

(') OJ L 145 , 13.6.1977 .

(97/C 391 /91 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 192/97 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (3 April 1997)

Subject: Non-industrial fishing in the Canary Islands

The fisheries sector in the Canary Islands has suffered a major decline in recent years for various reasons , and the number of fishermen and the gross registered tonnage (GRT) have decreased by over 50% in the last 25 years . Despite this , over 2000 people work in the fisheries sector, on which various economic sub-sectors in the islands in turn depend . The non-industrial fishing fleet has been particularly hard hit and is in danger of dying out altogether unless steps are taken as a matter of urgency to enable it to recover.

Non-industrial fishing , which is a highly labour-intensive activity , involves several hundred small vessels, with an average gross registered tonnage of 5.5 tonnes per vessel . The vessels are used to catch species such as big eye tuna, horse mackerel , sardines , etc ., by means of line fishing , a method which conserves fish stocks by making use of migratory currents . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /51

One of the main problems experienced in this sector is the restriction on engine-power in order to comply with Community legislation . This restriction , which is understandable when applied to vessels which use methods such as trawling , cannot be justified in the case of non-industrial fishing since it limits the autonomy and hence the productivity of the fishermen .

Is the Commission aware of the situation facing non-industrial fishing vessels in the Canary Islands ?

Does it consider that the current limits on engine-power for the fishing fleet should be applied to vessels employing non-industrial fishing methods in the same way as to trawlers? Would it be possible to draw up rules on specific engine-power for this sector, given that the methods used do not jeopardize fish stocks ?

What aid is available to the Canary Islands non-industrial fishing fleet for restructuring and the replacement of vessels? Does the Commission consider that sufficient support is provided for catches landed by non-industrial fishermen?

When allocating aid , has the Commission taken account of the special circumstances of this sector, such as its non-industrial structure and the small size of the vessels involved?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (4 June 1997)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern about small-scale coastal fishing in the Canaries . She will be pleased to know that, in the context of the multiannual guidance programmes — generation IV ('), the Council at its meeting on 15 April 1997 decided that capacity in this fleet segment could remain stable and even allowed for slight increases in engine power for safety reasons , provided the segment does not include trawlers .

As regards aid for restructuring and modernizing this fleet segment, you should note that in Objective 1 regions a Member State may , under its operational programme for fisheries , introduce modernization schemes in line with the current rules and regulations .

Given the social and economic importance of small-scale coastal fishing , in particular in terms of employment, the Budgetary Authority has allocated additional appropriations not included under heading 2 of the financial perspectives (i.e. structural policy) to help this fleet segment, specifically budget headings B2-521 in 1995 and B2-522 in 1997 .

In Decision C(95) 3312 final of 18 December 1995 , the Commission approved an action plan for small-scale coastal fishing in Finland , Greece , Ireland , Portugal , Spain and Sweden .

(') COM(96) 203 .

(97/C 391 /92) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1198/97 by Sirkka-Liisa Anttila (ELDR), Mirja Ryynänen (ELDR) and Kyösti Virrankoski (ELDR) to the Commission (3 April 1997)

Subject: Cuts in export subsidies for EU agricultural produce, particularly Emmental cheese , and their effects on the volume of cheese manufactured in Finland

When Finland joined the EU , our food economy underwent a particularly drastic change in its operating environment, to which it will take several years to adjust. In the discussions which preceded the referendum on membership it was specially stressed that the EU would not devastate our countryside or destroy our agriculture . On the contrary the aim of the Union is to increase , through its own activities , the vitality of the countryside . The Finns ' trust in these promises is wavering , because the number of jobs in agriculture in Finland is dropping sharply . c 391 /52 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

On 28 February 1997 the EU cut export subsidies on cheese , particularly on exports to the USA . Finland has traditionally exported some 6 to 8 million kg of Emmental cheese per year to the USA , which represents over 30% of our total cheese exports . When Finland joined the EU the subsidy on Emmental was FIM 8 per kg . It is now FIM 4.12 per kg . This recent cut in the export subsidy means that it is no longer profitable or possible to export cheese to the USA . This 30% cut in export subsidy as at 28 February 1997 will mean the closure of one cheese factory in Finland (Toholampi) and another 100 people added to the existing number of over half a million unemployed .

What are the grounds for such a drastic cut in export subsidies on Emmental cheese? Is the USA being turned into a zero-export-subsidy area, and if so , why ? Does the Commission take any account at all , in negotiating and agreeing to export subsidies , of cuts in such subsidies of the effect on employment?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1997)

As soon as the Agriculture Agreement entered into under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) came into force, it was clear that the restrictions under that Agreement would weigh particularly heavily on the cheese sector. The Commission has had to adapt its policy on refunds accordingly . For more details, the Honourable Member is requested to see the answer to Written Question E-2836/96 by Mr Viola and others (') in which the Commission listed the instruments available to it both to comply with undertakings under the Agreement and to protect Community exports of milk products on the international market to the greatest extent possible . It also set out the criteria to be used to differentiate and , where necessary , abolish refunds for certain destinations .

On that occasion , the Commission confirmed once again that it constantly seeks to ensure that all export possibilities are used and that the negative impact of limits on subsidised exports are spread in balanced fashion among the various national productions . The decision to reduce by 30% refunds for exports of cheese to the United States was taken entirely with these considerations in mind because exports of Emmental to the United States were more than three times greater in 1996 than they had been in 1995 .

The cheese sector is demonstrating unremitting dynamism both in terms of the constant growth in production and in increasing structural demand on the world market despite the reduction in refunds . This means that any impact of refunds in this sector must be negligible compared with the restrictions on subsidised exports resulting from the GATT Agreement .

(') OJ C 91 , 20.3.1997 .

(97/C 391 /93 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-I201/97 by Anthony Wilson (PSE) to the Council (4 April 1997)

Subject: Raids on MED TV Kurdish language satellite TV

Does the Council know whether the decision to carry out raids on the offices and production studios of MED TV , the Kurdish language satellite TV channel, which took place on 18 September 1996 , was based on any evidence other than information supplied by the Turkish internal security services ?

Answer (14 July 1997)

The Council has no information on the events mentioned in the question which , moreover, do not fall within its sphere of competence . 23.12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /53

(97/C 391 /94) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1203/97 by Ulla Sandbaek (I-EDN) to the Commission (7 April 1997)

Subject: ECHO disaster preparedness programme (DIPECHO)

Following the meeting of the Humanitarian Aid Committee of 16 July 1996 , the Commission - adopted a new approach to disaster prevention , mitigation and preparedness programme for 1996-1998 (DIPECHO). Previously , ECHO had provided almost ECU 7 million in the 1994-1995 period , which financed 50 disaster prevention , mitigation and preparedness operations . An evaluation of 12 of them produced favourable assessments in all cases .

What budget has the Commission reserved for the new DIPECHO programme in the three-year period for which it is designed ?

Considering the size of the total ECHO budget in 1994-95 , does the Commission agree that ECU 7 million in those two years does not represent a great effort on ECHO'S part in terms of preventing disasters?

What scope does the Commission have to increase the funds available for disaster prevention , mitigation and preparedness ?

Considering the fact that 95% of ECHO's budget is presently going to disasters that are classified as man-made , not as 'natural ' disasters , does the DIPECHO programme have scope for financing programmes which aim to prevent disasters that are not strictly 'natural ' disasters ?

Does the Commission's choice to reverse its current practice of reacting to NGO proposals mean that it intends to take up the task of identifying and formulating projects , thus taking over the task that is the very reason why the Commission has chosen to work with NGOs in the first place ?

Answer given by Ms Bomno on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

No budget has yet been allocated to the Dipecho programme , because this year it is still only in the appraisal stage and should not therefore need funding . Studies now in hand will show up what the needs are and help to determine the budget for the coming years .

The first thing that needs to be pointed out is that, since prevention is a field which the Commission endeavours to integrate into its other activities (global plans in particular), total funds actually allocated to this subject exceed those for heading B7-219 intended just for disaster prevention (ECU 7 million for 1994-95). And allocations for B7-219 are on a constant, gently rising trend : ECU 6 million in 1996 and ECU 7 million in 1997 .

The main thing is to compare like with like : prevention and preparation for 'natural ' disasters financed by the Commission account for about 20% of funding of humanitarian aid in response to those 'natural ' disasters . In relative terms these are not inconsiderable amounts , even if the figures are ethically difficult to compare . In relation to the number of victims and the damage due to these disasters the Commission admits that the preventive measures taken will never be sufficient .

The Commission also plans a substantial increase , from 1998 , within existing budget resources , in the amounts intended for disaster prevention in order to take into account implementation of the Dipecho programme , although no figure can be given before preparation of the programme is completed .

The regions and countries on which Dipecho concentrates were chosen solely for their proneness to natural disasters . Under this programme funds will therefore be focused primarily on such disasters .

With the Dipecho programme the Commission is becoming involved more in the identification and definition of projects while leaving their final development and implementation to its usual partners : non-governmental organizations and international organizations . c 391/54 Γεν Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /95 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-I213/97 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (7 April 1997)

Subject: Harmonizing the rules of procurement for aid

Would the Commission agree that there is need to harmonize the rules governing procurement which it applies in different parts of the world (Meda, Lome, ALA , CEEC , CIS , etc .) to the highest standards in terms of sound management? Given the initiatives taken recently in the framework of OECD (DAC) and by the World Bank, does the Commission intend to improve its own procurement rules so as to prevent corruption more effectively ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (17 June 1997)

Yes . The Commission outlined its general views in its Green Paper on public procurement in the European Union : Exploring the way forward (')• This document clearly reflects the concern to fight corruption . It recognizes the need for transparency of the procedures for concluding public procurement contracts . In addition, it recalls that there are new instruments to be used where Community funds are in play (Convention and protocol on the protection of the Communities ' financial interests ( 2)). On 26 May 1997 , the Council adopted a Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of the Member States of the Union .

With regard to external assistance and cooperation , the recent communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on a Union policy against corruption ( 3 ) puts the emphasis on preventive measures encouraging transparency , sound administrative management and the independence of the courts .

The Commission will review its rules on public procurement and endeavour to apply them uniformly to the various groups of non-member countries which receive assistance from the Community or have concluded assistance or cooperation agreements with it . This review will extend to the matter of penalties to be imposed on firms which have been convicted of corruption .

This coherent anticorruption strategy is operated in close cooperation with the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and other multilateral donors which have already taken measures in this field .

(') COM (96) 583 final . ( 2 ) OJ C 316, 27.11.1995 and OJ C 313 , 23.10.1996 . 0 ) COM (97 ) 192 final .

(97/C 391/96) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1217/97 by Peter Sichrovsky (NI) to the Commission ,(7 April 1997)

Subject: Euro information campaign on the impact of European monetary union in the USA

Recent opinion polls have revealed that the majority of American firms have a sceptical attitude to the forthcoming introduction of the euro , since it appears impossible to predict what impact it will have on trade relations between the EU Member States and the USA .

1 . Is the EU planning special action to prepare firms in the USA as part of its information activities concerning monetary union ?

2 . If so , what specific actions are planned in the USA in order to make it easier for American firms to adapt to the new European currency ?

3 . What funds will be available for a possible 'pro-euro campaign' in the USA? 23.12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /55

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission ( 10 June 1997)

The Commission attaches great importance to promoting awareness of the euro in the wider world . The Member of the Commission with special responsibility for economic and monetary affairs recently visited the United States for that purpose , and a similar trip to Asia is scheduled to take place in the autumn . The Commission has noted a constructive attitude towards the euro on the part of the US administration and American business circles . US firms with subsidiaries in Europe have a highly pragmatic vision of the benefits to be derived from the single currency, and their main concern is how it will work in practice .

With a view to consolidating the Commission's communications strategy for financial markets in respect of economic and monetary union (EMU), actions will be targeted on banks and investors in the world's leading financial centres, with roadshows organized in the United States and Asia . This method of presenting new information is frequently used in capital markets and has proved to be efficient .

It should be noted , however, that similar efforts will be undertaken to cover European financial centres , particularly London , Frankfurt , Paris and Zurich . Detailed proposals are currently being drawn up .

During the first half of 1997 , separate one-week roadshows are planned in Asia, on the East Coast of the United States and Canada , in the Mid-West and on the Pacific Coast of the United States . The main target groups identified are central banks , government departments and agencies , investment banks , financial intermediaries and their sales forces , investors and non-bank intermediaries . These meetings will be organized by the Commission in close cooperation with local Community representative offices , which have good contact networks and can provide the necessary infrastructure . In Washington , these meetings could be arranged through the World Bank .

Apart from administrative costs directly covered by the Commission , these actions should be funded from the euro information campaign budget that the Commission has set up together with Parliament . .

(97/C 391/97) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1227/97 by Evelyne Gebhardt (PSE) to the Commission (7 April 1997)

Subject: Discrimination against Union citizens in the Federal Republic of Germany

Certain administrative procedures in the Federal Republic of Germany , such as the registration of a vehicle with the licensing authorities , require members of the public to provide proof of an address in the Federal Republic , something which is usually given in identity documents . Since , for example , UK identity documents do not give the holder's address , UK citizens cannot provide proof in this way . The German authorities thus require instead a registration certificate from the relevant registration office which may not be more than three months old . A substantial fee is charged for the issue of such a certificate . As a result , in extreme cases Union citizens whose address is not given in their passport are forced to pay this fee every three months so that they can present the corresponding certificates to the authorities .

1 . Does the Commission take the view that this constitutes discrimination against Union citizens ?

2 . Does the Commission see the introduction of a harmonized European identity document as a suitable means of preventing the daily discrimination and disadvantages suffered by Union citizens living in another Member State?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1997)

The Commission takes the view that an authority is entitled to check on the place of residence of an individual , notably where the administrative procedure involves another administrative authority . C 391 /56 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

As regards the means by which proof of residence is provided, if the individual does not have any identity document showing his address , it does not seem either disproportionate or discriminatory to ask him to provide a recent residence certificate .

The Commission agrees , however, that such elaborate and costly formalities could be avoided if EU citizens ' residence permits issued in Germany included the holder's address , as is the case with the identity cards issued to German citizens . These are in the form of a plastified card which includes a photo and an optical feature to prevent forgery , with a detachable sticker showing the holder's current address .

At present , the holder's address is not one of the items that has to be included on the residence permits of EU citizens . The Commission is currently examining a possible proposal for harmonizing the residence permits issued to EU citizens and to citizens of non-EU countries subject to Community law .

(97/C 391 /98 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1232/97 by Patrick Cox (ELDR) to the Commission (7 April 1997)

Subject: Status of bicycle helmet legislation in the Union

Given the number of serious head injuries suffered by bicyclists each year throughout the Union , what is the current state of law among Member States (mandatory or voluntary) regarding the use of helmets and are there any Commission plans for legislation to that effect?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (29 May 1997)

The communication for an Action Programme on Road Safety of 9 June 1993 (') does not include any Community action related to the use of helmets by cyclists .

The Commission has no detailed information on current legislation on this subject in Member States .

Finally , the Commission , for the moment , has no intention to legislate to this effect, because it is of the opinion that use of bicycles and conditions for their use should be left to the regulatory powers of Member States .

(') COM(93 ) 246 final .

(97/C 391 /99) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1234/97 by Laura González Alvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (7 April 1997)

Subject: Cable in Tarifa

The ERDF is funding a measure , under the Community initiative programme Interreg II (Spain-Morocco), which involves the construction of a high-voltage cable (400 000 volts) to transfer energy from Spain to Morocco .

One of the districts through which the cable runs on its way to Morocco is Tarifa (in Andalusia, Spain) and , because it passes near a residential estate , there has been a hostile reaction locally . Is the energy transferred via this cable of nuclear origin ? If so , and bearing in mind the denuclearization policies emerging in some Member States , is there any Community legislation limiting transfers of this type of energy ?

How was the mandatory environmental impact assessment carried out and was account taken of expert studies which regard the installation of high-voltage networks in residential areas as extremely damaging to health? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /57

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997) The project to provide an electrical interconnection between Spain and Morocco was included on the list of the projects of common interest proposed by the Commission under the guidelines on the trans-European energy networks and was designated as a project of common interest by Decision No 1254/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 1996 ('). In most European countries , energy is generated in power stations of various types (hydro-electric , thermal , oil or gas fired , nuclear, wind , etc .) which feed the distribution grid . The electric power that Spain will export to Morocco will be of mixed origin from various sources , the relative proportions of which will vary depending on the season , the fuel price and the availability of the various types of production . The Commission would point out that there is no Community legislation limiting the transfer of energy of nuclear origin . The environmental impact report was provided by the national authority , the ministry of public works , transport and the environment , and approved by the Commission . The Commission would also point out that the lines do not cross inhabited areas and that Tarifa is more than 1 400 metres from those lines . At such distances , risks to health from overhead power lines are negligible , both as regards thermal effects (e.g. shock reactions from spark discharges) and as regards alleged non-thermal effects (tumour promotion or co-promotion , developmental effects), in respect of which some studies , which have not been confirmed or which have been contradicted by others , have shown an association with electromagnetic fields under certain conditions .

(') OJL 161 , 29.6.1996 .

(97/C 391 / 100) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1238/97 by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Council (8 April 1997) Subject: Racist attacks on Italians in Germany It is horrifying to note that acts of violence , manifestly inspired by xenophobia, are once more being perpetrated against Italian nationals in Germany . Indeed , in the latest case , Antonio Melis , a 37-year-old Sardinian immigrant, was brutally murdered in Caputh , Brandenburg . The judiciary and the local police are attempting to minimize the seriousness of the incidents by playing down or denying their racist character . The renewed upsurge of this kind of crime is blatantly at odds with the unvarying declarations of principle and the related values of solidarity and tolerance, repeatedly invoked in specific Community programmes , from which the Union itself draws inspiration and by which the Member States have promised to abide without reservation .

Will the Council make immediate vigorous representations to the German Government in order to persuade it to safeguard the dignity and the right to life and work of Italian nationals in the Union who are seeking to translate much-vaunted European citizenship into a living reality?

Answer (14 July 1997) 1 . The Council condemns all acts of violence of the kind mentioned in the written question . However, court action against the perpetrators of such acts is the responsibility of the Member States . 2 . The Council recalls that all Member States are parties to the European Convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , signed in Rome on 4 November 1950 , and that they guarantee respect for human rights on their territory . 3 . In order to facilitate cooperation in combating racism and xenophobia , the Council adopted on 15 July 1996 a Joint Action on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia (OJ L 185 , 24.7.1996 , p. 5). C 391/58 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

The Council particularly emphasizes in this Joint Action that the right to freedom of expression implies duties and responsibilities , including respect for the rights of others , as laid down in Article 19 of the United Nations International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights of 19 December 1966 .

(97/C 391 / 101 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1240/97 by Cristiana Muscardim (NI) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: Rice imports from the OCT Because all the Member States bar the Netherlands were forced to recognize that the situation created by Decision 91 /482/EEC (') had damaged Community producers to an alarming degree , it was eventually decided in January 1997 to apply a protective measure to rice imports from the OCT . Unfortunately , the measure in question will not continue in force after 30 April 1997 , and the time is apparently still not right to resolve the problem once and for all , since the Netherlands thinks it preferable to veto any amendments to Decision 91 /482/EEC .

Given that the conditions for a final agreement are not yet in place , does not the Commission consider it essential to extend the protective clause beyond the present time-limit?

(') OJ L 263 , 19.9.1991 , p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1997)

On 23 April 1997 , in view of the continuing serious disturbances on the Community rice market and the danger that the situation in the sector might deteriorate further , the Commission adopted Regulation (EC ) No 764/97 introducing safeguard measures in respect of imports of rice originating in the overseas countries and territories (OCTs) ('), in accordance with Annex IV to the Decision on the overseas countries and territories .

This regulation opens a tariff quota on imports applicable from 1 May until 30 September 1997 .

(') OJ L 112 , 29.4.1997 .

(97/C 391 / 102) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1243/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: Inadequate safeguards in the nuclear industry When subjected to careful scrutiny , the radiological protection afforded to external employees in the nuclear industry , namely auxiliary staff, prompts considerable bewilderment. Medical certificates are written out by qualified personnel who very often change from one year to the next and are input into computer systems only after a long delay , thus preventing a doctor administering treatment from ascertaining the exact quantity of radiation to which an employee in the nuclear industry has been exposed .

Will the Commission issue :

1 . a Directive to protect the health of persons working at nuclear installations by prohibiting government authorities from delegating responsibilities for radiation protection to service companies ;

2 . a Directive whereby the various types of firms authorized to carry out maintenance work in the nuclear industry would have to be entered in special registers ? 23 . 12 . 97 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /59

(97/C 391/ 103) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1256/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission ( 11 April 1997)

Subject: Inadequate safeguards in the nuclear industry

When subjected to careful scrutiny , the radiological protection afforded to external and auxiliary staff in the nuclear industry prompts considerable bewilderment . Medical certificates change hands every three years and are forwarded late , thus preventing a doctor administering treatment from ascertaining the exact quantity of radiation to which an employee has been exposed .

Will the Commission issue : 1 . a Directive to protect the health of persons working at nuclear installations by prohibiting government authorities from delegating responsibilities for radiation protection to service companies ; 2 . a Directive whereby the various types of firms authorized to carry out maintenance work in the nuclear industry would have to be entered in special registers ?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-I243/97 and E-1256/97 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission ( 16 May 1997)

The fundamental principles governing the operational protection of workers occupationally exposed to ionising radiation are given in Council Directive 96/29/Euratom of 13 March 1996 laying down the basic safety standards in radiological protection of workers and the general public (').This Directive has to be brought into force before 13 May 2000 and replaces , inter alia , the 80/836/Euratom (2) basic safety standards Directive which still forms the legal basis for the national radiation protection legislation currently in force .

In recognition of the particular situation of occupationally exposed workers not permanently employed by the operator of a nuclear facility , the Council adopted Directive 90/64 1 /Euratom ( 3 ) on the operational radiation protection of outside workers during their activities in controlled areas . The Directive is based on the need to define clearly the obligations of outside undertakings and operators with respect to the specific working conditions 6f outside workers , without prejudice to the contribution they themselves have to make to their own protection .

Both the basic safety standards Directive and the complementary Directive on outside workers oblige the Member States to establish adequate radiological monitoring systems including individual medical and dose records .

The Commission has taken many initiatives and will continue to make all possible efforts in supporting and assisting the Member States in the practical implementation of the respective requirements in order to assure best radiation protection for all occupational exposed workers to ionizing radiation .

(') OJ L 159, 29 . 6 . 1996 . (2 ) OJ L 246, 17 . 9 . 1980 . ( 3) OJ L 349 , 13.12.1990 .

(97/C 391/ 104 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1244/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: Petrol price increases

Since the beginning of this year , the oil companies have decided to raise the price of petrol in Italy by between LIT 15 and LIT 20 . c 391 /60 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

However, crude oil prices , expressed in lire , are falling , and there is consequently no justification for the increases .

Will the Commission :

1 . issue measures to prohibit any unwarranted increase ; 2 . open an inquiry to establish whether the current increases are justified ; 3 . instruct the Community fraud prevention department to investigate the matter of petrol price increases ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997) In Italy , petrol prices at the pump have been liberalized since 1 October 1993 . These prices reflect, in particular, the trend in petroleum product prices quoted on the free market, and they take account of the distribution costs for these products . Under current Italian law , the Ministry of Industry may call the oil companies to account for unjustified retail prices . In the context of the transparency of petroleum product prices , the Commission monitors on a weekly basis the prices , exclusive of taxes and duties , charged in the 15 Member States . The Commission can intervene only where the law currently in force in a Member State fails to comply with the rules laid down in the EC Treaty .

(97/C 391 / 105 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1249/97 by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission (2 April 1997) Subject: Women and information technology According to an article in the newspaper 'Jyllandsposten' on 10 March 1997 , women are in the process of being left behind by developments in information technology . It is feared that society will divide into first-class and second-class citizens with women belonging predominantly to the second class category because of lack of training in information technology . What measures is the Commission contemplating taking in order to make women more interested in working with information technology and more qualified to do so ? Are any statistics available showing the gender breakdown in information technology related occupations? If not, does the Commission intend to initiate surveys ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (12 May 1997) The Commission has long recognised the importance of women playing a greater role in economic development , including , of course , in science and technology . As part of its commitment to ' mainstreaming', the Commission has introduced a specific remit to monitor all policy in science and research from the point of view of its impact on women . In 1993 , the Commission organised an international workshop to discuss the problems posed to women in science , and their possible solutions . The fourth framework programme now includes a commitment to support the position of women researchers in science, engineering and technology . More specifically , the Commission has run a series of seminars which look at the impact of information technology on women in the Community . The Commission has also addressed the role played by education policy in attracting women to work in information technology . Education policies can increase the numbers of girls and women who pursue study in science and technology , and also support women returners to the modern workplace by providing vocational training in technology . In this context, the Socrates and Leonardo de Vinci programmes make a specific financial provision for projects designed to adapt the content and methodology of technology training to women's needs , and to network Member States ' initiatives in this area . The Commission has already conducted several projects designed to encourage girls to take up science and technology , as well as to provide teacher training materials in this field . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/61

Thirdly women should be equipped to take advantage of the benefits of technology , whether or not this forms their major sources of employment. Therefore, specific attention will be paid to integrating a gender dimension into the new developments within the information society , so that its potential benefits are equally shared between women and men .

The current call for proposals within budget line B5-331 (information society , previously B5-722) of the general budget of the Community foresees as one of the work areas the ' identification of experiences and potentialities of the information society for working life , notably for women (e.g. in terms of equal access to training , employment and career opportunities)'. Already in 1996 , 3 out of a total of 16 projects focussed specifically on supporting the integration of women into the information society .

Further details and relevant statistics are available in the Commission reports on 'occupational segregation of women and men in the Community ' ( 1993), and 'telework and gender' ( 1996), which are sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat .

(97/C 391 / 106) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1255/97 by Mirja Ryynänen (ELDR) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: New means of creating employment

In 1994 the European Council set the objective of creating 20 million new jobs in Europe . The additional jobs were intended to bring about a gradual reduction in unemployment over a number of years . However , the unemployment level has not fallen , and in Germany and France , for example , it has increased . In my country , Finland , the fall has been extremely slow .

The measures being taken at present by the EU and its Member States are not sufficient to solve this growing , socially divisive problem . At the moment, Europe is not sufficiently competitive in an open world economy . A new way should be sought of improving the employment situation .

1 . What steps is the Commission taking to review the European Council's current job creation objectives ?

2 . What other means besides the internal market and EMU can be employed to improve Europe 's competitiveness? Is the Commission preparing new measures , for example in the information and research sectors ?

3 . How could the division of labour be put into practice on a Europe-wide basis ? In the Commission's view , does this call for a different attitude towards free trade?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)

1 . In its proposed confidence pact ' action for employment in Europe' ('), the Commission recommended several measures to promote job creation . They included the strengthening of placement services , the multiplication of local initiatives for development and employment, the launching by the social partners of a joint initiative for the integration of young people into the labour market, the promotion of lifelong access to and validation of skills , and the re-examination of state aid policies in relation to their effects on employment. These proposals have been updated in the joint report on employment that the Council and the Commission submitted to the Dublin European Council and most recently in the joint interim report on employment prepared for the Amsterdam European Council .

In this report, the Council and the Commission remind all actors of their responsibilities in the implementation of the employment strategy endorsed by the European Council . Member States are requested to bring about modernisation and activation of their labour market policies . Employers are urged to turn profits into investment and new jobs , and to invest in people by supporting them in lifelong learning . Social partners are invited to agree on how industry restructuring and work reorganisation is to be carried out in a socially acceptable way , and to promote better use of capital and equal access to jobs for all groups of society . Local authorities are called to boost cooperation between local actors through territorial employment pacts, in line with the ideas launched in the confidence pact for employment in Europe . C 391 /62 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

2 . To guarantee its competitiveness on increasingly worldwide markets , Europe must make the most of its substantial internal market and of the strong position which this gives in world trade issues . It must also promote lifelong learning , investment in research and development , innovation and other ways of increasing and capitalising on our skills base . The Commission's proposals for the future fifth framework programme for research and technological development (2 ) activities envisage a greater concentration of research efforts to stimulate innovation and contribute to the development of new products and processes with positive benefits for employment . Furthermore , the Commission is currently preparing a communication on the contribution of the Community's structural funds to research and development .

3 . As regards working time , the Commission is currently reassessing the possibilities that reorganisation , including possibly some shortening of working time , could open for job creation . The Commission recently adopted a green paper on this subject ( 3 ). A copy of this document is being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of Parliament.

(') CSE(96) 1 . O COM(97 ) 142 final . (') COM(97 ) 128 .

(97/C 391 / 107 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1262/97 by Franz Linser (NI ) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: Conformity of certain Austrian taxes and levies with Community legislation

On 30 July 1996 Wolfgang NuBbaumer, MEP , addressed a question (P-227 1 /96 (')) to you regarding 'Article 33 of Directive 77/388/EEC (2 ), the Sixth Council Directive of 17 May 1977 on the harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to turnover taxes — Common system of value added tax : uniform basis of assessment'.

It follows from this directive that, apart from the turnover tax itself, no other taxes, duties or charges , which can be characterized as turnover taxes may be maintained or introduced .

The Commission was not able at that time to answer the question as to how far the Austrian basic levy on compulsory members of the chamber of commerce , the beverage tax and the tourist tax in the province of Vorarlberg conformed with current Community law .

According to the Commission , the information necessary for a detailed assessment of the taxes in question was requested from the Austrian authorities .

I therefore ask you to inform me of the results of this assessment .

(') OJ C 60, 26.2 . 1997 . p . 58 . ( 2 ) OJ L 145 , 13.6 . 1977 . p . 1 .

(97/C 391 / 108 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1281/97 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission ( 11 April 1997)

Subject: Compliance of certain Austrian taxes and charges with Community legislation

Article 33 of the ' Sixth Council Directive of 17 May 1977 (77/388/EEC) (') on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes — Common system of value added tax : uniform basis of assessment' states that Member States shall not be prevented from maintaining or introducing other taxes , duties or charges which cannot be characterized as turnover taxes . Expressed in positive terms , this presumably means that no taxes , duties and charges similar to turnover taxes may be levied in addition to turnover taxes .

However, in Austria the basic contribution for compulsory members of the Chamber of Commerce , beverage taxes and , in the federal province of Vorarlberg , tourist duties are calculated and levied on the basis of the turnover tax assessment basis or payed over in accordance with self-assessment pursuant to the relevant decisions by the tax authority . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /63

The above duties are levied , in addition to turnover taxes , on the same assessment basis on revenue generated by goods or services . They are also proportional to the price of these goods or services and are levied at every stage of production and marketing .

Will the Commission say to what extent the Austrian basic contribution for compulsory members of the Chamber of Commerce ( KU1 ), the beverage taxes and tourist duties are compatible with Community law ?

Would these duties also violate Community law if they were only levied on services and revenue which did not involve transfrontier transactions ?

(') OJ L 145 , 13.6.1977 , p . 1 .

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1262/97 and E-1281/97 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1997)

The Commission is not yet in possession of the information it needs in order to decide definitively whether the taxes and levies in question are compatible with Community law .

However, the Austrian legislation regarding the compulsory levy on membership of the chamber of commerce ( KU 1 ), to which the Honourable Member refers , is currently the subject of a reference for a preliminary ruling by the Court of Justice (Case C-3 18/96) on the interpretation of Article 33 of the Sixth Council Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 concerning value added tax ('). Consequently , it is now for the Court of Justice to provide the Austrian courts with the criteria for interpreting Article 33 that will enable them to decide on the compatibility of the membership levy with Community law .

As for the other two taxes referred to , the Commission is continuing its assessment .

(') OJ L 145 , 13.6.1977 .

(97/C 391 / 109) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1267/97 by Mario Matikainen-Kallstrom (PPE) to the Commission ( 11 April 1997)

Subject: Noise prevention research

Noise is one of Europe's most significant local environmental problems . Future proposals for solutions to noise problems will have to take specific account of local circumstances and local needs . Noise caused by road and rail traffic can be prevented , for example , by means of infrastructure measures such as the building of embankments and noise screens . The various noise prevention alternatives should be studied at European level and compared in order to determine which is the most effective .

What measures does the Commission plan to take in order to establish the noise-prevention benefits offered by embankments and noise screens ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission ( 10 June 1997)

Infrastructure measures to abate noise include those that limit the transmission of noise ( such as noise protection walls , noise attenuation dams and passive protection of buildings through insulation ) and those that contribute to the reduction of noise at source ( such as the design of railway tracks and road surfaces). C 391 /64 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

In its green paper on future noise policy ('), the Commission has outlined possible actions to be taken at European level concentrating mainly on measures to limit the transmission of noise , since the use and effectiveness of measures to reduce noise at source can be best dealt with at local level . In the light of the comments received on the green paper the Commission will decide on the future actions to be taken . It will in this context also consider whether a study on the composition and effectiveness of various local infrastructure measures can be undertaken at Community level . Noise research is also being considered by the Commission for inclusion in its proposal for the fifth framework programme of research and development (2). No specific details of the types of noise research can be given at this time , since the framework programme will be adopted by a co-decision procedure which has not yet started .

(') COM(96) 540 . ( 2 ) COM(97 ) 142 final .

(97/C 391 / 1 10) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1268/97 by Alessandro Danesin (UPE) to the Commission ( 11 April 1997)

Subject: Cancellation of the contribution for the 1996 Cartoons on the Bay festival Those responsible for the Media Programme (DG X) have cancelled the contribution for the 1996 edition of the Cartoons on the Bay festival promised to SACIS at the end of last year and confirmed by the head of the Media Programme , Jacques Delmoly , when the application for the contribution to the 1997 edition was submitted last January . Cartoons on the Bay has been an event of great international importance since the first edition was held , it is one of the most significant events of its kind and is therefore a credit to Europe . The festival is an important market initiative in the sector of animated films , in that it actively and positively supports the projects of independent European producers and distributors . It is precisely for this reason that it has had a high profile in the press and on television .

The cancellation of the contribution has caused problems for the overall budget for the festival since , on the basis of the assurances given , SACIS had arranged for the Media-Desk Italia to be set up , for the festival to be 'Europeanized ' and for marketing initiatives to be organized for European independent producers and distributors . For all these reasons the decision to cancel the contribution is incomprehensible . It is particularly inconvenient that the decision should have taken effect only now , nearly a year after the contribution was granted and just before the latest edition of the festival is to be held . Furthermore , the decision was announced in a brief letter only six lines long . This action on the part of DG X is having a detrimental effect on the sector, creating a precedent which jeopardizes its relations with the Directorate-General . Can the Commission therefore state the reasons for this decision , which at present seems incomprehensible?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (16 May 1997) The difficulties facing SACIS outlined by the Honourable Member relating to the 1996 edition of 'Cartoons on the Bay ' arose from a misunderstanding about the eligibility of certain expenditure for support from the Media programme . The misunderstanding between SACIS and the Commission has since been cleared up . For seven years the Media programme had given priority to the animated films sector and will continue to allocate considerable funds in order to ensure the development and wider circulation of European animated cartoons . An important part of this strategy is based on the financial support which the Commission gives to events which encourage the promotion of these productions and gives them greater access to the market .

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's keen interest in the 'Cartoons on the Bay ' festival . In addition to the financial support given for the organization of the event this year , a Commission representative was present at Amalfi , where he presented a prize for the best European cartoon film , 'The Sun is a Yellow Giraffe ' by Antonia Ringbom of Finland . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /65

(97/C 391 / 111 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1282/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (10 April J997)

Subject: Search for permanent nuclear waste storage site in eastern Belgium and Lorraine

For several years Belgium has been searching for a suitable site for the permanent storage of nuclear waste , apparently for waste with low radioactivity . The first choice of site near Amel (eastern Belgium) was shelved following strong transfrontier protests by the local inhabitants . Press reports now indicate that Bovigny could be the new site . It has also emerged ('Die Rheinpfalz', 4 March 1997) that plans are afoot to set up a permanent site in Lorraine — in this case , for highly radioactive waste — and a budget assessment procedure has already been initiated in this connection .

Will the Council say :

1 . what information it has about the search for nuclear waste sites in the neighbouring countries of Belgium and France ?

2 . what substances and what quantities of these substances are due to be stored on a permanent basis in the earmarked sites in Belgium and France , respectively ?

3 . what standards are applied by the Belgian and French authorities in respect of the site requirements and the technical installations of a permanent nuclear waste site, and how it assesses these ?

Answer (14 July 1997)

The Council attaches great importance to the question of permanent storage of radioactive waste and refers in this context to its Resolution of 19 December 1994 on radioactive-waste management ('), in which it emphasized that the establishment of suitable facilities for the treatment, conditioning , storage and final disposal of radioactive waste makes a necessary and important contribution to the creation of a safe waste-management infrastructure in general . These facilities should be established in compliance with the Community legislation in force , in particular Council Directive 96/29/Euratom of 13 May 1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation (2) and Council Directive 92/3/Euratom of 3 February 1992 on the supervision and control of shipments of radioactive wastes between Member States and into and out of the Community ( 3 ).

Furthermore , Article 37 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community stipulates that each Member State shall provide the Commission with general information relating to any plan for the disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form and that the Commission shall deliver its opinion within six months .

(') OJ C 379 , 31.12.1994 , p . 1 0 OJ L 159 , 29.6.1996 , p . 1 . (') OJ L 35 , 12.2.1992, p . 24 .

(97/C 391 / 112) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1283/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: Search for permanent nuclear waste storage site in eastern Belgium and Lorraine

For several years Belgium has been searching for a suitable site for the permanent storage of nuclear waste , apparently for waste with low radioactivity . The first choice of site near Amel (eastern Belgium) was shelved following strong transfrontier protests by the local inhabitants . Press reports now indicate that Bovigny could be the new site . It has also emerged ('Die Rheinpfalz' , 4 March 1997) that plans are afoot to set up a permanent site in Lorraine — in this case , for highly radioactive waste — and a budget assessment procedure has already been initiated in this connection . C 391 /66 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Will the Commission say :

1 . what information it has about the search for nuclear waste sites in the neighbouring countries of Belgium and France ?

2 . what substances and what quantities of these substances are due to be stored on a permanent basis in the earmarked sites in Belgium and France , respectively ?

3 . what standards are applied by the Belgian and French authorities in respect of the site requirements and the technical installations of a permanent nuclear waste site , and how it assesses these ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1997)

1 . Belgium plans to dispose of long-lived and heat-generating waste in a clay-layer at 200 metres depth below the Mol nuclear site . The HADES underground research facility at the site is being used to study the suitability of the geological formation . For short-lived waste , the option of disposal on the surface is envisaged . 98 sites at 47 municipalities had been identified , but all municipalities were opposed to the possible construction of a repository . The Belgian radioactive waste management agency is now examining additional sites , which may be suitable for long-term storage .

France operates a disposal facility , the centre de l'Aube for short-lived radioactive waste . For long-lived and heat-generating waste , a siting procedure has been established in line with the nuclear waste law of December 1991 , which identified four suitable sites for underground disposal located in the regions Gard , Haute Meuse , Meuse and Vienne . At three of these sites , underground laboratories are planned to investigate the suitability of the geological formations . Planning applications for the construction of these non-nuclear installations were submitted to the authorities in 1996 . Public hearings will be part of the licensing process . In 2006 , the radioactive waste management agency is expected to report on the suitability of the sites .

2 . The estimation of the capacity of a particular installation to dispose of material is a matter of national policy .

3 . The Commission is well informed , through its standing committees , about site selection procedures in Belgium and France . Furthermore , as soon as firm plans are made , the provisions of the Euratom Treaty , in particular Articles 37 , and of the directives on radiation protection (96/29/Euratom (')), control of shipment (92/3/Euratom (2 )) and environmental impact assessment ( 85/337/EEC (3 )) apply .

(') OJ L 159 , 29.6.1996 . ( 2 ) OJ L 35 , 12.2.1992 . ( 3 ) OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 .

(97/C 391 / 1 13) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1284/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (10 April 1997)

Subject: Chlorine content of water in swimming pools

1 . How does the Council assess the health risk posed by trihalogenmethane — (THM) — levels in swimming pools ?

2 . When does it intend to introduce common limit values at EU level for the chlorine content of swimming pools , and how high will these limit values be set?

3 . How does it intend to combat the health risk facing the staff of swimming pools due to chloroform pollution at the surface of water in swimming pools ?

4 . How does it view the use of anti-mould products based on chlorine to remove mould from walls ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /67

Answer (14 July 1997)

The Council is aware of the risk to human health which can be posed by the trihalogenmethane (THM) and chlorine content of swimming pools as well as by the use of anti-mould products based on chlorine to remove mould from the walls of swimming pools .

The Council has not, however, at this stage been informed of any Commission proposal to introduce Community limit values for these substances for the purpose indicated by the Honourable Member .

The Council would nevertheless draw attention to the fact that : — the substances to be used in disinfection products will in future , once the Directive concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market (') has been adopted , have to be included in a positive Annex to that Directive following assessment of the risks they may pose in particular to human health , and — the proposed amendment to the Directive concerning the quality of water intended for human consump­ tion ( 2 ) includes the new parameters bromodichloromethane and chloroform because of their carcinogenic properties and makes them subject to binding parametric values .

(') Common position of the Council of 20 December 1996 . (OJ C 69 , 5.3.1997 , p . 13). ( 2) OJ C 131 , 30.5.1995 , p . 5 .

(97/C 391/ 1 14) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1295/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: EC Energy Centre , Katowice

Can the Commission confirm that the EC Energy Centre in Katowice , Poland has secured further funding ? The project is well received by local government and industries in Katowice . The restructuring problems facing regions such as Katowice , make such European Union efforts essential and should be supported and secured .

Can the Commission supply details of the proposed funding in the forthcoming budget allocation ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997)

The Katowice centre created under the Thermie programme and later on ( 1996) supported under the Synergy programme is engaged in a transfer process to the State agency for restructuring of the hard coal industry . In the meantime , the Synergy contract which allowed the support to the centre to the end of 1996 has been extended to mid- 1997 to ensure a smooth transfer .

Future cooperation activity is envisaged in the framework of the 1997 Synergy programme . The final decision , which is subject to the completion of the procedures foreseen by Regulation (EC ) No 701 /97 amending a programme to promote international cooperation in the energy sector — Synergy programme ('), is to be expected in the second half of 1997 .

(') OJ L 104 , 22.4.1997 . C 391/68 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 / 115) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1297/97 by Barbara Diihrkop Diihrkop (PSE) to the Commission (11 April 1997) Subject: Fisheries agreements with New Zealand and other countries In order to preserve the fishing activity of the Community fleet and the jobs which depend on it , the European Union needs to sign new international fisheries agreements with countries with which it does not yet have such agreements . New Zealand offers potential in this regard and has indicated interest in such an agreement . Has the Commission contacted the New Zealand authorities with a view to negotiating a fisheries agreement? If so , what stage have the talks reached? With which countries does the Commission plan to conclude new fisheries agreements ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1997) The Commission identified the potential for a fisheries agreement with New Zealand in October 1995 . New Zealand expressed an interest in further developing contacts and thus exploratory talks took place in March 1996 in New Zealand in order to assess whether a basis existed for a second generation fisheries agreement between the Community and New Zealand .

The Commission during its mission to New Zealand met representatives of the public and private sector, both of which were positive about possible cooperation with Community fishing interests under joint ventures and joint enterprises . The initial reactions from Member States were also rather positive . The Commission requested from the Council in January 1997 a negotiating directive which would authorise the Commission to commence negotiations with New Zealand with a view to concluding a fisheries agreement . The matter is currently under discussion in the Council's external fisheries group . For 1997 , the Commission is at present examining the possibility of fisheries agreements with Russia and Poland in the North , as well as with some countries in Southern Africa, namely , Namibia , South Africa and Mozambique . The conclusion of these agreements however is contingent upon , firstly , the reactions of the Community sector on the fishing possibilities offered and on the financial envelopes resulting from these possibilities and secondly , on the level of the financial commitment of the Community to such actions .

(97/C 391 / 116) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1315/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (11 April 1997) Subject: Breach of Community legislation on the environmental impact of the temporary pre-treatment and storage plant for dangerous toxic waste in Campolungo (Ascoli Piceno)

In the commune of Ascoli Piceno , a project for the temporary pre-treatment and storage of hazardous toxic waste has been accepted for funding under EEC Objective 2 without carrying out an environmental impact assessment in accordance with Directive 85/337/EEC (').

This project at present contradicts and contravenes all the provisions of the directive referred to above and the plant is to be built close to the River Tronto . Will the Commission say : 1 . what action it intends to take against the flagrant breach of the Community legislation on environmental impact assessment , having already allocated the funds which could be used to develop this waste plant? 2 . Whether it intends to ask the region of Marche to state the reasons for this clear breach of the criteria for applying Objective 2 ?

(') OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 , p . 40 . 23.12.97 | EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /69

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997) The single programming document (SPD) for Objective 2 1994-1996 for the Marche region includes a measure for the construction of industrial waste treatment infrastructure .

The feasibility project will be submitted for evaluation by the region's technical bodies and will have to be approved by the government of the Marche region . In particular through the monitoring committee for the Marche SPD , the Commission will ensure compliance with Directive 85/337/EEC on the evaluation of the impact of certain public and private projects on the environment, (') including compliance as regards the submission of this project to an environmental impact assessment before authorization is granted .

(') OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 .

(91/C 391 / 1 1 7) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1316/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (77 April 1997) Subject: European monetary laws In cases where EU nationals sell property in another Member State but the state retains a proportion of the proceeds against unpaid taxes and in cases where it is confirmed that no taxes are outstanding , what legal redress does the citizen have against the state and/or to ensure a prompt repayment of money due?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997) The Commission would make the general observation that, since tax administration is a matter for the Member States , a taxpayer challenging the imposition of tax or wishing to obtain a tax refund must avail himself of the relevant means of redress under domestic law .

However, if a particular case is brought to the Honourable Member's attention , the Commission is prepared to investigate provided that the necessary details are sent to it .

(97/C 391 / 1 18 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1321/97 by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission (11 April 1997) Subject: EU legislation for the licencing of crane operators/drivers Can the Commission report which EU legislation requires crane operators/drivers to hold licences such as the UK Category C Licenced Goods Vehicle (LGV) qualification , which UK crane operators will have to possess from 1 January 1998 , and what measures did the Commission take to consult with the industry in framing the legislation and assisting with any training costs incurred ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1997) A distinction has to be made between crane operators and mobile crane drivers . There is no Community legislation requiring crane operators to hold a category C driving licence . A requirement is however laid down for the driving of mobile cranes that travel on public rciads between construction and building sites in Council Directive 91 /439/EEC (') on driving licences . Such cranes are capable of speeds well above the 25 kilometres per hour threshold usually applied for excluding certain vehicles from the definition of motor vehicle . C 391 /70 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Article 3 . 1 of Council Directive 91 /439/EEC defines vehicles of category C as ' motor vehicles other than those in category D and whose maximum authorized mass is over 3.500 kilograms'. The weight of mobile cranes usually exceeds this . Therefore , a C licence is required by Directive 91 /439/EEC for driving mobile cranes . In the past , the United Kingdom required only a B licence . However, the United Kingdom authorities decided to include mobile cranes within category C when implementing the Directive early this year . The draft Regulation was the subject of normal consultation procedures . Specific consultations are under way for clarifying the position of experienced mobile crane drivers in the United Kingdom .

(>) OJ L 237 , 24.8.1991 .

(97/C 39 l / l 19) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1327/97 by Honor Funk (PPE) to the Commission ( 10 April 1997) Subject: EU funds for structural improvements in disadvantaged areas It was reported in the newspaper ' La Republica' at the end of February 1997 that Italian bureaucracy was consistently blocking the use of EU funds . The report referred to a sum of 60 000 billion lira, i.e. 60 billion marks , deposited with banks in Rome .

Is the Commission aware of this situation ?

Does the Commission not have an obligation to demand that appropriations be returned after the deadline has expired ? Is any such procedure currently pending within the Commission? If so , will it have consequences for the allocation of funds in the future ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1997)

The Commission is aware of the delays in the implementation of structural funds programmes in Italy . For this reason already in 1 995 it concluded an agreement with the Italian central and regional authorities on a package of measures to improve the management of structural funds programmes there . The Commission monitors closely the implementation of this agreement . Structural fund appropriations which remain unused by the final deadlines for the implementation of programmes have to be reimbursed by the Member States . The closure of programmes is an on-going affair dependent upon the relevant closure dates . The Commission takes the appropriate steps regarding reimbursement or final payment after examination of the final implementation report for each programme . There is no direct link between this exercise and the allocation of funds to new programmes .

(97/C 39 1 / 1 20) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1337/97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997) Subject: Observation and monitoring measures during the Atlantic bonito fishing season Is the Commission currently preparing to charter a vessel in order once again to observe and monitor the Atlantic bonito fishing season this year? Can the Commission provide me with details of its plan for monitoring and observing the bonito season in the Atlantic this year , and the cost thereof? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /71

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1997)

Given the increased commitment in terms of deployment of resources to inspection and surveillance of fishing vessels using drift nets and increased levels of compliance with applicable measures , the Commission will not charter a control vessel for inspectors of the Member States and of the Commission during the tuna campaign in 1997 .

During the tuna season to come , the Commission will deploy its resources on control vessels of the Member States in order to verify whether the Member States involved in the tuna driftnet fishery fulfil their control and monitoring obligations . As far as the tuna campaign in the Atlantic is concerned , the Commission will meet the Member States concerned in May to agree upon the early implementation of a common coordinated approach towards control in the Atlantic in 1997 . The Commission plans to deploy at least two teams consisting of two Commission inspectors each in different areas throughout the season verifying controls at sea and ashore according to the presence of driftnet vessels . The estimated costs of the tuna campaign in the Atlantic to be borne by the Commission will be around ECU 70 000 .

The Commission attaches great importance to the fact that all the Member States involved in the driftnet fishery coordinate their inspections both amongst themselves and with the Commission , and that they fully deploy their own means of inspection so as to enhance the overall efficacy of control in the field of driftnet fishery .

(97/C 391 / 121 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1348/97 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Women officials in the Commission

What percentage of head of unit , director and director-general posts are held by women in the Commission ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (29 May 1997)

The percentage of women in middle and senior management posts in the Commission on 31 March 1997 is as follows :

Function Women Men °/r of women

Director general 3 49 5.7% Director 15 157 8.7% Head of unit 82 (A) 703 ( A ) 10.4% 32 ( LA ) 68 32%

It can be noted that the Commission has set annual objectives for female recruitment in order to increase the number of women in all levels of Category A , including management posts .

(97/C 391 / 122) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1352/97 by Miguel Arias Canete (PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Cotton sowing forecasts for the 1997/98 marketing year

The extremely serious flooding caused by heavy rain last winter has affected 70 750 hectares of crops in Andalusia, causing losses of PTA 128.500 million in the Andalusian farming sector . 96% of Spanish C 391 /72 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

cotton is grown in Andalusia . Since 100% of the areas affected are in the cotton growing regions and what has basically been affected is the sowing of winter cereals , the forecast figures for cotton sowing are rising, cotton being the alternative crop for resowing in the areas affected .

Forecasts indicate that 25 000 extra hectares will be sown as a result of the disaster, over and above the normal 90 000 hectares . Given that this will produce approximately 385 000 tonnes , the National Guaranteed Quantity (laid down as 249 000 tonnes for Spain) will be overshot by 54% .

The situation is very serious , since over and above the foregoing , there is the fact that over 96% of the farms concerned are family smallholdings ; therefore what measures does the Commission intend to take ?

Does the Commission intend to propose to the Council that Regulations 1553/95 (') and 1554/95 ( 2) on penalties for exceeding the National Guaranteed Quantity might be amended for Spain , with a maximum penalty of 10% , so as not to worsen still further the situation in which Andalusian farmers find themselves ?

(') OJ L 148 , 30.6.1995 , p . 45 . ( 2 ) OJ L 148 , 30.6.1995 , p . 48 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

The Commission regrets the problems which have caused the sudden expansion in Spain of the area sown to cotton for the 1997/98 marketing year and the consequences this will have for the co-responsibility of producers , but it would like to remind the Honourable Member that prior to the reform of the aid scheme for cotton from the 1995/96 marketing year onwards , the former system required co-responsibility across the whole of the Community , with a maximum limit (buffer) built into the abatement mechanism . Under this arrangement of Community-wide solidarity , Spanish growers were several times the victims of the former stabilizer system without being responsible for the overshoot because Spanish production was suffering considerably from drought.

In order to remedy these negative effects , i.e. the fact that increased production in one Member State was resulting in aid cuts in two other Member States , the Council decided , on a proposal from the Commission , to introduce national guaranteed quantities from the 1995/96 marketing year onwards with the aim of making sure that producers in each Member State take steps to repond to overshoots themselves . To offset this , the limit on penalty aid cuts was removed . The principle that increases in production beyond a certain threshold no longer brought any penalty was one of the main causes of runaway budget expenditure . Under the new scheme , the abatement mechanism in any case only imposes a 0.5 % penalty for each 1% of overshoot of the national reference quantity .

It should also be pointed out that the basic features of the current aid scheme , including in particular the aspects involving the stabilizer regime , have been laid down for a five-year period which ends with the 1999/2000 marketing year ; before then , the Commission will be forwarding to the Council an assessment report on the way the aid scheme has functioned .

For all these reasons , it does not seem possible to accept the Honourable Member's suggestion of introducing a buffer of 10% , even if only for 1997/98 because of exceptional circumstances .

(97/C 391 / 123 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1354/97 by Spalato Bellere (NI) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Liberalization of air transport in the EU

With the liberalization of air transport in the European Union , which came into force on Tuesday , 1 April 1997 , any company from a Member State may provide services on a domestic route in another Member State. This establishes once and for all unitary European skies and consequently competition , particularly as regards fares . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /73

Is the Commission aware of the air-safety parameters which must be observed and the guidelines being defined to guarantee the necessary technical conditions ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1997)

The Commission agrees that, in the liberalised internal air transport market, due attention must be given to the harmonisation of the technical and social environment in order to ensure fair competition and the maintenance of high safety standards .

Accordingly the Commission proposed in 1990 , and the Council adopted in 1991 , a Council Regulation (') on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in civil aviation , with a view to establishing the necessary common legislative basis for aviation safety regulation , using as much as possible the work of the organisation created by the European civil aviation administrations , the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). A number of rules governing airworthiness and aircraft maintenance have already been introduced into Community law through this instrument, and the Commission is considering further recently adopted rules on air operators certification and flight crew licensing .

In the same spirit the Commission has prepared , and the Council has adopted, a Council Directive ( 2) on aircraft accident investigation . This makes a mandatory requirement for Member States to investigate aircraft accidents and serious incidents and to cooperate in drawing conclusions , so that all appropriate measures can be taken to avoid recurrence . Similarly , the Commission is now working on a system for incident reporting and treatment, so as to prevent accidents as much as possible .

The Commission recognized in its communication (3 ) defining a Community aviation safety improvement strategy , that these actions would not be sufficient if nothing was done to ensure their effective and uniform implementation . It suggested therefore that a European Aviation Safety Authority be created to be responsible for regulating aviation safety in the whole of Europe . The Commission also proposed to the Council a recommendation — and appropriate negotiating directives — which would empower it to negotiate the creation of an international organisation to fulfil this role on behalf of the Community , its Member States and all other European countries willing to join .

(') Regulation 3922/91 /EEC of 16.12.1991 - OJ L 373 , 31.12.1991 . ( 2 ) Directive 94/56/EEC of 2 1 . 1 1 . 1 994 - OJ L 3 1 9 , 1 2 . 1 2 . 1 994 . C) SEC(96) 1083 final .

(97/C 391 / 124) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1355/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Implementation of Directive 92/52/EEC and the Council's resolution on the sale of infant formulae in the Third World

Can the Commission confirm that in 1993 the Netherlands asked the Commission about the effect of Directive 92/52/EEC (') and the relevant Council resolution on the sale of infant formulae in the Third World?

What was the Commission's response to that request, and can the Commission confirm that the Netherlands has now repeated the request?

Is the Commission aware of the critical report by the Interagency Group on Breastfeeding Monitoring which describes the situation concerning the sale of baby food in South Africa, Thailand , Bangladesh and Poland?

Can the Commission state which European companies are criticized in the report for failing to comply with the WHO code on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes ? C 391 /74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Can the Commission say whether the firms criticized have complied with Directive 92/52/EEC and the relevant Council resolution ?

What is the Commission intending to do to make the European companies in question comply with the international rules on the sales of infant formulae to the Third World?

(') OJ L 179 . 1.7.1992 , p . 129 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (29 May 1997)

The Commission can confirm that the Dutch authorities contacted the Commission in 1993 and 1997 concerning the application of Directive 92/52/EEC on infant formulae and follow-on formulae intended for export to third countries (')• The Commission on both occasions informed the Dutch authorities about the state of affairs .

The Commission is aware of the report to which the Honourable Member refers . The report is available , from the authors , according to the Commission's information , for anybody who should wish to consult it and have any details on its contents .

The Member States , which are responsible for the application of Directive 92/52/EEC , have not informed the Commission of any cases in which Community based companies were not in compliance with this Directive . Further, the Commission has not received any complaint or criticism whatsoever concerning the marketing of breast-milk substitutes by Community based companies from the authorities of third countries which would lead to any action in conformity with the Council Resolution on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes in third countries by Community based manufacturers ( 2 ).

(') OJ L 179 , 1.7.1992 . ( 2 ) OJ C 172 , 8.7.1992 .

(97/C 391 / 125 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1366/97 by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Production and marketing of honey

The Commission's proposal on measures to improve the production and marketing of honey are considered inadequate in Spain , since the proposal concentrates on the health issue and does not include income support, and hence it is felt that a system of aid should be established to compensate bee-keepers for the fact that honey enters the Community from third countries at much lower prices .

Does the Commission consider that it would be possible to set up a system of aid for European honey producers?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

In October 1994 the Council accepted the conclusions of the discussion paper on European apiculture (') and asked the Commission to make appropriate proposals as soon as possible . In the conclusions of the report , it was expressly stated that ' it is not appropriate to set up a specific market organization for honey . Nor is it really feasible to devise a global system of support , such as income aids.'

The aim of the Commission's proposal is to improve the production and marketing of honey , which can be done by establishing national programmes with priorities such as technical assistance , the treatment of hives against varroasis , the rationalisation of transhumance , support for the analysis of honey and cooperation on applied research . In some regions of the Community , individual measures of these types have produced good results . 23.12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /75

Community part-finance for these measures is aimed both to reduce some production costs and to improve the quality of honey .

(') COM(94) 256 final .

(97/C 391 / 126) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1367/97 by Joaquin Siso Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Mutual recognition of generic products The European Generic Medicines Association (EGA) has told the European Commission that it is concerned about the current work being carried out with a view to harmonizing the procedures for registering generic products , with the procedure for mutual recognition being due to come into force in January 1998 . According to the EGA , in practice , and unless a rapid solution is found, harmonization is impossible owing to the fact that the therapeutic uses and the authorized doses for certain products are not the same in all the Member States , which means that the access of products to various national markets is restricted .

What does the Commission think of the issue raised by the European Generic Medicines Association and what guidelines does it propose on the subject?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997)

The Honourable Member raises a question relating to the operation of the mutual recognition procedure whereby access to a single market for medicinal products is facilitated by co-ordination of national procedures .

In order to benefit from this co-ordination , identical dossiers must be submitted in each of the Member States in which the medicinal product is to be commercialised . Member States then have a period of 90 days to recognise the first marketing authorisation , or in cases where a Member State considers to be a risk to public health , the matter can be referred for arbitration to the European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products in London . The Commission , in accordance with a committee procedure , will adopt a decision binding upon the Member States concerned .

This procedure is applicable from 1st January 1995 and marketing authorisations granted prior to that date were not co-ordinated . Therefore it is possible that therapeutic uses and doses may be different for these products , but ex-post co-ordination is also possible . However, access to the market for generic medicinal product is not hindered by this lack of harmony , since a generic product may avail of the co-ordination procedure (if the necessary conditions are met) or may apply nationally as was previously the case . In order to explain the procedures and the options available , the Commission is preparing a revised version of 'The rules governing medicinal products in the European Union , volume 2A : notice to applicants '.

(97/C 391 / 127) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1369/97 by Abdelkader Mohamed Ali (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Abolition of export refunds in the sector of milk and milk products exported to Ceuta and Melilla Regulation (EC) No 756/96 (') does not establish export refunds for products under CN code 406 destined for Ceuta and Melilla . In view of* the isolated position of these territories , products sent there become more expensive and this problem becomes worse in the case of essential products . Other territories with similar characteristics have a special system for the supply of basic products . C 391/76 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

The absence of refunds makes the products more expensive and hence has repercussions on the services sector. This is a particularly serious situation, in view of the fact that Melilla's GDP is among the lowest and its rate of unemployment among the highest in the European Union .

In view of this , will the Commission consider establishing export refunds for products under CN code 406 destined for Ceuta and Melilla?

(') OJL 103,26.4.1996, p . 13 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (23 May 1997)

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the answer to Written Question E-2836/96 by Mr Viola and others ('), in which the Commission explained the constraints arising from the General Agreement oh Tariffs and Trade (GATT), indicated the means at its disposal for respecting its commitments under that Agreement and at the same time preserving to a maximum the Community's milk product exports , and specified the criteria used for differentiating refunds by destination and abolishing them for certain destinations .

Given the substantial reduction on refunds in cheeses that have been made since then any reintroduction of refunds for Ceuta and Melilla would have little impact on prices or the service sector. In the light of the above , the Commission is not in a position to reintroduce refunds for products of CN code 0406 exported to Ceuta and Melilla.

(') OJ C 91 , 20.3.1997 .

(97/C 391/ 128 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1371/97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Council (18 April 1997)

Subject: Community Reference Laboratories and the work of the Commission

In preparing its work the European Commission has the opportunity of obtaining advice from the Community Reference Laboratories .

What is the Council 's opinion of the quality of the work carried out by the reference laboratories set up to advise the Commission?

On the basis of what criteria does the Council authorize the creation of reference laboratories?

Has it considered the possibility of setting up other reference laboratories in the future to provide the Commission with more and better advice ?

How is it ensured that the Commission follows the recommendations made by the reference laboratories which advise it?

What steps can the Council take if the Commission does not follow the recommendations of the reference laboratories?

Can the Council say what the procedure is for requesting the creation of a new reference laboratory?

Answer (14 July J 997)

Criteria for reference laboratories used by the Commission to assist in its work are a matter for that institution , as are decisions on whether to follow their recommendations . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/77

(97/C 391 / 129) WRITTEN QUESTION E-I376/97 by Giacomo Santini (UPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997) Subject: The Province of Bolzano's Agricultural Research Centre The Autonomous Province of Bolzano's Agricultural and Forestry Research Centre is located in the Leimburg area to the south of Bolzano in the South Tyrol (Italy). The centre , which receives State funding, produces large quantities of fruit, only a small proportion of which is used for research and technical assistance purposes . The actual figures are : 40 000 quintals of apples ; 2 000 quintals of wine grapes ; 1 000 quintals of kiwis ; 300 quintals of pears ; and smaller quantities of peaches , blackberries , redcurrants and chestnuts . Most of the fruit produced is placed on the market and enjoys an unfair advantage over the fruit of private producers , who are obliged to bear their own costs, while the centre receives large public subsidies to cover its expenses . Would the appropriate Commission department check whether the above practices are in breach of the Community competition rules and the directives governing the agricultural market?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (12 May 1997) The Commission has noted the information provided by the Honourable Member. It will ask the Italian government to provide it with all the necessary information so that it can check whether the payments to the agricultural research centre referred to in the question constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 92(1 ) of the EC Treaty and , if they do, whether they are compatible with the common market within the meaning of the same Article .

(97/C 391 / 130) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1378/97 by James Moorhouse (PPE) to the Commission (22 April 1997) Subject: Human rights violations in Tunisia Regarding the resolution on human rights violations in Tunisia adopted by Parliament in May 1996 (B4-0606/96 (')), referring to the ongoing and growing harassment by the Tunisian authorities of those who defend human rights and public liberties in their country , will the Commission ensure that the issue of human rights is addressed at EU/Tunisia meetings within the MEDA programme and that pressure is brought to bear on Tunisia — within that same programme — so that Tunisia respects its international human rights commitments, freedom of expression and democratic rights ?

(') OJ C 166, 10.6.1996 , p . 204 .

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (28 May 1997) Under the implementation of the Association Agreement between the Community and Tunisia, human rights issues will form part of the political dialogue agenda as provided for in Article 3 of the Agreement signed on 17 July 1995 0 ). This is a logical sequel to undertakings made by Tunisia and the Community , both in the political and cultural sections of the Barcelona Declaration and in the bilateral Agreement in which human rights are a key component. It should be noted also that the Community , since 1996 and under the MEDA programme for democracy , has taken steps to promote human rights in Tunisia.

(') COM(95 ) 235 final . C 391 /78 MEN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 / 131 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1380/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Occupation of property in the Canary Isles

Is the Commission aware of the situation in the Canary Isles where a local law has been passed to deny owners of property in the Canary Isles the right to allow friends and relations to occupy their property , and that such unauthorized occupation could result in a fine of several thousand pounds ?

What action is the Commission taking to prevent such restrictive and unreasonable laws being imposed ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (4 June 1997)

The Honourable Member is doubtless referring to Law No 7/ 1995 on tourism , which was adopted by the Canary Islands Parliament . The Law is concerned, among other things , with the renting-out of property for tourist purposes , stipulating that such transactions must be conducted through an approved tourist agent . Owners not complying with this requirement could be fined .

An analysis of the provisions of Law No 7/ 1995 in the light of Articles 52 (freedom of establishment) and 59 (freedom to provide services) of the EC Treaty reveals that they are not discriminatory since they apply both to Spanish owners and to owners from other Member States .

The provisions in question are designed to protect tourists as recipients of services .

The Court of Justice has recognized this objective as an overriding reason relating to the public interest . In the event, given the importance of tourist rentals for the Canary Islands , this objective is backed up by non-excessive measures .

It should though be pointed out that , since the provisions took effect on 20 July 1997 , a comprehensive assessment in the light of Articles 52 and 59 will be possible only as of that date .

The Law concerns only the renting-out of property and not the right for owners to allow friends and relations to occupy their property free of charge . Such an arrangement is directly covered by the rules on property ownership , which , in accordance with Article 222 of the EC Treaty , is a matter for the Member States and should be governed by Spanish private law .

(97/C 391 / 132) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1381/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Discriminatory income tax systems within the EU Is the Commission aware that Member States operate tax systems which choose to discriminate against families where the breadwinner lives in a different Member State to the family and where the breadwinner is classed and taxed as a single person?

What steps is the Commission taking to eliminate these anomalies and to ensure that families are taxed as a single unit regardless of the fact that they live in different Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (4 June 1997)

The Commission would make the general observation that income tax is the responsibility of the Member States , which are free , therefore , to introduce the system of their choice when it comes to taxing families . An examination of the current tax systems for married couples in the Member States reveals that in eight of them 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /79

couples are taxed separately and in four they are taxed jointly , while three Member States allow them to choose between being taxed as separately orjointly . There are thus significant differences between Member States in the way that couples are taxed , with a majority of Member States opting to tax couples separately .

The tax advantages available for married couples also differ markedly between Member States . For example , some of them grant tax credits or specific deductions . Where couples are taxed jointly , certain deductions or exempt amounts are doubled . Other Member States apply reduced rates of taxation via a system of coefficients based on marital status/family situation or via the system known as ' splitting'. There are even some Member States that do not seem to grant married couples any special tax advantages at all .

It transpires that taxing married individuals as single persons in a Member State other than that in which the family resides does not necessarily involve differential tax treatment or tax treatment that might be in breach of Community Jaw .

However, the Commission has noted that individuals who work or undertake any other economic activity in a Member State other than that in which they are resident are often subject to higher taxation than residents of that Member State (special tax regime for 'non-residents').

To remedy this situation , the Commission in 1993 adopted a Recommendation to the Member States which laid down common rules on the taxation of non-residents (')• Moreover, in a series of recent judgments ( 2), the Court of Justice has laid down certain principles governing the taxation of non-residents . On the basis of this case-law and the above Recommendation , the Commission is currently involved in discussions with the Member States with a view to encouraging them to amend their laws in this field where necessary . Some Member States , such as Belgium , Denmark, Germany and Ireland, have already done so .

What is more , the Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the principle of non-recognition of marital status of non-residents is currently the subject of a reference to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling (Case C-336-96 , M et Mme Gilly v Directeur des services fiscaux du Bas-Rhin). As part of the proceedings , the Commission has suggested that Article 48(2) of the EC Treaty and Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 ( 3) should be interpreted as preventing a situation whereby , under a bilateral taxation agreement between two Member States , the right conferred on the Member State in which the taxpayer works but is not resident to tax certain items of income results , on account of the non-recognition by that Member State of the taxpayer's personal and marital status , in a higher tax burden for the income of a couple who are both employed and one of whom is exercising his or her right to freedom of movement . As soon as the Court has handed down its judgment in this case , the Commission will examine the repercussions of the Court's interpretation for tax legislation in the Member States .

(') Commission Recommendation of 21 December 1993 on the taxation of certain items of income received by non-residents in a Member State other than that in which they are resident (OJ L 39, 10.2.1994). ( 2) In particular the judgments in Case C-279/93 Roland Schumacker v Finanzamt Koln-Altstadt and Case C-80/94 G.H.E.J.Wielockx v Inspecteur der directe belastingen . O OJ L 257 , 19.10.1968 .

(97/C 391 / 133 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1384/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Sale of British goods from French market stalls

Is the Commission aware that it is virtually impossible for British citizens to sell British goods in French street markets because the relevant local authorities say that certain special criteria must be met .

What action will the Commission take to ensure that a single market is able to operate for citizens of all countries of the EU without the implementation of complicated local laws? C 391 /80 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)

The Commission has not been informed of the situation to which the Honourable Member refers .

With respect to internal market rules , the French local authorities have the right to apply their relevant provisions concerning street markets to British citizens or British goods as long as there is no discrimination by reason of nationality which might impede free movement of persons or goods . Concerning the free movement of goods, it seems that the ' Keck et Mithouard' case law would in such a case be applicable (judgement of 24 November 1993 , case C-275/91 ).

The Commission invites the Honourable Member to provide concrete examples of difficulties encountered by British citizens in selling British goods in French street markets in order that it may investigate a possible breach of Community law .

(97/C 391/ 134) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1385/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Disabled access and TENs funding Has the Commission given consideration to making future TENs funding conditional on full access for people with disabilities?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)

The Parliament and the Council adopted Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN) on 23 July 1996 (Decision 1692/96/EC) (')• According to these guidelines the aim of the network is to ensure sustainable mobility of people and goods within an area without internal frontiers under best possible social and safety conditions and to offer users high-quality infrastructure on acceptable economic terms . This objective applies also to people with disabilities .

As regards the co-financing of TEN transport projects of common interest under Council Regulation (EC) 2236/95 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks (2), it should be noted that there are no particular conditions imposing full access for people with disabilities . The decision to build transport infrastructure projects , including the selection of the technical standards , is primarily the responsibility of Member States .

However, improved access to the transport TEN for people with disabilities should be considered when the existing instruments are evaluated prior to their revision .

(') OJL 228 , 9.9.1996 . ( 2 ) OJ L 228 , 23.9.1995 .

(97/C 391 /135) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1402/97 by Concepcio Ferrer (PPE) to the Council (22 April 1997)

Subject: Signature of the association agreement with Lithuania

On 12 June 1995 a European Agreement was signed in order to establish an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Lithuania, of the other. On 13 November 1995 , certified copies thereof were sent to the parliaments of the EU Member States . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /81

Fifteen months after the dispatch of the certified copies of the agreement there are still certain parliaments which have not ratified the association agreement.

In view of the importance of the agreement to Lithuania, does the Council not think that action of some kind should be taken in order to urge the Member State parliaments which have not so far done so to ratify the agreement without delay ?

Answer (14 July 1997) The Europe Association Agreement with Lithuania , like those with Estonia and Latvia, was signed on 12 June 1995 . Since then ratification procedures have been initiated at national level . At this stage , on the basis of the notifications sent to the Council Secretariat, the depositary of the Agreement, ratification procedures have been completed in ten Member States . As the Honourable Member will be well aware , each Parliament has its own procedures and practices . Matters proceed at different rates in the various Parliaments . The process of ratifying the Europe Agreements with the Baltic countries is taking much the same time as did the ratification of other agreements such as the Europe Agreements with the other Central and East European countries . Nevertheless , the Council is doing its utmost to draw Member States' attention to the need to speed up ratification of the various outstanding agreements, including the Europe Agreements with the Baltic countries . It would also point out to the Honourable Member that this is an area where Members of the European Parliament could themselves exert a positive influence on their colleagues in the national Parliaments .

(97/C 391/ 136) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1404/97 by Jean-Claude Pasty (UPE) to the Commission (22 April 1997) Subject: Renault affair (European Union aid for a factory in Spain)

On 3 March 1997 Agence France Presse reported on the following comments attributed to Mr Karel van Miert :

I have informed my European Commission colleagues that I shall block this item until Renault behaves differently from how it is behaving now (in Vilvorde)... It is evident on this occasion that public-sector aid is to be used to assist with the transfer of a profitable undertaking to a different location in the European Union . It is absurd for a profitable factory like the one in Vilvorde (in Flemish-speaking suburban Brussels) to be closed down and public money used to support additional investment in Spain to improve the quality of cars when the quality of cars manufactured in Vilvorde is excellent.

1 . Does the Commission not consider that in this particular instance the Belgian Member of the European Commission has , by openly taking sides with a Belgian factory against a Spanish one belonging to the same industrial grouping , failed in the duty of impartiality and objectivity to which he is bound by the Treaty?

2 . On what objective criteria does the Commission Member base his position , tantamount as it is to supplanting the head of the undertaking , in asserting that one factory or another is profitable?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1997)

As the Commission has had the occasion to recall in reply to written and oral questions by Members of Parliament (the Honorable Member is referred in particular to the answer by Mr Rey to Oral Question No 10/68 by Mr Habib-Deloncle, and Commission answers to Written Questions No 44/83 by Mr Gendebien and No 1682/85 by Mr Vandemeulebroucke) the Members of the Commission are politicians carrying out a political function , who , while honouring the obligations imposed by this function, remain free to express their personal opinions quite indepedently and on their own responsibility . C 391/82 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 / 137 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1405/97 by Fiorella Ghilardotti (PSE), Luigi Colajanni (PSE) and Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Disparities between Italy and the other Member States of the European Union as regards the rules governing access to the European Social Fund , Adapt and initiatives on employment

What was the result of the Commission's inquiries at the competent Italian ministry about the bank guarantee required by the Italian authorities to gain access to the ADAPT , Community employment initiatives and the ESF, inquiries to which the Commission referred in its answer to Written Question E-2138/96 (') by Luciano Vecchi on the same subject?

That requirement , which does not exist in the other countries , where the necessary guarantees are established by administrative checks before , during and after implementation of projects , often causes problems and impossibly high costs for the organizations promoting projects , particularly if they are non-profit-making organizations .

Could the Commission also say what steps it will take on this matter and on the other disparities between Italy and the other Member States as to the rules governing the award of funding for such programmes and particularly with regard to the procedures and arrangements for distributing the ESF contribution and the time taken to approve projects ?

(') OJ C 365 , 4.12.1996 , p . 85 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (1 July 1997)

As regards the bank guarantee , the Honourable Members are asked to refer to the answer given by the Commission to Mr Vecchi's written question E-2138/96 (')•

The Commission emphasises that the bank guarantee requirement is determined exclusively by the national legislation of each Member State for protection of their own financial interests .

With regard to funding arrangements and procedures , these are governed by Community legislation . The arrangements and timescale for project approval are laid down in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity by the institutions of each Member State in the light of specific provisions in the areas covered by national law .

Consequently , the Commission does not consider that it can take this matter any further, given that responsibility lies solely with the national authorities .

(') OJ C 138 , 5.5.1997 .

(97/C 391 / 138 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1408/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI ) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: European Social Fund assistance for retraining and re-employing workers

On 1 October 1996 , the Commission , in reply to Written Question E-2219/96 ('), promised to communicate as soon as possible the information it obtained regarding Lit 4500 billion in funds from the European Social Fund for retraining and re-employing workers of the Iritecna/Fintecna undertakings .

Since a further six months have now elapsed , can the Commission supply the results of the enquiries it has made ?

(') OJ C 365 , 4.12.1996 , p . 94 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /83

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The Commission regrets the delay in replying to the Honourable Member's Written Question E-22 19/96 , but has had substantial problems in obtaining information from the Italian authorities .

The Iritecna undertaking incorporated Fintecna in July 1993 . The new company has received funding to the amount of Lit 4 767 million , of which the sum of Lit 3 023 million was paid between 2 April 1991 and 18 February 1994 . Further details are being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat­ General of the European Parliament .

These resources were used to finance training for unemployed adults and adults employed in large , medium-sized or small undertakings , training for young people and the long-term unemployed , and retraining for adults in employment .

The following 13 companies which are part of the Iritecna holding company have provided training courses part-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF): Morteo Soprefim SPA Ponteggi Dalmine SPA Italtekna SPA Autostrade SPA FMI SPA Idrotekna SPA Ingegner Leone Nuova Mecfond SPA Castalia SPA Mededil SPA Condotte SPA Infrasud SPA Innse SPA Tagliaferri SPA

(97/C 391 / 139) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1413/97 by Nel van Dijk (V) and Doeke Eisma (ELDR) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Rocket launch site on the island of El Hierro

The Spanish government and the autonomous government of the Canary Islands intend to build a civilian rocket launching base for satellites and space probes on the Canary island of El Hierro . Inhabitants of El Hierro have drawn my attention to a number of deeply disturbing aspects of the project, on the basis of an exhaustive report drawn up by the Bechtel National company and commissioned by the 'Institute Canario de Investigation y Desarrollo ' (Canaries Research and Development Institute), which is responsible for the practical implementa­ tion of the launch base .

The project entails major encroachments on El Hierro ' s natural environment . Toxic emissions from a comparable installation in French Guyana have been shown to affect an area 30 kilometres in diameter (')• El Hierro has a diameter of about 15 kilometres . In addition , the rocket fuel to be used , consisting of hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide , poses a specific danger . Hydrazine is lethally toxic and nitrogen tetroxide combusts on exposure to oxygen . An unusually disturbing feature of the report is that it also recommends not informing the local population in advance of safety precautions to be taken in an emergency . 1 . Does the Commission share my view that a civilian launch installation is an infrastructural project on which an environmental impact assessment is necessary ?

2 . Is the Commission informed of the project's direct and indirect impact on : — human , animal and plant life ; — soil , water, air, climate and landscape ; — interactions between variables in the foregoing two categories ; — property and cultural inheritance . C 391 /84 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

3 . Does the Commission consider that the population of El Hierro have received sufficiently objective information about the project's impact ?

(') Mundo Cientifico , June 1996 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (20 June 1997)

The Spanish authorities have informed the Commission that as yet no decision has been taken regarding the rocket launch site project. They specify that as part of the examination of project viability, a study was made of issues relating to possible locations , requisite infrastructure and safety of operations . This study has been forwarded to the Government of the Canaries and to the Parliament of the Autonomous Community , which are now examining it. The Parliament should pronounce on the project shortly .

The Commission would point out that under the terms of Article 2 of Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment ('), projects likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue inter alia of their nature , size or location must be made subject to as assessment with regard to their effects before consent is given . This provision applies to the projects listed in Annexes I and II to the Directive . As rocket launch sites appear in neither Annex , an environmental impact assessment cannot be required under Directive 85/337/EEC .

The Commission has nonetheless reminded the Spanish authorities of their obligations under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2 ), Article 6(3 ) of which lays down that any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a special area of conservation for birds but likely to have a significant effect thereon must be subject to appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives .

The Commission is not in a position to judge whether the population of El Hierro received sufficient information on the consequences of the project . However, it has asked the Spanish authorities to keep it informed of ongoing developments as regards this project .

(') OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 . (2 ) OJL 206, 22.7.1992 .

(97/C 391 / 140) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1426/97 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission (23 April 1997)

Subject: Voltage harmonization

Is the Commission aware of the discrepancy between the voltages permitted for electrical supply under CENELEC HD 472 SI and those specified for the testing of domestic electrical appliances in the European Standards listed under the Low Voltage Directive , and that this discrepancy means that appliances may well be operating at supply voltages in excess of those for which they have been tested ?

What action does the Commission propose to take to encourage CENELEC to address the matter?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (20 June 1997)

In 1988 , Cenelec , the European committee for electrotechnical standardisation, adopted harmonised standard HD 472 S 1 (Nominal voltages for low voltage public electricity supply systems). In different steps and after a transitional period ending in 2003 , the nominal voltages of all countries in the European economic area (EEA) will have evolved towards a standard voltage of 230 V +/- 10% . More restrictive tolerances may be decided later on . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/85

The Commission understands that Cenelec is fully aware of the need to examine the implications of this harmonisation on the product standards, and especially on the safety standards for electrical equipment covered by Directive 73/23/EEC (low voltage Directive) (')• Although the latter certainly take into account relatively large safety margins, it seems necessary to evaluate the impact of these changes on the tests of the products . These tests are essentially based on the rated voltage, as indicated by the manufacturer, for avoiding discrepancies affecting the functional characteristics of certain products .

Work is in progress at Cenelec , in close collaboration with the International electrotechnical commission (IEC), in order to consider the introduction of the necessary amendments to the standards in due time .

The Commission is therefore confident that coherence between HD 472 S 1 and the standards elaborated by the technical products committees and cited in the low voltage Directive will be adequately verified by the standardisation bodies involved . At this stage , it does not have any cause to intervene with Cenelec .

Moreover, in the present situation , the Commission has not been informed about safety problems as a result from a lack of coherence between HD 472 SI and the different product standards concerned . Indeed , up to now , none of the Member States has contested , through the application of the safeguard provisions laid down in the low voltage Directive, one or more of the harmonised standards to which the Directive refers . It seems therefore that Member States are of the opinion that the safety margins applied for testing provide for a correct level of overall safety of the electrical equipment .

(') OJL 77 , 26.3.1973 .

(97/C 391/141 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 436/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (23 April 1997)

Subject: Erasure of 20th century from computer memories

The 'Millenium Bug' is currently causing great concern in the field of information technology since it is threatening to cause a worldwide crash on 1 January 2000, as a result of a total breakdown in computer systems . According to experts this is because computer programmers entered abbreviated forms to save valuable computer memory capacity , so that in entering the year , only 71 would be entered instead of 1971 , for example . The problem will occur when on 1 January 2000 , computers will think that it is the year 1900 , with the result that 30% of them will fail to function at all . The greatest damage however will be caused by those which continue to function using present systems since they will give erroneous readings for every operation or calculation .

1 . What steps has the Commission taken with regard to information systems in the Community and in the Member State , as well as in the private sector?

2 . Given that the possible solutions to the problem are : (a) extremely costly , requiring the replacement of computers and their programmes or (b) very-time consuming , involving the 'correction' of the programming language codes , who will bear the enormous financial burden which will in either case result, the citizens of the European Union or the companies responsible for the computerization of Community services ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997)

The Commission is aware of this technical problem . As far as the Commission's internal information systems are concerned, appropriate measures have already been taken to inform its services and to identify the necessary adaptations .

Regarding the systems in the national and private sectors , several initiatives to inform economic operators have been actively pursued by suppliers of information systems , by consultants and by some Member States . In the context of this undertaking , the Commission has a forum to share experiences and to make the most appropriate technical solutions commonly known . It also intends to step up information and awareness-raising measures on this subject. The cost of implementing these solutions is the responsibility of the system owners . C 391 /86 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Moreover, several technologies to facilitate the adaptation of information systems have been successfully developed under Community research and development programmes . These are currently being used by the largest information system providers .

(97/C 391 / 142) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1438/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (23 April 1997) Subject: Parallel shipping registry in EU Member States Certain EU Member States (Denmark, Netherlands , Germany etc.) have introduced parallel shipping registers of freighters and tankers travelling along international routes to destinations outside the sovereignty of the countries whose flags they fly . Can the Commission say what legal provisions apply at EU level concerning the possibility of parallel shipping registers in all Member States and give a rough idea of what provisions are included in parallel shipping registers set up by certain EU Member States concerning the composition of crews and the financial obligations of shipowners ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1997) There is no specific legislation at Community level governing the establishment of parallel registers by Member States . However, registers governed by the law of Member States and established on their territories which form part of the Community are subject to Community legislation , in particular where maritime safety is concerned . There is also no legislation at Community level laying down minimum registration conditions for Member States ' ship registers . The advisability of Community legislation laying down minimum registration conditions was discussed in the Commission's maritime strategy document of 13 March 1996 (') and is at present being further examined by the Commission . The Commission does not have an inventory with comprehensive details of Member States ' parallel or second registers . It is therefore unable to provide the information requested by the Honourable Member regarding these registers .

(') SEC(96) 486 .

(97/C 391 / 143 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P- 1456/97 by Giovanni Burtone (PPE) to the Commission (23 April 1997) Subject: Compatibility of Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 with Regulation (EEC) No 2080/92 When Regulation (EEC) No 2080/92 (') came into force , a farmer who had already benefitted from the premiums provided for in Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 (2) submitted an afforestation project which included two plots (wheat and grassland) already covered by Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 .

Would the Commission state whether : 1 . there is any conflict between these two regulations and whether the farmer is eligible for aid under both? 2 . the provisions laid down in the last subparagraph of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 746/96 avert any possibility of conflict between the two regulations referred to above?

(') OJ L 215 , 30.7.1992 , p . 96 . ( 2 ) OJ L 215 , 30.7.1992 , p . 85 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /87

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission 28 May 1997

It is stipulated in the first indent of Article 10(1 ). The provision in the last indent of Article 13 of Regulation (EC) 746/96 does not refer to the compatibility of the two Regulations concerned but governs the conditions for a change of an undertaking under Regulation (EEC ) No 2078/92 to an undertaking for afforestation under Regulation (EEC)No 2080/92 . Where such transformations occur, the recipient is not obliged to reimburse the aid received for the undertaking under Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 .

In the light of the above it is evident that additionality between the two Regulations is not explicitly prevented , but that it must take account of the general and specific conditions on the combination of aids set out in Regulation (EC) No 746/96 .

(97/C 391 / 144) WRITTEN QUESTION P-I476/97 by Norbert Glante (PSE) to the Commission (23 April 1997)

Subject: The economic benefits of transport telematics

Does the Commission have the findings of scientific studies quantifying the economic benefits to be derived from the extensive use of telematic traffic management systems on the trans-European road network ? If so , how great are such benefits ?

How highly does the Commission rate the economic benefits per ecu invested in telematic transport systems , and what scientific basis does it use to arrive at such a figure ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1997)

A quantified assessment of the costs and benefits associated with the deployment of telematics applications over a whole transport network such as the TransEuropean road transport network , is a complex activity which requires an overall agreement on the nature and extent of applications to be deployed , the level of investment and the implementation timescale . Furthermore , the costs of certain traffic related problems such as congestion and safety , vary over time and across Europe . For all these reasons , all studies conducted to date depend on the inherent assumptions made and could not claim to provide definite answers to the questions raised by the Honourable Member .

Indications of the likely range of benefits may however be drawn from the research and demonstration activities performed to date and the limited implementation experience of individual Member States and the Commission (the benefits are estimates that should not be used to draw wider conclusions than their original context). The improvement of transport efficiency and the reduction of traffic accidents of 10-20% has been shown in a number of projects , which may lead to thousands of mecus in annual savings due to reduction of external costs of transport , whilst the investment required may range from 0.25 to 0.4 MECU per kilometre . Indicatively , cost/benefit ratios range from 1 .7 for incident detection and 2.9 for speed control to 3.6 for ramp control , whereas the respective rates of return vary respectively from 32% and 39% to 101% in a recent United Kingdom study . Strategic traffic control using variable message signs (VMS ) for motorways is operational in a number of Member States . In the Ile-de-France region , the system has total estimated annual benefits of FF 550 millions whilst the total investment is FF 680 millions and the annual operating costs FF 50 millions , thus providing very high socio-economic benefits . Similarly , the Dutch automatic motorway control and signalling system led to an overall reduction of more than 20% in accidents and injuries . Other more advanced systems have shown even C 391 /88 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

higher potential benefits, such as the emergency call and priority systems showing a reduction in the emergency response time after the accident of 45% (Germany) increasing substantially survival rates and showing a rate of return of 180% (United Kingdom).

Relevant information can be found in a number of reports, summaries of which are being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat .

Finally , Council Resolution of 28 September 1995 (') requested the Commission to propose a general strategy and framework for the deployment of telematics applications for road transport, and to include a cost-benefit analysis of the envisaged measures . The Commission is finalising this strategy and framework which will include a rolling action plan and monitoring programme . As part of this action , the Commission will consider the most appropriate way of assessing road transport telematics applications , including the suitability of evaluation methods and scenario development approaches used in earlier studies . The results of such assessments will be part of the monitoring programme envisaged .

(') OJC 264 , 11.10.1995 .

(97/C 391 / 145) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1481/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (24 April 1997)

Subject: Treatment of non-French nationals by French police when transporting goods through France

A UK haulage company in my constituency recently had a driver subjected to a routine check at the Rheims toll in France . The police officers took out the tachograph , breaking it in doing so . When they examined the tachograph , they said the driver was breaking the law and immediately fined him £400. When the driver could not pay, the officers parked him on the side of the road and called the haulage company in the UK .

Representatives from the English company immediately went to France to personally pay the fine . On arrival in France , the French officers informed them that the fine was now £1000 . When this was disputed by the representatives from the company , the French officers pulled a gun on them and impounded their vehicle until they could pay the fine .

Can the European Commission investigate with the French authorities whether this is the usual treatment that non-French nationals are subjected to when transporting goods through France ? Is the Commission aware of similar instances of brutality by the French police towards non-French nationals? Is this type of behaviour not against the principle of the Single Market — the free movement of people and goods? Is it not a direct infringement of civil liberties?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

The exercise of checks and the imposition of sanctions are for the Member States to organise in line with the relevant provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 (') on driving times and rest periods and Directive 88/599/EEC (2) on standard checking procedures . Article 3(3 ) of this Directive specifically prohibits discrimination by enforcement authorities between resident and non-resident operators in implementing roadside checks .

The Commission receives complaints from time to time about various aspects of checking in Member States but is not aware of the details of this case . It is also not aware of circumstances which reflect those mentioned in the written question . In view of the seemingly abnormal nature of the case , the Commission will investigate this matter further with the French authorities .

O OJ L 370 , 31.12.1985 . ( 2 ) OJ L 325 , 29.11.1988 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391/89

(97/C 391/ 146) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1486/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (30 April 1997) Subject: Prices of medicinal products What is the present situation as regards the database of prices for medicinal products referred to in Directive 89/ 105/EEC (')? When will we be able to have general access to the database, and what has prevented this so far?

(') OJL 40 , 11.2.1989 , p . 8 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (19 June 1997)

The constitution of a databank on the prices of pharmaceutical products is a particularly complex task for two reasons . Firstly , it is extremely difficult to obtain full , reliable and regularly updated data for all the Member States . Secondly , where such data are available it is difficult, and even dangerous , to compare them . Given the impossibility of carrying out this task within the framework of administrative cooperation with the Member States , the Commission eventually opted to obtain the requisite information on the market. The first edition of the databank should be available in the form of a CD-ROM during the final quarter of 1997 . It will be a limited edition , several copies of which will be sent to Parliament .

(97/C 391 / 147) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1488/97 by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza (PSE) to the Commission (30 April 1997) Subject: Europe against cancer and tobacco Can the Commission say how European programmes to combat cancer and the subsidies granted to tobacco-growing in the Union can be considered compatible when statistics show that tobacco is the main cause of cancer deaths?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997) The Commission is fully aware of the social and economic importance of tobacco cultivation in Europe . This is why the Commission has proposed to continue for the present the common organisation of the tobacco market, while allowing for a movement to higher quality cultivation , and other improvements to the arrangements . The Commission report of 18 December 1996 on the reorganisation of the common market in tobacco (') goes some way to addressing the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member. The objective of this reform is indeed to preserve the employment linked with the cultivation of tobacco in Europe whilst increasing the quality of the production . In addition , the Commission recognises the need to assist those who wish to leave this sector of production . On the same occasion , the Commission also adopted a communication on smoking prevention (2). This seeks to promote a wide-ranging debate on the policy to be followed in reducing smoking . It contains a series of policy options which could be taken at Community and Member State level to prevent smoking . The Commission has proposed increasing from 1% to 2% the levy constituting the tobacco research and information fund . This fund is devoted to public information projects about the harmful effects and dangers of smoking, particularly addressed to the young . It also finances research into less dangerous varieties of tobacco plant.

(') COM(96) 554 . ( 2 ) COM(96) 609 . C 391 /90 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 / 148) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1494/97 by Antoine-Francois Bernardini (PSE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Legislation on mobile crane transporters

French mobile crane transporters ' representatives recently raised with me the issue of French legislation governing the pursuit of their occupation .

Their occupation , that of transporting mobile cranes , is of recent origin and came into being to meet the needs of firms in the building and civil engineering industry ; it is now facing fierce competition in France , as French legislation is restrictive and has not been updated for almost 25 years .

The Commission 's attention is drawn to the fact that a legal vacuum in this area is causing a distortion of competition .

Will the Commission state whether it intends to harmonize rules governing the movement of such machinery , which , in France alone , is considered to be of an exceptional nature and hence is subject to excessive restrictions?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (17 June 1997)

The Commission is aware of national and local differences where authorisations for the circulation of mobile cranes are concerned . These vehicles fall outside the scope of Community legislation as laid down by Directive 96/53/EC on maximum authorised weights and dimensions for circulation (')•

On the basis of information made available by Member State authorities , the Commission considers that authorisation for these vehicles is best left to national and local authorities as these are best placed to judge possible problems with regard to infrastructure and road safety .

(') OJL 235 , 17.9.1996 .

(97/C 391 / 149) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1497/97 by Pervenche Beres (PSE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Energy — power stations

Can the Commission provide a list of power stations , both existing and planned , in the European Union , indicating , by generating unit , the energy source used , current generating capacity and the capacity planned to be available five and ten years hence?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)

The Member States send the Commission confidential data on power stations and on investment projects in the electricity sector .

The Honourable Member will find information on a series of investment projects in the Unipede-Eurelectric report 'Programmes and prospects for the European electricity sector ' . The Commission is sending the report directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat .

Information on existing power stations is available in specialist publications and in databases governed by commercial contracts . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /91

(97/C 391 / 150) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1498/97 by Pervenche Beres (PSE) to the Commission (30 April J997)

Subject: Energy — pollutants

Can the Commission provide a table indicating the amounts of the various pollutants (C02 , gas leaked , by country of origin and mode of transmission , nitrogen and sulphur, etc .) emitted by power stations , broken down according to the energy source used ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997)

The relative importance of energy sources used for power generation with respect to environmental emissions depends on both emission factors and the technology for abating emissions like desulphurisation equipment or low nitrogen oxides (NOx) burners . For carbon dioxide (C02) there are at present no economic options for emission removal .

In order to show the differences in emissions between input fuels for power generation , the following ratios for C0 2 per tera joule (TJ ) of fuel input were calculated on the basis of energy and C02 statistics for 1995 :

solid fuels 1 04 tonnes CO2/TJ oil 76 tonnes C0 2/TJ gas 71 tonnes C0 2/TJ .

In this comparison gas includes derived gas from coke ovens and blast furnaces . The emission factor for natural gas is lower (at some 56 tonnes C02/TJ).

The following emission ratios in power generations for sulphur dioxide (S02), nitrogen oxides (NOx), methane (CH4 ) and nitrous oxide (N20) stem from a modelling exercise in the framework of the study 'European energy to 2020 — A scenario approach'. The emission ratios relate to 1995 .

kg/TJ

so 2 NOx CH 4 NnO

solid fuels 772 260 2.7 4.6 oil 728 180 3.1 9.1

gas 19 85 5.9 1.3

(CH4 ) emissions due to leakages in gas distribution and during production cannot be attributed to power generation and other gas uses . Therefore , this gas ratio does not include (CH4) emissions upstream to power generation . This is also the case for all other pollutants and greenhouse gases .

(97/C 391 / 151 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1501/97 by Pervenche Beres (PSE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Programmes for small and medium-sized businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses are the main providers of employment in Europe . There are various programmes designed to assist them , but many of those who run such businesses criticize the programmes for being inconsistent and insufficiently tailored to their needs , in particular as regards the monitoring of the measures undertaken .

What steps will the Commission take to ensure that its new guidelines for this sector take account of such criticisms ? c 391 /92 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission ( 17 June 1997)

The Commission is aware of the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises both in economic and social terms and especially in terms of job creation , and it has a number of Community programmes which are able to assist SMEs . To enhance the visibility and coherence of Community actions in favour of SMEs , on 10 July 1996 the Commission adopted the Integrated Programme for SMEs ('), which provides an overall framework for its actions . The Integrated Programme brings together three types of measure . Firstly , concerted actions ensure consultation between Member States and between Member States and the Commission with a view to exchanging best practice in terms of support policies and measures for SMEs . In this way , better coherence should gradually be established between national and Community approaches .

Secondly , the Multiannual Programme for SMEs ( 1997-2000) ( 2 ), which is funded with a budget of ECU 127 million , aims to facilitate the integration of SMEs into the internal market and to help them to internationalise . One way in which it does this is by aiming to ensure that the Euro Info Centres (a network of 226 Community information centres , plus 20 correspondence centres) become first stop shops for access to information by enterprises . Finally , there are the Community's contributions to the development of SMEs under other Community policies , such as the structural policies , research and technological development , vocational training , international cooperation and technological innovation . These policies are devised according to specific objectives , such as economic and social cohesion . Specific and simplified measures can be set up to help SMEs to participate in these programmes .

By tightening up the internal coordination aspect of its work , the Commission is endeavouring to ensure that the SME dimension is integrated into the framing and implementation of Community policies , and to enhance SMEs ' effective participation in these programmes . The most recent report on the coordination of Community activities ( 3 ) highlights the progress made in this area . The Commission has issued a recommendation to the Member States , the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund on the definition of SMEs (4) to be applied at both Community and national levels , thereby enabling initiatives in their favour to be better targeted . However , it should be noted that a number of Community programmes are implemented in a decentralised fashion by Member States and the regions . Consequently , it is also up to the national and regional levels to strengthen the coherence and visibility of programmes to assist SMEs so that the latter are better informed and benefit more from the measures proposed . To do this , the Commission has always been in favour of strengthening partnership and extending it to include economic and social operators , so that better account can be taken of the experience of those close to the reality of business life .

(7 COM(96 ) 329 , 10.7.1996 . ( 2 ) OJ L 6 of 10.1.1997 . Council Decision 97/ 15/EC of 9.12.1996 . O OJ L 107 of 30.4.1996 . ( 4 ) COM(95 ) 362 , 8.9.1995 .

(97/C 391 / 152) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1506/97 by Gianni Tamino (V ) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: EU contribution for restructuring of the Enichem Manfredonia plant ( Italy)

On 21 June 1995 the Commission agreed to grant funding to Italy to implement a detailed plan to restructure the plant operated by Enichem Agricoltura S.p.A. in Manfredonia . with a view to upgrading and converting it to other lines of production , given the crisis in the fertilizer industry . Responding to an explicit call to uphold competition , the Italian Government stated that the Lit 2 81 8 bn allocated to Enichem had been used to clear and upgrade all the plants concerned and make them safe . Article 1 of the Commission decision lays down the financial aid to Enichem , which , in accordance with paragraph 2 of that article , must undertake to comply fully with the liquidation , restructuring , and privatization plan submitted to the Commission . Paragraph 3 specifies which industrial sites are to be closed , genuinely and irreversibly , in order to reduce productive capacity and to that end scrapped , rendered incapable of producing , or converted to another use . On 25 March 1997 the newspaper II Sole 24 Ore reported that the Italian Ministry for Industry and the Commission were investigating the possibility of reopening the Manfredonia plant , which is included among the sites to be scrapped , because Probant & Associates had offered to buy it . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /93

Is the above information correct? Is it acceptable for the Italian Ministry to propose that the plant be reopened when the EU has helped to pay for it to be dismantled ? Does the Commission not believe , moreover, that , in cooperation with the Italian Government , it should seek to ascertain how far the commitments entered into have been honoured , since the Manfredonia plant is apparently not only not being scrapped , but is not even being upgraded ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (4 June 1997)

By Decision adopted on 21 June 1995 ('), the Commission decided that the aid granted by the Italian State to Enichem Agricoltura, namely the capital injections effected in the years 1991 to 1994 , totalling LIT 1918 billion , and the expected final cost of Enichem Agricoltura's liquidation of LIT 900 billion , fulfilled the conditions laid down by the Community guidelines on state aid for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty .

In the Decision , the Commission stressed that, in return for the aid granted , the capacity reduction resulting from the plant closures which the Italian authorities had presented as final must be genuine and irreversible . The relevant plants cannot be put back into service , even by their buyers , since this would amount to bringing subsidized capacity back onto the market , which would constitute a serious distortion of competition .

In response to the request by the Italian authorities regarding the possible reopening of the Manfredonia plant following the offer by Probant & Associates to purchase it, the Commission pointed out that, under the Decision of 21 June 1995 , the undertaking to close certain plants was regarded as one of the necessary conditions for authorizing the plan for restructuring Enichem Agricoltura .

In addition, as regards compliance with the conditions laid down in the above-mentioned Decision , the Italian authorities cooperate in monitoring compliance with the Decision by providing half-yearly reports indicating in particular the progress of the liquidation , the situation of each individual production plant which has been closed , and the progress of the restructuring and privatization operations . As far as the Manfredonia plant is concerned , the information available to the Commission indicates that the plant is being cleaned up in preparation for dismantlement .

However, so as to check whether its information is correct, the Commission will request clarification on the progress being made in cleaning up the Manfredonia plant .

O OJL 28 , 6.2.1996 .

(97/C 391 / 153) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1508/97 by Leen van der Waal (I-EDN), Brigitte Langenhagen (PPE) and Christine Barthet-Mayer (ARE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Allocation of horse mackerel admissible catch totals between Member States

In answer to a previous question (E-2641 /96) (') on mackerel and horse mackerel catches in Ireland the Commission stated that it was making inquiries concerning catch registration , landing and transshipments of these species in Ireland .

1 . Can the Commission state what progress has been made with its inquiries ?

2 . Is there any truth in reports that the Commission intends to submit a proposal to the Council for the allocation of admissible catch totals for horse mackerel in the form of landing quotas ?

3 . Can the Commission state whether, and if so how , the results of the aforesaid inquiries have been taken into account in drawing up the Commission proposal on the allocation of admissible catch totals for horse mackerel between Member States ?

4 . Does the Commission share the view that a quota allocation to a Member State based on fictitious (large) catches in the previous year will deprive EU fisheries policy of all credibility and have a demoralizing impact on fishing crews that have stayed within their catch quotas ? C 391 /94 r EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

5 . Can the Commission state what quantities of fishmeal , fish oil and animal feed were produced by Ireland in 1995 : a) using horse mackerel and/or mackerel as primary product ? b) using fish other than mackerel or horse mackerel as primary product?

(') OJ C 105 , 3.4.1997 , p . 18 .

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission ( 12 June 1997)

1 . The Commission 's inspectors have conducted a series of on the spot missions in the Member States concerned with a view to verifying catch registration , landings and transshipments of mackerel and horse mackerel . Although these missions revealed weaknesses in monitoring catches and landings of these species , they did not provide concrete evidence for infringements of Community legislation .

In order to clarify the apparent inconsistencies between data on landings of mackerel and horse mackerel , on the one hand , and imports and exports , on the other hand , the Commission has requested all Member States involved in these fisheries to carry out detailed verifications of catches and landings in 1995 and 1996 . A similar request has been addressed to Norway and the Faeroe Islands where fishing vessels are also engaged in the exploitation of mackerel and horse mackerel stocks . The Commission has requested the Member States to submit a detailed report on the results of these verifications before the end of the first half of 1997 . Taking into account this report , the Commission may decide whether it is necessary to conduct an administrative inquiry .

2 . The Commission has presented a proposal for a regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 390/97 (') fixing , for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks , the total allowable catches for 1997 and certain conditions under which they may be fished ( 2 ). This proposed an allocation to Member States of fishing possibilities for horse mackerel . The Council has not yet adopted the quotas for Member States .

3 . The proposal is based on the official catch figures of horse mackerel transmitted by the Member States concerned and takes account of the fact that the fishery for horse mackerel is an established fishery and that fishing opportunities will reflect historical patterns of fishing activities for each Member State , as shown by the mean catch over a recent and representative period ( 1992-1996).

This proposal cannot reflect results of the inquiries addressed to the Member States in question as the Commission has not yet been provided with the information requested . The Commission may consider the transmission of a revised proposal to the Council in the event that inquiries would demonstrate inaccuracies in the catch figures submitted by Member States .

4 . Basing a quota allocation on fictitious catch records would indeed be contrary to the principles underlying the common fisheries policy . It would also have a negative impact on the enforcement of ulterior catch declarations , not to mention the discriminatory treatment that would be suffered by crews that have recorded their catches correctly . Similar qualifications may be given to the act of consciously misreporting catches .

5 . The Commission has no detailed information on the quantities of mackerel and horse mackerel used for the production of fishmeal and fishoil in Ireland in 1995 . The report requested from the Member States should provide an evaluation of the quantities landed on the basis of their destination including processing .

(') OJ L 66 , 6.3.1997 . ( 2 ) COM(97 ) 135 final . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /95

(97/C 391 / 154) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1512/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Access to information

As a result of the seminar in April 1996 organized by the European Blind Union on access to information co-funded by DG X of the EC , a report was issued with recommendations to make information and services provided by the EC more accessible . One priority was the information campaigns organized by the EC regarding citizens ' rights , the Euro and Intergovernmental Conference .

Attempts to discuss the recommendations and an action plan with DG X , to ensure that information provided by those campaigns is available for blind and partially sighted people , were not successful . What is the present status of information campaigns ? Have any steps been taken to incorporate the needs of blind and partially sighted people in the information provision ? Will the EC comment on EBU's recommendations for improving access to their information and services , which were presented to the Commission in 1996 ? Will the EC hold meetings with EBU representatives to consider appropriate action in the area of access to information by blind and partially sighted citizens ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (6 June 1997)

Following the seminar to which the honourable Member refers , contact was indeed made with associations of visually impaired people as part of the priority information schemes being run by the Commission (the Prince programme). Talks have started with the European Blind Association , the headquarters of which are in Paris , with a view to launching measures to bring information about the euro to disabled people in general and the blind and partially sighted in particular .

Regarding the ' Citizens first ' campaign , a project developed by the Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired received complete financial backing from the Commission . Similar contacts have taken place with the Organizacion Nacional de Ciegos de Espana (the Spanish National Association for the Blind), which is expected to submit an official proposal very shortly .

As far as the information campaign on the Intergovernmental Conference is concerned , specific measures will be planned during the second stage of the exercise , insofar as budgetary resources permit , to explain the new Treaty which is due to come out of the Amsterdam European Council .

The Commission also had wide-ranging consultations with bodies representing associations for the visually impaired with a view to defining the technical constraints to be taken into account when manufacturing euro coins and notes . When the new currency is finally produced , the special requirements of the visually impaired will thus be taken into account . The Commission has also had the opportunity to present a book listing Community and national schemes for the disabled which has been published in Spanish and English under the title 'European Disability Law'.

For further information on official documents accessible to the visually impaired , the Honourable Member is requested to refer to the answer to Written Question No E- 1520/97 by Mrs Jackson (').

(') OJ C 367 , 4.12.1997 .

(97/C 391 / 155 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1524/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: Freedom of movement in the EEA

The statute for seasonal workers within the EEA , which applies in Liechenstein , for example , to around 350 Italian citizens who work there for 1 1 months a year , is penalizing those workers in an inhuman and uncivilized way , marginalizing them , separating them from their families and children , leaving them with no social security protection and denying them their sacrosanct rights such as the granting of family allowances , c 391 /96 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

pensions, social security , unemployment and invalidity benefits and school attendance . Permits , which were hitherto granted on a staggered basis , were recently changed from nine months to four months , followed by a break . This means that, even if a seasonal worker works for 1 1 months a year like any other citizen , he or she can never accrue entitlements , not even for his or her family . In short, this is a real scandal taking place in the heart of Europe .

1 . Is the Commission prepared to allow such a situation to continue?

2 . Does it not believe that, alongside freedom of movement for capital , goods and services , it is even more important to allow freedom of movement for persons in the countries making up the EEA?

3 . Does it not consider it desirable and politically appropriate to request that the statute for seasonal workers in the EEA be abolished by revising the EU/EEA Agreement so as to allow for the free movement of persons as provided for in Protocol 15 ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (11 June J 997)

The Agreement on the European economic area (EEA ) covers all the four freedoms of the single market , including the free movement of people . The derogations in the field of free movement of people concerning Liechtenstein are laid down in Protocol 15 of the EEA Agreement . These derogations are temporary and valid only during a transitional period ending on 1 January 1998 . At the end of the transitional period , the transitional measures will be jointly reviewed by the contracting parties , duly taking into account the specific geographic situation of Liechtenstein . The Commission is already engaged in a dialogue with the Liechtenstein authorities to make sure that the necessary measures to end the transitional period will be taken by the due date and that the Community acquis in the field of free movement of people will enter into force in Liechtenstein on the 1 January 1998 .

(97/C 391 / 156) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1525/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: Preserving the architectural heritage

The majestic architecture of the Vercelli synagogue in Piedmont , evidence of former splendour, is gradually deteriorating as a result of neglect and the effects of age owing to the increasing problems of upkeep faced by holocaust survivors who were able and willing to return to their city . A restoration project was launched in 1994 but came to nothing as the Community funding on which it had been depending was refused . Despite the financial austerity measures , the Ministry for Cultural Assets has provided some assistance and this , together with a modest contribution from the regional authorities , will help to overcome the worst of the problem but not to solve it altogether . 1 . Can the Commission explain why Community funding was refused ? 2 . Can it suggest other possible solutions involving the programmes and projects for safeguarding the Community 's artistic and architectural heritage , a topic on which hundreds and hundreds of pages of report and analysis have been written ?

Answer by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

1 . Given the budgetary constraints , the Commission can support only a few projects having a European dimension and exemplary nature in the context of its annual action to protect the European cultural heritage . In 1995 , there were 2 216 applications to protect religious buildings from Member States and associated countries of central and eastern Europe , of which 1 23 were selected .

Despite its merits , the project for the restoration of the Vercelli synagogue could not be placed on the short list . 23.12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /97

2 . Protection of the European cultural heritage comes under the future Raphael programme , put forward by the Commission in March 1995 , which is still awaiting a decision by Parliament and the Council . The objectives of the programme are the conservation , restoration and rehabilitation of Europe's movable and non-movable cultural heritage , including raising the awareness of citizens and increasing public access . Pending adoption of this programme , in 1997 the Commission will launch preliminary measures in the area of protection of the architectural heritage , access to museum collections , the organization of events with a European dimension focusing on the cultural heritage and further training and mobility for professionals in the field .

( 97/C 391 / 157) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1526/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: Wolves in northern Italy Can the Commission confirm that, at the European Union's expense , wolves in the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna are given live sheep and/or lambs to hunt with the aim of stimulating their hunting instinct ( Eindhovens Dagblad , 29 March 1997)? Can the Commission confirm that 320 000 Dutch guilders has been set aside for this supply of food ? Can the Commission say what European objective benefits from this subsidy and from which of the Union's budget headings it is derived? Can the Commission say whether these are natural packs of wolves or wolves that have been especially released , and can it say whether it has anything to do with their release ? Does the Commission not find this an extremely cruel practice that has nothing to do with nature , and does it not consider it better for these wolves to be allowed to find food for themselves or for the packs to be moved to a place where they can hunt in a natural way ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission ( 24 June 1997) The LIFE-Nature project ' Azioni di conservazione del lupo in sei siti S.I.C. del Parco Regionale dell ' Alto Appennino Reggiano ' has been financed in 1996 . It aims at the protection of the wolf, a priority species listed in Annex I of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (')• The project has been presented by the local park authority , under the supervision of the regional government of Emilia-Romagna , Department for the environment . The Department helps to finance the project . The project has been put in place by the local authorities to test a new compensatory scheme , that should enable a quicker intervention and a higher level of participation of the local breeders in the park area . The action foresees the purchase of live sheep and lambs to be used as direct compensation for any loss of animals suffered by local breeders because of damage caused by wolves in the park area . The sheep and lambs purchased will be in custody of local breeders and will be used when compensation is needed . The substitute animals will certainly not be released into the wild as bait but, will be integrated in the breeder's herd . Concerning the financial aspect, some 10 000 Ecu have been committed to the action described above . Only 45 % of this amount is covered by Community funding . The project is financed in the framework of the Life Regulation (Council Regulation 1973/92 as modified by Council Regulation 1404/96 ( 2 )). The amount is committed under budgetary item B4-3200 . The most recent data indicates that 10-35 wolves live in the park in five packs of 2-7 wolves each and the population trend appears to be stable . No individual has been especially released . Considering the experimental character of the action , the Commission will carefully monitor its results .

(') OJ L 206 . 22.7.1992 . ( : ) OJ L 181 , 20.7.1996 and OJ L 206 , 22.7.1992 . C 391 /98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 / 158 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1551/97 by Georg Jarzembowski (PPE) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Scrapping programmes in the inland waterways sector

Scrapping programmes to achieve structural improvements in the inland waterways sector are currently running once again . Taxpayers and those concerned are wondering whether or when such programmes will actually produce successful results and freight rates for inland waterways transport will reverse the present trend and rise again , so as to give inland waterways operators in the European Union prospects for the future .

1 . What actual over-capacity in terms of tonnage currently exists in the European Union and in the main countries concerned , namely Austria , Belgium , France , Germany and the Netherlands ?

2 . By how much is current tonnage in each country actually to be reduced by the end of 1 997 and by the end of 1998 ?

3 . By how much , and by when , are freight rates expected to rise , and on what is this expectation based ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

On 19 November 1996 the Council adopted Regulation No 2254/96 ('), which established the basis for a new scrapping action to be carried out over three years ( 1996 to 1998 ) aimed at reducing current waterway transport capacity by 15% of the total tonnage . This estimate of the overcapacity in the Member States concerned (Belgium , Germany , France , Netherlands and Austria) has been established by the professional organizations of inland waterway carriers and by the Commission in 1995 . The scrapping action in 1996 confirmed the accuracy of this evaluation since approximately 5% of the capacity of the fleet was registered on the list of requests for scrapping premiums .

The 1997 scrapping action will make it possible to estimate the remaining overcapacity in the Member States . The Commission will then be able , taking into account these first results , the market developments and the liberalization measures taken , to determine the requirements for the scrapping measures for the year 1998 .

Apart from the economic crisis in the years 1993-1994 , price indexes in the free market on the Rhine as well as in the North-South market , have tended to increase in parallel with the scrapping actions . In addition , the Commission was even obliged to increase the old for new ratio in order to counterbalance the tendency of over-investment in new boats . This demonstrates that the profession , like the Commission , believes that this mode of transport has good prospects for the future .

(') OJ L 304 , 27.11.1996

(97/C 391 / 159) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1562/97 by Ben Fayot (PSE) and Viviane Reding (PPE) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Consumer credit — protection of non-residents by Belgian legislation

Belgium transposed Directive 87/ 102 (') of 22 December 1986 on consumer credit into a national law of 12 June 1991 . This law stipulates that its provisions apply only to credit agreements concluded with consumers having their habitual residence in Belgium .

A large number of credit agreements are currently being concluded between Belgian financial brokers and consumers residing in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg . These ' easy credit' agreements stipulate that Belgian legislation is applicable , and indeed this is the legislation with which most links exist . All too often , however, these agreements fail to respect consumers ' rights under Belgian law (the granting of credit without any agreement being handed over, ignorance of deadline for renouncing an agreement , ...). Belgian professionals tell consumers that the Belgian law is not applicable to non-residents . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 /99

1 . Does the Commission share our view that the above directive , and thus the national laws transposing it, do not permit discrimination between residents and non-residents , given that these protection measures are compulsory and all consumers must benefit fully from them , in so far as their agreement can be localized in the Member State in question , namely Belgium?

2 . Can the Commission explain why it failed to notice any problem when it verified the conformity of the relevant Belgian law with Directive 87/ 102 , even though the provisions restricting the field of application to Belgian residents appear to constitute a serious violation of the principle of non-discrimination set out in Article 7 of the Treaty ?

3 . Does the Commission agree that the full protection of resident and non-resident consumers is particularly important since Directive 87/ 102 constitutes a minimal text allowing the Member States to maintain or adopt stricter provisions to protect consumers , so that a consumer may in certain cases be better protected by the legislation of the country of origin of the professional , than by his own legislation ?

(') OJ L 42 , 12.2.1987 , p . 48 .

Answer given by Ms Bonino on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1997)

Belgian professionals are wrong to tell consumers resident in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg that Belgian law does not apply to them . If a matter is brought before the Belgian or Luxembourg courts , these will certainly apply Belgian law except in cases where, under certain circumstances , Luxembourg law is more favourable to the consumer . This approach derives from the rules of private international law established under the Rome Convention of 19 June 1980 on the law applicable to contractual obligations .

This Convention lays down the general rule that a contract is governed by the laws of the country chosen by the parties (Article 3 ) or, in the absence of any such choice being made , by the laws of the country with which the contract is most closely linked (Article 4). In the cases referred to by the Honourable Members , the applicability of Belgian law clearly derives from Article 3 of the Convention , since it is the law chosen by the parties . However , even if no applicable law had been chosen , Belgian law would still in principle apply on the basis of Article 4 , since the country most closely linked with a credit agreement is deemed to be that in which the lender has his business establishment .

Article 2 of the Belgian Law of 12 June 1991 would , if interpreted literally , seem to rule out this approach , given that it states that ' this Law shall apply to credit agreements concluded with consumers habitually residing in Belgium This Article must , however , be interpreted in the light of the Rome Convention , which is a legal instrument that takes precedence over Belgian law . The sole effect of this Article is to give greater protection to consumers resident in Belgium by setting a limit on the freedom of the parties to choose the applicable law . This therefore means that arrangements on the granting of credit to consumers habitually resident in Belgium by lenders also registered within the country must be subject to Belgian law . This restriction does not infringe the Rome Convention .

In the light of these considerations , the Commission can thus reply as follows to the specific questions raised by the Honourable Members :

1 . Directive 87/ 102/EEC for the approximation of the laws , regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning consumer credit does not contain any provision laying down the territorial scope of any transposition legislation . Nevertheless , the Commission agrees with the Honourable Members that , if Belgium refused to apply its Law transposing Directive 87/ 102/EEC to loans provided by lenders based in Belgium to consumers not resident in the country , this would constitute a serious violation of the spirit of the Directive — not , strictly speaking , because of the discrimination between residents and non-residents , but because such an approach would create a legal vacuum in which non-resident consumers would not be covered by any transposition legislation . 2 . As can be gathered from the above observations , Belgium has not restricted the applicability of its Law transposing Directive 87/ 102/EEC to Belgian residents only ; this would constitute indirect discrimination on grounds of nationality , which is prohibited under Article 6 of the EC Treaty . Firstly , Article 2 of the Law covers all consumers resident in Belgium , irrespective of nationality . And secondly , it does not seek to restrict the scope of the Law , but rather to ensure its application , under the circumstances mentioned above , even if the parties choose otherwise . c 391 / 100 PEN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

3 . With regard to areas covered by directives providing for minimal harmonisation , consumers may be better protected by the laws of the country in which the professional is established than they may be by legislation in their own country . This follows from the minimal nature of the directives in question . The aim of these directives is not to apply the laws most favourable to consumers , but rather to guarantee them a minimum level of protection regardless of the applicable law under rules of private international law . Under the common rules established by the Rome Convention , the applicable law is generally that of the country of origin of the supplier of goods or services to non-residents . However, in cases where non-resident consumers have , in their own country , been approached by professionals , the Rome Convention guarantees that , under certain circumstances , the laws of the consumers ' country of residence will apply if these are more favourable to them (Article 5 of the Convention).

(97/C 391 / 160) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1566/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) and Jan Sonneveld (PPE) to the Commission (6 May J 997)

Subject: National implementation of the nitrate directive

Can the Commission indicate how the various EU Member States have acted on , or are intending to act on , the European Union 's nitrate directive ?

In particular, can the Commission state whether for each Member State there is a single implementation scheme applicable to the entire territory of the Member State in question , or whether there is a differentiated approach in certain Member States ?

If a differentiated approach has been adopted in certain Member States , can the Commission state what form this takes ; for example , by region , soil type or problem area (depending on the amount of nitrate in the soil )?

Does the Commission have any plans to submit a paper in the near future on the various national implementation schemes , and when can we expect such a paper?

(97/C 391 / 161 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1744/97 by Jose Apolinario (PSE) to the Commission (23 May 1997)

Subject: Transposition of the ' nitrates ' directive

Which Member States have already transposed Directive 91 /676/EEC (') on protecting water from nitrate pollution due to agricultural activity ? What is the framework for application of this directive in the various Member States ?

(') OJ L 375 , 31.12.1991 , p . 1 .

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1566/97 and E-1744/97 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission ( 19 June 1997)

The transposition of Council Directive 91 /676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources into national laws has been completed by all Member States except Belgium , Greece , Italy , the Netherlands , Portugal and Finland .

Denmark, Germany , Luxembourg , the Netherlands and Austria , have designated the whole of their territory according to Article 3(5) of the Directive . Ireland considers that it does not have any areas of its territory that should be designated as vulnerable zones . Sweden and the United Kingdom have completed their designations of vulnerable zones . In the remaining Member States designations have not been completed . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 101

Codes of good agricultural practice , or their equivalent , covering the whole of their territory have been received from all Member States except Belgium , Portugal and Spain . Action programmes have been received from Denmark, Germany , Luxembourg and Sweden . In Denmark , Germany and Luxembourg the measures cover the whole of the territory . Sweden's measures just apply in the vulnerable zones . The Commission is highly dissatisfied with the present state of implementation in most Member States and is currently taking all measures available to it , including the use of proceedings under Article 169 EC Treaty in all cases where these are justified . The Commission intends to fulfil its obligations under the Directive to produce two reports , one summarising the informatiop supplied by Member States , and another on the implementation of the Directive . It is envisaged that these will be produced by the end of this year.

(97/C 391 / 162) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1569/97 by Honorio Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Establishment of anchovy quotas The anchovy quota for the current year and the allocation thereof to Spain , France and Portugal were laid down in a regulation which allows France to have access to part of Portugal 's quota .

For what reasons has the Commission allowed France to have such access ? What are the actual circumstances under which France may avail itself of this share of the quota? Is the quota allocated to Portugal to be maintained at the same level in coming years ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997)

During the discussions about the integration of Spain and Portugal into the common fisheries policy (CFP), which resulted in the adoption of Council Regulation No 1275/94 (') and , subsequently , Regulation (EC) No 685/95 (2), Portugal and France agreed to exchange part of their quotas . They agreed also to tacitly renew these exchanges until 2002 . This is reflected in Article 1 1 of Regulation (EC) No 685/95 . The condition attached to the transfer of part of the quota of anchovy is that it should be fished exclusively in waters under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of France . As far as the maintenance of the quota of anchovy for Portugal is concerned , the Commission does not see , for the time being , any objective reason to modify the level of the total allowable catches (TAC ) and , hence , the quota allocated to Portugal .

(') OJ L 140, 3.6.1994 . ( 2 ) OJ L 71 , 31.3.1995 .

(97/C 391 / 163 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1570/97 by Concepcio Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission (30 April 1997) Subject: The impact of the new COM on Community-produced fruit and vegetables

The recently-set-up operational funds for producers ' organizations will enable those organizations to co-finance , through the EAGGF, activities which were previously financed mainly from their own resources (such as infrastructure , fixed administrative costs , advertising , etc .). The operational funds will give the producers ' organizations additional resources to develop new activities involving imports from third countries . The Commission regulation on recognition of producers ' organizations means that up to 50% of the products sold on the market by those organizations can be non-Community products . C 391 / 102 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Does the Commission not believe that this new system creates a paradoxical situation , given that the aim of the common agricultural policy is to protect national production and ensure self-sufficiency for the European Union?

Does it not agree that producers ' organizations in receipt of subsidies should not be involved in importing products , so as to avoid a situation whereby imports from third countries are subsidized indirectly by EAGGF funds , which is contrary to the guiding principles of the CAP?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (20 May 1997)

It is true that Community legislation on the recognition of producer organizations in the fruit and vegetable sector and the implementation of the operational programmes enables these organizations to carry out activities other than the marketing and the processing of their own production , including the marketing of products from other Member States or imported from non-member countries .

This enables the producer organizations to maintain a market presence outside the period for marketing their own production , if that corresponds to their marketing plan and the wishes of their customers . However, Article 4(2)(b) and (e) of Regulation (EC) No 411 /97 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 as regards operational programmes , operational funds and Community financial assistance (') prohibits any direct or indirect financing of imported products . It is for the Member States to ensure compliance with this provision .

(') OJ L 62 , 4.3.1997 .

(97/C 391 / 164) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1573/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Subcontracting in the textile industry

The Commission has published a communication to the Council , the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entitled 'The competitiveness of subcontracting in the textile and clothing industry in the European Union ' (COM(96)0210 final).

It is estimated that 800 000 people are employed in subcontracting in the textile industry . Subcontractors face major challenges , and their growth will shape the future of the entire industry .

The aim of the Commission communication is to propose a package of measures and a structure for supporting the efforts made by subcontractors to improve their competitiveness . This will involve developing means of offering greater quality , innovation , reliability and flexibility .

Can the Commission ensure that the burden of taxation and social charges does not fall mainly on labour?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1997)

Subcontracting in the textile and clothing sector is undergoing a number of major developments affecting the entire industry , especially in the low-skilled labour areas . These developments are connected with the internationalisation of production , where there is a growing proportion of countries with low labour costs , with the diversity of demand , with the growth of the role of distribution , and with the changes in customers ' adaptation strategies .

In addition , subcontractors have competitive advantages which make it possible to improve the firms ' productivity . These are , in particular, advantages as regards qualifications , service , better use of flexible logistics , and product quality systems . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 103

Following its communication on subcontracting , the Commission , with the collaboration of both sides of industry, has created a subcontracting group which is intended to act as promoter and organiser in order to ensure the distribution of information and best practices at the European level in order to increase the participation of the firms concerned in existing Community and national actions by means of specific pilot projects .

As regards labour costs , the Commission considers that they are very high in the industry (direct pay but also social security contributions and taxation ) in relation to total production costs , but vary in accordance with the technology used , the subsector and the country . In general in the tailoring sector these costs represent 40% of the total production costs in industrialised countries . There are , however , considerable divergences within the Community not only with regard to pay but also in the area of social charges and taxation on pay .

In December 1993 the European Council in Essen established a common framework for the structural reforms of the labour market to be carried out by the Member States . This framework includes an annual follow-up at the European level based on the national programmes . There is a broad consensus at the moment that in order to promote the competitiveness of firms there is a need to reverse the trend , which has been observed for more than 15 years , towards the concentration of taxation and social charges on salaried employment . Proposed in 1993 by the White Paper on Growth , Competitiveness and Employment ('), this trend reversal has not yet materialised in most Member States .

The Commission considers that it is indispensable to intensify the exchanges of information and experience on the subject . In addition , the Dublin European Council of December 1996 approved the global approach proposed by the Commission as the framework for a structural development of systems of taxation and social charges more favourable to jobs and the environment . In particular it is a matter of limiting tax competition , the uncontrollable growth of which represents an obstacle to the efforts to straighten out the taxation structures .

The Commission stresses , however, that it is for every Member State to find the best methods to reduce indirect labour costs (social security contributions , income taxes ) and the means for financing such reductions . However , the way the reductions are targeted must not cause any distortion of competition , which may happen if they are targeted on specific economic sectors .

(') Doc COM(93 ) 700 .

(97/C 391 / 165 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1580/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Reform of the COM in olive oil

If the Commission 's proposed reform were to come about, under which the premium would be tied to the number of olive trees , this would seriously affect olive-growing in Apulia, which is characterized by quality and efforts to improve holdings .

Can the Commission take steps to : 1 . maintain production aid granted in relation to the quantity of oil actually produced , abolishing the system of a flat-rate payment for small producers ; 2 . abolish consumption aid , using the resources thus released to help market the product ; 3 . increase the Community MGQ to take account of average production in recent years and the increased consumption of olive oil in the Member States and non-EU countries . The MGQ should be increased to 1 550 000 tonnes and divided up into national reference quantities (NRQs) per country on the basis of the . average production in each Member State during the five years preceding the introduction of the new COM ; 4 . maintain an intervention price , extending the period of access to intervention and setting up a regulating stock to guarantee stability of supplies and presses ; 5 . improve the system of monitoring and combating fraud , by making use of all the instruments available at the level of both production (an olive oil register, producers ' organizations , etc .) and the market (product analysis), given that monitoring is fundamental to the smooth functioning of the COM and that, as well as having an impact on the Community budget , fraud leads to distortions within the olive oil sector ; C 391 / 104 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

6 . improve quality , by a general ban on mixing olive oil with other vegetable oils ; 7 . step up Community measures to help the production and consumption of olive oil , by allocating the necessary budget appropriations for this sector for each marketing year?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 June 1997)

On 12 February 1997 , the Commission adopted a paper (') for the attention of the Parliament and the Council , which describes the functioning of the current olive oil common market organisation (CMO), its shortcomings and a number of options for its improvement . These range from keeping the present system with improved controls and without the flat-rate aid for small producers (who would be paid on a real production basis) to changing the system entirely and paying a flat-rate tree-based aid to all producers . Other matters for discussion include whether or not to retain the consumption aid , the introduction of national quotas and , in the case of the tree aid , the details of modulation . The problem of olive oil and seed oil mixtures is also raised in the paper .

There have already been lengthy discussions in the Council on the paper and discussions have also started in the Parliament . When these discussions are completed the Commission will analyse all the reactions and make a definitive proposal for the reform of the CMO in time for the 1998 marketing year . In the context of this analysis the Honourable Member's comments on the particular situation in Puglia will be taken into account .

While the Commission cannot now comment on specific issues such as the nature or amount of the maximum guaranteed quantities , the actual form of the aid or the future of the intervention mechanism , it can be said that the fight against fraud , the simplification of the CMO and the pursuit of quality will be important elements of any proposal , as will the continuation of efforts at Community level to promote the consumption of olive oil .

(') COM(97 ) 57 .

(97/C 391 / 166) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1586/97

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Financial support for the 'Euro-Film News ' review

' Euro-Film ' News a European film review written in English and concerning mainly small-scale European film productions , providing a source of news and information for the largest film publications , had been successfully launched in Greece thanks to the SCALE initiative , part of the MEDIA — 1 programme , which provided half of the funding . However, the SCALE initiative came to an end at the same time as the MEDIA — 1 programme . Unfortunately the MEDIA — 2 programme does not provide for any similar measures to assist small-scale film productions , which means that the 'Euro-Film News', which is provisionally (for the next three months) being funded entirely by the Greek Ministry of Culture , is in danger of disappearing .

In view of the importance attached by Greece to the publication of this review , and the valuable contributions it has made and is continuing to make , particularly through its support for small-scale European film productions , what immediate measures will the Commission take to provide financial aid for 'Euro-Film News'? Under which programmes could be necessary funding be provided to ensure the continued and uninterrupted publication of this review , enabling it to continue the work it has begun in supporting and promoting awareness of small-scale national film productions ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 105

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (9 June 1997)

Euro-Film News was created by the SCALE initiative , one of the nineteen parts of the MEDIA-I programme ( 1991-1995). The aim of the publication is to throw the spotlight on film and audiovisual industries of Member States or regions with a low production capacity and a limited linguistic or geographical area .

In accordance with the aims of the two Council decisions governing the MEDIA II programme ( 1996-2000) ('), the Commission takes particular interest in projects from such Member States or regions , notably by adopting positive discrimination measures in their favour .

The MEDIA II programme has identified and concentrates on three priority areas : the training of professionals , the development of audiovisual programmes and films , and their distribution .

Unfortunately, these new priorities do not allow for financial support for press publications , even if they are specialist publications , as is the case with Euro-Film News .

C ) Council Decisions 95/563/EC and 95/564/EC , OJ L 321 , 30.12.1995 .

(97/C 391/ 167) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1588/97 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: Europol Convention

What action is the Commission taking to encourage the speedy ratification by the Member States of the Europol Convention , in view of its importance to the fight against the sexual exploitation of children ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1997)

The Commission has , on several occasions , called on Member States to ratify speedily the Europol Convention . This is in line with the need to improve police cooperation and exchange of information at the Union level . These are essential elements for a more efficient fight against organized crime in general and against trafficking in human beings in particular, including trafficking in children .

Pending the implementation of the Europol Convention , the Council adopted in December 1996 a common action extending the mandate of the Europol drugs unit (EDU) to the field of trafficking in human beings . EDU has started to work on this issue since December 1996 .

(97/C 391 / 168 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1593/97 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Telecommunications base stations — risk to public health

There is growing public concern about the possible health risk implications of the proliferating number of telecommunications base station antennae that are being erected across Europe by mobile phone operators .

Is the Commission aware of such concerns , and can it provide any factual scientific evidence on such possible health risks ? C 391 / 106 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission ( 19 June 1997)

The Commission is well aware of the public concern about possible health risks related to the use of mobile telephony . To that end, the Commission requested in October 1995 a multi-disciplinary group of independent experts to investigate whether the use of mobile telephony (mobile phones and base stations) causes any health risk and to make appropriate proposals for further research in this area .

In September 1996 , the group reported that the currently available studies and existing literature give no evidence of any increased health risk . But the expert group also concluded that data are sparse and insufficient to draw firm conclusions and that further research is necessary . The group recommended a framework for research on this project that would run over five years .

The Commission is currently considering the possibilities for future research in this area, in the light of its proposals for a fifth framework programme . The possibilities for collaboration with other countries outside Europe are also being explored as is the possible role of the World health organisation for health risk assessment.

The Honourable Member is also referred to the recent answer to question E-653/97 (') by M. Camison Asensio .

(') See page 23 .

(97/C 391 / 169) WRITTEN QUESTION E-I597/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Information society

The Commission communications to the Council , the European Parliament , the Economic and Social Committee , and the Committee of the Regions entitled ' The Information Society from Corfu to Dublin — The new emerging priorities ' and 'The implications of the Information Society for European Union Policies — Preparing the next steps ' (COM(96)0395 and CES 1401 /96) take the view that an answer has to be found as soon as possible to the anxieties about the system of regulation required for full liberalization of telecommunications and focus in particular on the problems posed by convergence of telecommunications and the audio-visual sector, the security of data transmission , and protection of privacy .

Will the Commission , as a matter of priority , seek to expand and finance the universal service and extend it to cover information society networks ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission ( 10 June 1997)

The Commission has already indicated in its reply to the Honourable Member's earlier questions (E-0 159/97 and E-0 160/97 ) (') that 'universal service is a key element in the steps taken by both the Community and by the Member States to open the markets in the European Union to full and effective competition . The measures taken at a European level seek to ensure that there is a common concept of universal service throughout the Community which guarantees users a defined level of service at an affordable price , as well as rules concerning how that service can be financed in a competitive environment'.

The Commission agrees with the linkage between a defined concept of universal service within the Community and the broader take up of information society services , in that affordable access to a defined level of service is a pre-requisite to the wider take up of on-line services , such as the Internet . In this context , the Commission recognised in its communication of March 1996 (2 ) that universal service is a dynamic and evolving concept . It is committed to reviewing at regular intervals , and for the first time before the end of the year, the scope , level , affordability and quality of universal service within the Community , in particular in order to assess the need , if any , for the further development of the concept . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 107

Pending the results of that assessment, the Commission believes that universal service is presently adequately defined . Any evolution must balance the need to ensure that citizens are not excluded from full participation in society and , on the other hand , that the costs associated with the provision of universal service do not deter competition , so as to prevent users from benefiting from lower prices , more choice and better quality services , which competition is already delivering .

(') OJ C 186 , 18.6.1997 . (-) Communication of 13 March 1996 on Universal Service for telecommunications in the perspective of a fully liberalised environment . COM(96) 73 .

(97/C 391/ 170) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1598/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Subcontracting in the textile industry

With reference to the Commission communication to the Council , the European Parliament , the Economic and Social Committee , and the Committee of the Regions entitled 'The competitiveness of subcontracting in the textile and clothing industry in the European Union ' (COM(96)0210), international cooperation and partnership agreements need to be encouraged by coordinating operations more effectively and exploiting the benefits of combined action at regional , national , and European level .

Will the Commission revise the objectives of commercial policy in relation to third countries so as to ensure that the Union will open up its markets if, and only if, third countries do likewise ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (19 June 1997)

With the growing internationalisation of industrial structures , industrial cooperation with third countries is an effective instrument helping to stimulate trade flows between partners in terms of investment , transfer of technology , innovation and , at the second stage , access to markets in those countries . Community undertakings are turning increasingly to this practice to make the most of their competitive advantages .

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's view on the need for international cooperation efforts to be coordinated at regional , national and Community level . In this context , it believes that the creation of trans-European networks and the initiation of dialogue both with local authorities and with the undertakings themselves is the best way to make a success of this policy and to pursue its objectives effectively .

Opening up the markets of third countries is the chief priority of Community commercial policy , the main lines of which are set out in the Commission Communication on ' The global challenge of international trade : A market access strategy for the European Union ' ('). Where bilateral agreements are to be negotiated or renewed , the Council gives the Commission the essential directive of opening up markets .

(') COM(96) 53 .

(97/C 391 / 171 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1600/97 by Wayne David (PSE) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Nicaraguan Government's proposal for a Ministry of the Family

Recently President Aleman of Nicaragua introduced a bill to create a Ministry of the Family . This bill is causing widespread concern in Nicaragua and amongst NGOs , and it will clearly have an adverse effect on EU-funded C 391 / 108 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

programmes . Does the Commission agree that the proposed Ministry of the Family is a regressive move and that it will threaten the rights of women and children ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

The Commission cannot enter into a debate about internal administrative and political decisions taken by a sovereign government .

Nevertheless , the Commission is concerned about the future of the Nicaraguan women 's institute (INIM) as an autonomous national women's institute , which up till now has had its own legal personality and financial independence .

The Commission does not have sufficient elements to judge at this time whether the draft law would undermine the national instruments for the advancement of women in Nicaragua . INIM is a counterpart institution for Community-funded projects (and those of several Member States), including a major programme of support to adolescent women and young single mothers (4 MECU). The Commission will closely monitor any repercussions arising from qualitative changes in the approach of the Nicaraguan government to the issue of women 's empowerment which might adversely affect any projects or initiatives and it retains the right to withdraw its support .

The Commission has been informed that representatives of the United Nations development programme (UNPD), the Netherlands and Sweden are to have a meeting with the Nicaraguan minister of foreign affairs . During this meeting the representatives will transmit their concerns about the possible loss of momentum of the INIM as an independent institution that has , until now , promoted women 's rights in Nicaragua and they will also underline their attachment to the Beijing principles in the framework of their cooperation . The Commission fully supports this political initiative .

(97/C 391 / 172) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1602/97 by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission (5 Max 1997)

Subject: Subsidizing the cost of shipping raw materials to the Greek islands

The Greek archipelago of the Aegean , like other island regions in Europe , presents a number of important particularities , and faces problems owing to its geographical fragmentation , its remoteness from the centre of the European Union and its island character .

A serious obstacle to the economic development of the islands is the cost of shipping products and raw materials . Given that the regional operational programmes within the framework of the CSF seek, inter alia, to strengthen existing small and medium-sized processing units in order to make them viable and more competitive so that they can contribute to the economic and social development of remote regions in the European Union ;

Will the Commission say :

What measures it intends to take to reduce the cost of shipping raw materials and to strengthen the economic competitiveness of island regions ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (4 June 1997)

The Commission does not at present intend to propose measures under which the Structural Funds would cover part of the cost of transporting raw materials in the way suggested by the Honourable Member . However, with regard to transport in the Greek islands , the port, airport and road infrastructure part-financed both by the European Regional Development Fund and by the Cohesion Fund , in particular in the context of the trans-European transport network , is contributing to a steady improvement in the quality and the possibilities of transport in these regions . This facilitates the movement of goods and persons and indirectly reduces the cost of transport, with a positive effect on competitiveness . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 109

It should also be noted that aid from public funds , of which 90% comes from the Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF), is granted to improve supplies of certain foodstuffs and raw materials to the smaller Aegean islands (all the islands except for Crete and Euboea). This aid , which comes under Council Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93 ('), aims to reduce transport costs and , consequently , the prices of these products to consumers on the islands . According to the Commission Report on the implementation of this Regulation (2 ), the total aid allocated by the EAGGF for the initial period of implementation of the measures ( 1994-95 ) was ECU 2.94 million . This amount should grow as the Regulation moves from the start-up to the operational phase .

(') OJ L 184 , 27.7.1993 . ( 2 ) COM(96) 387 final .

(97/C 391/173) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1605/97 by Dagmar Roth-Behrendt (PSE) to the Commission (5 May 1997) Subject: Commission Directive of 16 February 1996 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children Recital 1 1 of Commission Directive 96/5/EC of 16 February 1996 (') on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children provides that the necessary microbiological criteria and maximum levels for contaminants should be laid down without delay . The Commission has not so far submitted a proposal in this connection .

1 . Has the Commission already begun to draw up a proposal laying down the necessary microbiological criteria and maximum levels for contaminants?

2 . If not, when will work begin to draw up such a proposal , taking into account the urgent need for maximum levels for contaminants to be established ?

(') OJ L 49 , 28.2.1996 , p . 17 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)

The Commission has begun work to draw up a draft Commission directive on maximum pesticide levels in processed cereal-based foods and baby foods intended for infants and young children . However, given that this is a complicated and sensitive matter which needs careful consideration , no timetable for the presentation of this draft can be given .

Given the urgency of the above matter, work on microbiological criteria has been deferred .

(97/C 391 / 174) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1609/97 by Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Mandatory requirement to state precise names of vegetable oils and fats in processed food ingredients The generic reference in processed food ingredients to ' vegetable oils ', without any further details , amounts to an officially authorized fraud which needs to be urgently rectified in Community foodstuffs legislation . The price of vegetable oils can vary by a factor of five . Moreover, the chemical composition and structure of such oils is such that they can have very different properties and even be extremely damaging to health . The failure to show such details on labels could be regarded as a serious health hazard . Does the Commission plan to take any steps to deal with this matter? C 391 / 1 10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (6 June 1997)

The reference to ' vegetable oil ' in the list of ingredients of a foodstuff containing this type of ingredient is in accordance with current Community law : Article 6(5)(b) of Directive 79/ 1 12/EEC , relating to the labelling of foodstuffs ('), provides that ingredients which belong to one of the categories listed in Annex I to the Directive need only be designated by the name of that category . Annex I states that refined oils other than olive oil may be designated by the term ' oil', together with either the adjective ' vegetable ' or an indication of their specific vegetable origin . The same rule applies to refined fats .

At international level , a similar provision appears in the rule on ' labelling' in the Codex Alimentarius .

To date the Commission has not been informed of any potential economic problems or health risks arising from the application of this rule , which was laid down nearly twenty years ago .

Where price differences are concerned , the manufacturer — in accordance with the Directive — can always make the most of his ingredients by specifying the vegetable origin of the oil contained in the foodstuff. With regard to harmful effects on health , the Commission has no knowledge of such effects and would ask the Honourable Member to be more specific on this point .

(') OJ L 33 , 8.2.1979 .

(97/C 391 / 175 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1617/97 by Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Imports of pharmaceutical products

Under Regulation 467/97 of 3 March 1997 ('), the Council extended duty-free treatment to specified pharmaceutical active ingredients bearing an ' international non-proprietary name ' (INN ) from the WHO .

What volume of imports is expected to materialize as a result of this regulation and what will be the impact on the European industry ?

(') OJ L 71 , 13.3.1997 , p . 1 .

Answer given by Sir Leon Bnttan on behalf of the Commission ( 16 Jane 1997)

There is no trade data available on the volume of imports of the pharmaceutical products covered by Regulation 467/97 ('). This is due to the very specific nature of the products involved for which no separate import statistics have been collected . However , the impact on the European industry of the duty free treatment provided in this Regulation for the products in question is expected to be positive because : — it provides for cheaper access for the active ingredients in question ; — the European industry is a net exporter of pharmaceutical products .

In fact the industry has welcomed the provision of duty free treatment not only for the cheaper access to the active ingredients in question , but also for the export possibilities in the United States , Japan and Canada which are also providing similar duty free treatment for these products .

(') OJ L 71 , 13.3.1997 . 23 . 12 . 97 PEN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 111

(97/C 391 / 176) WRITTEN QUESTION P- 1619/97 by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: Open borders and child pornography

What is the Commission's reaction to the case in France , where a man accused of possession of child pornography is citing the single market as his defence ?

Does the Commission agree that this case highlights the increased dangers that the single market has created for children , and that something must be done to fill the current vacuum ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission ( 10 June 1997)

The Commission appreciates the seriousness of the issues raised by the Honourable Member . The internal market cannot have a negative impact on the protection of minors , given that the Treaty rules on the free movement of goods and services ( Articles 30 and 59 et sequitur) allow the Member States to ban the production , distribution and possession of such material in order to protect minors , as long as such prohibitions do not constitute a means of discrimination or a disproportionate restriction on the free movement of goods or services between Member States . In such cases , internal market principles cannot be used to justify possession of such material .

(97/C 391 / 177 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1622/97 by Eva Kier Hansen (ELDR) to the Commission ( 14 May 1997)

Subject: Minority rights

Is it reasonable that the Union requires more from the future Member States from Eastern Europe , when it comes to the protection of minority rights , when the Union has made no legislative effort in that field for the minority groups within the Union ? Has the Commission any intentions to draw up the proper legal base for the only existing budget line ( B3-1006) that gives financial support to minority languages in the Union in order to conserve its existence in the future ? Has the Commission considered Article 128 as a legal base ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1997)

The Commission would like to confirm to the Honourable Member that in its 1997 work programme , it is stated that a proposal for a Decision establishing a multiannual programme for the protection of regional and minority languages and cultures will be presented to Parliament and the Council during the second half of 1997 . The legal basis for this proposal will be determined in accordance with its contents and objective , and in line with the requirements established in the rulings of the Court of Justice . C 391 / 112 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12.97

(97/C 391 / 178 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1629/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (14 May 1997)

Subject: Nationality of the staff of the European Training Foundation and of CEDEFOP

A recent exhibition by the above-mentioned Commission agencies revealed a variety of information concerning them , including their make-up in terms of the nationality of their staff. It is apparent that the Southern Member States are poorly represented : for example , the ETF has only 10 employees from Spain , Portugal and Greece , whereas there are 14 Belgians , 10 Dutch people and 8 Irish . No information was provided regarding the category and the responsibilities of each of these people .

Could the Commission provide comprehensive information regarding the officials and other staff of the two agencies , together with details of their grade and the tasks allocated to them ? Will it also say whether or not the ETF will in future have responsibility for running the MEDA programmes , in respect of which it appears well placed by virtue of the fact that it is based in Turin ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The personnel of the European training foundation and of Cedefop are employed in accordance with the regulation applicable to temporary agents and other civil servants of the Communities . Staff are recruited on the basis of their ability and integrity as well as on the broadest possible geographical basis . The recruitment of staff aims to ensure the ability of Cedefop and the Foundation to fulfil their mission , which in the latter' s case is the provision of training assistance to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union , as efficiently as possible . The Foundation's director is responsible for the recruitment of staff and for all other staff matters , while in the case of Cedefop this is assured through its director by the management board .

A breakdown of staff in the Foundation and in Cedefop by grade and nationality is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament Secretariat .

The Commission adopted on 28 April 1997 a proposal to extend the European training foundation's geographical remit to the beneficiary countries of the MEDA programme (')•

(') COM(97 ) 117 final .

(97/C 391 / 179 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1634/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission ( 14 May 1997)

Subject: Ratification by Kenya of the Convention against Torture

Can the Commission confirm that Kenya has recently ratified the UN Convention against Torture ?

Is the Commission aware that NGOs are still reporting instances of torture by the Kenyan police ?

Is the Commission prepared to call , via its delegation , for the Convention to be incorporated into Kenyan legislation with effective means of monitoring ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)

The Commission can confirm that Kenya became a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Convention against torture and other cruel , inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 113

The Commission , in close co-ordination with Member States , is actively pursuing all opportunities to emphasise to the Kenyan government the importance the Commission attaches to the close link between development policy and cooperation and the respect for fundamental human rights , the recognition and application of democratic principles , the consolidation of the rule of law and the strict abidance of good governance procedures .

(97/C 391/ 180) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1637/97 by Doeke Eisma (ELDR) to the Commission (14 May 1997)

Subject: Portugal's initiative on legalizing drugs

With regard to Portugal 's initiative for an international convention to legalise the use of drugs , 1 . Has the Commission taken note of this initiative ? 2 . What is the Commission's view of this proposal ? Does the Commission share the view that there is a need for an international convention legalizing the use of drugs ? 3 . Can the Commission provide precise details of the proposals by President Sampaio of Portugal and the President of the Portuguese Parliament , Almeida Santos ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

1 . The Commission is not aware of any such initiative .

2 . The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-l 1 12/96 (') by Mr Fernandez Albor, which made it clear that the question of drugs legalisation is outside its competence .

3 . It is Commission policy not to comment on public statements by politicians in the Member States .

(') OJ C 322, 28.10.1996 .

(97/C 391/ 181 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1649/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission ( 14 May 1997)

Subject: Closure of the school ot stomatology

In its answers to my previous questions Nos 3592/96 ('), 3593/96 (2 ) and 1522/96 ( 3 ) the Commission stated that Community law makes a distinction between stomatologists and dentists who undergo different forms of training including in specializations after obtaining their degree certificates and that there are both 'dentists ' directives (78/686/EEC (4 ) and 78/687/EEC (5 )) and 'doctors ' directives (directive 93/ 16/EEC (6)) under Community law for the respective legal disciplines .

Stomatology is a branch of medicine recognized in Community law ( directive 93/ 16/EEC); in Italy Article 1 of law No 409/88 lays down that dentistry may be practised both by graduates in dentistry and graduates in medicine and surgery specialized in dentistry ; by virtue of DM 30/ 10/93 , which abolished the school -of C 391 / 114 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

stomatology , and the Court of Justice judgment (C 40/93 of 1.6.1995 ), which ruled that law 471 /88 conflicted with directive 78/686 , a situation has arisen in Italy whereby graduates in medicine and surgery are de facto prevented from practising as dentists/stomatologists . 1 . Does the Commission not think that DM 30/ 10/93 (which amends the list of medical specializations) infringes Community law by closing the school of medical specialization in stomatology pursuant to the 'dentists ' directives (78/686 and 78/687)? 2 . Does it not also consider that reopening of the school of medical specialization in stomatology pursuant to 'doctors ' directive 93/16 is the most correct way from the point of view of Community law of resolving the situation in Italy which has degenerated because of the simultaneous effects of DM 30/ 10/93 and judgment C 40/93 of 1.6.1995 ?

') OJ C 186 , 18.6.1997 , p . 123 . 2 ) OJ CI 86 , 18.6.1997 , p . 123 . y) OJ C 356 , 25.11.1996 , p . 52 . 4 ) OJ L 233 , 24.8.1978 , p . 1 . 5 ) OJ L 233 , 24.8.1978 , p . 10 . 6 ) OJ L 165 , 7.7.1993 , p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1997)

1 . As already stated in the answer to written question No E- 1522/96 , the Commission confirms that : (i ) the medical specialism odontostomatology is governed only by the 'doctors ' Directive 93/ 16/EEC , and not by the 'dentists ' Directives 78/686/EEC and 78/687/EEC ; ( ii) Directive 93/ 16/EEC does not affect Member States ' right to introduce or to abolish medical specialisms . Consequently , Italy has not infringed Community law — in this instance Directive 93/ 16/EEC — by abolishing the specialism odontostomatology .

With regard to the fact that Law No 409 of 24 July 1985 — which incorporates Directives 78/686/EEC and 78/687/EEC into Italian law — stipulates that dentistry may be practised not only by graduates in dentistry but also by graduates in medicine and surgery who have specialized in dentistry , the Commission considers that the latter form of training does not comply with Directive 78/687/EEC and has therefore instituted infringement proceedings against Italy . The current position is that a letter of formal notice has been sent.

2 . Since Directive 93/ 16/EEC does not affect Member States ' right to introduce or to abolish medical specialisms , it is not for the Commission to comment on whether or not the school of medical specialization in odontostomatology should be reopened so that graduates in medicine and surgery can follow that specialism . The fact remains that , even if the school were to be reopened , graduates in medicine and surgery who followed that specialism could on no account be regarded as dentists within the meaning of Directives 78/686/EEC and 78/687/EEC . They would continue to be doctors governed only by Directive 93/ 16/EEC . On no account would they be able to invoke Directive 78/686/EEC as a basis for setting up in another Member State .

(97/C 391 / 182) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1656/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (14 May 1997)

Subject: Lifting of duty on Turkish textiles

It has been reported that the EU plans to lift the anti-dumping duty on imports of textiles from Turkey .

This special duty amounts to 10% and has been maintained even following the conclusion of the Customs Union with that country . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 115

If this decision is taken , as appears likely , it will come before the case of the so-called ' free zones ' in Turkey has been fully clarified : this is a reference to allegations that products from Pakistan and elsewhere are being imported into Turkey and then exported to the EU as ' Turkish ' products , even though they are covered by the transit regime . Will the Commission say whether it really intends to abolish this special duty , and whether it has considered the consequences such a decision will have for the products of EU Member States ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission ( 13 June 1997) On 21 November 1996 the Commission imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on the imports of unbleached cotton fabrics originating in the People's Republic of China , Egypt , India , Indonesia , Pakistan and Turkey . This anti-dumping duty was valid for a maximum period of six months . The Commission made a proposal to the Council for the imposition of definitive measures which the Council decided not to accept . There is consequently no longer an anti-dumping duty on this product . Regarding the functioning of the Turkish free zones , the Commission closely follows this question in order to prevent any circumvention of the rules of the customs union in the textile sector . In that context, a Community mission went to Turkey last October to discuss this issue with the Turkish authorities .

(97/C 391 / 183 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1658/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission ( 14 May 1997) Subject: Report on drugs in Europe Article 18 of Regulation 302/93 ( ) on the establishment of a European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction states that the Commission shall forward to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers a progress report on the Centre's activities aimed at preventing the spread of drug abuse in the EU by 31 October 1996 .

Will the Commission say whether such a report has been drawn up , and if not, why not ?

(') OJ L 36 . 12.2.1993 , p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (4 June 1997) A report (') on the activities of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction for the period 1994-96 was indeed drawn up by the Commission and sent to the Council ajjd the European Parliament , and , for information , to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions .

(') COM (97 ) 146 .

(97/C 391 / 184) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1665/97 by David Bowe (PSE) to the Commission (20 May 1997) Subject: Directive on integrated pollution prevention and control With regard to the progress on the BAT development programme , arising out of the IPPC directive and in particular Article 16.2 of that directive , will the Commission include NGOs in the technical working groups of the Information Exchange Forum (IEF)? If not , why not? C 391 / 1 16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997)

Article 16(2) of Council Directive 96/61 /EC (') on integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC ) requires the Commission to organise an exchange of information between Member States and industry on best available techniques (BAT), covering all activities included within the scope of the Directive . The information exchange is overseen by an information exchange forum (IEF), while technical working groups are set up for each of the sectors to be covered . Published results of the exercise will take the form of BAT reference documents , which will provide guidance to the authorities of the Member States responsible for issuing permits under the Directive .

Although not explicitly mentioned in the Directive , environmental non governmental organisations participate in both the IEF and the technical working groups . No distinction is made in these groups between full participation and observer status .

(') OJL 257 , 10.10.1996 .

(97/C 391 / 185 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1667/97 by David Bowe (PSE) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Community strategy for integrated control of emissions

Is the Commission going to proceed with the drafting of a proposal for a Community strategy for the integrated control of emissions of dangerous substances from smaller installations? If not , why not?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (19 June 1997)

The legislative programme of the Commission for 1997 mentions the preparation of a proposal for a framework directive for the integrated control of emissions of dangerous and long range effect substances from smaller installations . However, it has been decided that it is currently not opportune to proceed with the development of this proposal , for the following reasons : 1 . The aims of this initiative were to bring simplification and additional flexibility to the existing environmental rules and at the same time to provide for a more comprehensive and consistent approach to the control of pollution from the industrial installations not covered by Directive 96/6 1 /EEC (') on integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC). However, following extensive consultations organized by the Commission , it became clear that environ­ mental control of industrial installations not covered by the IPPC Directive , a large part of which are small to medium sized installations , is a very complex issue . In particular, these installations are diverse in nature and size and give rise to several different environmental problems . It has proved very difficult to find common regulatory ground , which would properly address all the issues at stake . 2 . The consultations also showed that the issues at stake in relation to small installations and the environment need further clarification . Additional analysis as to the appropriate possible solutions is therefore necessary . 3 . A wide array of regulations , European and national , already apply to industrial installations not covered by the IPPC Directive . Many of the environmental problems these installations may cause are addressed by those regulations . The consultations have made clear that the model foreseen for the proposal would not have provided the environmental benefits originally expected of it .

(') OJ L 257 , 10.10.1996 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 117

(97/C 391 / 186) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1674/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Line C for the Rome underground I have already tabled two questions on this matter, in May 1996 (E-1508/96 (')) and March 1997 (E-1271/97 ( 2)), highlighting Rome City Council's failure to carry out an environmental impact assessment, as required by European law , in connection with the construction of line C for the Rome underground . In spite of the enormous technical difficulties standing in the way of completion of the work before the year 2000, Rome City Council has stated that it intends to go ahead with the project submitted , which forms part of the programme of works for the 2000 jubilee , towards which the European Investment Bank is to contribute LIT 1.4 billion .

Given the above , would the Commission state whether : 1 . on 4 December 1 996 it forwarded to the Mayor of Rome a letter or request regarding the above matter, and , if it did , whether it will publish the contents thereof? 2 . it is true that PRAGMA srl , whose head office is located at Via Salaria 290 in Rome , was commissioned by Rome City Council (or by the Co.Tra.L. or some other agency) to conduct opinion polls and enquiries regarding underground line C? I 3 . given that work on the opinion polls started at the end of March 1997 , it would agree that such enquiries are in breach of the spirit of Directive 85/337/EEC ( 3 ), as amended by Directive 97/ 1 1 /EC (4 ), which requires inter alia the authorities to ensure public involvement throughout the entire decision-making process ?

(') OJ C 356 , 25.11.1996 , p . 48 . ( 2 ) OJ C 373 , 9.12.1997 , p . 98 . O OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 , p . 40 . ( 4 ) OJ L 73 , 14.3.1997 , p . 5 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)

The letter sent to the Italian authorities is being examined as part of an enquiry which could result in proceedings being instituted against Italy for infringement of Article 169 of the EC Treaty . Its contents may not therefore be divulged .

The Honourable Member will in any event be informed of the contents of the reply from the Italian authorities once it reaches the Commission .

Regarding the question relating to Pragma srl , the Commission is not aware of the matters the Honourable Member refers to .

(97/C 391 / 187 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-l 678/97 by Helena Torres Marques ( PSE)'to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Authorizations and payments in respect of the NOW Initiative

In view of the wholly inadequate answer given by the Commission to my Oral Question H-0251 /97 ('), about which I have already lodged a complaint with the President of the European Parliament , I should like to ask the Commission duly to inform me about the following matter :

According to information supplied by the Commission at a meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights on the implementation of the 1995 budget , the reason for the reduced usage of the NOW Initiative was the absence of counter-concessions made at national level . However, this does not appear to be true . C 391 / 118 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

I have also learned that , at least as far as Portugal is concerned , the Commission proposed cuts of the order of 75% in respect of all projects , on the grounds that this would allow the implementation of a greater number of projects and involve more promoters . Even so , only forty projects have been realized , despite the interest shown in this Initiative , as evidenced by the fact that 286 projects were submitted . I believe that the extent of budgetary cuts (75% of the amounts considered necessary by promoters to realize the projects) will inevitably have had an adverse effect on implementation .

Will the Commission explain its attitude and give a specific answer to Question H-0251 /97 , providing data on each of the twelve Member States which then made up the European Union ?

(') Verbatim report of proceedings of the European Parliament ( April 1997).

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The selection of projects for participation in Employment-NOW , both in the first phase ( 1994-1997 ) and in the second phase ( 1997-1999), falls within the competence of the Member States . The criteria for selection , thus , have varied from one Member State to another, but the basic parameters set , on the one hand , by the guidelines for operational programmes (') and , on the other hand , by the operational programmes submitted by the Member States , agreed by the Commission and subsequently adopted by Commission decision , have provided the framework for these criteria .

The Commission , as a member of the monitoring committee in each Member State , is able to make its views known concerning the selection of projects . In this regard the Commission expressed a preference that projects selected should be of a sufficient size to ensure their functioning and the incorporation of their results into the mainstream of national and Community policy formation . The Commission's view is not binding on the Member State .

In Portugal approximately 290 applications were received following the call for proposals for the first phase of Employment-NOW . A number of these proposals were not eligible for funding under the programme . Others were inadmissible . The Portuguese authorities finally selected 43 projects in accordance with the priorities expressed in their operational programme . This ratio of selected to proposed projects is broadly in line with the other Member States .

The procedure for selection in all Member States in both phases of Employment-NOW is identical to that described above , and the number of projects that commenced operation in the first phase of Employment-NOW in each Member State is as follows :

Belgium 40 Denmark 7 Germany 67 Greece 26 Spain 164 France 157 Ireland 39 Italy 73 Luxembourg 1 Netherlands 15 Austria 16 Portugal 43 Finland 10 Sweden 10 United Kingdom 86

The Community funding for Employment-NOW in Portugal from 1994-1999 was set in the Commission decisions approving the operational programmes , as follows :

Original operational programme ( 1994) ECU 7 803 103 (ESF contribution) ECU 2 080 559 (ERDF contribution)

Modified operational programme ( 1996) ECU 8 081 852 (ESF contribution) ECU 2 123 670 (ERDF contribution) 23.12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 119

These envelopes are available to the Member States regardless of the number of projects that are selected . The view of the Commission , however, as expressed above , is that projects are more likely to succeed if they are adequately funded . Thus the Commission has consistently encouraged the Member States to limit their selection to a number at which sufficient funding will be available to each project, whilst trying to fund as great a number of projects as is practical . The effect of this would be to avoid both micro-projects , which would have less chance of survival or possibilities of mainstreaming , and extremely large projects , which , although valuable , would absorb an inordinately large proportion of the available funding . Member States allocate their budget for Employment-NOW in order to maximise the effectiveness of the initiative . This may mean , in practical terms , that selected projects are not allocated the budget that they requested , in order to allow the selection of other projects . This while reducing some projects ' overall capacity , has the beneficial effect of increasing the range of projects selected and thus the variety of actions assisted . In addition , individual projects may not have received their original requests due to the ineligibility of certain of the actions that they proposed to undertake .

(') Communications of the Commission Nos 94/C 180/ 10 and 96/C 200/06 . OJ C 180, 1.7.1994 . OJ C 200 , 10.7.1996 .

(97/C 391 / 188 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1679/97 by Marianne Eriksson (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Structural Funds support for printed circuit production in Scotland The Swedish company , Ericsson , is planning to cut production of printed circuits in Sweden . The circuits have been produced in Norrkoping , where very serious employment problems are likely if production is shifted elsewhere . It is expected that 700 people will lose their jobs . The company intends to subcontract printed circuit production to two multinationals , SCI System and Selectron . The bulk of production is to take place in Scotland , where SCI System has a plant in Irvine and Selectron a plant in Dunfermline . Swedish newspapers have claimed that those factories have been developed with the aid of EU Structural Funds . Will the Commission confirm or deny the claims made in the press that the factories in Irvine and Dunfermline have received Structural Funds support?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission ( 16 July 1997)

Further to its answer of 2 June 1997 ('), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information .

On the basis of an enquiry made on the subject , the Commission can confirm that no structural fund support has been provided for the establishment or the production of the companies Solectron and SCI System in Scotland .

(') OJ C 367 , 4.12.1997 .

(97/C 391 / 189 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1680/97 by Johannes Blokland (I-EDN) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Transposition of the packaging directive According to Article 22(1 ) of Directive 94/62 on packaging ('), Member States must have transposed this directive into national legislation by 30 June 1996 . I understand that not all countries have done so . C 391 / 120 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

1 . How many countries have now complied with this requirement , and how many have not? 2 . What reasons have been given by the countries failing to comply with their obligations by the due date ? 3 . What action is the Commission taking to make those countries which have not completed transposition comply with their obligations ?

(') OJ L 365 , 31.12.1994 , p . 10 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (13 June 1997) 1 . Article 22(1 ) of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste requires Member States to bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive before 30 June 1996 and to inform the Commission thereof immediately .

In addition , Article 16 of the Directive requires Member States , without prejudice to Directive 83/ 189/EEC laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations ('), to notify the drafts of measures which they intend to adopt within the framework of the Directive to the Commission , excluding measures of a fiscal nature , but including technical specifications linked to fiscal measures which encourage compliance with such technical specifications , in order to permit the latter to examine them in the light of existing provisions following in each case the procedure under the above Directive . Under this procedure , the Member State must defer the adoption of notified drafts by three months ( standstill period), during which time the Commission and the other Member States may react to the said drafts and , where necessary , oblige the notifying Member State to defer adoption of the relevant drafts by a further three months by delivering a detailed opinion . Member States must communicate the previously notified texts to the Commission as soon as they have been adopted . The said texts cannot of course be adopted until the expiry of the standstill period . The combined effect of Articles 16 and 22 is therefore that all measures intended to implement the Directive must first be notified to the Commission at the draft stage , with the definitive texts finally adopted only being communicated at the end of the notification procedure . Clearly , though , national texts adopted before the Directive entered into force but which serve to implement it are not subject to the prior notification requirement . At the time of writing (7 May 1997), Belgium , Denmark , Germany , Greece , Spain , France , Ireland , Italy , Luxembourg , the Netherlands , Austria , Portugal , Finland , Sweden and the United Kingdom have notified the Commission of draft measures which implement Directive 94/62/EC either entirely or in part . These drafts have been or are being examined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Directive 83/ 189/EEC . Denmark, Germany , France and Austria have also communicated measures adopted before Directive 94/62/EC entered into force . The Commission has yet to receive all the measures as finally adopted by the national authorities at the end of the notification procedure .

2 . To the Commission's knowledge , no particular reasons have been given by the Member States .

3 . The Commission is keen to ensure that the fifteen Member States meet their obligations under the Directive without delay . To that end it will not hesitate , if necessary , to institute infringement proceedings in accordance with Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

(') OJ L 109 , 26.4.1983 .

(97/C 391 / 190) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1681/97 by John Iversen (PSE ) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Openness

Commissioner Bonino is quoted in 'The European ' of 17-23 April 1997 as saying that openness is not possible if the Union is to be able to take decisions . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 121

Can the Commission name other legislative bodies in Europe that have been unable to take decisions because of openness ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission ( 13 June 1997) Contrary to the Honourable Member's assertion , and as the very title of the article which appeared in The European of 17-23 April 1997 ('Bonino opens up the debate to real people') would suggest, Ms Bonino has never implied that openness impedes decision-making . The opposite is the case : 'Emma Bonino has attacked Europe's senior figures for refusing to court public opinion and continuing to negotiate in secret', as the first sentence of the article in question reads . Furthermore , the Commission itself considers openness to be one of its priorities .

(97/C 391 / 191 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1685/97 by Barbara Schmidbauer (PSE) to the Commission (20 May 1997) Subject: New layout for the Rond Point Schuman Has the Commission taken the appropriate measures to ensure access for the disabled now that the Rond Point Schuman has been given a new layout?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission ( 16 June 1997) The Commission has no jurisdiction in respect of any reorganization of the Rond Point Schuman , which is a matter for the Belgian authorities . The Commission would , however , inform the Honourable Member that the European institutions are involved in organizing and financing an international architectural competition on improving pedestrian facilities in the area around the European institutions . At the instigation of the Commission , supported by the European Parliament, the Council and the Brussels regional authorities , it has been decided that the studies to be carried out should take particular account of the special needs of disabled people .

(97/C 391 / 192) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1686/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dorfler (V) to the Commission (20 May 1997) Subject: Exports of old clothes to the Third World Does the Commission have any information on the number of tonnes of old clothes (and old shoes exported annually from the EU to the Third World? What are the main importing countries? Has the Commission carried out any studies on the effect of these exports on the textile and shoe industries of the importing countries ? To what extent is the EU's trade in old clothes in line with the objectives of EU development policy ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (25 June 1997) The combined nomenclature on which the Community bases its external trade figures , includes a product code 6309 00 00 for worn clothing . This includes textiles and footwear (loose or bundled) which show clear evidence of previous use , but also covers other items such as bedding and furnishing fabrics . It is not therefore possible to say how much trade old clothes and shoes alone represent . c 391 / 122 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

A table listing all Community exports of old clothes and textile items over the past three years is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat .

On average , exports totalled 340 000 tonnes between 1993 and 1995 .

The Commission is aware of the dangers that such exports may pose to developing economies . However, it does not know of any recent study which demonstrates potential adverse effects on these economies as a result of, say , the end-use of the products (for use as clothing or as the inputs for new production ) or on local manufacture or prices .

(97/C 391 / 193 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1689/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dorfler (V) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: The EEC-CIH agreement on harbours in relation to the Hidrovia project

From different sources , I have been informed of an agreement signed between the EC Commission and the Intergovernmental Committee on the Hidrovia (CIH). It aims at funding studies on the harbours which should serve the improvement of the Paraguai — Parana waterway .

Given that a European company has been awarded the contract for the above-mentioned study and that the ' Hidrovia' can potentially impact heavily on the La Plata river basin , and in particular the largest wetland in the world the 'Patanal', can the Commission provide information on : — the agreement signed with the CIH ; — the contract signed with the European company ; — the terms of reference of the studies on harbours ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (11 June 1997)

On 10 December last year the Commission and the Intergovernmental Hidrovia Committee signed a financing agreement entitled ' Establecimiento del Programa de Necesidades de 13 Puertos de la Hidrovía Paraguay­ Paraná' .

Following selection under Article 1 13 of the Financial Regulation the Commission entrusted the work called for under the financing agreement to a European company . The contract was signed on 20 December 1996 .

The terms of reference in the chapter on environmental impact include the following points in particular : — identification of everything liable to produce an impact of whatever kind ; — quantification of the impact on the main surrounding elements (natural communities , water, etc .); — quantification of the project's impact on the economic and social structures in the sphere of influence of the port ; — proposed corrective measures to minimize any residual impact ; — preparation of a programme for environmental protection , monitoring and control . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 123

(97/C 391 / 194) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1704/97 by Marianne Eriksson (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: The right of non-EU citizens to visit EU employees in Brussels A Swedish employee (agent temporaire) of the European Parliament in Brussels intended to invite a friend who is a Peruvian national living in Sweden but was told by the municipal authorities in Etterbeek that , as a person employed by the European Parliament on a temprorary basis and a holder of the Belgian ID card which goes with his position , he did not have the right to sign a 'prise en charge'. This means that temporary staff, who may be resident in Brussels for several years , do not have the right to invite non-EU citizens to visit them in Brussels . Is the information given to the employee in question correct and in keeping with Belgian law ? If so , does the Commission not consider that such legislation runs counter to the objective of an open Europe and reinforces the impression that the EU is putting up barriers to keep out people from third world countries ? Is it planning to take any action regarding this matter?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1997)

The Commission will make the necessary contacts in order to obtain all available information on the matter described . It will not hesitate to initiate the procedure provided in Article 169 of the EC Treaty , should this prove necessary .

(97/C 391/ 195 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1718/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (23 May 1997)

Subject: EU Directive on protection against harmful biological materials in the work-place

According to an as yet unpublished study by the Berlin Federal Institute for Industrial Safety and Medicine ( see Der Spiegel , 30 December 1996), the air at conveyor belts at ' Green Point' sorting centres for recyclable waste materials contains up to one million bacilli per cubic metre . In addition , some 400 stab wounds and cuts caused by sharp-edged objects such as tins in packaging waste on the belts are reported each year . This makes sorting centres some of the most hazardous work-places in Germany ( much on a par with factory farming). 1 . Is the Commission aware of the findings of the analysis by the Berlin Federal Institute of blood samples from 400 waste processing workers (commissioned by the Ministry of Labour in Bonn)?

2 . What levels of air contamination are currently permitted at sorting centres ? What protective measures are employers required to take ? To what extent does the Commission check air quality at various work-places ? Are the findings on pollution levels in the work-place published?

3 . When will the Commission submit its proposal for a Directive on protection against harmful biological materials?

4 . What will the Commission do about the extremely high exposure levels in the work-place ? Does the Directive provide for limits on the contamination of air breathed by workers at sorting centres ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1997)

1 . The Commission has not seen the as yet unpublished findings referred to by the Honourable Member . However, it is aware of the health and safety problems which may occur during waste processing . It is examining the possibilities of a detailed analysis of the measures needed in order to prevent or reduce the risks associated with the exposure of workers to potentially dangerous substances in this area of activity . This initiative is part of the Community programme on safety , health and hygiene at work ( 1996-2000). C 391 / 124 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

2 ., 3 . and 4 . As regards existing legislation on this subject at European level , Council Directive 89/39 1 /EEC (framework Directive) on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (') applies to all sectors of activity . The Directive requires the employer to ensure the safety and health of workers in every aspect related to their work . Taking into account the nature of the activities of the undertaking or establishment , the employer must evaluate the risks to the safety and health of workers — also in connection with selecting work equipment and fitting out workplaces . The preventive measures and working and production methods implemented by the employer following this evaluation must ensure an improvement in the level of protection of workers ' safety and health and be an integral part of the overall activities of the undertaking or establishment at all hierarchical levels .

Directive 90/679/EEC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work (2 ) (7th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1 ) of Directive 89/39 1 /EEC), as amended by Directives 93/88/EEC ( 3 ) and 95/30/EC (4), applies to activities in which workers are exposed , or potentially exposed , to biological agents as a result of their work . In the case of any activity likely to involve a risk of workers being exposed to biological agents , the nature , degree and duration of exposure must be determined so that it is possible to assess any risk to workers ' health or safety and specify the measures to be taken . The Directive indicates specific protective measures to be applied depending on the result of the risk assessment .

The prevention approach set out in this Directive includes the replacement of a dangerous biological agent by one which is not dangerous or less dangerous . Where the results of the risk assessment reveal a risk to workers ' health or safety , exposure must be prevented . Where this is not technically practicable , the risk of exposure must be reduced to as low a level as is necessary in order to adequately protect the health and safety of the workers concerned . Consequently , the Directive makes provision for application of the means for safe collection , storage and disposal of waste by workers after suitable treatment where appropriate .

The Commission would like to emphasise the fact that as soon as the national authorities transpose these Directives into national law , it is the responsibility of the national institutions to ensure that employers comply with national implementing measures . For its part the Commission verifies the correct and effective transposition by the Member States of secondary legislation measures . Only in cases where problems with applying national transposition measures could effectively be shown might the Commission decide , where appropriate , to initiate infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

(') OJ L 183 , 29.6.1989 . ( 2 ) OJ L 374 , 31.12.1990 . (■') OJ L 268 , 29.10.1993 . ( 4 ) OJ L 155 , 6.7.1995 .

(97/C 391 / 196) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1719/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (23 Mav 1997)

Subject: Competition rules in the market garden sector in the Attiki region

By letter of 1 1 February 1 996 to Directorate-General IV — Competition — of the Commission of the European Union , an undertaking engaged in the packaging standardization and conservation of agricultural products complained that the statutory requirement for wholesale trade in horticultural products in the Attiki basin , to be conducted through the Athens Central Market Organization was a direct infringement of the second paragraph of Article 86(c ) and ( d), Article 85 and Article 90 of the Treaty on European Union . On 23 April 1996 , the Commission 's Directorate-General sent a reply (D/ 15231 ) containing a request for further information , which has now been forwarded by the undertaking concerned .

What is the Commission's position on this matter in the light of the more recent information received ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (13 June 1997)

The Greek company to which the Honourable Member refers submitted new information to the Commission on 23 April 1997 concerning the difficulties in gaining access to the Athens Central Market encountered by new companies engaged in the conservation and packaging of agricultural products . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 125

In the light of this new information , the company's request for the competition rules laid down in the EC Treaty to be applied is currently being further examined ; the result of such examination will be communicated to the company direct .

(97/C 391 /197) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1724/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission ( 11 May 1997)

Subject: Action by the Turkish authorities in blocking European Union funds intended for the Turkish Human Rights Association

Despite repeated admonitions by the European Union concerning respect for human rights in Turkey , the Ministry of the Interior has sent a circular to Turkish banks calling on them to freeze all financial aid for Turkish human rights organizations .

The Agricultural Bank of Turkey has accordingly withheld from the Turkish Human Rights Association (IHD ) Commission appropriations earmarked for the teaching of human rights to young people , pursuant to Article 60 of the Act concerning unions and associations to the effect that organizations wishing to receive assistance from natural or legal persons or other organizations are required to obtain prior authorization from the Ministry of the Interior. The Human Rights Association has requested clarification from the Agricultural Bank and the release of the frozen funds but received no reply and therefore intends to institute legal proceedings , fearing that this action by the Turkish authorities may discourage the European Union from providing it with financial aid in future . 1 . What pressure will the Commission bring to bear on the Turkish authorities to ensure that they cease freezing aid intended for human rights organizations in Turkey , a country which enjoys a special relationship with the European Union (Customs Union)? Will it ensure that the matter is raised at the forthcoming meeting of the Association Council ? 2 . Can it give assurances that it will continue to provide direct aid in future to national human rights associations in Turkey ? 3 . What pressures will it bring to bear with a view to the abolition of Article 60 of the Turkish Act referred to above and all other articles used to undermine respect for human rights in Turkey ?

Reply given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern about respect for human rights in Turkey .

The Commission is aware of the blocking of funds referred to by the Honourable Member and has accordingly instructed its Representation in Ankara to undertake a demarche to the Turkish authorities .

The Commission will inform the Turkish Foreign Minister of its opinion of Article 60 of the Law on Associations namely , that it is unacceptable because it runs counter to human rights and the right of association .

The Commission assures the Honourable Member that it is determined to continue to support non-governmental organizations working to defend and promote human rights in Turkey . C 391 / 126 r EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 / 198 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1732/97 by Esko Seppanen (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (23 May 1997)

Subject: Material privileges of EU officials : Economat shops

EU officials enjoy numerous generous material benefits and privileges . 1 . Is there any justification for maintaining special Economat shops in countries where commercial services are adequate to ensure the availability of bread , cheese , meat and tights such as used to be on sale to members of the nomenklatura in the Soviet Union in special shops ? 2 . How is the cost of distributing the cut-price alcohol delivered to officials at Christmas time justified ?

Answer given by Mr Lnkanen on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)

1 . The ' economats ' referred to by the Honourable Member are a shopping facility for officials of the institutions . They also sell regional products from the Member States and their prices are comparable to those in any other shop .

The Commission will inevitably have to look into the appropriateness of maintaining this facility as part of the new discussions on modernizing its administration . A solution will have to be reached in close cooperation between the institutions .

2 . The scheme whereby officials can buy a duty-free pack of alcoholic drinks (the so-called ' colis') once a year is a privilege that has traditionally been granted by the authorities of the Member States where the institutions are based . The value of the ' colis', which has not changed since 1960 , is fixed at BEF 1 500 per year per official (plus BEF 300 for transport and packaging , also paid by the official ),.

The countries that host the institutions have been questioning whether this facility should continue to be offered and the matter will also be looked into by the Commission as part of its modernization drive .

(97/C 391 / 199) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1747/97 by Honorio Novo (GUE/NGL) and Sergio Ribeiro (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (23 May 1997)

Subject: Imports of textiles and clothing from Indonesia

In the wake of the amendments to Regulation 3030/93 (') adopted in January 1997 and ratified by the Council on 29 April 1997 , the Commission has adopted a specific regulation intended to allow additional quantities of textiles products and clothing to be imported from Indonesia .

Does the Commission believe that its decision of 29 April 1997 is compatible with Indonesia's failure to respect the decisions of the UN , and with the positions of the European Parliament and the EU requiring trade relations with Indonesia to be conditional on the East Timor issue ?

(') OJ L 275 , 8.1 1.1993 , p . 1 .

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997)

In adopting Regulation (EC ) No 560/97 of 26 March 1 997 on additional quantities of textile products to be made available to the Republic of Indonesia (') the Commission took as legal basis the text of Article 8 of Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 ( 2 ) in force at that time , i.e. before being amended by Regulation (EC) No 824/97 ( 3 ) which was adopted by Council on 29 April 1997 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 127

The text of Article 8 which was then in force allowed the Commission , under particular circumstances and upon a favorable opinion of the textile committee , to grant additional quantities of restricted textile and clothing products for imports from third countries during a given quota year without offsetting such additional quantities against corresponding quantitative deductions from other products under quota, or from other quota years . In this respect, the text of Article 8 resulting from the amendment subsequently adopted by Council gives less , not more , discretion to the Commission , in that it is now explicitly provided that such additional quantities may only be granted subject to compensatory quota reductions elsewhere .

In fact the derogation granted by Regulation (EC ) No . 560/97 did not so much benefit Indonesia which had to deduct the quota the following year, but it mainly served the interests of European importers who were unaware of the existing quota utilisation problems created by the Indonesian administration and found themselves in a difficult situation with goods blocked in customs for weeks .

Indonesia being a member of the World trade organisation (WTO), trade in textiles and clothing products between that country and the Community is governed by the multilateral trade rules agreed between all members within that organization , and particularly by the Agreement on textiles and clothing .

As the Honourable Members know, the Union has formulated a common position on East Timor, and participated fully in establishing the views expressed by the United Nations human rights commission's resolution .

The Commission continues to follow closely the political process in Indonesia and will continue to raise issues of concern with the Indonesian government for the maintenance of human rights and fundamental freedoms .

(') OJ L 85 , 27.3.1997 . O OJ L 275 , 8.11.1993 . O OJ L 119 , 8.5.1997 .

(97/C 391 /200) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1752/97 by Josep Pons Grau (PSE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Financial support for conservation and community development programmes in Africa

The final sitting of the ACP/EU Joint Assembly in Brussels from 10 to 17 March 1997 adopted two resolutions on ' southern Africa ' and ' the situation in southern Africa' which demonstrated the Assembly's unequivocal support for the new strategies developed by the region's countries on rural development and the conservation of wildlife and plant life . These strategies are based on decentralizing the legal powers underpinning the management of flora and fauna on local authority land and on sustainable use of these forest resources for the benefit of the rural communities which share their land with wildlife . A model programme in this connection is Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE , successfully developed in recent years with the help of naturalists and rural development experts .

1 . Is the Commission aware of these programmes ? Does it share the opinion of the ACP-EU Joint Assembly as to the beneficial effects of these integrated programmes ?

2 . Is the Commission prepared to provide institutional and financial support for these integrated programmes for rural development , conservation and sustainable consumption and if so , how much support is it willing to provide?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission ( 16 June 1997)

The Commission supports the rationale behind the concept of decentralised management, use and conservation of natural resources which is being developed in a number of countries in Eastern and Southern Africa and applied to forestry resources , parks and wildlife and communal land . C 391 / 128 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Particular assistance in terms of finance and institutional support is provided by the Commission in Ethiopia , Uganda , Kenya , Tanzania, Malawi , Zambia , Botswana and Zimbabwe .

In Zimbabwe , the Commission has been at the forefront in supporting the launching of the Campfire programme with finance provided within the Kariba rural development programme .

( 97/C 39 1 /20 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1755/97 by Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Automatic distribution infrastructures

Automatic distribution infrastructures are spreading by the day , although there are no regulations governing the sector so as to guarantee the quality of service provided to consumers . Abuses are widespread , but consumers have no means whatever of any news of asserting their rights . What measures is the Commission examining with a view to protecting consumers ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997

There are various Directives that apply to consumer contracts .

Horizontal Directives designed to protect the consumer in contracts that he/she concludes with a professional , such as the Directive concerning unfair terms (') or the proposal for a Directive on the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees ( 2), cover purchase contracts concluded by means of automatic vending machines . In contrast , the Commission chose to exclude contracts concluded by means of automatic vending machines or automated commercial premises from the Directive on distance contracts ( 3 ). As regards price indication , exemption from the obligation to indicate the unit price stems from a Parliament amendment that the Commission incorporated into its amended proposal for a Directive on the indication of prices (4 ).

The remaining problems are either of a technical nature and do not justify Community intervention , or concern product safety or liability for defective products and are therefore covered by the two European Directives on these subjects ( 5 ).

') Council Directive 93/ 13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts, OJ L 95, 21.4.1993 . -) Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees , OJ C 307 , 16.10.1996 . 3 ) Directive 97/7/EC of 20 May 1997 on the protection of consumers in respect of distance contracts , OJ L 144, 4.6.1997 . 4 ) Opinion of the Commission amending the proposal of the Commission , doc . COM(97) 136 final , 4.4.1997 . 5 ) Council Directive 92/59/EEC of 29 June 1992 on general product safety , OJ L 228 , 11.8.1992 ; Council Directive 85/374/EEC of 25 July 1985 on the approximation of the laws , regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning liability for defective products , OJ L 210, 7.8.1985 .

(97/C 391 /202) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1768/97 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Assessment of the PHARE programme

The effectiveness of the management of the PHARE programme , which provides funds for the economic reform of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe , has been called into question in a recent EP report which alleges that there has been no effective assessment which enables the practical results of Community aid to the countries concerned to be demonstrated .

What view does the Commission take of these criticisms ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 129

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (11 June 1997) In response to a 1995 Parliament resolution (ref A4-235/95 of 24 October 1995 ) which called for an interim evaluation of the Phare programme by way of preparation for the 1998 budget procedure , the Commission is preparing a report for submission to the Parliament no later than 30 June 1997 . This is based primarily on about a hundred evaluation studies already carried out on various programmes and actions of the Phare programme . The report will deal extensively with the question posed by the Honourable Member .

(97/C 391 /203 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1769/97 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997) Subject: Barriers to trade with China Once again , European companies have protested against the barriers imposed by the Chinese authorities — high customs tariffs , quantitative restrictions , illegal exploitation of intellectual property , etc . — which continue to hinder trade with China .

What action is the Commission to take in response to this state of affairs?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (17 June 1997) The People's Republic of China continues to be an attractive market for Community entrepreneurs and investors , but one which often proves difficult to penetrate . The Commission supports China's goal of integrating its economy into the open multilateral trading system backed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Pending the successful conclusion of negotiations , however, the Commission routinely uses its bilateral dialogue with the Chinese authorities to raise any problems relating to access to Chinese markets .

The Commission intends to continue with this twin-track approach , which has led in recent months to solid if insufficient progress on opening up Chinese markets to European entrepreneurs and investors . Recent meetings to negotiate Chinese membership of the WTO , in particular, have held out the prospect of some progress on lowering tariff barriers , abolishing quotas , liberalising licensing requirements for service industries setting up in China and more effective measures to protect intellectual property . The Community expects China to make good its undertakings on liberalisation in the months to come .

(97/C 391 /204) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1770/97 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997) Subject: European investment in Burma Is the Commission considering any suspension of European investment in Burma ( following the example of the USA) in view of the human rights violations perpetrated in that country?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (24 June 1997) The Commission fully supported the Union's common position on Burma/Myanmar adopted by the General Affairs Council on 28th October 1996 , and prolonged for a second six months period on 29 April 1997 , which imposed a first set of sanctions on Burma . The Commission is not in a position to anticipate future developments with regard to the possible imposition of further sanctions , in particular since the Member States are engaged in a discussion on the usefulness of economic sanctions to achieve political objectives . C 391 / 130 r EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /205 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1771/97 by Arlene McCarthy (PSE) to the Commission (14 May 1997)

Subject: European Commission conditions for the retention of documentation by successful European grant applicants

Would the Commission please explain why it demands that applicants for European grants keep the original documentation of any successful application for up to seven years and why it is necessary to insist that this documentation be kept in paper form , not on micro-film or any other form of document retention? Does the Commission not appreciate the storage problems this regulation presents for organizations ?

In the light of the fact that many European citizens ' image of the European Commission is one of an over-bureaucratic institution , would the Commission not agree that it would be a constructive and popular initiative to reduce considerably this apparently excessive seven year requirement and allow documentation to be retained in a less space consuming format , thereby reducing the bureaucracy and the mountains of paper work ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (11 June 1997)

The Honourable Member's question focuses on European grant applications , without specifying the relevant sector of Community aid . However, a seven year retention period as indicated by the question is inherent in the programme approach to structural funds financing . The Honourable Member appears to be referring in particular to the Council Regulation (EEC)4253/88 amended by Council Regulation (EEC)2082/93 covering the structural funds (') which provides in Article 23(3 ) that :

'For a period of three years following the last payment in respect of any operation , the responsible body and authorities shall keep available for the Commission all the supporting documents regarding expenditure and checks on the operation .'

Given that in the structural funds , operations in the form of programmes may last up to six years it is possible that , in application of the above mentioned article , documentation may have to be retained for the period of time indicated by the question . The nature of programme financing by a series of annual commitments and advance payments inevitably involves on-the-spot-checks being carried a considerable time after the expenditure has been incurred and involving many different types of beneficiary . It is essential therefore that the original documentation should remain available .

There will be an opportunity to examine the problem raised by the Honourable Member when the regulations are reviewed for the structural fund operations after 1999 . However, given the need , which all recognise , for tight financial control on the management of Community funds , it is unlikely that any reduction of the three year period or of the requirements in relation to document retention could be envisaged .

(') OJ L 193 , 31.7.1993 .

(97/C 391 /206) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1773/97 by Werner Langen (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: EU funds channelled to Rhineland-Pfalz since 1994

Via which projects and from which funds and in what amounts have Community funds been channelled to Rhineland-Pfalz : 1 . To promote employment and combat long-term unemployment? (a) from the European Regional Development Fund? (b) from the European Social Fund ? (c ) from the EAGGF and other EU resources ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of. the European Communities C 391 / 131

2 . To promote research and development? (a) in the fields of universities and other institutes of higher education ? (b) in the field of private industry? 3 . To promote relations and trade with countries of eastern and central Europe ? 4 . From the programmes in the energy and environmental fields ? 5 . From programmes in the youth field? 6 . From the programmes in the educational field ? 7 . For women s projects ? 8 . For cultural projects? 9 . How does the EU evaluate the success of such measures ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as soon as possible .

(97/C 391 /207) WRITTEN QUESTION E- 1775/97 by Laura González Alvarez (GUE/NGL), Honorio Novo (GUE/NGL) and Carlos Carnero Gonzalez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Negotiations with the Mexican government regarding the San Andres agreements

Is the Commission aware that President Zedillo has rejected the proposed constitutional reforms previously agreed by the Committee on Harmony and Pacification (Cocopa )?

Is the Commission aware that the counterproposal put forward by the Mexican Government against the Cocopa proposal may constitute a failure to comply with the San Andres agreements signed by the EZLN and the Federal Government in February 1 996 ?

Is the Commission going to put pressure on the Mexican Government in order to ensure that it complies with the agreements concluded by the Committee on Native Rights and Culture in the course of the current negotiations on an agreement between the EU and Mexico?

Can the Commission provide information regarding the projects funded and the ones rejected , amongst those submitted by human rights organization in 1996 ?

Can the Commission provide information regarding the kind of support being provided this year for human rights organizations in Mexico?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997)

Since conflict broke out in Chiapas on 1 January 1994 the Commission has argued for a peaceful solution to be negotiated by the Government and the EZLN which would take better account of problems affecting native Mexicans .

As Parliament's delegation for relations with Central American countries and Mexico found in the course of its visit in December 1995 , the Commission has financed a number of humanitarian aid projects to assist victims . It has also informed the Mexican authorities that, when the time comes , it will be interested in financing projects focusing on development and better integration of the people in Chiapas State as a contribution to the peace process in the region . C 391 / 132 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

The first agreements on native rights and cultures were signed at San Andres Larrainzar (Chiapas) on 16 February 1996 . The Commission was duly informed of their content and noted with regret the unsuccessful efforts of the Parliamentary committee monitoring peace negotiations in Chiapas State (Cocopa) to turn its agreements into legislation . There is reason to hope that this process will be given a fresh impetus following the general elections on 6 July .

Without deviating from the line it has taken since the conflict began , the Commission intends still to keep a close watch on developments in the process now under way and to liaise regularly with the mediating parties .

Regarding the projects for the defence of human rights mentioned by the Honourable Member, three were financed by the Commission in 1995 and two in 1996 .

1995 : — Project entitled ' Defensa integral de los derechos humanos ' for the ' Centro de derechos humanos Fray Francisco de Vitoria O.P. AC ' (ECU 85 000); — Project entitled 'Capacitación y promoción en derechos humanos en algunos estados de México para ONGs y sectores de población más vulnerables ', for the 'Comisión de defensa y promoción de los derechos humanos ' (ECU 34 500); — Project entitled 'Producción de materiales impresos y audiovisuales para la educación civica,' for the ' Academia méxicana de derechos humanos,' (ECU 112 500).

1996 : — Project entitled ' Seminario internacional Europa-México sobre los derechos humanos,' for the 'Cámara de diputados — Comisión de derechos humanos ' (ECU 47 000); — Project entitled 'Apoyo al primer coloquio iberoamericano sobre los retos y desafios del ombudsman,' for the 'Federación Iberoamericana de defensores del pueblo , procuradores , comisionados y presidentes de comisiones públicas de derechos humanos (ECU 20 000).

Two projects were not proceeded with : — Project entitled 'Consolidación del diálogo e impulso del proceso de paz en Chiapas,' for the ^ Comisión nacional de intermediación ' (CONAI) (ECU 265 000); — Project entitled 'Programa especial de educación civica para crear las condiciones que permitan que las elecciones para gobernador del distrito federal sean limpias y confiables ' for the ' Academia Méxicana de derechos humanos (ECU 340 000).

The Commission has three budget headings available to aid action to promote human rights and democratisation in Latin America : — B7-703 Democratisation process in Latin America ; — B7-7040 Subsidies for certain activities of organisations pursuing human rights objectives ; — B7-707 Support for rehabilitation centres for torture victims and for organisations offering concrete help to victims of human rights abuses .

(97/C 391 /208 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1776/97 by Jesus Cabezon Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Green Paper on a reduction in working hours

The Commissioner responsible for social affairs and employment , Mr Flynn , has submitted to the Council of EU Employment Ministers a Green Paper on consultation with a view to a reorganization of working patterns , which constitutes the Commission's response to some of the suggestions put forward by Parliament in the report by Mr Rocard on a reduction in , and a redistribution of, working hours .

Could the Commission specify what institutional procedure is to be applied to the Green Paper and indicate the timescale envisaged for translating the substance of the Green Paper into practical proposals ? 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 133

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997)

The Commission adopted its green paper, 'Partnership for a new organisation of work' (') on 16 April 1997 . As indicated during the debate in the Parliament on 1 7 September 1 996 on the report by Mr Rocard on working time, it was prepared as a response to the Parliament's initiative , though, as foreseen at that time , it sets the debate in the wider context .

The green paper is being given a wide circulation . It has been sent formally to the Parliament and other Community institutions and to organisations representing management and labour at European level . The main aim of the document is to stimulate a European debate on new forms of work organisation . The Commission looks forward, in particular, to the debate in the Parliament.

The green paper calls for comments by 30 November 1997 . The Commission will decide what further action to take in the light of the comments received .

(') COM(97 ) 128 .

(97/C 391 /209) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1777/97 by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL), Laura González Alvarez (GUE/NGL), María Sornosa Martinez (GUE/NGL) and Carlos Carnero González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Forms of cooperation with the Saharaui people

Can the Commission provide information regarding the budget headings , projects and amounts which it allocated to relieving the situation of the Saharaui people during 1996 ?

Can it also provide information regarding the amount of funding earmarked for the Saharaui people in 1997 ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1997)

Since 1993 , the Community's overall contribution for Western Sahara refugees has amounted to 20 MECU . Last year, 7 MECU was allocated , including 2 MECU from the budget line B7-644 adopted by the Parliament to help the population of Western Sahara, and 5 MECU from the budget line B7-217 .

The Commission adopted on 23 May 1997 a decision for the implementation of a global plan amounting to 7 MECU in favour of the Western Sahara refugees including food aid (5.8 MECU) and a medical and logistic assistance , emergency rehabilitation and water purification programme ( 1.2 MECU). This will help ensure supplies to this population of basic products , to maintain security stocks until November, as well as to preserve an acceptable level of living conditions and health care .

The food element of the plan , to be implemented by various Commission partners , was drawn up in the light of different reports (evaluation , nutritional studies), contributions announced by the Member States and recent deliveries . Thus , the decision will comprise 2,300 tonnes of wheatflour and approximately 3,500 tonnes of other basic foodstuffs . The non-food element will include hygiene products , medicines and medical supplies , water purification and repairing of wells and finally the completion of the rehabilitation of infrastructures (hospitals , schools, health centres). C 391 / 134 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /210) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1789/97 by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission (27. May 1997)

Subject: Joule programme : the Osprey project

Can the Commission state what is the projected cost per kilowatt hour for energy derived from the Osprey project which was funded from the Joule programme in 1995 and 1996 ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (16 June 1997)

The Osprey project combines a wind power generator with a wave energy device functioning according to the oscillating water column principle . The wave energy device thus provides a platform practically free of charge for an off-shore wind generator .

The aim of the project is to provide experimental evidence for the cost reduction potential of this combined wave and wind power device as compared to wave power alone or off-shore wind power . It is neither a commercial power plant nor even a demonstration project, but a prototype built for experimentation and further development of the technology .

The wave power device was badly damaged by a strong gale during the positioning operation off the coast . It should be mentioned that this gale came all of a sudden , whereas the weather forecast predicted calm weather . The insurers are convinced that neither the engineers nor the operators are to be blamed for this accident and have agreed to pay for the damage .

The project had , however, to be halted at least temporarily . For all these reasons it would be absolutely premature to quote any power generation costs .

(97/C 391 /211 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1796/97 by Lissy Groner (PSE) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Pilot phase of 'European Voluntary Service '

1 . How many volunteers have been placed since the beginning of the pilot phase and in which countries up to 1 May 1997 ?

2 . How many of these have been placed through the decentralized strand ?

3 . Why did the Commission change the application procedure for international organizations ?

4 . Can the Commission explain the situation of placed volunteers in the light of the projected figure of 2 500 volunteers ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission ( 16 June 1 997)

The European voluntary service pilot action aims to test a new approach to the development of voluntary service activities for young people in a European context , particularly through the adoption of a decentralised strategy for implementation . This decentralised approach aims to facilitate the participation of local organisations and to respond effectively to the needs and realities of projects and volunteers . The necessary framework for this decentralised approach to implementation is now in place . A national structure , responsible for assisting the Commission with the implementation of the pilot action , has been appointed in each Member State . These national structures have been distributing information and raising interest in European voluntary service since the second half of 1996 . As a result , the Commission has now received expressions of 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 135

interest in hosting volunteers from just under 1000 organisations from across the Community . This represents a potential of almost 3000 places for young volunteers . The Commission and national structures have also been contacted by thousands of young people who would like to participate in European voluntary service .

The national structures , together with the Commission , are currently supporting match-making between hosting projects , sending projects and volunteers . This is a complex and time-consuming process , particularly since many of the partners concerned do not have previous experience of transnational voluntary service , and long-term voluntary service projects require significant commitments and responsibilities from all of the partners concerned .

The Commission will produce a second progress report relating to the implementation of the European voluntary service pilot action in July 1 997 . This will provide detailed figures and analysis of the implementation of the pilot action . However , the Commission can already provide the following information in response to the specific points raised by the Honourable Member : 1 . 346 young people have now been placed in European voluntary service projects . The Commission is sending more detailed figures on the breakdown of volunteers and projects by country direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat .

2 . 3 1 3 of these volunteers are participating in projects supported through the centralised strand of the pilot action (80 in flagship projects , 33 in third countries and 200 in projects submitted by members of the Association of voluntary service organisations (AVSO)). 33 volunteers have been placed so far through the decentralised strand (ie projects submitted through national structures ). The Commission expects to see significant increases in the numbers of volunteers during the next two months . A total of 220 volunteers should be active in flagship projects by the end of July . A further 57 young volunteers are currently preparing to take part in European voluntary service projects in third countries . 750 additional projects have been approved through the decentralised strand and should begin in the next few weeks . Several hundred more are in the match-making phase and should be ready to start by the late summer . 3 . The Commission decided to broaden the centralised strand (ie projects submitted directly to the Commission) in 1997 to include European youth organisations as well as the voluntary service organisations which are members of AVSO . It has also decided to focus on multilateral European voluntary service projects involving partners in several countries . This approach is intended to diversify the range of organisations involved in the centralised strand, to encourage the development of cooperation and new partnerships between different organisations and to broaden and reinforce the quality and content of the projects supported . The Commission has also encouraged youth and voluntary service organisations to submit applications for bilateral exchanges of volunteers through the decentralised strand . 4 . The implementation of the pilot action to date has confirmed the existence of a significant level of interest both from young people who wish to participate as young European volunteers , and from projects which are keen to host these volunteers . Matching volunteers with hosting and sending projects is complex and a completely new experience for many of the partners concerned . Nevertheless , the Commission expects that, by the end of July 1997 , 2000-2500 young people will be offered the opportunity to participate in European voluntary service .

(97/C 391 /212) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1797/97 by Christoph Konrad (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Opening times of washing facilities in Germany

1 . Is the Commission aware that car-washes and launderettes are not allowed to open in Germany on Sundays and holidays ?

2 . Does this ban under national law conflict with existing Community law ?

3 . Irrespective of its answer , does the Commission consider this situation calls for harmonization of the opening times of such service providers on Sundays and holidays throughout the European Union? c 391 / 136 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (7 July 1997)

The compatibility with Community law of the restrictions imposed by a Member State's legislation on the opening of commercial establishments on Sundays is an issue which has been examined on several occasions by the Court of Justice . The Court considers that Article 30 of the EC Treaty does not apply to such national regulations , which are applicable to all economic operators carrying out activities on the national territory (cf. in particular judgements Punto Casa Spa of 02/06/94 , C-69/93 and C-258/93 , ECR 94 p. 1-2355 and DIP Spa of 17/ 10/95 , C- 140/94 , ECR 95 p.I-3257).

There are no current plans to propose Community harmonisation . Bearing in mind the different cultural and historical traditions , legislation in this field varies from one country to the next .

The Green Paper on Commerce adopted by the Commission on 20 November 1996 (') launched a wide-ranging debate on the challenges facing commerce on the eve of the 21 st century . The question asked by the Honourable Member could therefore be examined in the light of the results of this consultation , and in particular with regard to the opinion which will be delivered by the Parliament .

(') COM (96) 530 .

(97/C 391 /213 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1801/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (28 May 1997)

Subject: Staffing problems at CEDEFOP

Cedefop is the first- and only- European institution to be based in Greece , namely in Thessaloniki . Much has been said about staffing problem there , and the transfer of officials from Berlin , which used to be the seat of the institution , to Thessaloniki is about to go ahead in order to meet the operational needs .

No particular steps have been taken to recruit Greek officials who could adequately staff the centre at a greatly reduced cost (since they would not receive any transfer allowances or expatriation allowances).

According to an official justification , some balance must be kept in the composition of the staff.

Will the Commission say whether it is examining the possibility of meeting the Institution's pressing staffing requirements with Greek officials (even on a provisional basis), so as to avoid a situation in which the Cedefop is unable adequately to perform its very important function ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that Cedefop is a decentralized Community agency administered by a management board responsible also for personnel policy .

According to the information received by the Commission , the Centre's operational capacity is fully assured at present . There are no pressing staffing problems . In a staff of 81 (52 permanent and 29 temporary posts) there are now 8 vacancies . The occupation of these posts is not considered a priority for the Centre since there is a need to maintain a small reserve of posts in order to be able to reintegrate staff members temporarily on leave on personal grounds , and the relevant tasks are actually fulfilled either by national seconded experts (of whom there are currently 7 ) or by local staff, auxiliaries and interim staff.

As regards the geographical distribution of staff, the management board decided in line with the existing rules at Community level that a reasonable equilibrium should be maintained , ensuring a fair representation of all Community nationalities . Greek nationals are already proportionally well represented in the centre , covering 10% of the total staff (excluding auxiliaries and local agents). 23 . 12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 137

(97/C 391 /214) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1812/97 by Karl Habsburg-Lothringen (PPE) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Sensitive areas

Can the Commission confirm that efforts are being made to designate certain Alpine regions such as the Brenner and St Gotthard as sensitive areas , with all that this will entail in the way of implications for the Road Charges Directive , for example ?

Does the Commission agree that this effective and necessary measure should be extended to other regions in which traffic density is extremely high and which include ecologically sensitive areas , such as the trans-Tauern route and other Alpine passes?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997)

The Commission proposal for a Council directive on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (') does include appropriate provisions for charging for the use of sensitive routes in areas where the supply and use of road infrastructure entails costs which are greater than the average in the Community . It is envisaged that the areas that fall into that category would be characterised by a high environmental sensitivity that is likely to be adversely affected by heavy traffic .

However, while awaiting Parliament's opinion , the progress to date of the examination of the Commisssion proposal in Council indicates that a considerable number of Member States have difficulties with the concept of sensitive routes and its implication of increased charges . Discussion is therefore concentrating on whether the charging scheme for heavily used Alpine routes should be different to that which would apply in the rest of the Community .

The Commission would also add that Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management ( 2 ) provides for Member States to identify zones and agglomerations in which air quality standards are exceeded or where there is a risk that they are exceeded . For these zones and agglomerations , action plans have to be drawn up and implemented , which may have to include , depending on the case , measures on road traffic .

(') COM(96) 331 final . ( 2 ) OJ L 296 , 21.11.1996 .

( 97/C 391 /215 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1816/97 by John Corrie (PPE) to the Commission (28 May 1997)

Subject: ACP resolution on great apes and destruction of tropical forests

What has been the Commission's response to the resolution on hunting and killing of great apes and destruction of tropical forests in Central and West Africa , adopted at the ACP-EU Joint Assembly in March 1996 ?

What action does the Commission intend to take in support of the aims of the resolution and to ensure that its recommendations are given full and proper consideration ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The consumption of monkey meat is a traditional part of life of the people living in the forests of Central Africa . Practically speaking , the suppression of illegal huntirfg is particularly difficult because of the inaccessibility of the area and the large size of the region . C 391 / 138 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

However, between 1992-1996 , the Commission , along with the governments of Central African countries , within the framework of regional cooperation with Central Africa, has implemented the first phase of the Ecofac programme — which to date has received 26.5 MECU in support under the 6th European development fund (EDF) ('Conservation et utilisation rationnelle des ecosystemes forestiers d'Afrique Centrale ').

The project established six protection zones which aim to preserve animal species which are particularly threatened , such as great apes . Further , specific awareness campaigns and instructive publications were prepared for use with local populations , raising the issue of threatened species .

Furthermore , in 1996 , the Commission funded a project to farm game in Gabon , to ease pressure on wild stock .

Begun in early 1997 , the second phase of Ecofac has received 16 MECU to continue and deepen these actions .

( 97/C 391 /216) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1831/97 by Spalato Bellere (NI) to the Commission (28 May 1997)

Subject: Increase in the incidence of hepatitis C

There has been a sharp and continuous increase in the incidence of hepatitis C in Europe which is transmitted in the blood (e.g. by transfusions). Would it not be an idea to provide incentives for enhancing prevention as regards both blood collection and transfusion procedures ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1997)

Based on a recent survey funded by the Commission , the estimated number of people infected (prevalence,) with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Community ranges between 2.4 and 5 million , with prevalence rates varying from one Member State to the other . Data on the number of new cases (incidence) of hepatitis C , however , are not available to the Commission .

Screening procedures for anti-hepatitis C antibodies in blood and plasma used both for transfusion as well as for the preparation of medicinal products derived from these sources are routinely used in the Member States . Moreover , Council Directive 89/38 1 /EEC of 14 June 1989 extending the scope of Directives 65/65/EEC and 75/319/EEC on the approximation of provisions laid down by law , regulation or administrative action relating to proprietary medicinal products and laying down special provisions for medicinal products derived from human blood or human plasma ('), requires the Member States to take all necessary measures to prevent transmission of infectious diseases in all medicinal products derived from blood and plasma .

The Commission is currently investigating existing requirements in the Member States regarding donor selection and the screening of donations with a view to proposing Council recommendations for appropriate criteria in the Community .

(') OJ L 181 , 28.6.1989 .

(97/C 391 /217 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1834/97 by Nicole Fontaine (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Automobile distribution

The Commission has produced a Green Paper on Community competition policy and vertical restrictions . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 139

This provides a basis for consideration by the Commission , which is planning to review , and even re-align , its current competition policy with particular reference to distribution networks . In it , however, the Commission states that autojnobile distribution is excluded from its considerations .

Does the Commission believe that the motor industry should continue to enjoy specific exemption from the rules? If so, why?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (6 June 1997)

In 1995 the Commission adopted a new block exemption regulation (EEC) 1475/95 for the automobile sector (').

The period of application of 7 years is a minimum to ensure legal certainty for the sector . It was therefore decided for the green paper on vertical restraints in Community competition policy ( 2 ) not to cover this sector . The discussion on a possible prorogation of the block exemption regulation will be taken up in due course .

Of course , on questions of a general nature regarding vertical restraints , the outcome of the public consultation on the green paper will be taken into account when considering the future of the structure of the distribution system in the automobile sector.

(') OJ L 145 , 29.6.1995 . (2 ) COM(96) 721 .

(97/C 391/218 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 854/97 by Joaquin Siso Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (30 May 1997)

Subject: Subsidy for the Instituto Ramon J. Sender, Fraga , Spain

On 30 October 1996 the Instituto de Educacion Secundaria y Bachillerato Ramon J. Sender, in Fraga , Aragon , Spain, submitted an application to the European Union under the Socrates pogramme ( subprogamme Lingua, Action E — joint educational projects for language learning). The aim of the application was to obtain financial assistance to enable an exchange to take place with the Instituto Fabio Besta in Ragusa, Sicily , Italy , as the two establishments are working on a historical research project, entitled 'Vestiges of the Crown of Aragon in the County of Modica, Sicily ', to investigate the links and linguistic , cultural and historical ties between Aragon , Catalonia and Sicily which are due to the fact that they all belonged to the Crown of Aragon . The pupils of the school in Fraga had planned to make their trip in April , following the visit of the Italians pupils to their town in March, but have not received the requested subsidy and have been obliged to postpone it . This has aroused indignation, as the Italian school did receive a subsidy for the same project .

Why has the Instituto Fabio Besta been granted a subsidy but not the Instituto de Educacion Secundaria y Bachillerato Ramon J. Sender, when both are working on the same project ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (25 June 1997)

Lingua action E (joint educational projects for language learning) of the Socrates programme is a decentralised action . Decisions regarding allocations of grants are taken by the national agencies appointed in the Member States, within the available budget . The selection criteria are laid down at a European level , and they may be complemented by national priorities .

In this particular case , at the time of the selection concerned , the Spanish national agency could only accept 79 projects with the available budget, and was obliged to put 59 on a reserve list . C 391 / 140 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /219) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1870/97 by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE) to the Commission (30 May 1997)

Subject: EU involvement in the development of As Pontes , Galicia

The government of the Spanish region of Galicia has signed a cooperation agreement with one of the principal electricity companies of the country and with the trade unions concerning the economic development of the district of As Pontes , Galicia .

The reindustrialization plan will run until 2001 . The regional government will invest 300 million and the electricity company 900 million .

How could the European Union take part in this plan , what could it contribute and under what Community programme or specific measure could it consider participating in the development of the district?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (26 June 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as soon as possible .

(97/C 391 /220) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1879/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 June 1997)

Subject: Development of the social dialogue

The Commission has issued a ' Communication concerning the Development of the Social Dialogue at Community Level ' ( COM(96) 0448 final).

In view of the major policy changes facing the European Union , the Commission considers that it is time to reflect on the whole framework of the social dialogue at Community level .

Since the Commission has a formal obligation under the Treaty (Article 118(b)) to develop the social dialogue between management and labour (the social partners) at European level and , under the Agreement attached to the Protocol on Social Policy in the Treaty on European Union (Agreement on Social Policy), has the task of promoting the consultation of the social partners at Community level and taking any relevant measures to facilitate the social dialogue , the aim of this Communication is to find ways to strengthen the social dialogue , to make it more adaptable and to associate the work of the social partners more closely in the development and implementation of EU policies , particularly employment and economic growth .

With regard to the dialogue under the Protocol on Social Policy , the six-week deadline set by the Commission for the social partners to reply to its questions is too short . Will the Commission extend the deadline to eight or ten weeks ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1997)

The question of the deadline imposed upon the social partners in the context of the consultations organised in connection with the Agreement on Social Policy is addressed in the Commission's Communication on the development of the Community social dialogue (').

The Commission suggests keeping the general deadline of six weeks , but making provision for a flexible consultation deadline established on a case-by-case basis , taking account of the nature and complexity of the subject . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 141

The point to bear in mind is that the purpose of consultation is to improve the process of decision-making at Community level . There are several factors which speak in favour of retaining the indicative deadline of six weeks . For one thing , it is necessary to avoid delaying the legislative process unduly . Secondly , consideration must be given to the wishes generally expressed by the social partners .

The experience of previous consultations is that the social partners have been able to comply with the six-week deadline . For these reasons , and taking account of the contributions presented by the social partners under the consultation process on the development of the social dialogue at Community level , the Commission intends to maintain the same approach .

(>) COM(96 ) 448 final .

(97/C 391 /221 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1900/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility

With reference to the ' Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility ' (CC)M(96)0462 final), it is extremely important to develop solutions to the problems restricting the mobility of those preparing to join the labour market . At a time when jobs are scarce and difficult to find , any attempt on the part of the Member States to protect national employment must be fought actively . This problem , which is not considered in the Green Paper, could arise at the end of training periods completed by those taking part in the programmes encouraging training at Community level .

Will the Commission highlight this problem so that it is included in the final document?

( 91IC 391 /222) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 901/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Green paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility

With reference to the ' Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility ' (COM(96)()462 final), not only must the availability of information be guaranteed in the Member States but ease of access for citizens must be ensured . The Commission has an obligation to guarantee that the dissemination of this type of information is not restricted to limited circles or the usual channels of information from the Community .

Will the Commission therefore set up , under line of action No 9 , a systematic information network for citizens which sets out all the training opportunities offered in the Community ?

(97/C 391 /223) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1902/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Green paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility

With reference to the ' Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility ' (COM(96)462 final),

the programmes promoting language learning for young people and adults are pointless unless we think of the future . Efforts must be concentrated on the youngest children , by encouraging the teaching of the Community languages in schools throughout the Community and respecting , as far as possible , freedom of choice of the languages to be learned by pupils . C 391 / 142 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

In addition to facilitating the learning of Community languages at school , will the Commission also offer pupils the opportunity of studying subjects which promote European construction and integration?

A possible new line of action would be the introduction , in every school throughout the Community , of a specific subject on the general lines set out above which would be common to and identical for all pupils in the Community .

(97/C 391 /224) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1903/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility

With reference to the 'Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility ' (COM(96) 0462 final), the validity and recognition of studies completed outside the state of origin must continue to be essential Community objectives . Will the Commission ensure that this principle can be extended to vocational training and to all subjects which are not regulated ?

(97/C 391 /225 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1904/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility

With reference to the ' Green Paper on Education — Training — Research : The obstacles to transnational mobility ' (COM(96) 0462 final ) and with a view to achieving greater social justice , will the Commission give priority to taking , without delay , all the measures needed to ensure that the most deprived are not excluded from the benefits of the Community programmes considered in the Green Paper? Will it also make provision , under line of action No 7 , to ensure that the financial circumstances of the participant, or the nuclear family to which he or she belongs , are taken into account when the amounts of financial assistance laid down in the programmes are allocated ?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1900/97, E-1901/97, E-1902/97, E-1903/97 and E-1904/97 given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (22 July 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat .

(97/C 391 /226) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1909/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: XXVth report on competition policy

With reference to the 'XXVth report on competition policy ( 1995)' (COM(96) 0126 final) and the ' draft Commission notice on cooperation between national competition authorities and the Commission in handling cases falling within the scope of Articles 85 or 86 of the EC Treaty ' ('), will the Commission be sufficiently flexible in reconsidering vertical forms of cooperation , which should not necessarily fall under the prohibition in Article 85 of the Treaty of Rome ?

('•) OJ C 262 , 10.9.1996 , p . 5 . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 143

Answer given by Mr van Miert on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997)

Vertical agreements or restrictions within such agreements are not prohibited as such under the Community competition rules as the Honourable Member seems to assume .

In fact,a great number of them either fall outside the scope of Article 85 EC Treaty under the "de minimis" notice or are automatically exempted under the block exemption regulations . Agreements falling outside the block exemption regulations can and often are exempted upon individual notification when the conditions of Article 85(3) are met .

(97/C 391 /227 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1918/97 by Lis Jensen (I-EDN) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Financial aid to US firms

Has the US company Solectron received any form of financial aid from the EU to set itself up and/or operate in Scotland ?

Has the US company SCI Systems received any form of financial aid from the EU to set itself up and/or operate in Scotland?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (22 July 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P- 1679/97 by Mrs Eriksson (')..

(') See page 1 19 .

(97/C 391 /228) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 924/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Tigers in India

In view of continued poaching and the low number of tigers remaining , has the Commission had any discussions with the authorities in India with a view to helping enforcement procedures in Project Tiger reserves ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997)

In its recent communication to the Parliament and Council on an enhanced partnership between India and the Union the Commission indicated that it would give a high priority to encouraging sustainable development . In this light, the Commission therefore shares the Honourable Member's concern at the alarming reports that poachers kill a tiger every day in India .

The Commission is concentrating its dialogue with the Indian authorities on establishing a suitable framework for environmental protection of all species , not only of tigers , given the close inter-connection of the ecosphere . C 391 / 144 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Specifically the Commission is keen to see local populations mobilised to participate in the protection of their natural heritage . Without this local support , game wardens will always be insufficiently equipped to combat poachers . Hence the Commission has launched a mission to examine how it can actively support the development of joint management of forests (involving civil society and the relevant authorities). Although saving the tiger is not the immediate objective of this initiative , it is hoped that it will help to preserve the tiger and numerous other endangered species as well , and at the same time , provide all the other services and benefits of well managed forest to the people living nearby .

(97/C 391 /229) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1927/97 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez (GUE/NGL), Nel van Dijk (V), Magdalene HofF (PSE), Doeke Eisma (ELDR), Gianni Tamino (V) and Antoni Gutierrez Diaz (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Environmental impact assessment on the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands — Spain)

The Spanish Ministry of Defence , through the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), has stated its aim of building a space launch centre on the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands — Spain).

This project , the details of which are contained in the document ' Blueprint for a space launch centre' drawn up by the INTA and the study ' Site Survey and Engineering Assessments for Space Launch Facilities at El Hierro , Canary Islands ', drawn up by Bechtel National Inc ., may have serious adverse effects on the natural and human environment on the island of El Hierro , and may be in breach of Directive 85/337/EEC (') by disturbing the existing balance between conservation of the island's environment and its model of development .

In addition , the possible site for the project may be part of the Natura 2000 network which includes the ' special areas of conservation ' provided for in Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora .

What measures will the Commission take to ensure that an environmental impact assessment is carried out in accordance with the provisions of Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment ?

(') OJ L 175 , 5.7.1985 , p . 40 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (18 July 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question E- 141 3/97 by Mrs Van Dijk and Mr Eisma (')•

(') See page 83 .

(97/C 391 /230) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1953/97 by Brendan Donnelly (PPE) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Re-use of recycled radioactive metals in food containers

What safeguards and controls does the Commission operate to ensure that recycled radioactive metals used in the manufacture of containers for food and drink are completely safe for the consumer? 23 . 12 . 97 | EN I Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 145

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (I July 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its joint answer to Written Questions P- 1650/97 and P- 1 654/97 by Mrs Jensen and other

(') OJ C 373 , 9.12.1997 , p . 52 .

(97/C 391 /231 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1954/97 by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Commission response to petitions no 1138/95 and 1184/95 on Toxic Shock Syndrome

Would the Commission advise whether : 1 . A deadline was set when asking Member States for information on TSS , and if so , what date was given ? 2 . How many and which Member States have replied to date? 3 . Whether any information is available yet ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1997)

1 . The letter of 18 September 1996 asking Member States for information did not specify a deadline . 2 . To date , nine Member States have replied : Denmark , Germany , Spain , France , Ireland , Luxembourg , Netherlands , Austria and Sweden .

3 . The Honourable Member is referred to the additional information provided in connection with petitions Nos 1 138/95 from Mrs Paula Power and 1 184/95 from Mr Peter Kilvert .

(97/C 391 /232 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1956/97 by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Commission (28 May 1997)

Subject: Palestinians on the Libya-Egypt border

Since October 1995 several hundred Palestinians living in Libya have been forced to live in camps along the border with Egypt . The Libyan authorities only recently closed down a camp of 250 Palestinians . 1 . Can the Commission state what is happening to Palestinians in Libya's border region with Egypt? 2 . Can the Commission state what has happened to the 250 Palestinians recently removed back to Tripoli ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission ( 18 June 1997)

1 . According to the information that the Commission has received so far, the problem of the Palestinians staying in the Libyan-Egyptian border has now been completely solved . Reportedly , during the last Arab League ministerial summit in Cairo on 30-31 March 1997 , President Arafat obtained the agreement of the Libyan authorities to allow the safe return of the last Palestinians trapped in the border area . Prior to this agreement , most Palestinians affected had managed to find their way out , either to the West Bank and Gaza Strip territory or to other Arab countries . C 391 / 146 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

2 . The Commission has not received any reports , particularly from any of the non-governmental organisations that had been active in monitoring this problem , about the fate of the Palestinians readmitted into Libya .

(97/C 391 /233 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1960/97 by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission (29 May 1997) Subject: Violation of the rights of Eleni Fokas , a teacher in a Greek enclave in northern Cyprus Eleni Fokas , a Greek Cypriot teacher in an enclave in the occupied northern part of Cyprus , is seriously ill and requires medical treatment in the free area of the island . The occupying regime is blackmailing her and threatening to prevent her from returning unless she signs illegal documents stating that she recognizes Denktash ' s pseudo-state . Will the Commission say whether it intends to intervene both in this case and in other related flagrant human rights violations involving the very few Greek Cypriots remaining in the occupied part of Cyprus , given that : 1 . Cyprus is a candidate for EU accession ; and 2 . Turkey which dictates the actions and policies of the Denktash regime is a country linked to the EU by a Customs Union agreement?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997)

According to the information received by the Commission , Ms Fokas was recently authorised to go to the southern part of the island for treatment . According to the same information , Ms Fokas did not have to sign any documents on leaving the northern part of the island .

(97/C 391 /234) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1970/97 by Spalato Bellere (NI) to the Commission (9 June 1997)

Subject: Allowing sex in prisons The Italian Parliament is about to vote on a bill seeking to introduce four-hour ' sex periods ' in prisons . The precise details of the proposal , which was prompted by the case of a leading member of the Neapolitan criminal organization , the Camorra, sentenced to several life terms for brutal murders carried out either by him or at his bidding , are as yet unclear . Would the Commission not agree that a study should be carried out by specialists such as sociologists , psycho-analysts and crime experts with a view to further exploring this matter which , despite the underlying humanitarian motives , nonetheless gives rise to disquiet, particularly when one considers that sex might become a privilege of criminals who , when they committed their crimes , showed no trace of sensitivity or human feelings ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1997) The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked , which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 147

(97/C 391 /235 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1974/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (9 June 1997)

Subject: Continuation of mental health reform in Greece

The final report on the implementation of Regulation 815/84 (') (COM(95 ) 668 final ) states that the measures taken under Regulation 8 15/84 will be continued with financing from the Structural Funds with a view to the 'full use of the training capacities created under Regulation 815/84 and the continuation of the reform effort in the mental health care system.'

Why, at the present time , is this broad field confined solely to measures concerning the employment of psychiatric patients ? What measures are being taken on behalf of those psychiatric patients who are unable to venture on to the job market?

(') OJL 88 , 31.3.1984, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1997)

The final report on the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC ) No 815/84 on exceptional financial support in favour of Greece in the social field , stipulates that 'the Greek authorities are expected to ensure continuity of the reform and build upon the achievements of the Regulation through new forms of intervention , notably under the Community support framework 1994-1999 for Greece'. This implies that the scope of action is not the same as that of Regulation (EEC) No 815/84 and that the type of action to be financed is subject to the eligibility contraints imposed by the structural fund regulations and in particular Council Regulation (EEC ) No 2084/93 as regards the European social fund (').

It is important to note however that the relevant operations are not limited only to employment . They also include measures designed to deal with the structural and operational problems leading to the socio-economic exclusion of the mentally ill . Although the aim is to promote integration into open employment, possibilities of enlarging the spectrum of employment opportunities through the development of cooperatives and other forms of social enterprises are also envisaged . Although this approach cannot be directly applied to people with severe disability , it could have some indirect benefits for them .

(') OJ L 193 , 31.7.1993 .

(97/C 391/236) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 978/97 by Bryan Cassidy (PPE) to the Commission (9 June 1997)

Subject: Members of advisory committees

In Official Journal C 1 14 of 12 April 1997 , the Commission announced the membership of the committees on : Producers of Fishery Products Fisheries Cooperatives Banks Financing Maritime Activities Specialized Cooperative Credit Institutions Trade in Fishery Products Fishery Industries Workers in the Fishing and Fishery Products Sector Consumers

However, neither the Member State of the members of those committees nor the organizations to which they belong were listed .

Would the Commission kindly provide the missing information ? C 391 / 148 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (25 July 1997)

The Commission is sending the information requested direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat .

(97/C 391 /237 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1990/97 by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission (30 May 1997)

Subject: Information on the amount of EC aid granted to the Country of Wiltshire since June 1994

Can the Commission state the total amount of Community aid granted to the County of Wiltshire , in the UK , since June 1994 , under : 1 . the European Social Fund ; 2 . the Fourth Research Framework Programme ; 3 . Community programmes in the environment and energy fields ; 4 . the EAGGF , Guidance and Guarantee sections ; 5 . other Community Programmes ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as soon as possible .

(91/C 391 /238 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2000/97 by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission (9 June 1997)

Subject: EC aid granted to Bath and North East Somerset since June 1994

What is the total amount of Community aid granted to the area of Bath and North East Somerset, since June 1994 , under : 1 . the European Social Fund 2 . the Fourth Research Framework Programme 3 . Community programmes in the environment and energy fields 4 . the EAGGF , Guidance and Guarantee sections 5 . other Community Programmes ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as soon as possible . 23 . 12 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 149

(97/C 391/239) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2009/97 by Jens-Peter Bonde (I-EDN) to the Commission ( 11 June 1997)

Subject: Noise standards for machinery and engine-rooms

Is the Commission allowing Denmark to set noise-suppression standards 1 . for premises housing machinery , without modifying the machinery itself, 2 . by requiring machinery in print shops or engine-rooms to be encased in order to reduce the noise level to below the limits laid down in the directive on machinery , 3 . by requiring personal protective equipment , ear protectors etc .?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1997)

Council Directive 86/ 188/EEC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to noise at work (') requires all Member States (and consequently Denmark) to protect workers against risks and in so far to their health and safety including their hearing and including the prevention of risks arising or likely to arise from exposure to noise at work .

This Directive does not prejudice the right of Denmark to apply or introduce laws , regulations or administrative provisions ensuring greater protection for workers or intended to reduce the level of noise by taking action at source , particularly in order to achieve exposure values which prevent unnecessary nuisance .

Additionally , Council Directive 89/656/EEC ( 2) lays down minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace .

The above mentioned directives do not specifically require or oblige Denmark to take action in the field mentioned in the question but they do require Denmark to ensure the respect of the directives by employers in the most effective way by incorporating noise prevention measures into the design of the installations and to choose materials , procedures and working methods which produce less noise .

(') OJ L 137 , 24 . 5.1986 . ( 2 ) OJ L 393 , 30.12.1989 .

(97/C 391 /240) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2012/97 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Hong Kong

The Commission will be aware that the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the question of Hong Kong stated that the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be constituted by elections . The Commission will also be aware that a provisional Legislative Council 'elected ' by 400 chosen electors has already been meeting and conducting business in advance of the change of sovereignty on 1 July 1997 , and the same Provisional Legislative Council will replace the existing elected council in the early hours of 1 July .

Does the Commission agree that the actions of the Provisional Legislative Council to date are a breach of the 1984 Declaration , and that the operation of the said Council after 30 June also constitutes a breach of that international agreement which is registered with the United Nations ? C 391 / 150 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (25 June 1997)

The Commission is not able to give the precise legal analysis requested by the Honourable Member of an agreement to which the Community is not a party . Clearly , however, the controversy and concern aroused by the designation last December of the future members of the Provisional Legislative Council can only be harmful to general confidence in continuity in Hong Kong after the handover. That is why the Commission called at the time for elections to take place as soon as possible after the handover of the Special Administrative Region (SAR), so that a new Legislative Council could be established .

Since then , the designated members of the future Provisional Legislative Council have met , but do not purport to function as a Provisional Legislative Council until 1 July 1997 .

Meanwhile , the 9th plenary session of the preparatory committee of the Hong Kong SAR specified in May the method for the election of the first Legislative Council of the SAR .

The election methods now decided for the first Legislative Council reflect those established for subsequent Legislative Council elections in the Basic Law for Hong Kong (promulgated in 1990 to enact the Joint Declaration to which the Honourable Member refers). They comprise a mixture of procedures , direct and indirect , including election by a specially selected electoral college .

The Commission welcomes the decision of the preparatory committee that elections to the first Legislative Council should take place at the latest by 30 June 1998 . The Commission hopes that those elections can take place much earlier than this , so that progress can begin towards the agreed ' ultimate objective ' fixed under the Basic Law of elections by universal suffrage for all members of the SAR Legislative Council .

(97/C 391 /241 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2025/97 by Anne Mcintosh (PPE) to the Commission (11 June 1997)

Subject: Unemployment in the European Union's service sector industry

Would the European Commission not agree that , at present, the European Social Fund (ESF) is only helping deprived manufacturing sector areas , and that there is also a growing need to include assistance to those losing their jobs in the service sector industries ?

Currently the ESF is administered under Objective 3 for young people entering the job market for the first time , those facing exclusion from the labour market and women returners to work . Could we not also help those who have lost their jobs and whose jobs may be at risk in the service sector industries ?

Would the Commission therefore consider extending ESF programmes to the service sector, so that support can be targeted specifically at port-related activities and tourism sector unemployment?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1997)

The position is that European social fund (ESF) support is available to all sectors .

Objective 3 interventions concern , as a first priority , the unemployed and in particular those exposed to long-term unemployment (Article 1 of European social fund Regulation (EEC) No. 2084/93 ('))• Objective 3 operations promote equality of opportunity and support the occupational integration of the unemployed , of young people , and of those exposed to exclusion from the labour market in all sectors of activity , i.e. in the services sector as well as in manufacturing . Objective 3 interventions cover those in search of a first job as well as those who have lost their jobs . 23.12.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 391 / 151

Objective 4 is aimed at workers in employment, particularly those threatened with unemployment . The European social fund Regulation specifies that objective 4 covers 'the economy as a whole , without a priori reference to specific industries or sectors'. Moreover, 'objective 4 addresses the underlying causes of problems relating to industrial adaptation , including services'. Of course, the ESF also contributes to the attainment of objectives 1 , 2 , 5b and 6 of the structural funds through the operational programmes put in place under these objectives .

(') OJL 193 , 31.7.1993 .

(97/C 391/242) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2036/97 by Jose Apolinario (PSE) to the Commission (13 June 1997)

Subject: Promotion of tourism in operational programmes Can the Commission supply a list of the budget items earmarked for the promotion of tourism under the ERDF throughout the European Union , identifying the operational programmes they come under (either national or regional operational programmes)?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (25 July 1997) The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a table containing the information requested .

(97/C 391 /243) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2039/97 by Bernhard Rapkay (PSE) to the Commission ( 13 June 1997) Subject: EU funding channelled to the Eastern Ruhr area (the cities of Dortmund and Hamm , and Unna district) What volume of European Union funding , earmarked for which measures , was channelled into the Eastern Ruhr area in 1995 and 1996 from the following : 1 . the European Regional . Development Fund (ERDF), 2 . the European Social Fund (ESF), 3 . EU research programmes , 4 . EU education programmes , 5 . EU youth programmes , 6 . EU programmes in the environmental field , 7 . EU programmes in the energy field , 8 . other EU programmes ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1997) The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as soon as possible . C 391 / 152 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities 23 . 12 . 97

(97/C 391 /244) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2042/97 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (13 June 1997) Subject: Charity organizations Has the Commission any plans to introduce EU-wide legislation to curb the actions of bogus charity organizations ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (16 July 1997) The matter to which reference is made does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Community .

(97/C 391 /245 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2296/97 by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission (26 June 1997) Subject: Outstanding appropriations for structural actions Can the Commission provide the following information , as at 31 December 1996 : 1 . What were the outstanding appropriations for the EAGGF (Guarantee), the FIFG , the ERDF, the ESF and the Cohesion Fund , broken down by Member State ? Had these amounts been committed in 1996 , 1995 , 1994 or before ? 2 . What was the ratio between outstanding appropriations per Member State and commitments accumulated by each Member State over the period 1994-1996 ? 3 . What was the comparative evolution of the execution of commitment appropriations , payment appropria­ tions and outstanding appropriations ? 4 . What was the total in outstanding appropriations on 31 December in relation to the annual commitment appropriations ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (16 July 1997) The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as soon as possible . NOTICE TO READERS In 1998 several changes to the Official Journal (OJ) L & C subscription will be introduced . This notice aims to help paying subscribers make an informed choice about the new possibilities .

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