ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C210 Volume 34 of the European Communities 12 August 1991
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Paee
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions with answer
91/C210/01 No 505/90 by Mrs Christiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Measures to combat poaching 1
91/C210/02 No 547/90 by Mr Francesco Speroni to the Commission Subject: Poaching in southern Italy 1
Joint supplementary answer to Written Questions Nos 505/90 and 547/90 1
91/C210/03 No 1024/90 by Mr Jose Vazquez Fouz, Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo, Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji, Mr Josep Pons Grau and Mr Juan de la Camara Martinez to the Commission Subject: Special character of Mediterranean fisheries 2
91/C210/04 No 1030/90 by Mr Jose Vazquez Fouz, Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo, Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji, Mrs Carmen Rivera Icaza, Mr Juan de la Camara Martinez and Mr Josep Pons Grau to the Commission Subject: Common fisheries policy for the Mediterranean 2
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1024/90 and 1030/90 2
91/C210/05 No 1850/90 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Changing the legal basis of Commission proposals 2
91/C210/06 No 2065/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Restoration of a Duvalier-style regime in Haiti 2
91/C210/07 No 2116/90 by Mr Bryan Cassidy to the Commission Subject: Export of tobacco from intervention 3
91/C210/08 No 2290/90 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Gimenez Aguilar to the Commission Subject: Commission staff concerned with development policies in Latin America and Asia .... 4
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
91/C 210/09 No 2478/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Reduced fares for retired persons on Community railways 4
91 /C 210/10 No 2496/90 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: Implementation by Spain of the Directive on sampling and analysis for the monitoring of foodstuffs intended for human consumption 5
91/C 210/11 No 2497/90 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: Aid to agriculture in Andalusia, Spain 5
91/C 210/12 No 2498/90 by Mr John McCartin to the Commission Subject: Statistical management of the dairy markets 5
91/C 210/13 No 2578/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission Subject: Specific programme of research and development in the field of thermonuclear fusion 6
91 /C 210/14 No 2621 /90 by Mrs Marie Jose Denys to the Commission Subject: Regional airlines 6
91/C 210/15 No 2645/90 by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission Subject: Discrimination against conscientious objectors 7
91/C 210/16 No 2908/90 by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission
Subject: Performance of civilian service in other Community countries 7
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2645/90 and 2908/90 7
91 /C 210/17 No 2686/90 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: Marketing ban on the herbicide atrazine 8 91/C210/18 No 2731 /90 by Mr Richard Balfe to the Commission Subject: Inward processing relief 8
91 /C 210/19 No 2769/90 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Postal rates 9
91/C 210/20 No 2850/90 by Mr James Elles to the Commission Subject: Linkage between EC and NATO 9
91/C 210/21 No 2855/90 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Ban on bicycles in Cambridge, UK 10
91/C 210/22 No 2865/90 by Mr Karel Pinxten to the Commission Subject: Environmental implications of the HST route and financial assistance from the EC ... 10
91/C 210/23 No 2876/90 by Lord Bethell to the Commission Subject: Ferry service between Gibraltar and Algeciras 10
91 /C 210/24 No 2900/90 by Mr Jacques Vernier to the Commission Subject: Assessment of disadvantages of summer time 11 Notice No Contents (continued)
91/C210/25 No 2926/90 by Mr Lyndon Harrison, Mr Kenneth Collins, Mr Gordon Adam, Mr David Bowe, Mr Kenneth Coates, Mrs Leila Onur and Mr Roger Barton to the Commission Subject: Structural funds and the protection of wildlife habitats in the Community 11
91/C210/26 No 2988/90 by Mr Yves Galland to the Commission Subject: Implementation of the development programme for rural areas 12
91/C210/27 No 3003/90 by Mr Reimer Boge to the Commission Subject: The budget rules 12
91/C210/28 No 3072/90 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission Subject: Project for a dam in the municipality of Alqueva , 13
91/C210/29 No 32/91 by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz to the Commission Subject: Implementation of the Structural Funds in 1990 (Spain, Objective 2) 13
91/C210/30 No 37/91 by Mrs Barbara Simons to the Commission Subject: Application of the EEC—Morocco fisheries agreement to the waters of the Western Sahara ^
91/C210/31 No 69/91 by the following Members: Mr Carlos Perreau de Pinninck Domenech, Mr Jose Ruiz-Mateos Jimenez de Tejada, Mr Christian de la Malene and Mr Mark Killilea to the Commission Subject: Aid for olive oil production 15
91/C210/32 No 100/91 by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes and Mrs Claire Joanny to the Commission Subject: Community financing of the Pau-Somport road link 15
91/C210/33 No 154/91 by Mr Max Simeoni to the Commission
Subject: Community funding for the Pau-Somport highway (Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France) ... 15
Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 100/91 and 154/91 16 91/C210/34 No 108/91 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject: Changes in the olive-oil subsidy arrangements 16 91/C210/35 No 139/91 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: Extension of the agreement on Spanish imports of maize from the United States 17
91/C210/36 No 148/91 by Mr Gianfranco Fini to the Council Subject: De Gasperi-Grueber Agreements • 1'
91/C210/37 No 200/91 by Mr Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission Subject: Implementation of the fishing agreement between the EEC and Guinea (Conakry) ... 17
91/C210/38 No 202/91 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission Subject: Cost of VAT to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution 18
91/C210/39 No 223/91 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Commission Subject: Selection of candidates for the Jean Monnet chair 18
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued) Page
91/C210/40 No 224/91 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Commission Subject: Change in the status of the Consultative Council of Local and Regional Authorities ... 19
91/C210/41 No 228/91 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Zero rates of VAT 1"
91/C210/42 No 229/91 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: Hybrid vines 20
91/C210/43 No 250/91 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Development aid for countries not party to the Lome Convention 20
91/C210/44 No 252/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Free distribution of food products po citizens of Community Member States 21
91/C210/45 No 276/91 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz to the Commission Subject: Timetable for initiatives on development of vocational training and equal treatment .. 21
91/C210/46 No 301/91 by Mr Elio Di Rupo to the Commission Subject: 1990 tobacco harvest in Italy 22
91/C210/47 No 307/91 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: The Directive on working time 22
91/C210/48 No 309/91 by Mr Christos Papoutsis to the Commission Subject: Reorganization of the technical and social infrastructure of less-favoured mountain areas in Greece ^
91/C210/49 No 317/91 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission Subject: Renewal of the fishing agreement with Morocco 23
91/C210/50 No 328/91 by Mr Jesus Cabezdn Alonso to the Commission Subject: The Gulf war and its effects on cereals exports 24
91/C210/51 No 331/91 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission Subject: Possible distortion of competition by the Commission 24
91/C210/52 No 340/91 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Completion of the single market — abolition of tax-free sales 24
91/C210/53 No 342/91 by Mr Francois Musso to the Commission Subject: Protection of cork in the Community 25
91/C210/54 No 344/91 by Mr Francois Musso to the Commission Subject: Funding of the 'moyenne corniche' road in Porticcio 26
91/C210/55 No 345/91 by Mr Francois Musso to the Commission Subject: Community support framework for Corsica 26
91/C210/56 No 366/91 by Mr Ian White to the Commission Subject: Debt, trade and aid relationships 26
91/C210/57 No 388/91 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: European Social Fund — programmes in favour of women 27 Notice No Contents (continued) Pase
91/C210/58 No 389/91 by Mr Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission Subject: Critical situation affecting the Community tuna fleet 28
91/C210/59 No 410/91 by Mr Hugh McMahon to the Commission Subject: Commission Panel of Experts on an Equitable Wage 28
91/C210/60 No 412/91 by Mr David Morris to the Commission Subject: Slaughter 29
91/C210/61 No 465/91 by Mrs Mary Banotti to the Commission Subject: PERIFRA programme • 29
91/C210/62 No 495/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Sexually transmitted diseases • ^"
91/C210/63 No 514/91 by Mr Henry Chabert to the Commission Subject: Transport policy • 30
91/C210/64 No 543/91 by Mr John McCartin to the Commission Subject: Prohibition on the use of BST 31
91/C210/65 No 545/91 by Mr Jacques Tauran to the Council Subject: Maritime transport of animals for slaughter 31
91/C210/66 No 589/91 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission Subject: Intra-European vocational training networks 32
91/C210/67 No 593/91 by Mr Herman Verbeek to the Commission Subject: Inspection procedures carried out at the Lauwersoog wholesale fish market 32
91/C210/68 No 598/91 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: Electronics and communications industries: 1992 33
91/C210/69 No 662/91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Cot to the Commission Subject: Arolsen archives 33
91/C210/70 No 689/91 by Mr Frederic Rosmini to the Council Subject: Rhine-Rhone link 34
91/C210/71 No 755/91 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz to the Council Subject: Implementation of the measures envisaged in the action programme contained in the Social Charter in respect of vocational training and the elderly 34
91/C210/72 No 894/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council Subject: Legal status of fuel retailers for social security purposes 35
91/C210/73 No 896/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council Subject: Government-run youth employment scheme in the Netherlands 35
91/C210/74 No 924/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission Subject: Control over organ transplants 35
91/C210/75 No 1009/91 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Council Subject: The setting-up of a European food inspectorate . 36
(Continued overleaf) Nonce No Conrents^conrinued^ r^
91/C^10/^o Nol031/91byMr]ean-PierreRaHarinrorheCouncil Subject: Social exclusion in the EC 3o
91/C^10/^ No 1034/91 by Mrs ^ie Mayer, Mr Sergio Ribeiro, Mr VassilisEnhremidis and Mr FroinsiasL^eRossarorbe Commission Subject: resumption of scientific cooperation ^vith Israel 3o
91/C^10/^8 No 1038/91 by Mrs MarieChrisrine Aulas, Mr Eugenio Melandri and Mr wilfried Pelkamperrorhe Commission Subject: Closure ofl^alestinian universities 3^
Joinrans^erro^riuen questions Nosl034/91andl038/91 3^
91/C^10/^9 Nol0oD/91byMr]oseAl^arezdeFazandMr]oseVazquezEouzrorheCouncil Subject: decision bv the federal Cerman authorities to abolish visas for polish citizens 3^
91/C^10/80 Noll^l/91byMrlan^hirerorheCommission Subject: Social ^vorl^ers 3^
91/C^10/81 Noll^/91byMrsRaymondeL^uryrorbeCouncil Subject: Council ofEurope convention on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation .. 38 12. 8.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/1
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
WRITTEN QUESTION No 505/90 and other migrant birds, amounting to a serious attack on European fauna since, frequently, more than 50 % of by Mrs Christiana Muscardini (NI) migratory birds belonging to protected species are killed. to the Commission of the European Communities (7 March 1990) Since poachers of this kind operate mainly from fixed (91/C 210/01) sites which are actually concrete bunkers, efforts to curb this deplorable practice could be very effective, if only the Subject: Measures to combat poaching authorities had the necessary motivation. The Bern Conventions have been infringed in many However, the authorities fail to act, coming up with Community Member States including Italy, especially as various excuses which merely serve to mask their regards the poaching of birds of prey, storks and complicity with a despicable tradition which shows no protected species during the migration period, despite sensitivity towards nature, so that the poachers are free to the many reports which have reached the Community carry on this slaughter with impunity. from citizens, parliamentarians and environmental associations. In many cases, hunting wardens have failed What steps does the Commission have in mind to end to carry out their duties, as many reports have testified, such uncivilized and illegal practices? for example in the Italian province of Reggio Calabria and Messina, and in some areas of the Community the persistence of poaching means that individuals are able to go around carrying firearms more or less legitimately and that poachers' hides (wooden or concrete huts) remain in Joint supplementary answer to Written Questions place and could be used for other illegal purposes. Nos 505/90 and 547/90 given by Mr Ripa di Meana Does the Commission intend to press for more active on behalf of the Commission intervention by national forestry guards and ministries of (21 September 1990) the environment? Does it intend to set up a Community education programme to combat poaching and a centre for gathering information on the situation as regards the A synopsis on poaching is being sent direct to the capture or killing of animals belonging to protected Honourable Members and to Parliament's Secretariat. species? The Commission has recently been informed of more active intervention by the national forestry authorities and the Ministry of the Environment. WRITTEN QUESTION No 547/90 Under the EEC Treaty it is for the Member States to by Mr Francesco Speroni (ARC) enforce Community law. The Commission has initiated to the Commission of the European Communities several infringement procedures against Italy, resulting in (16 March 1990) a judgment by the Court of Justice. However, it is (91/C 210/02) important to realize that the desire to protect the environment and to comply with formal commitments made at Community level calls for political will. Subject: Poaching in southern Italy Poaching in the provinces of southern Italy adjoining the On the basis of information it has received, the Straits of Messina is largely concentrated on birds of prey Commission is planning to make a financial contribution No C 210/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91 to a project drawn up by the Federation of Hunting The problem of fishing in the Mediterranean will also be Associations of the EEC concerning training, education raised at the first discussion seminar with the Parliament and information to ensure better application of Directive Subcommittee on Fisheries to be held in Brussels on 21 79/409/EEC by hunters (*). and 22 June 1991.
O OJ No L 103, 25. 4.1979, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1850/90 by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1024/90 to the Commission of the European Communities by Mr Jose Vazquez Fouz, Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo, Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji, Mr Josep Pons Grau and Mr Juan de (20 July 1990) la Camara Martinez (S) (91/C 210/05) to the Commission of the European Communities (11 May 1990) Subject: Changing the legal basis of Commission proposals (91/C 210/03) In what instances has the Council changed the legal basis Subject: Special character of Mediterranean fisheries of a Commission proposal since the entry into force of the Single European Act? The fisheries sector in the Mediterranean has specific and very distinct characteristics which distinguish it in In each case, what was the legal basis proposed by the almost all aspects from fisheries sector elsewhere in Commission and what change did the Council make? the Community. In its efforts to implement and direct fisheries policy in the Mediterranean, will the Commission take account of these specific features or does it intend to use uniform criteria instead? Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1991) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1030/90 by Mr Jos6 Vazquez Fouz, Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo, Mr During the first three years following the entry into Mateo Sierra Bardaji, Mrs Carmen Rivera Icaza, Mr Juan force of the Single Act the Council formally changed the de la Camara Martinez and Mr Josep Pons Grau (S) legal basis proposed by the Commission nearly 170 times, including 14 times under the cooperation to the Commission of the European Communities procedure. (11 May 1990) (91/C 210/04) The Commission will send a table containing the details direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. Subject: Common fisheries policy for the Mediterranean
What system does the Commission intend to use for the management of fishery resources in seeking to introduce a common fisheries policy for the Mediterranean?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2065/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne (S) Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1024/90 to the Commission of the European Communities and 1030/90 given by Mr Marin (5 September 1990) on behalf of the Commission (91/C 210/06) (12 September 1990) Subject: Restoration of a Duvalier-style regime in Haiti The Commission is aware of tne^ specific geopolitical and biological characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea and is On 22 January 1990, General Prospere Avril, President of preparing a joint system of resources management which the military government of Haiti, instructed the Ministry will take these special characteristics into account. of Information to introduce censorship of the media to 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/3 check the 'truth and accuracy' of news and prevent it from Community budget resources. It will be allocated ECU being used to 'stir up the population'. BrUtal paramilitary 120 million (of which ECU 14 million in the form of risk forces have been set up alongside the army, which has still capital) under the seventh EDF (Lome IV). not been purged of its worst elements, in addition to the presidential guard and the plain-clothes political police. All broadcasting is controlled, with the exception of weather, sport and non-subversive religious.programmes, while brutal arrests, arbitrary detention and state-sponsored violence have again become commonplace (400 murders have been reported since WRITTEN QUESTION No 2116/90 January 1989 according to reliable sources). by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED) A state of emergency has been declared and the articles of to the Commission of the European Communities the democratic constitution of 1987 concerning (17 September 1990) fundamental human rights have been suspended. (91/C 210/07) Democratic parties and associations are unable to function. In short, despite attempts to present a front to the outside world, Haiti has once again become a Subject: Export of tobacco from intervention Duvalier-style regime four years after the departure of the notorious dictator and the intervening rule by General Namphy. Between Official Journal of the European Communities No C 37 of 17 February 1990 and Official Journal of the European Communities No C 142 of 12 June 1990, the What are the Commission's views on this matter, is it Commission sought tenders for the sale for export of concerned at the serious violations of human rights and tobacco held in European Community intervention stocks does it still consider that preparations should be made for amounting to 26 million kilogrammes. fair elections in accordance with the letter and spirit of the 1987 constitution without any attempt to stifle public opinion and the right to communicate freely other than by How much has it cost the Community: 'bush telegraph' or 'teledyol' as it is known in the local dialect? In addition, what is the nature and scale of the aid (i) to pay the growers? given to Haiti by the Community and its Member States? How can the Republic of Haiti remain a member of the (ii) to keep the tobacco in intervention? . Convention of Lome when Articles 5 and 13 of that text (iii) to dispose of it on the world market? require the signatories to respect the dignity and fundamental rights of individuals and peoples?
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (20 March 1991) (2 October 1990) The intervention agencies have bought at derived intervention price approximately 25 000 tonnes of Since General Prospere Avril resigned on 10 March and tobacco, a small amount of which is leaf-tobacco, the rest Mrs Ertha Trouillot took over on 12 March as president of an interim civil government, the government's main being baled tobacco. The prices are determined each year task has been to prepare for free elections. These had been by the Council both for a given harvest and a given scheduled for 4 November but have now been deferred variety. until December. Preparations are continuing and the Commission hopes that elections will be able to take place For tobaccos offered for sale by tender, the average smoothly on the date planned. purchase price (with deduction of the premium) was ECU 1 963/tonne in Greece, ECU 1 570/tonne in Italy and In the light of the positive developments that have ECU 2 100/tonne in the Federal Republic of Germany. occurred since 12 March the Commission has decided to speed up the implementation of operations already The average monthly storage costs were ECU 12,4/tonne. approved to assist Haiti and to plan others in order to reinforce the process of democratization under way. It The average selling price was ECU 338/tonne. has therefore made available ECU 5,3 million to be paid Depreciation costs and below-cost selling, with deduction under Stabex and in the past few months has decided to of the premium, amounted to approximately ECU 9,5 grant food aid worth some ECU 6 million. million for all tobaccos tendered for.
Between 1976 and 1988 Haiti was granted a total of ECU 64,5 million of aid (under the various headings) from No C 210/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2290/90 cooperation with the ALA developing countries ('). by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Gimenez Aguilar (LDR) Budgetary constraints preclude this from happening in the immediate future. to the Commission of the European Communities (15 October 1990) O COM(90) 176 final. (91/C 210/08)
Subject: Commission staff concerned with development policies in Latin America and Asia
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2478/90 The ratification of the Fourth Lome Convention and the redefinition of cooperation policy towards the by Mr Ernest Glinne (S) developing countries of Asia and Latin America signal a to the Commission of the European Communities new stage in EEC development cooperation policy (16 November 1990) towards the developing countries. Could the Commission explain the criteria and objectives governing (91/C 210/09) the reorganization of the relevant departments in DG I and DG VIII? Subject: Reduced fares for retired persons on Community railways Does the Commission not consider that the increasing separation of these two directorates-general could On retirement, former employees of the Belgian National become an obstacle to the coordination and greater Railway Company are entitled to a 50 % reduction on rail effectiveness of development projects in Latin America travel in neighbouring countries, with the exception of and Asia? France, where the SNCF is proving very intransigent.
Does the Commission believe that these In the context of its measures regarding retired workers, directorates-general have enough staff to ensure that their can the Commission state whether it considers the retired tasks are effectively carried out? Belgian railway workers' request to SNCF to be well-founded and, if so, would it support this request by approaching the relevant political and administrative bodies in France?
Would the Commission support the extension of Answer given by Mr Matutes reciprocal reduced rate (50% or 25%) rail travel for on behalf of the Commission retired railway workers throughout the Community? (23 May 1991)
Since 1985 the Commission has taken certain steps Answer given by Mr Van Miert dictated by a flourishing cooperation policy towards on behalf of the Commission the Asian and Latin American developing countries. At (10 January 1991) that time North-South relations became a new-single portfolio with the regrouping of a number of tasks previously handled under the separate portfolios of In the absence of Community rules, this is a matter external relations and development. for the Member States, which can impose public service obligations on the railways for certain The reorganization in 1989 of the Commission categories of traveller. In some cases the railway departments concerned was a logical consequence of the companies allow reduced fares for retired railway growing importance of Community operations in the workers, under general or special agreements or on their developing countries and of a concern to attain, in the own initiative. most constructive way possible, the objectives of the new policy towards these countries. This reorganization In May 1989 the Commission adopted a recommendation provided inter alia for the regrouping within the concerning the European senior citizen's card, which Directorate-General for External Relations of all staff of should make it easier for people aged 60 or over to benefit the geographical and technical back-up departments from the fare reductions available in the Member dealing with the ALA developing countries. States (').
O OJ No L 144, 27. 5.1989. With regard to staffing in the sector, the Commission would like to see the numbers increased. This view is reflected in its communication on the guidelines for 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the :an Communities No C 210/5
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2496/90 during the years 1988, 1989 and 1990 to date in the municipalities of Almote (Huelva), Aznalcazar (Seville), by Mr Jose Valverde L6pez (PPE) Coria del Rio (Seville), Dos Hermanas (Seville), Hinojos to the Commission of the European Communities (Huelva), La Puebla del Rio (Seville), Las Cabezas de San (16 November 1990) Juan (Seville), Lebrija (Seville), Pilas (Seville), Sanlucar de (91/C 210/10) Barrameda (Cadiz), Trebujena (Cadiz), Utrera (Seville), or Villamarque de la Condesa (Seville)?
Subject: Implementation by Spain of the Directive on sampling and analysis for the monitoring of What is the total sum of money involved ? foodstuffs intended for human consumption
Great concern has been expressed by consumers concerning the monitoring of foodstuffs in Spain. Is Spain currently implementing Directive 85/591/EEC (*) Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry concerning the introduction of Community methods of on behalf of the Commission sampling and analysis for the monitoring of foodstuffs (19 February 1991) intended for human consumption?
O OJ No L 372, 31.12. 1985, p. 50. Almonte (Huelva), Hinojos (Huelva) und San Lucar de Barrameda (Cadiz) are among the areas covered by the specific common measure for certain less-favoured areas Answer given by Mr Bangemann of Spain (Regulation (EEC) No 1118/88), which includes on behalf of the Commission the improvement and installation of irrigation works. The (14 January 1991) programme is to be implemented between 1988 and 1993. The Commission does not at present have detailed As its title indicates, Council Directive 85/591/EEC of 20 information on investments already carried out in each December 1985 concerning the introduction of municipality. Community methods of sampling and analysis for the monitoring of foodstuffs intended for human The operational programmes submitted by the regional consumption lays down general criteria and guidelines for government of Andalusia under the reform of the drawing up and establishing methods of sampling and structural Funds for part-financing by the EAGGF analysis at Community level. This merely requires an include one on the improvement of agricultural effective legal act of transposition into national law, infrastructures, which contains a sub-programme on the where the latter does not already include the said general installation and improvement of irrigation works. The criteria and principles. scope of this sub-programme includes the municipality of Trebujena in the Campina de Cadiz. The area covered in In many Member States the law already includes these that district is 3 600 ha although it is not at present general criteria, so that there is no need to transpose the possible to state how much lies in the municipality itself. abovementioned Directive. Such is the case in Spain, as it Commission departments are currently studying and has informed the Commission. holding discussions on that programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2497/90 by Mr Jose Valverde L6pez (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2498/90 (16 November 1990) by Mr John McCartin (PPE) (91/C210/11) to the Commission of the European Communities (16 November 1990) Subject: Aid to agriculture in Andalusia, Spain (91/C 210/12) Has the Guidance section of the EAGGF, or any other Community source, provided funds directly or indirectly for: Subject: Statistical management of the dairy markets 1. Strawberry production Will the Commission agree that, to facilitate the better 2. Eucalyptus production management of the market in dairy produce, the Commission needs to have up-to-date statistics provided 3. Drainage by the Member States on a monthly or bi-monthly basis 4. Irrigation on the prices paid to farmers for milk? No C 210/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8.91
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry (Long-term Technical Developments) and 3 (JET) of the on behalf of the Commission proposed programme. Area 2, in particular, is devoted in (23 January 1991) large part to confirming the potential benefits of fusion with regard to environmental protection, and includes the development of low activation materials and a reference The figures for the prices paid to producers for milk are design for a commercial fusion reactor, which will available on a monthly basis. The Commission agrees constitute the technical basis for further safety and with the Honourable Member that the delay in providing environmental impact analyses. these figures is regrettable. However, in spite of the complexity and diversity, in each of the Member States, of The proposal for a specific programme provides for the the methods of price formation, the Statistical Office of setting-up of a Long-Term Development Team, one of the European Communities is making every effort to whose main tasks will be to incorporate safety and ensure that the Member States forward the necessary environmental criteria into the development of the information more speedily. Community fusion programme.
Between 5% and 10% of the ECU 458 million earmarked for fusion under the framework programme (1900—1994) should be allocated to Area 2 (see ref. 2, page 16). WRITTEN QUESTION No 2578/90 (*) EUR 13104 — Evaluation of the Community Fusion by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR) Programme (1984—1990) — COPEC, Science and to the Commission of the European Communities Technology policy series, Luxembourg, 1990. O COM(90) 441 final. (20 November 1990) (91/C 210/13)
Subject: Specific programme of research and development in the field of thermonuclear fusion
How will the Commission incorporate environmental WRITTEN QUESTION No 2621/90 protection into the proposal for a specific programme in by Mrs Marie Jose Denys (S) the field of thermonuclear fusion? to the Commission of the European Communities
How much of the programme could in practice be directly (23 November 1990) devoted to an environmental impact survey? (91/C 210/14)
Subject: Regional airlines Answer given by Mr Pandolfi on behalf of the Commission The outlying regions of the Community and, in particular, the maritime regions are facing growing (14 January 1991) development problems, to a great extent because of their isolation due to the lack of efficient means of The production of energy through controlled communication. thermonuclear fusion presents potential benefits with regard to safety and environmental impact (e.g. The existence of regional airlines is a vital factor in the considerable passive safety, no release of C02 into the regional and socio-economic development of these areas. atmosphere, great simplification of the problem of radioactive waste). Over the last 10 years studies on the The airlines in question are encountering the following future impact of fusion on the environment have been problems which are jeopardizing their continued carried out under the fusion technology programme. existence:
In accordance with the recommendations of the — difficulties in providing transport on essential but little evaluation report on the Community fusion used routes, since the large national companies programme ('), one of the main aims of the specific fusion monopolize the most popular time slots, programme (1900—1994) is 'the demonstration of the safety and environmental feasibility of fusion power in — difficulties arising from the frequently high fare which parallel with the demonstration of its scientific and they are obliged to charge as a result of the increase in technological feasibility' (2). the price of fuel imposed by the oil companies.
Specific operations with a bearing on environmental These difficulties constitute a possible distortion of protection are included in research areas 1 (Next Step), 2 competition. ^8^1 COfficial Journal of the European Communities ^oC^lOBB
Cancontactshemadeandastudycarriedout without conscientious objectors, subjecting them to severe delay in order to remedy this extremely worrying penalties ^imprisonment, ilLtreatmentetc^. situation,particularlywitha^iewtor^^3^ In its conclusions the ^chmidbauer report calls on the member states to take measures to solve this problem and make iteasierto carry outalternative community service^ Answer given by ^rVan^iert o^ behalf oftheCo^u^ission Although the Commission has already stated that it is not required to take measures in this area, does it recall the resolution calling on it to set up a programme of development aid projects to enable conscientious objectors to carry out community The Commission shares fully the opinion of the service in theThirdWorldi If so,what measures has it Honourable member of Parliament on the importance of taken in this directions interregional air services.
The Commission is aware of thefactthatregional air carriers have occasionallyfacedprohlems resulting froma lackof opportunities to get appropriate slotsat certain W^ITTE^^E^TI^^^o^O^B^O huhsMThis is one of the reasons why the Commission has by^rst^rsulaBraun^oser^PPE^ prepared on the hasis of the outcome of careful internal studies,aproposalforaCouncil regulation on common to the Commission of the European Communities rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports^ ^^^^^^ and has adopted a regulation on the application of ^IBC^tOBl^ Article 85, paragraph 3 of the EEC Treaty to slot allocation at airports ^.^fhis proposal will also address the problem of an undue blocking of slots by maior ^^cr, performance of civilian service in other carriers. Community countries
The Commission is wellinformed about the difficulties L T^he performance of civilian service abroad has had resulting from higher fuel prices. It considers that beneficial effects in the countries where this is already somewhat highertariffs are in many cases the unavoidable possible for recognized conscientious objectors, for consequence of this development.The Commission very example, in the federal republic of Cermany, in much^hopes that these external burdens are of temporary contributing to international understanding and the natureit will continue to carefully observe the impact of desired integration of the European Community higher fuel prices and other cost elements on the market situation in aviation ^ What action has the Commissiontakento date in pursuance of the European Farliament^sresolution^oc^ Aoad5B8^^D paragraph ^ calling for conscientious C^coj^oLtom^mm^t objectors to be allowed to participate in programmes of alternativeserviceinother^iember^tates, anddoesit know of any moves in this direction by national governments orministriesB
^eoj^o^^n^omtm^^nm^.
by^rt^erard^o^ruerBesombes^ to the Cor^^ssio^i of the European Communities JointanswertoWrittenC^uestionsc^os^D^^B^O and^O^B^O given by ^rfO^^ ^tBC^tOB^ on behalf of the Commission
^^cr.Loiscriminationagainstconscientious objectors As the Commission has already indicated on several By adopting the resolution by ^ir^iacciochi in Eebruary occasions, both in answers to written and oral questions 1^83^nd the report by ^r^chmidbauerinC^ctobert^8^, and during the debate in the European Parliament on the the Parliament has demonstrated its wish for the right of ^chmidbauer reportin October r^8^, the Commission conscientious objection to be recognised and respected^ has no competence in this areaD lOespite this, a number of member states, and in With regard to 'the drawingDup of a programme of particular Creece, have continued to discriminate against developmentprojects in the^Third World in which all No C 210/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91 conscientious objectors from the Member States can 1. The total number of licences authorized and total participate, releasing them from alternative service in quantity of butter as a result: since the publication their own country', it is for the Member States to take of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2281/88 — to such decisions. date,
2. The number of "licences authorized and total quantity of butter as a result per Member State,
3. Actual imports effected against licences in total and WRITTEN QUESTION No 2686/90 per Member State? by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE) 4. Is it the Commission's view that licences granted be at to the Commission of the European Communities prices in conformity with any GATT obligations ? (4 December 1990) 5. Have any licences been granted with the knowledge (91/C 210/17) that the purchase price has been below GATT minimum? Subject: Marketing ban on the herbicide atrazine O OJ No L 188, 20. 7.1985, p. 1. It will be forbidden to market the herbicide atrazine in O OJNoL261,25.9.1976, p. 12. Germany after 1 January 1991. O OJ No L 200, 26. 7.1988, p. 20.
What measures will the Commission propose with a view to securing an EC-wide ban on the use of atrazine and its release for free circulation? Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry (11 March 1991) on behalf of the Commission (2 7 March 1991) 1. and 2. The number of inward processing relief authorizations for butter and the quantities relating to Commission departments are examining the scientific and those authorizations for 1988, 1989 and 1990 are given in technical data supplied by the German authorities in the table below: November 1990 to establish, on the basis of this and other (in tonnes) data, whether a Community-wide prohibition in the framework of Directive 79/117/EEC prohibiting the Number of Total quantity of butter placing on the market and use of plant protection Member State authorizations products containing certain active substances O would be 1988 1989 1990 (') 1988 1989 1990 (*) justified. Belgium/ (') OJ No L 33, 8. 2. 1979. Luxembourg 7 4 19 700 4 302 Denmark 2 6 11 40 1 820 3 720 Germany 3 490 Greece Spain 1 17 7 16 200 1 561 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2731/90 France 3 Ireland by Mr Richard Balfe(S) Italy to the Commission of the European Communities Netherlands 32 94 213 416 3 701 25 754 (10 December 1990) Portugal (91/C 210/18) United Kingdom 1 2 500 250
Subject: Inward processing relief EC Total 38 113 242 1446 41688 35 337
Council Regulation (EEC) No 1999/85 O, Commission (') January to August. Regulation (EEC) No 2315/76 (2) and Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2281/88 (3).
Some Member States have granted licences to their 3. The imports of butter under inward processing traders for the import of butter. Can the Commission arrangements in 1988, 1989 and 1990 are given in the provide: table below: 12. 8.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/9
(in tonnes) It recognizes that the lack of harmonization in these areas has a negative impact on customers, especially those who 1988 1989 1990 O have posting requirements across the Community.
Belgium/Luxembourg — 3 870 6 574 2. To deal with this situation and to develop a Denmark — 5 — Community policy for the postal sector, the Commission Germany 30 241 588 is involved in the process of preparing a Green Paper on postal services in the Community. The Commission Greece — — — intends to present this paper early in 1991. Spain — — — France — 1201 60 3. After the informal meeting of EC Telecommu Ireland .— — — nications Ministers in Antibes in September 89, the postal Italy — — . — situation has been debated several times at Council level. Additionally, a Senior Official Group on Post (SOGP) Netherlands 115 1 492 2 340 has been created as a forum of high civil servants of the Portugal — — — Member States to discuss the problems and to advise the United Kingdom 1 580 0 — 12 Commission in the preparation of the Green paper. This group has been very active during 1990, and it is expected Total 1725 6 809 9 574 to continue this activity during the whole process of preparing proposals and then implementing a Community (') January to August. postal policy. (2) This figure is under examination with the UK authorities.
4. Yes. 5. Yes. However, Member States have been requested to withdraw authorizations where the purchase price is below the GATT minimum. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2850/90 by Mr James Elles (ED) to the Commission of the European Communities (17 December 1990) (91/C 210/20) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2769/90 by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S) Subject: Linkage between EC and NATO to the Commission of the European Communities (13 December 1990) What contacts, both formal and informal, have taken place over the past 12 months between officials at the EC (91/C 210/19) and NATO? Does the President of the European Commission meet the Secretary General of NATO on a Subject: Postal rates regular basis? Are there plans under way to ensure that the contact between these institutions is set up on a more. 1. Does the Commission agree that European regular basis? cooperation on postal rates has so far made very little impression on EC citizens?
2. What stage has the Commission reached in its Answer given by Mr Delors efforts to simplify postal rates and, thereby facilitate the on behalf of the Commission sending of letters and postcards within the EC? (13 May 1991) 3. How many EC conferences have been held on this subject, at the suggestion or initiative of the Commission Informal contacts between officials of the Commission with Ministers responsible for postal services, and how and of NATO on matters of common interest fall under many more are planned? the general responsibility assigned to the Commission by Article 229 of the Treaty to 'maintain such relations as are appropriate with all international organizations'. Answer given by Mr Pandolf i on behalf of the Commission Occasional meetings between the President of the (31 January 1991) Commission and the Secretary-General of NATO are to be seen in that context, without such contacts as a whole being formal or regular in character. 1. The Commission is fully aware of the diverse problems in the Postal sector within the Community, including those related to tariffs and posting conditions. No C 210/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2855/90 However, this must not obscure the fact that at the by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR) micro-environmental level there will undoubtedly be disadvantages for those living in the immediate vicinity. to the Commission of the European Communities (17 December 1990) How will the Commission tackle the serious problem of (91/C 210/21) communities (mainly villages) which the proposed route threatens to divide in two? Will their situation be adequately taken into consideration (participation or Subject: Ban on bicycles in Cambridge, UK consultation?) and will specific solutions be devised to which they can if necessary claim legal entitlement? Is the Commission aware that the municipal authorities of the English university city of Cambridge have decided to Does the Commission propose to provide financial prohibit the use of bicycles in the city centre during incentives for the construction of underground daylight hours? thoroughfares through villages and built-up areas and/or is it planning to provide financial compensation for those Does the Commission consider this to be consistent with living nearby who will be affected by the scheme? efforts to promote the use of bicycles rather than cars in city centres?
Is the Commission prepared to make its feelings known to Answer given by Mr Van Miert the Cambridge municipal authorities? on behalf of the Commission (19 March 1991)
Answer given by Mr Van Miert Although the Commission is not involved in the actual on behalf of the Commission decision-making on the routing of high-speed trains, it (19 March 1991) does ensure that Member States comply with Community law, in this particular case Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 The Commission is in general in favour of the promotion June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain of the use of bicycles in city centres in order to reduce public and private projects on the environment (*) and vehicle traffic and improve the environment. Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (2). The Commission has taken notice of the measure in Cambridge as mentioned by the Honourable Member. Any measures to protect persons against the deleterious effects of a new infrastructure are taken under national It is difficult to judge such a measure taken by local law which in many cases is extremely stringent. authorities without knowing all the circumstances and considerations. On 17 December the Council agreed that a study should be made in 1991 of the European high-speed train As this is really an issue that should be dealt with at the network. local political level the Commission does not intend to communicate an opinion on this matter to the Cambridge Environmental protection costs will be indirectly covered authorities. by Community funds earmarked for a number of high-speed train links under the general funding packages of which they form a part.
O OJ No L 175, 5. 7. 1985, p. 40. O OJNoLl03,25.4.1979, p. 1. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2865/90 by Mr Karel Pinxten (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities (17 December 1990) (91/C 210/22) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2876/90 byLordBethell(ED) Subject: Environmental implications of the HST route to the Commission of the European Communities and financial assistance from the EC (3 January 1991) (91/C 210/23) What are the Commission's views as regards the micro-environmental implications of the HST? Subject: Ferry service between Gibraltar and Algeciras At the macro-environmental level a number of impact assessments have stressed that the HST scores higher What steps has the Commission taken in resppnse to marks than alternative land or air transport. Spain's clear infringement of Community legislation in No C 210/11 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities refusing to authorize a regular passenger ferry service — report to the European Parliament on all these between Algeciras and Gibraltar, invoking reasons of matters and, if appropriate, submit proposals for international politics for its failure to comply with the solutions? binding provisions of Community law contained in Council Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 (') applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport between Member States? Answer given by Mr A^an Miert on behalf of the Commission (') OJ No L 378, 31.12.1986, p. 1. (20 March 1991)
Research carried out by Commission staff has shown that the percentage energy savings resulting from the change Answer given by Mr Van Miert to summer time are not significant. Savings are essentially on behalf of the Commission limited to electricity (lighting) and are of the order of (21 March 1991) several tenths of one percent of annual consumption. It is particularly difficult to arrive at an exact figure given the small percentage involved and the existence of other The Commission has taken the view, and informed the fortuitous phenomena (for example, variations in cloud Government of the United Kingdom on its request cover) which can have a similar impact on consumption. accordingly, that the refusal by the Spanish authorities to authorize the introduction of the service in question does Commission staff have had two additional studies carried not seem to be in conflict with the guarantees provided by out on the impact on human health and on the Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86, since the refusal applies environmental effects. The results of the first of these without distinction to any applicant, irrespective of his or studies indicate that the time change has no serious effects her nationality. Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 does not on health, but that certain groups of people, in particular go so far as to grant a freedom to nationals of other old people and children, are affected. These effects are Member States which does not exist for nationals of the more pronounced in the west of the Community than in Member State concerned. the east.
The results of the second study are not yet available.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2900/90 by Mr Jacques Vernier (RDE) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2926/90 (3 January 1991) by Mr Lyndon Harrison, Mr Kenneth Collins, Mr Gordon Adam, Mr David Bowe, Mr Kenneth Coates, Mrs Leila (91/C 210/24) Onur and Mr Roger Barton (S) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Assessment of disadvantages of summer time (11 January 1991) (91/C 210/25) The time change which is imposed on Community citizens twice a year, although justified by energy saving concerns, seems to cause disturbance and inconvenience (daytime Subject: Structural funds and the protection of wildlife drowsiness, etc.) to many, especially children and old habitats in the Community people. There have been numerous reports from a number of 1. Has there been any real assessment of energy savings Member States that Structural Fund assistance has been achieved by the time change? provided for projects that have caused serious damage to important wildlife habitats, despite the fact that the Single 2. Has there been any Community-level research on the Act requires environmental protection to be integrated effects of the time change on health and, if so, what into all Community policies and Regulation (EEC) No are the findings? 4253/88 O on the coordination of the Structural Funds 3. If not, could the Commission: requires the Commission to assess the compatibility of projects and programmes with relevant Community — undertake research of this kind; legislation.
— carry out a cost benefit analysis of the summer 1. Is the Commission in possession of all relevant time system taking account of the findings of the information on all projects, whether they are research; presented individually, form part of operational
V No C 210/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8.91
programmes or are to be supported from a global Can the Commission specify the deadline for investments grant — including their specific location and whether by the local authorities to be taken into account under the this coincides with areas designated for protection programme for the development of rural areas? If the under Community or national law or identified in deadline is later than 1990, would it not be possible to other sources of information available to the envisage retroactive consideration of projects eligible Commission, such as the CORINE biotopes register under the programme for the development of rural areas and the SFF3 list of important bird areas — together from the beginning of 1989 so as to avoid penalizing with a full environmental impact assessment for go-ahead local authorities in less-favoured areas? projects likely directly or indirectly to have an adverse effect on the environment before funds are authorized and disbursed?
2. If not, how can the Commission be sure that it is not Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry funding projects that are not compatible with on behalf of the Commission Community law? (9April 1991)
O OJ No L 374, 31. 12. 1988, p. 1. In accordance with the relevant Council Regulations, application of the structural Funds to the rural areas eligible under Objective 5 (b) took place in several phases after 1 January 1989: decision on eligible areas (May Answer given by Mr Christophersen 1989), submission of development plans by the Member on behalf of the Commission States (October 1989), adoption of Community support (19 March 1991) frameworks (June 1990) and submission of operational programmes by the Member States (September 1990). The Commission is currently examining, for later The Commission would refer the Honourable Members adoption, all operational programmes submitted by the to its answer to Written Questions No 1962/90 by Mr Member States under Objective 5 (b) and so the Monnier-Besombes and No 2013/90 by Mr Papayannakis procedure for adopting the operational programme for and others (*). the rural areas of the Provence-Alpes- C6te d'Azur region cannot be said to have suffered any undue delay. O OJNoC70,18.3.1991, p. 27. As regards the eligibility of measures under that Objective for assistance from the structural Funds, Article 15 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4253/88 of 19 December 1988 O states that expenditure may not be considered eligible if it was incurred before the date on which the application reached the Commission. The Commission WRITTEN QUESTION No 2988/90 received the operational programme for the rural areas by Mr Yves Galland (LDR) of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, which constitutes the application for assistance, on 20 to the Commission of the European Communities September 1990. (18 January 1991) (91/C 210/26) O OJ No L 374, 31.12.1988.
Subject: Implementation of the development programme for rural areas
In the first half of 1989, the areas of the Provence-Alpes-Cdte d'Azur region eligible for assistance as part of the development programme for rural areas WRITTEN QUESTION No 3003/90 were defined for the purposes of the ERDF. by Mr Reimer Boge (PPE) to the Commission of the European Communities In this connection, the Departement of Alpes de (18 January 1991) Haute-Provence launched a number of projects to meet its essential needs, in particular a major road project to (91/C 210/27) open up the Ubaye valley, scheduled to run from 1989 to 1991, the total cost being FF 15 million. Because of the delay in drawing up the programme, the successive stages Subject: The budget rules of the project will be completed later than planned, which means that investment by the local authorities concerned The Council of Ministers has agreed on a negotiating before September 1990, and possibly even later, cannot be brief for the Commission in connection with the GATT taken into account. agricultural negotiations. No C 210/13 12. 8.91 Official Journal of the European Communities
Accordingly, the Commission will be calling inter alia for Will the Commission say why this project is constantly aids that do not affect production and environmental being passed over and priority given to others which, protection support to be classified as measures which are notwithstanding their importance, are more limited in not subject to mandatory dismantling. their regional impact and, in some cases, serve private interests through the creation of infrastructures? Can the Commission say what are the potential implications of this development in the common agricultural policy for the current rules governing the budget, in particular with regard to classifying such Answer given by Mr Millan programmes, to the .outmoded and to some extent highly on behalf of the Commission arbitrary practice of classifying expenditure as either (26 March 1991) 'compulsory' or 'non-compulsory' and to a greater role for Parliament in the budgetary procedure? The Commission is well aware of the importance of the Alqueva dam project for the development of the Alentejo region. However, the Portuguese authorities did not Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry consider this project sufficiently far advanced at the time on behalf of the Commission when the Community support framework (1989—1993) (7 March 1991) for Portugal was being negotiated.
The Commission, together with the Portuguese The Commission is unable at present to indicate what Government, has now recognized the importance of an effects a change in the common agricultural policy might analysis of the overall aspects and the operational have on the existing financial framework and, in considerations involving the Alqueva dam; it is for this particular, on the presentation of the budget and the reason that a study is proposed which will serve as a basis classification of expenditure. for decision-making on the matter.
It appears unlikely, however, that the Financial Regulation as such would be affected.
Whatever the case, the Commission will indicate the budget and financial consequences of whatever measures it may decide to propose. WRITTEN QUESTION No 32/91 by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz (GUE) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1991) (91/C 210/29) WRITTEN QUESTION No 3072/90 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro (CG) Subject: Implementation of the Structural Funds in 1990 (Spain, Objective 2) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1991) Can the Commission give details, for each of the Spanish (91/C 210/28) Objective 2 regions and with an indication of any cancelled appropriations, of the implementation of the Structural Funds in the 1990 financial year? Subject: Project for a dam in the municipality of Alqueva
Whatever form it takes, the construction of a dam in the municipality of Alqueva is of capital importance for the Alentejo region since it will impede the process of Answer given by Mr Millan desertification which is occurring in a. number of areas on behalf of the Commission despite their inherent potential, and notably the left bank (5 April 1991) of the river Guadiana.
This project has unfortunately not been included in the 33 The regional breakdown at ERDF assistance for investment projects in Portugal approved for ERDF aid. Objective 2 areas in Spain in 1990 was as follows: No C 210/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
(Ecu) WRITTEN QUESTION No 37/91 by Mrs Barbara Simons (S) Commitments to the Commission of the European Communities Aargon 8 870 990 Cantabria 15 927 993 (1 February 1991) Catalonia 62 674 003 (91/C 210/30) Rioja 3 034 200 Madrid 19 576 336 Navarre 7 007 197 Subject: Application of the EEC—Morocco fisheries Basque Country 94 852 800 agreement to the waters of the Western Sahara Multiregional 12 494 740 The event reported by the Spanish newspaper El Pais of 5 224 438 259 November 1990 regarding the Spanish fishing vessel Payments 'Nuevo Juan' indicate that Morocco is also applying the Aargon 16 440 395 fisheries agreement with the EEC to the waters of the Cantabria 31 645 616 occupied Western Sahara. Catalonia 94 640 518 Rioja 1 517 100 The 'Nuevo Juan' had no licence and was fishing in a Madrid 10 191 843 prohibited area (the waters of the Western Sahara, Navarre 1 768 420 currently occupied by Morocco) and at a prohibited time. Basque Country 31 756 433 The Moroccan authorities imposed a fine of Ptas 20 Multiregional 6 247 369 million (DM 300 000) on the 'Nuevo Juan'.
194 207 694 Under current international law, the Western Sahara is Commitments cancelled (') clearly not part of Moroccan sovereign territory. Cantabria 28 287 Aargon 823 809 1. Does the Commission approve of the application of Navarre 21 600 the EEC — Morocco fisheries agreement to fishing in waters which are not part of Moroccan sovereign (') Appropriations were cancelled at the request of the Member State: territory? — because the cost of projects carried out was lower than expected; — because two projects were withdrawn. 2. How, in legal terms, does the Commission view the case of the Spanish fishing vessel 'Nuevo Juan' ?
3. Does the Commission approve of the fact that The figures for the Social Fund are as follows: European vessels in the waters of the Western Sahara are subject to Moroccan Government regulations? (Ecu)
Commitments INEM training (multiregional) 48 035 816 Cantabria 119 288 Answer given by Mr Marin Madrid 705 856 on behalf of the Commission Navarre 437 012 (18 March 1991) Aargon 655 006 Rioja 166 390 Basque Country 5 718 976 The fisheries agreement between the EEC and Morocco Catalonia 7 048 515 applies to the waters over which the Kingdom of Morocco has sovereignty or jurisdiction which it describes as Objective 2 total 62 881 859 'Morocco's fishing zone', but contains no fuller Payments already made geographical definition. INEM training (multiregional) 23 094 143 Cantabria 54 947 The Commission is unable, therefore, to comment on the Madrid 339 354 geographical demarcation of that zone, in particular in Navarre 210 102 relation to the waters off the Western Sahara. Aargon 314 907 Rioja 79 996 The Commission cannot express an opinion on the matter Basque Country 2 749 508 of the Spanish fishing vessel 'Nuevo Juan' since it did not Catalonia 3 388 710 hold a licence issued under the EEC-Morocco fisheries agreement. Objective 2 total 30 231667
Appropriations cancelled None 12. 8.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/15
WRITTEN QUESTION No 69/91 WRITTEN QUESTION No 100/91 by the following Members: Mr Carlos Perreau de Pinninck by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes and Domenech, Mr Jose Ruiz-Mateos Jimenez de Tejada, Mr Mrs Claire Joanny (V) Christian de la Malene and Mr Mark Kilhlea (RDE) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (11 February 1991) (6 February 1991) (91/C 210/32) (91/C 210/31) Subject: Community financing of the Pau-Somport road Subject: Aid for olive oil production link
Given the importance of olive oil production in certain By its Decision of 21 December 1989 the Commission regions of the Community and the fact that the allocated FF 42 million of ERDF funds within Commission has set 1991 as the point at which it will start the framework of the IMP to improve the to carry out measures to improve the quality and Pau-Oloron-Somport Pass road link in the encourage consumption of olive oil, has the Commission Pyrenees-Atlantiques region. This is the first tranche for a considered the need to set up other aid measures for this project which will cost an estimated FF 84 million. sector, such as measures to improve production processes and subsidies to convert producing areas, and is there any possibility that all these measures can be implemented On site investigations have revealed that no impact study rapidly? was carried out before work began on the project as a whole and notably the Aspe valley area (where 38 km of the Asasp-Urdos expressway is due to be built). To avoid the French impact study procedure, the services concerned have split the project into a number of Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry unconnected operations. on behalf of the Commission (8 March 1991) This is clearly contrary to the provisions of Directive 85/337/EEC (')• The Commission has approved the olive oil quality improvement programmes proposed by the producer What action does the Commission intend to take to Member States. These annual programmes envisage ensure compliance with this Directive? Should the measures to ensure olive oil quality, in the context of Community continue to fund a project which does not olive production, harvesting and processing into olive respect Community legislation? oil. In this connection, the Commission is organizing throughout the Community campaigns to promote olive oil consumption. Outside the Community, the promotion O OJ No L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. of olive oil consumption is organized by the International Olive Oil Council, of which the Community is the major partner. WRITTEN QUESTION No 154/91 The measures referred to by the Honourable Members, namely the improvement of production systems and the by Mr Max Simeoni (ARC) granting of assistance for the conversion of production to the Commission of the European Communities areas, may be undertaken by private initiative under (20 February 1991) programmes to improve agricultural holdings (Regulation (EEC) No 797/85) ('). EAGGF assistance may be granted (91/C210/33) for the improvement of facilities for processing olives into olive oil (Regulation (EEC) No 866/90) (2). Subject: Community funding for the Pau-Somport The Commission is willing to examine other measures highway (Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France) proposed by the Member States in the operational programmes, on the basis of the rules laid down in the On 21 December 1989, the Commission decided to grant Community Support Framework for assistance from the funding of FF 42 million from the ERDF within the structural Funds, including the EAGGF. framework of the IMP for the Pau-Oloron-Somport highway. The Commission has made no provision for further assistance to the sector concerned. The 93-km stretch concerned has not been the subject of any overall environmental impact study for the highway O OJ No L 93, 30. 3.1985. project. The last public inquiry, which was held from O OJ No L 91,6. 4. 1990. 8 October to 16 November 1990, dealt only with the question of access to the planned tunnel and its effects on the municipalities of Urdos and Borce. No C 210/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8.91
However, subprpgramme 4, measure 9 concerning the season is less than 500 litres and to olive growers trans-Pyrenean link requires that an impact study be who are not members of producer organizations carried out. (See also Decison (c) 89-2257/2 of the (independents) as a lump sum on the basis of the Commission of 21 December 1989.) Moreover, these number of their olive trees. practices are all contrary to Directive 85/337/EEC.
These different methods of calculation have produced a What steps does the Commission intend to take to ensure disparity between the subsidized amounts of olive oil and that the Directive is applied? the amounts actually produced in the case of second category producers, and created problems in the proper implementation of the system. Does the Commission intend to modify the present system so as to grant the aid on the basis of actual output for all olive growers, Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 100/91 and 154/91 reserving the higher subsidy per unit for small producers? given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission O OJ Special Edition 1965—1966, p. 221. (HA£rill991)
The Commission would point out to the Honourable Members that, contrary to the information to which they refer, the French authorities undertook the impact studies Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry required by national and Community rules before on behalf of the Commission beginning works to improve the Asasp to Urdos section of (7 May 1991) RN134.
The infrastructure directorate of the Pyrenees Atlantiques department has told the Commission that the works have In 1990 the Commission sent the Council a report on the been confined to the modernization of the existing main operation of the aid scheme for the production of olive road involving realignment of the carriageway and the oil, together with appropriate proposals. These were straightening of bends to permit a design speed of 60 kph thoroughly considered by the Council, which adopted in order to limit the environmental impact of the project Regulation (EEC) No 3500/90 O at the end of and bypasses to existing villages. November 1990.
Although this Regulation considerably amends the aid scheme, it retains the double system for granting aid.
Standard aid is now paid only to small producers, whether members of an association or not, whose production ceiling has now been raised from 400 kg to 500 kg per WRITTEN QUESTION No 108/91 marketing year. Other growers receive aid calculated on by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE) the basis of their actual production. to the Commission of the European Communities (11 February 1991) While it is true that standard aid can give rise in the short (91/C 210/34) term to discrepancies between actual production and that calculated from the average olive yields and oil yields, in the medium term these discrepancies tend to cancel each Subject: Changes in the olive-oil subsidy arrangements other out so that their effect on the producer's income is neutral.
Under the basic Regulation (136/66 EEC (')) and the specific implementing Regulations, support for olive oil Furthermore, the new rules attempt to stabilize the level production is granted in the following two ways: of support provided by standard aid by paying this aid on the basis of the average yield over the last four marketing 1. To olive growers who are members of producer years. This will also mean that aid payments can be organizations and whose mean production per season considerably speeded up. is 500 litres of olive oil or more, on the basis of the amount of olive oil they actually produce in O OJNoL338,5. 12.1990. recognized olive presses;
2. To olive growers who are members of producer organizations and whose average production per 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/17
WRITTEN QUESTION No 139/91 implementing the Italian-Austrian Agreement known as the De Gasperi-Grueber Pact on safeguarding the rights by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE) of the German speaking minority in Alto Adige (South to the Commission of the European Communities Tyrol). The dispute remains unresolved to date, as is clear (11 February 1991) from the fact that the Austrian Government has not yet (91/C 210/35) delivered to Italy the document formally renouncing its claim over the territory. Given that Austria has applied to join the EEC, does the Council consider that a Subject: Extension of the agreement on Spanish imports long-drawn-out dispute between European states is of maize from the United States compatible with the requirements of mutual cooperation and full integration laid down by the Treaties? On Monday, 17 December 1990, the Commission of the European Communities decided to extend by one year the EC/US agreement on trade in maize and sorghum. Under this agreement, the United States has special access to the Spanish market, enabling it to import 2 million tonnes of Answer maize and 300 000 tonnes of sorghum per annum. Maize (10 July 1991) farmers in Spain have been hard hit by this agreement, and its extension for a further year will exacerbate the The Council would remind the Honourable Member that difficulties already facing the agricultural sector. the question of accession of Austria is currently being Agriculture cannot be expected to bear the main brunt examined by the Commission at the Council's request, in of the 'trade wars'. What compensation does the accordance with Article 237 of the EEC Treaty and the Commission intend to provide for maize farmers in corresponding Articles of the Euratom and ECSC Spain? Treaties.
If the procedures for implementing the 'De Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry Gasperi-Grueber Pact', which was embodied in Annex IV on behalf of the Commission to the 1947 Peace Treaty with Italy, are the subject of talks between the Italian and Austrian Governments, the (21 March 1991) Council has not been informed of this.
Following a proposal from the Commission, on 21 December 1990 the Council decided to extend the time-limited provisions of the EC/US agreement for the conclusion of negotiations under GATT Article XXIV.6 by one year. The agreement called for a major review to be initiated during July 1990 which would take into WRITTEN QUESTION No 200/91 account inter alia agreements on agriculture reached in by Mr Miguel Arias Canete (PPE) the Uruguay Round. As the Round was not concluded as to the Commission of the European Communities foreseen in December 1990, an important element of the review was missing. Therefore, it was considered (18 February 1991) appropriate to roll-over the provisions. (91/C 210/37)
As in previous year, the agreement will be executed in such a way as to avoid disruption to the market. Subject: Implementation of the fishing agreement Furthermore, the intervention mechanism to support between the EEC and Guinea (Conakry) cereal prices is maintained. No supplementary compensatory measures are envisaged. Given that, under the fishing agreement between the Community and Guinea (Conakry), the duration of the Protocol thereto is from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1991 and that the Protocol has therefore been in force for over a year, 1. To what extent has the Protocol been used in respect WRITTEN QUESTION No 148/91 of the various types of vessel (trawlers, tuna seiners, by Mr Gianfranco Fini (NI) pole-and-line vessels and surface longliners) to which to the Council of the European Communities fishing rights are granted? (20 February 1991) 2. Which Member States have obtained fishing licences, (91/C 210/36) and how many licences are involved? 3. What are the results of the scientific programme as Subject: De Gasperi-Grueber Agreements regards research into fishing resources.
The Austrian Republic instigated legal-diplomatic 4. In what way have the funds intended for study grants proceedings in the UN on the procedures for been used? No C 210/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
5. Has any conflict involving the Community fleet arisen crews, is seriously concerned about the threat of losing in the waters off Guinea, and, if so, how was it their zero VAT rate. The bravery of the UK's lifeboat resolved? crews is legendary. If the RNLI zero-rate entitlement is removed, this will cost them the equivalent of SIX all-weather lifeboats. Is the Commissioner happy with this or will she guarantee that the RNLI (and indeed other Answer given by Mr Marin UK charities) will be allowed to continue with their zero on behalf of the Commission rate? (15 April 1991)
The rate of utilization of the fishing opportunities provided in the agreement between the Community and Answer given by Mrs Scrivener Guinea (Conakry) during 1990 was as follows: on behalf of the Commission — trawlers: the fishing rights of 12 000 grt a month, as an (6 May 1991) annual average, were used at a rare of 93,2%, or 11 182,9 grt, by 39 Community vessels, of which 26 were from Spain, two from France, nine from Greece The present situation whereby charitable institutions such and two from Portugal; as the RNLI enjoy the right to a zero rate of VAT jn respect of their purchases is under the provisions of the — tuna seiners: of the 45 licences available, 34 were paid Sixth VAT Directive, due to end when fiscal frontiers for. These were used by 14 Spanish vessels and 20 within the Community are abolished. French vessels; — pole-and-line tuna vessels and surface longliners: six However, questions relating to the zero rate and other surface longliners, all Spanish, requested licences out issues are currently under discussion within the of the 35 available for the two categories. No framework of the Council. It is not possible to predict the pole-and-line vessels went to the area because there outcome of these discussions at present. was no tuna there (seasonal variation).
At the request of Guinea, the funds for the scientific programme were allocated to the modernization and full equipment of a research centre for the investigation and scientific management of Guinea's.fishery resources. WRITTEN QUESTION No 223/91 Most of the funds available for training were used to by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S) renovate the premises of a seamen's training centre in Conakry, for study grants at training centres in Europe to the Commission of the European Communities and to cover the travel and subsistence expenses of (18 February 1991) Guinea's official representatives at international meetings (91/C 210/39) on fisheries.
The most serious conflict arose from the boarding of a Subject: Selection of candidates for the Jean Monnet Greek vessel and the threat to board the entire chair Community fleet in Guinea waters. Both measures were taken, without recourse to the consultations provided for In order to put an end to what is doubtless idle in the Agreement, to force the Commission to make speculation and wholly unjustified criticism, can the certain payments. The matter was discussed at the Commission say what criteria were applied this year to the meeting of the Joint Committee held in November 1990. selection of candidates for the Jean Monnet chair throughout the Community? How were the selection panels composed and what were the qualifications of their members? What tests, qualifications, etc. were taken as a basis for the selection procedure? What was the nature of the'regional'criterion? WRITTEN QUESTION No 202/91 by Mrs Christine Crawley (S) to the Commission of the European Communities (18 February 1991) Answer given by Mr Dondelinger on behalf of the Commission (91/C 210/38) (19 April 1991)
Subject: Cost of VAT to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution In implementing the Jean Monnet project to promote European integration in university studies, the Council The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a UK voluntary relies on the European University Council for the Jean organization which financially supports the UK's lifeboat Monnet Project. 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/19
This body is composed of nine members, namely four WRITTEN QUESTION No 224/91 representatives of the Liaison Committee for the National by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S) Conferences of Rectors/Vice-Chancellors of the universities of the European Community (Professor M. to the Commission of the European Communities Cusin, Vice-Chancellor of the Lumiere Lyon II University (18 February 1991) and President of the Liaison Committee for the National (91/C 210/40) Conferences of Rectors; Professor R. Meiser, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Saarland; Professor B. De Schutter, Pro-Rector of the Vrije Subject: Change in the status of the Consultative Council Universiteit of Brussels; Professor A. Kintis, Rector of the of Local and Regional Authorities Athens School of Economics and Business), President of the European University Institute in Florence (Mr E. What view does the Commission take of the proposal Noel) and four representatives of the European made by the Bureau of the Assembly of European Regions Community Studies Association (ECSA), which includes (AER) at its meeting on 6 September 1990 in Rome to give the national associations of teachers specializing in the Consultative Council of Local and Regional European integration studies (Professor M. Anderson, Authorities the status of a genuine consultative committee President of ECSA-Europe and Dean of the Social similar to the Economic and Social Committee, a proposal Sciences Faculty, University of Edinburgh; Professor J. which is similar to that recently approved by the European Bourrinet, Centre europeen, Aix-en-Provence University; Parliament? Professor A. Papisca, Dean of the Political Science Faculty, Padua University; Professor H. Rasmussen, Copenhagen Business School).
Answer given by Mr Millan The University Council makes recommendations to the on behalf of the Commission Commission on proposals for 'European chairs' that are (8 April 1991) selected according to the following criteria (see Jean Monnet Project Vade Mecum 1990): As the Commission indicated in its opinion of 21 October on the proposal for amendment of the Treaty establishing — a link with problems of European integration, the European Economic Community with a view to Political Union, it considers it necessary that the — the quality of the application, Intergovernmental Conference take into account the request to establish a body to represent all the regions of — the academic and educational feasibility of the the Community. project, As the present wide variety of regional structures in the — the guarantee of continuity of the project. Member States constitutes an obstacle to the involvement of such a body in the decision-making process, the Commission proposes in the abovementioned opinion A 'European chair' includes instruction at undergraduate that, pending fresh developments, it should hold regular and post-graduate levels, and responsibility for research consultations with such a body. supervision at post-graduate level.
A 'European chair' supported by the Jean Monnet project includes at least part of the compulsory subjects in the foundation course.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 228/91 The holder of the 'European chair' must be a member of by Mr Stephen Hughes (S) the teaching staff specializing in studies in European integration. to the Commission of the European Communities (18 February 1991) The Commission has taken pains to ensure that European (91/C 210/41) chairs are set up throughout the various regions of the Community where the academic quality of the Subject: Zero rates of VAT applications makes this possible. To this end, and in agreement with the University Council, the Commission Following on from the answer given by Mrs Scrivener on finances only one European chair per university under behalf of the Commission on 8 January 1991 to my both the Jean Monnet I 1990 and Jean Monnet II 1991 Written Question No 2651/90 ('), can the Commission Projects. state which of the zero-rated supplies the UK authorities have applied to maintain?
O OJNoC90, 8.4.1991, p. 61. No C 210/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8.91
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener WRITTEN QUESTION No 250/91 on behalf of the Commission by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S) (7 May 1991) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 March 1991) The United Kingdom authorities have indicated that they (91/C 210/43) would wish to retain all of their current zero rated supplies after 1992.
Subject: Development aid for countries not party to the Lome Convention
WRITTEN QUESTION No 229/91 1. According to reports, the Commission has increased by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED) the financial resources for countries not party to the Lome to the Commission of the European Communities Convention by means of additional development aid tranches. Is this true? (18 February 1991) (91/C 210/42) 2. How is this increase spread amongst the Member States, and in what chapter of the EC budget is it entered? Subject: Hybrid vines
1. Are there in the Commission's view valid objective, 3. What periods will be covered by these scientific or agricultural reasons why certain hybrid vines supplementary resources? should not be permitted for production of quality wine and, if so, what reasons? 4. What additional amounts of aid will be allocated to 2. If there are no scientific objections to hybrid vines, the countries of Central America (from Mexico to will the Commission bring forward amendments to EC Panama inclusive), and what increase is involved in law to permit the use of hybrid vines for quality wine absolute and percentage terms for the various countries, production, at least in the northernmost production areas compared with the EC development aid which they have where their disease resistance properties are of received in recent years? importance?
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1991) Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission As regards the use of hybrid vines for production of (24 May 1991) quality wines, a proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 347/79 (') on general rules for the classification of vine varieties was submitted to the Council in Spring 1988. 1. In June 1990 the budgetary authorities revised the financial perspectives with a view in particular to On the ground of scientific work carried out in Germany increasing aid to the countries of Latin America, Asia and on the interspecific crossing and back-crossing of the Mediterranean. A further revision took place at the varieties of the species 'vitis vinifera' with other species, it end of 1990 in favour of those countries most affected by seems that hybrid vines with a high resistance to fungal the Gulf crisis. diseases producing good quality wines could be obtained.
In view of these results, the Commission considers that it 2 and 3. The increases will be financed from the would be possible to extend the cultivation suitability Community budget, and in the case of the Mediterranean trials of those varieties to a very limited area of vineyards countries will include an increase in EIB loans as well. For and establish whether the wines obtained would be the Mediterranean, new financial protocols will run from accepted by the consumer as quality wines. 1992 to 1996. A horizontal aid programme for the Mediterranean has also been proposed for the same At present the Council has not decided on this proposal period. The Commission has also proposed a five-year and the Commission does not intend to withdraw or to programme for Latin America and Asia from 1991 to modify this text. 1995.
O OJ No L 54, 5. 3.1979. 4. There certainly will be an increase for Latin America, including Central America, Mexico and 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/21
Panama. But the increase has not been allocated to be submitted to Parliament and to the Council. No major individual countries. The aid received by individual problem was notified by Italy for 1988 or 1989. The countries depends on their needs and availability of Member States are responsible for monitoring the project proposals. Many of the Community-financed operations. The Italian Government informed the projects are regional in nature. Within Central America, a Commission that no in-depth monitoring was needed project may benefit all or several of its Member States. because of daily contacts between the appointed organizations and Italy's most deprived. The food products were distributed as quickly as possible and no losses were recorded.
The Commission does not have any information on the breakdown across the Italian regions.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 252/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 March 1991) (91/C 210/44) WRITTEN QUESTION No 276/91 by Mr Jos6 Alvarez de Paz (S) Subject: Free distribution of food products to citizens of to the Commission of the European Communities Community Member States (4 March 1991) (91/C 210/45) Italy received 9,8 million ECU worth of Community aid in the form of foodstuffs taken from stocks of surplus products in 1986—87, 17,91 million ECU in 1988 and Subject: Timetable for initiatives on development of 22,5 million ECU in 1989. Can the Commission state who vocational training and equal treatment receives these foodstuffs and the number of people involved? What research is carried out to identify the Given the principle of equality laid down in Article 119 of individuals concerned? How are they selected and on the the Treaties, the Community Charter of Fundamental basis of which criteria are the food products allocated? Social Rights and the Third Community Action What checks are carried out to ensure that the foodstuffs Programme, which proposes the development of new are distributed properly and that the goods are not initiatives in favour of women in the field of vocational misappropriate^? What problems have been solved once training, can the Commission outline the proposed and for all by these operations? What is the percentage timetable of measures to be taken? breakdown of distribution to the various regions of Italy?
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission (19 April 1991) (7 May 1991) The vocational training initiatives undertaken as part of the Third Action Programme (1991 — 1995) will be Since 1987, appropriations for the distribution of concerned primarily with: products from intervention stocks to the most deprived categories in the Community are allocated on the basis of — implementing the programme for the Community a scale which takes into account the number of poor in initiative NOW (1991-1993); each Member State. This number is weighted by a regional development index based on the number of — continuing with the exchanges and the transfer of people living in regions where the Gross Domestic experience already under way through the IRIS Product (GDP) is less than 75% of the Community network in order to help prepare women for the 1992 average. deadline; — developing common tools and assessment methods for The Member States are left to choose the organizations to vocational training with a view to improving the be given the task of distributing the food and selecting the quality and effectiveness of programmes in favour of recipients. women.
The Commission's report on the first two years of In addition, in 1991, the Commission will assess the distribution of food from intervention stocks will shortly measures taken by the Member States to implement No C 210/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91 recommendation No 87/567 and will establish new the tobacco sector does not provide for quotas, but uses priorities for the period after 1992. instead a system of maximum guaranteed quantities (MGQs).
For production in Italy of the two varieties above, the MGQs and the provisional overruns are as follows:
WRITTEN QUESTION No 301/91 by Mr Elio Di Rupo (S) MGQ Provisional overrun to the Commission of the European Communities (tonnes) (tonnes) (4 March 1991) Variety No 11 22 700 173% (91/C 210/46) Variety No 4 (Zone B) 2 700 293 %
Subject: 1990 tobacco harvest in Italy (') OJ No L 136, 24. 5.1978. In 1990, what were the exact production figures and areas under cultivation in Italy for the following varieties of tobacco: — Badischer Geudertheimer,
— Havana, WRITTEN QUESTION No 307/91 — Paraguay? by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED) to the Commission of the European Communities To what extent, if any, were quotas exceeded ? (4 March 1991) (91/C 210/47)
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry Subject: The Directive on working time on behalf of the Commission (5 April 1991) Does the Commission propose that the provisions of the new directive on various aspects of the organization of According to information supplied by the Member State, working time, particularly: the provisional estimates of production and area under 1. the minimum daily rest period of 11 hours out of 24 cultivation for the following tobacco varieties harvested each day and in Italy in 1990 are: 2. at least two days off per fortnight,
Production should apply to (a) EC government ministers and (b) all cultivated (tonnes) es (ha) employees of the Commission? If the answer is 'y '> what implications does it believe this will have for the efficacy of EC decision-making? Variety No 11 (a) Forchheimer Havanna II c 9 335 ' 19 000 (b) Nostrano del Brenta 13 21 (c) Resistente 142 — — Answer given by Mrs Papandreou (d) Gojano — — on behalf of the Commission (e) Badischer Geudertheimer (15 May 1991) hybrids 19 100 43 000 Variety No 4 Paraguay 7 340 10 800 It is the intention that the Directive should apply to all employees in the Member States of the Community, although there are a limited number of specific Final figures on the size of the harvest are not yet exclusions, for example, in respect of certain public available. The Member State is to send them to the service activities, such as the armed forces or the police. Commission by 1 June at the latest, in accordance with The question of whether government ministers are Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1076/78 (*). covered will depend on their legal status within the Member State concerned, but it is the Commission's The Honourable Member's attention is drawn to the understanding that most government ministers are not fact that the common organization of the market in employees and are therefore not covered. 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/23
It is certainly the Commission's intention to comply fully taking special new Community initiatives in this with the provisions of the Directive as regards its own area which can be immediately and effectively staff (the link between such compliance and the efficacy implemented? of EC decision-making remains to be seen but the Commission does not expect to observe any significant differences in this respect).
Answer given by Mr Millan on behalf of the Commission (7May 1991) .
The Community Regulations on regional development - have been applied in Greece through the Integrated WRITTEN QUESTION No 309/91 Mediterranean Programmes (IMPs), the Community support framework (CSF) and the various Community by Mr Christos Papoutsis (S) initiatives (e.g. Prisma, Interreg, Regen). All these to the Commission of the European Communities programmes include assistance to mountain areas, the (4 March 1991) serious problems of which are well known to the (91/C 210/48) Commission. However, since most of these programmes are still under way, it is too early to carry out either quantitative or qualitative assessments. Subject: Reorganization of the technical and social infrastructure of less-favoured mountain areas in The Commission does not intend to propose a Greece Community initiative for mountain areas.
In accordance with the letter and spirit of the Single European Act, the Community is required to narrow the gap between the development levels of the various regions and eliminate the backwardness of the most underdeveloped areas with the lowest standards of living. WRITTEN QUESTION No 317/91 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE) Many less-favoured mountain regions in Greece have no modern technical and social infrastructures which makes to the Commission of the European Communities it impossible to develop potential productive activities or (4 March 1991) the natural resources available and results in the (91/C 210/49) population leaving the area.
In the light of the above, would the Commission say Subject: Renewal of the fishing agreement with Morocco whether: The new quotas set by the European Commission for the 1. given the existing technical and social infrastructures fishery sector could seriously affect negotiations for the in the less-favoured mountain areas of Greece, EEC renewal of the fishing agreement with Morocco. Given regulations on regional development which also apply the new situation which has been created, what alternative to other areas of the Community have been effectively or additional measures is the Commission studying with a implemented in Greece. view to renewal of the fishing agreement with Morocco?
2. in view of the particular nature of social and technical infrastructure in mountain areas in Greece, it is possible for IMP and Structural Fund mechanisms to make a satisfactory contribution to the economic and Answer given by Mr Marin social cohesion of the Community regions, which is on behalf of the Commission one of the objectives of the Single Act? (24 April 1991)
3. it has carried out quantitative and qualitative checks on Community measures designed to reorganize the The new catch quotas adopted by the Council on 19 and technical and social infrastructure of the less-favoured 20 December 1990 apply only to the common fisheries mountain areas in Greece and with what results? arrangements affecting the waters defined in Commission communications 85/C 347/05 O and 85/C 335/02 (2). 4. if it considers that the above objectives cannot be achieved through existing Community mechanisms The Commission takes the view that no link can be now that 1992 is rapidly approaching, it envisages established with the fisheries agreement between the EEC No C 210/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8.91
and Morocco governing bilateral fishing relations Does Community assistance for objective 1 regions between the Community and Morocco. comply with Article 92 (3) (a) of the Treaty, and for objective 2 regions with Article 92 (3) (c) ? O OJ No C 347, 31.12.1985. O OJNoC335,24.12.1985. Does the Commission work within the same framework for funding research and development activities as applies to the Member States (') ?
If such agreements do not exist, why is that?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 328/91 O OJNoC83,11.4.1986. by Mr Jesus Cabez6n Alonso (S) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Christophersen (4 March 1991) on behalf of the Commission (91/C 210/50) (19 April 1991)
Subject: The Gulf war and its effects on cereals exports Structural Funds
The Gulf war and the increased chartering of vessels to The main financial instruments, the structural Funds, destinations in the Gulf region, coupled with the shortage provide assistance through the part-financing of national of vessels prepared to approach areas in the vicinity of the and regional publicly-funded measures. conflict, are blocking exports of cereals from some EC Member States to third countries. Under Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 on the tasks of the Structural Funds ('), Community assistance Has the Commission made provision for alleviating the must be in keeping with the provisions of the Treaty, in adverse economic consequences of this situation? particular Articles 92 to 94 thereof. This means that, when Community assistance involves the part-financing of a national, regional or local aid scheme, this scheme must have been previously notified to the Commission under Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry Article 93. The Commission also monitors national and on behalf of the Commission Community assistance for conformity with the provisions of the Treaty under the partnership arrangements set out (7 May 1991) in each Community support framework.
During the Gulf War, the delivery of cereals and other Community funding of research and development activities products to a number of countries in the Middle East experienced certain difficulties, caused in particular by an With regard to Community assistance for research and increase in freight and insurance costs for exports to that development, the Commission is governed by the area. The Community export refund scheme does not provisions set out in Annexes III and IV to the Third include compensation for such additional costs. The framework programme of Community activities in the field of research and technological development Commission hopes that delivery conditions for the 2 countries in question will quickly return to normal now (1990—1994) ( ). Annex III sets out the selection criteria, that hostilities have come to an end. while Annex IV defines the rates of Community financial participation.
O OJNoL185,15.7.1988. O OJ No LI 17, 8. 5.1990.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 331/91 by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 340/91 (4 March 1991) by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) (91/C 210/51) to the Commission of the European Communities (4 March 1991 Subject: Possible distortion of competition by the (91/C 210/52) Commission
Does the Commission apply the same criteria to the Subject: Completion of the single market — abolition of granting of Community subsidies as it imposes on the tax-free sales Member States, thus ensuring that there is no risk of the Community funding projects which are ineligible for Commission proposal (COM(90) 183 final) amending national support? Directive 77/388/EEC (') on transitional arrangements 12. 8.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/25
for taxation with a view to establishment of the internal the objective of a single market whatever the formula market makes provision for the repeal of Directive retained to operate it. 69/169/EEC (2), in so far as it applies to travel within the Community, by 31 December 1991. O OJNoCl44,3.6.1991, p. 10. O OJNoC98,15.4.1991. O OJNoCl95,25.7.1991, p. 4. Directive 69/169/EEC appears to be the legal basis on (4) OJ No C 144, 3. 6.1991, p. 20. s which tax-free sales are organized. I learned of Mrs ( ) Debates of the European Parliament No 3-400/401 Scrivener's position on the abolition of duty-free sales (February 1991). from PE 143.429.
1. Can the Commission nevertheless say what direct and indirect impact it considers the abolition of duty-free sales will have on employment? What effect will it have on airlines, ferries and charter undertakings, all WRITTEN QUESTION No 342/91 of which derive a substantial part of their income from by Mr Francois Musso (RDE) such sales? to the Commission of the European Communities (4 March 1991) 2. If it cannot answer the above questions, can it say whether it intends to carry out or commission a study (91/C 210/53) of this matter? Subject: Protection of cork in the Community 3. How does it view the proposals put forward by the duty-free sales sector for the establishment, on the Is the Commission aware of the need for cork, and the Scandinavian model, of a so-called vendor control processing and export of products derived from cork, to system in ports and airports and on board ships and be protected in the Community? airplanes? If so, does it intend to assist this sector? O OJNoLl45,13.6.1977, p. 1. O OJ No L 133, 4. 6.1969, p. 6. Answer given by Mr Mac Shany on behalf of the Commission (4 April 1991)
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener The Commission is very aware of the commercial and on behalf of the Commission ecological role of cork oak and products derived from (21 May 1991) cork and is equally aware of the need to protect this tree, which is part of our Community heritage. With this aim in mind, the Community has undertaken measures in favour of cork oak woodlands in the forestry component of the The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to 1985 programme for the development of Portuguese its answers to written questions No 603/90 by Mr agriculture (') the 'Forestry Action Programme (FAP)'. Verwarde and Mr Raffarin and No 780/90 by Mr 2 Boge O, No 2289/90 by Mr Patterson ( ), No 2344/90 by Furthermore, specific measures for the cork sector put J 4 Mrs Aleman ( ), No 3050/90 by Mr Raffarin ( ) and to forward by the Commission in its proposal to the Council s the oral question No 901/90 by Mr Cooney ( ). for the Forestry Action Programme (2) were adopted by the Council in May 1989. These measures include high rates of aid for the renewal and improvement of The legal basis for tax free shops is not Directive woodland under cork oak, pursuant to Regulation (EEC) 69/169/EEC, which only provides for allowances No 1609/89 (3), and a specific Regulation (EEC) No for purchases made there, but is rather Article 5, 1611/89 (3), for the primary processing and marketing of paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 of Directive 77/388/EEC for natural cork and certain products derived from it. VAT and the equivalent national provisions for excise duties. With regard to the export of natural cork and its derived products, given that most of the trade involves the The Commission has accepted Parliament's wish for a Member States of the Community, there are no customs study of the social and regional repercussions of the restrictions. removal of fiscal frontiers, including tax-free shops on the areas concerned. O Regulation (EEC) No 3828/85; OJ No L 372, 31.12.1985. O COM(225) final, 11.11.1988. O OJNoL165,15.6.1989. In the view of the Commission, the maintenance of duty-free shops after 31 January 1992, is not in line with No C 210/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 344/91 telecommunications services and the exploitation of endogenous energy potential respectively, measures by Mr Francois Musso (RDE) under the integrated Mediterranean programme which to the Commission of the European Communities involve most of the economic sectors on the island and (4 March 1991) which benefit from assistance from the three Community (91/C 210/54) structural Funds and from budget headings '551' and 'Fisheries', the integrated operational programme which also operates throughout the island's economy and Subject: Funding of the 'moyenne corniche' road in which links in synergy the three Community structural Porticcio Funds, and the 'Objectives 3 and 4 (ESF)' operational Can the Commission state the amount and the percentage programme introducing remedial measures for contributed by the Community, and the decision under unemployed young people under 25 (Objective 4). which funding was approved, to the financing of the 'moyenne corniche' road in Porticcio in the commune of Total commitments (national and Community financing) Grosseto-Brugna in the departement of Southern by each type of assistance and expressed in millions of Corsica? ecus are given below.
Can it also name the prime contractor and the contracting authority? 1989 1990
3,2 Answer given by Mr Millan STAR 4,1 on behalf of the Commission VALOREN 0,4. 13,3 (8 April 1991) IMP 29,0 26,1 IOP — 36,9 The part-financing of the construction of a 'moyenne Objectives 3 and 4 — 3,7 corniche' road in Porticcio was the subject of a Commission Decision of 5 May 1989 (ERDF No: 33,5 83,2 880.30.40.53). ERDF assistance to this project amounts to 12 million French francs, which is 50 % of the total cost of the investment. The contracting authority is the Departement of Southern Corsica; the prime contractor is the technical service of that departement. WRITTEN QUESTION No 366/91 by Mr Ian White (S) to the Commission of the European Communities (7 March 1991) WRITTEN QUESTION No 345/91 (91/C 210/56) by Mr Francois Musso (RDE) ' to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Debt, trade and aid relationships (4 March 1991) (91/C 210/55) What are the current and proposed actions of the Commission to further the cardinal aim of the Brundtland Subject: Community support framework for Corsica report, namely 'sustainable development' in relation to debt, trade and aid relationships with the African States of Can the Commission state what progress has been made, the Lome Convention? as of 31 December 1990, in implementing the Community support framework for Corsica and, in particular, can it give a breakdown of the activities and funds authorized in 1989 and 1990? Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Millan (6 May 1991) on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1991) In accordance with Article 4 of the Fourth Lome The Community support framework for Corsica adopted Convention the Commission is seeking to ensure that aid by the Commission on 31 October 1989 includes the to Africa supports development based on a sustainable forms of assistance set out below: balance between economic objectives, the rational management of the environment and the enhancement of The STAR and VALOREN (ERDF) programmes, which natural and human resources. So far 15 African countries introduce measures in the spheres of advanced have signed Lome IV National Indicative Programmes 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/27 which either give priority to protecting the environment Frameworks. Furthermore, the operational programmes or emphasise envrionment as a cross-cutting issue contain no information about individual projects; these affecting other priority sectors. The Commission has can be assessed only in the places where they are carried suggested a similar approach to another 16 African out. countries and this number is likely to increase as the programming round is completed. The criteria applied by the Commission in deciding to award aid for operational programmes are either those of The Brundtland Report argues for greater urgency in the Regulations governing assistance by the structural dealing with debt in Africa and elsewhere. Lome IV was Funds or those of the Community Support Frameworks specifically designed not to add to Africa s debt burden. or those set out in the guidelings for ESF aid for 1 Some 92 % of the Seventh European Development Fund objectives 3 and 4( ), which, under Title IV, provide for will be on grant terms compared with some 75 % of the 'the training and occupational integration of women who Sixth EDF. In addition the commission has recently wish to return to the labour market after a long break' tybled proposals aimed at alleviating the burden of debt and, in the second paragraph of Title V(g), provide for due to the Community. These are being discussed by the 'integration of women in occupations where they are 1 Council. substantially underrepresented . . .'( ).
Many of the trade recommendations in the Report are The operational programmes are financed jointly by the implemented in Lome IV. ACP countries enjoy free access Commission and the Member State in question or the for almost all of their exports. Recources for export regional and local authorities. compensation in particular under Stabex have been increased, eligibility criteria have been further relaxed and The rate of Community aid granted under the ESF for the all future transfers to ACP States will be grants. Lome IV various objectives is subject to limits of 75% and 50% of financial and technical resources can be used for trade the total costs, depending on whether the regions receive diversification and the promotion of the private sector. aid under objective 1 or other objectives and generally averages 65% of the public expenditure for objective 1 and 45 % for other objectives.
ESF departments are initiating an assessment study on the qualitative and quantitative participation of women in the whole range of operational programmes for 1990 (e.g. WRITTEN QUESTION No 388/91 number of women, level of qualification, appropriations by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC) available, etc.). This study will make it possible to asses the impact of ESF and structural funds measures on the to the Commission of the European Communities overall situation of women on the labour market and will (7 March 1991) help in the choice of appropriate measures to be promoted (91/C 210/57) as part of ESF operations and, in particular, the NOW initiative.
Subject: European Social Fund — programmes in favour of women Country ECU Can the Commission give the list of ESF projects in favour of women by region and Member State? What Belgium 6 407 365,61 criteria are applied? Can the Commission say who Germany 35 942 686,97 cocofinanced the programmes concerned and to what Denmark 18 160 369,65 extent? Greece 7 548 235,22 Spain 127 472 892,91 France 25 531 087,36 Answer given by Mrs Papandreou Italy 12 531 014,25 on behalf of the Commission Ireland 0,00 (29 May 1991) Luxembourg 234 871,96 Netherlands 39 333 572,62 Portugal 17 296 843,54 The Honourable Member will find below the amounts of the appropriations per Member State granted for United Kingdom 83 752 936,07 programmes designed specifically for women under the Community Support Frameworks for objectives 3 and 4. Total 374 211 876,16 Other ESF programmes are designed for both women and men. O OJ No C 45, 24. 2.1989. There is no regionalization of appropriations for objectives 3 and 4 within the Community Support No C 210/28 Official Journal of tl European Communities 12. 8. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 389/91 Those arrangements, which include the total suspension by Mr Miguel Arias Caiiete (PPE) of customs duties on imported tuna for processing, are intended to provide the Community industry with to the Commission of the European Communities supplies at a competitive cost. (7 March 1991) (91/C 210/58) The Commission considers that the reasons underlying these arrangements are still valid in view of the considerable interdependence on the Community market Subject: Critical situation affecting the Community tuna of the shipowning and canning industries and the reliance fleet of Community industry on outside sources for supplies of certain species. In the middle of 1990 the tuna market was severely disrupted, largely as a result of the refusal of the largest The Commission would point out that the Council's North American canning undertakings to import tuna decision to rescind the autonomous suspension of duties caught together with dolphins in the tropical zone of the on cod and cod fillets was taken in 1986 in the context of eastern Pacific, thereby causing the collapse of the Spanish and Portuguese accession in order to preserve Community market (which has no form of protection) as the Community's fishing interests by maintaining the a result of massive imports of tuna at extremely low prices. principle of balance in reciprocal concessions under fisheries agreements with certain non-member countries. Given that the tuna fleet is a mainstay of the Community fleet as a whole: The situation with regard to the tuna sector is very different and the Commission considers that 1. Will the measures for the prohibition of imports implementation of a safeguard clause or the provided for in Article 24 of Council Regulation reintroduction of the suspended customs duties would in (EEC) No 3796/81 (') be put into effect as a matter of the long term have deleterious consequences for the urgency? Community market as a whole.
2. Does the Commission consider it necessary to adjust Accordingly, while the Community is striving to secure the reference price in accordance with Article 21 of the fishing possibilities for the Community's tuna fleet in the Regulation to bring it approximately or fully into line waters of non-member countries, the compensatory with the price of Community production? allowance is the most suitable market mechanism for countering the difficulties currently being experienced by 3. Does the Commission not consider that the the tuna fleet. circumstances which led to the suspension in 1970 of customs duties for imports of frozen tuna have The Commission has therefore made arrangements for considerably changed, in particular following the the compensatory allowance to be paid in 1990. accession of Spain and Portugal to the Community, and that they should therefore be reintroduced, as has already been done for cod and cod fillets? The same considerations apply to an increase in the reference price for tuna, subject to compliance with the Community's international commitments within GATT. (') OJ No L 379, 31.12.1981, p. 1.
Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (9 April 1991) WRITTEN QUESTION No 410/91 by Mr Hugh McMahon (S) to the Commission of the European Communities In its discussions of the various reforms of the common organization of markets in fishery products, the most (11 March 1991) recent of which took place in November 1988, the (91/C 210/59) Council has decided to maintain the principle of preserving balance between the interests of tuna producers and those of the processing industry. Subject: Commission Panel of Experts on an Equitable Wage Since 1970 the arrangements for tuna based on that balance have rested on a compensatory allowance payable Will the Commission please provide a full list of the to Community producers' organizations to offset and names, nationalities and expertise of the members of the compensate for problems which may be created by the Panel of Experts on an Equitable Wage, and will it publish arrangements for imports. a timetable of proposed meetings? 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of European Communities No C 210/29
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou WRITTEN QUESTION No 465/91 on behalf of the Commission by Mrs Mary Banotti (PPE) (14 May 1991) to the Commission of the European Communities (19 March 1991) At the end of 1991, as part of the Commission's action (91/C 210/61) programme relating to the implementation of the Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers, the Commission will be delivering an opinion Subject: PERIFRA programme on the establishment of an equitable wage by the Member States. In this field, the Commission believes it has a A new programme PERIFRA is to be introduced to responsibility to conduct an assessment of an issue which support regions affected by the opening up of EC markets is important to an appreciable section of the working to east European countries. Could the Commission state population. what type of projects it intends funding under this programme and what the likely allocation for Ireland will At the preparatory stage, departments are relying on be? existing studies and information systems already in place such as the industrial relations observatory and the Statistical Office of the European Communities. A panel of experts has been set up to collect additional Answer given by Mr Millan information. This is an informal panel of academics who on behalf of the Commission specialize in questions relating to wages. Its task is to (8 May 1991) draw up an inventory of the information available in each Member State. On budget line B2-610 commitment credits of ECU 40 Information regarding available studies and the member million have been included in the 1991 budget for the new of the panel of experts will be sent to the Honourable programme PERIFRA. Member and Parliament's Secretariat direct. In managing the PERIFRA programme the Commission intends to follow closely the definition of the four objectives given by the budget commentary. PERIFRA is a programme limited, for commitment purposes, to 1991. In view of this limit and of the small sums available, the programme will be managed in accordance with the 1982 Tripartite Agreement between the budget authorities. WRITTEN QUESTION No 412/91 Actions therefore will be small-scale and generally of a by Mr David Morris (S) demonstration nature. The Community territory as a to the Commission of the European Communities whole will be eligible for actions but with a preference given to assisted areas under objectives 1, 2, 5b of the (11 March 1991) Structural Funds. No ex ante allocation for the Member (91/C 210/60) States will be made but the Commission has invited Member States to submit a small number of applications. Subject: Slaughter
Can the Commission explain why its draft proposals on the protection of animals at slaughter, which Parliament was assured would be published by mid-1990, are being delayed? WRITTEN QUESTION No 495/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry (19 March 1991) on behalf of the Commission (91/C 210/62) (6 May 1991) Subject: Sexually transmitted diseases This draft proposal deals with detailed technical matters, According to figures published by the WHO, over 250 which have been the subject of extensive consultations million people are infected with sexually transmitted with interested parties. This process has taken longer than expected, but the Commission intends to publish the diseases each year, an the numbers are constantly proposal in the near future. growing. Given that the age-group most affected by these diseases, which are transmitted in a wide variety of ways, is No C 210/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
between 20 and 24, and that prevention is made difficult of transport infrastructure projects takes greater account by modern lifestyles, travel and the many different forms of the interests of the countries in the centre of the of social activity, will the Commission formulate a plan to Community, given that this would also ease the freedom tackle sexually transmitted disease which encourages of movement for persons and goods from the peripheral research into new vaccines and special treatment, covers countries? the setting up of well-equipped laboratories and promotes a series of information programmes aimed at young people in particular and Community citizens in general? Finally, does it intend to take greater account of the importance of international transport and of the socio-economic profitability of the projects selected for funding?
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou on behalf of the Commission (14 May 1991) Answer given by Mr Van Miert The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member on on behalf of the Commission the importance of the spread of sexually-transmitted (22 May 1991) diseases within the Community. However these matters are primarily the responsibility of Member States. It is true that the regional development funds have been The Commission is devoting special attention to AIDS, used to finance many transport infrastructure projects in and has recently presented a proposal for a Decision of regions eligible for this type of intervention. the Council on a 'Europe against AIDS' programme ('), complementing the ongoing research efforts within the Medical Research Programme and the Science and Since 1982 the Community has employed a special budget Technology Programme for Development. heading to help finance 188 transport infrastructure projects, the total cost of which amounts to ECU 8 569,3 O COM(90) 601 final. million. The Community contributed ECU 434 million.
From 1982 to 1989 financing was carried out on a yearly basis. On 20 November last year the Council for the very first time adopted, in the shape of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3359/90 O, a multiannual (1990-1992) action programme made up of projects of Community WRITTEN QUESTION No 514/91 interest aimed at: by Mr Henry Chabert (RDE) to the Commission of the European Communities — the elimination of bottlenecks,
(26 March 1991) — the integration of areas which are either (91/C 210/63) geographically isolated or situated on the periphery of the Community.
Subject: Transport policy — the reduction of costs associated with transit traffic in cooperation with any non-member countries To date the Community has financed transport concerned, infrastructure projects — via DG XVI — mainly intended to assist peripheral and disadvantaged regions; for — the improvement of links on land/sea routes, reasons inherent in the nature of these regions, this type of action has not proved to be highly beneficial, whilst at — the provision of high-quality links between the major the same time many bottlenecks are hindering traffic in urban centres, including high-speed rail links. the heartlands of the Community.
The years 1987 to 1989 also saw a marked increase in In the light of these objectives, particular weight is being transport activities, particularly in international transport. given to the interests of countries at the heart of the Community, thus enabling the regions to gain easier Can the Commission therefore say whether it intends in access to the centre and the demands of international the short term to refocus aid on the saturated areas, whilst transport to be better met. continuing to take account of the need for inter-regional solidarity? O OJ No L 320, 24.11.1990.
Does it not think it essential in its future proposals to lay down certain priorities so as to ensure that the financing 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/31
WRITTEN QUESTION No 543/91 eight-hour maximum time) should be extended to all by Mr John McCartin (PPE) animals destined for immediate slaughter or for slaughter within a certain time span after arrival at their destination, to the Commission of the European Communities travelling by sea, both in intra-Community trade as in (26 March 1991) trade from the Community to third countries or from (91/C 210/64) third countries to the Community? Will it also extend this principle to such animals transported by ships registered in a Community Member State and to ships from third Subject: Prohibition on the use of BST countries making a stopover in an EC port?
In its proposal to extend until 1991 the prohibition on the Given the horror expressed by the public about conditions use of Bovin Somatotropin (BST), the Commission states on the vessels carrying sheep to the Middle East from that the results of the in-depth studies required to Australia and New Zealand, will the Council make measure the effects of the BST are not yet completed. representations to the governments of these States to When will these studies be completed? transmit the outrage felt by many Community citizens at the continuation of this form of transport?
Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry on behalf of the Commission (8 May 1991) Answer (10 July 1991)
The Commission has asked for various studies to be carried out in relation to bovine somatotrophin. It is The Council does understand the concern being expected that the results will be available by the summer. expressed about the problems of animal welfare at sea. Once they have been received, the Commission will study However, it may be difficult to obtain welfare guarantees them carefully in order to decide upon the best course of where animals are imported from third countries that are action. not contracting parties to the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport or where consignments intended for a third country stopping over in a Community port are being carried on a ship which does not fly the flag of a Member State.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 545/91 As far as the Community is concerned, the Council is examining a proposal for a Regulation on the protection by Mr Jacques Tauran (DR) of animals during transport, on which the European to the Council of the European Communities Parliament delivered its opinion on 6 April 1990, and (26 March 1991) which was amended by the Commission on 7 June 1990. It (91/C 210/65) is therefore not possible to anticipate what decision the Council might take on the various aspects of this proposal, particularly whether the transport of live animals for slaughter within, to and from a Member State Subject: Maritime transport of animals for slaughter should be subject to a limit on journey times, including when the animals are travelling by sea. The transport of animals for slaughter by sea leads to a great number of welfare problems for the animals. Conditions on the ships bringing live horses from South Import controls on live animals coming from third America to France are notorious. Overcrowding and heat countries should ensure that animals are transported in a have caused the death of thousands of sheep being manner consistent with Community welfare requirements transported from Australia or New Zealand to the Middle and are fit to continue their journey on Community East. territory. These provisions are to be contained in regulations currently under Council scrutiny, on which the European Parliament has been asked to give its Given that the quality of chilled meat is indistinguishable opinion, on the principles governing the organization of from freshly killed meat, will the Council agree to extend veterinary checks on animals entering the Community the principle of limitation on the journey times of live from third countries. animals destined for slaughter as referred to in the proposal for a Directive (COM(89) 322) (either by linking maximum journey times to feeding and watering times, or adopting the European Parliament's resolution setting an No C 210/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 589/91 peripheral regions. Community support could then by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE) supplement national contributions. to the Commission of the European Communities O COM(90) 585 final. (26 March 1991) (91/C 210/66)
Subject: Intra-European vocational training networks
WRITTEN QUESTION No 593/91 At the end of 1989 (European Council meeting in by Mr Herman Verbeek (V) Strasbourg, December 1989) an important initiative was taken to harness the completion of the internal market to the Commission of the European Communities and economic and social cohesion to the creation of an (26 March 1991) intra-European network infrastructure, inter alia in the (91/C 210/67) field of telecommunications, with a view to establishing a link between the peripheral regions and the centre of the Community. Subject: Inspection procedures carried out at the Lauwersoog wholesale fish market The Commission is already drawing up proposals and measures to this end. However, despite the progress The Commission has been ordered by the Court of Justice already made, the question of financing these networks to hand over documents to the Groningen examining remains vague and uncertain. Can the Commission give magistrate which reveal that European Community its view on this matter and state whether it intends to inspectors were aware for two years (1984—1985) that provide for the realization of this ambitious project new excess quantities of fish were being caught and marketed and sufficient Community resources in addition to and this was being camouflaged by means of dual existing resources and in addition to those provided by accounting procedures relating to the Lauwersoog private sources? wholesale fish market (Nieuwsblad van het Noorden, 22 February 1991).
1. Did EC inspectors discover any further cases of dual accounting procedures in Lauwersoog in subsequent years (1986—1991)?
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou 2. Has the Commission discovered other 'grey market' on behalf of the Commission activities on other fish markets? (15 May 1991) 3. Does the Commission not consider it very unfortunate in terms of the credibility of its administration, that no measures were taken by its own inspectors in response In the Commission communication to the Council and to infringements of EC catch quotas? Parliament on 'Trans-European Networks' ('), several references are made to the importance of vocational 4. How does the Commission intend to enforce catch training as a structural element of the single market. quotas? Vocational training is clearly mentioned (point 6.1.4) in the context not only of information exchange networks between different vocational training professionals in the Member States but also of networks devoted to distance learning and training. Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (14 May 1991) With regard to the financial aspects referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission is fully aware of the considerable efforts required to obtain the necessary The Commission shares the Honourable Member's resources in this field, subject to available budgetary concern regarding possible infringements of Community resources and to the financial perspective. law on catch registration.
The Commission is therefore currently examining It is true that the existence of the 'grey market' in the possible ways of financing trans-European training Netherlands was brought to the Commission's attention networks, bearing in mind their specific nature. Although in reports by its inspectors in 1984. The Commission the aim is to secure primarily private-sector finance, considered that the Netherlands had failed to comply public finance could prove necessary, particularly in with Article 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 12. 8.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/33
2057/82 O and consequently it initiated the procedure situation in the industry particularly in relation to its main provided for in Article 169 of the Treaty. The procedure competitors on the world market (the United States and was closed when the Commission was satisfied that Japan), both generally and at company level, and the effective action to combat the situation had been taken. conditions that have to be met at Community level to Furthermore, in the two years following no further cases ensure lasting recovery in the industry. of dual accounting procedures were discovered at the Lauwersoog wholesale fish market. The positive effects of the completion of the internal market on the industry are examined in detail in the The General Inspection Service (AID) of the Ministry of communication, which also discusses the other factors Agriculture and Fisheries in the Netherlands has likely to help improve their competitiveness. discovered irregularities regarding the registration of catches in three other wholesale fish markets and the In its conclusions, the Commission emphasizes that the matter has been referred to the public prosecutor's office document is intended to contribute to a discussion with in the Netherlands for further consideration. Parliament, the Member States, the Economic and Social Committee and all the interests concerned. The Commission has no definite proof of 'grey market' activities on fish markets in other Member States. The Commission is sending a copy of the communication to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat. The Commission draws the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that it is the Member States who are responsible for the direct control of the registration of catches and the institution of legal proceedings for infringements in their territory and waters. The Commission uses all the means at its disposal, in particular Community inspection measures, to remind Member States of their obligations in this respect. WRITTEN QUESTION No 662/91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Cot (S) O OJNoL220,19.7.1982. to the Commission of the European Communities (16 April 1991) (91/C 210/69)
Subject: Arolsen archives
WRITTEN QUESTION No 598/91 Recent events in Central Europe might give rise to the temptation to destroy archives and other reminders of by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED) events which took place and shameful acts which were to the Commission of the European Communities committed under the Nazi regime, the memory of which (15 April 1991) must be kept alive as a lesson tb future generations. (91/C 210/68) The Arolsen centre, which contains archives relating to the camps, the prisons and the Gestapo, seems in Subject: Electronics and communications industries: 1992 particular danger.
Is the Commission aware of the existence of an What particular aspects of the Single Market legislation international agreement concerning the preservation of does the Commission judge will have an effect on the such archives? electronics and communications industries? How will this affect the ability of these industries to compete with non-Community competitors? Could an inventory of these archives be drawn up and microfich copies safely entrusted to a neutral body such as the United Nations, and who would have access to them?
Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Delors (4 June 1991) on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1991)
On 26 March 1991 the Commission adopted a communication on the European electronics and Whilst being very aware of the problem raised by the data-processing industry which analyses in detail the Honourable Member, the Commission has no powers to No C 210/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91 act in this field, which is primarily a matter for the The Council will certainly give careful consideration to Member States. any proposal that the Commission might make on this matter. The Honourable Member might be advised to address his O Council Regulation of 20 November 1990 for an action question to UNESCO, whose World Heritage Committee programme in the field of transport infrastructure with a view has already placed the Auschwitz concentration camp on to the completion of an integrated transport market in 1992 the World Heritage List. (OJNoL326,24.11.1990, p. 1).
WRITTEN QUESTION No 755/91 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz (S) WRITTEN QUESTION No 689/91 to the Council of the European Communities by Mr Frederic Rosmini (S) (23 April 1991) to the Council of the European Communities (91/C2K3/71) (19 April 1991) (91/C 210/70) Subject: Implementation of the measures envisaged in the action programme contained in the Social Charter in respect of vocational training and the Subject: Rhine-Rhone link elderly
On 11 September, 1989 the Council of Ministers meeting At its meeting of 14 and 15 December 1990 in Rome the in Paris expressed a clear interest in inland waterway European Council noted that it was necessary to give the transportfor East-West as well as North-South traffic. social and the economic aspects of European integration equal priority, especially as regards measures to promote The board of directors of the North Sea-Mediterranean the rights embodied in the Social Charter and the Association, meeting in Marseille on 18 January 1991, accompanying action programme. noted the decisions by the French Government Can the Council specify its position and views on concerning works to be carried out for the linking of the vocational training and measures in support of the Rhine and Rhone. elderly, thereby fleshing out the brief indications contained in its report on European Union (Doc. Given the size of the investment and the undeniably C3-0097/91)? European nature of such a project, the Council should not inflexibly adhere to positions of principle. Significant Community funding will, in any event, be necessary to complete the infrastructure which is essential for regional Answer development and the future of the port of Marseille. (10 July 1991)
In view of this, can the Council give its views on financial 1. Pursuant to section 9 of its action programme participation by the Community to ensure that this (Vocational training), the Commission submitted to the waterway link can be completed within a reasonable Council: period? — in March 1990, a proposal for a Decision to extend the third young workers' exchange programme until the end of 1991. The Council adopted the proposal on 29 May 1990; Answer — in November 1990, a proposal for a Decision (10 July 1991) amending Decison 87/569/EEC. Discussions on this second proposal are under way. The Rhine-Rhone link is included in plans for inland waterways of Community interest, although no financial 2. Pursuant to section 12 of its action programme (The support from the Community is envisaged, at least for the elderly), the Commission submitted a proposal to the time being, either by way of a Community contribution as Council in April 1990 for a Decision on Community laid down in Regulation (EEC) No 3359/90 (*) or under actions for the elderly. any other financial instrument. The above Regulation provides for a three-year action programme The Council adopted this Decision on 26 November (1990-1991-1992) covering seven major transport 1990. infrastructure projects of Community interest. The Rhine-Rhone link is not included in that programme. 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 210/35
WRITTEN QUESTION No 894/91 the Netherlands authorities of a 'social renewal' by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S) programme as of 1 July 1991. to the Council of the European Communities This programme includes a scheme under which young (8 May 1991) people between 16 and 27 years of age who have been (91/C 210/72) unemployed for up to six months will be recruited at a minimum wage by government or state-subsidized bodies for a period of one year. Subject: Legal status of fuel retailers for social security purposes Are the Community institutions aware of this initiative? Is The petroleum distribution sector, and particularly fuel multilateral supervision required? retailing, is highly complex. The social-security status of those engaged in this sector, for example retailers who are legally self-employed but in fact dependent on their suppliers, the major oil companies, appears to pose Answer problems in various Community Member States. (10 July 1991) This is a problem both in itself and in respect of the organization of the Community internal market. The Council has not held any discussion of the Netherlands authorities' 'social renewal' programme in Have the Community institutions considered the various the course of its multilaterial surveillance exercises. aspects of this major problem and if so with what results? If not, when do they intend to do so?
Answer (10 July 1991) WRITTEN QUESTION No 924/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) The Council and the European Parliament have before to the Commission of the European Communities them a Commission communication entitled 'Towards a (15 May 1991) single market in distribution', which assesses the situation in that sector. (91/C 210/74)
Although that communication covers the whole spectrum Subject: Control over organ transplants and does not deal specifically with the situation obtaining as regards the distribution of petroleum products, the Commission might announce, in particular within the Can the Commission state its position on the alleged Committee for Commerce and Distribution, that abuses involving patients in irreversible coma from whom developments in this sector are to be taken into vital organs have been removed on the grounds of consideration. so-called 'consenting silence'? Does it not believe that the procedure should be regulated, since the irreversibility of Moreover, petroleum distribution retailers may, where a coma cannot at present be diagnosed with absolute appropriate, benefit from the major measures initiated by certainty — as demonstrated by the numerous cases in the Community to assist small and medium-sized which patients pronounced brain dead have regained undertakings. consciousness — and hence that the concept of consenting silence should be outlawed?
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou WRITTEN QUESTION No 896/91 on behalf of the Commission by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S) (3 July 1991) to the Council of the European Communities (8 May 1991) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to (91/C 210/73) the reply to the oral question H-733/90 by Mrs Llorca Vilaplana, which it gave during question time at Parliament's July 1990 part-session (x). Subject: Government-run youth employment scheme in the Netherlands (') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-392 (July 1990). A specialized Belgian publication entitled 'La Defense Sociale' of 7 March 1991 announces the introduction by No C 210/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1009/91 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1031/91 *by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (S) by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR) to the Council of the European Communities to the Council of the European Communities {22 May 1991) {22 May 1991) (91/C 210/75) (91/C 210/76)
Subject: Social exclusion in the EC Subject: The setting-up of a European food inspectorate Social inclusion is sadly a reality in the European Community, but in this Europe of the single market A few days ago the Commission abandoned plans to set poverty should not be regarded as an inescapable up a European food inspectorate, on the pretext that EEC condition, still less as a consequence of the single market citizens had widely differing tastes in food. However, itself. spoiled food which is unfit for consumption continues to be distributed and sold. In order to provide an assurance for the least favoured that they will, not suffer as a result of developments Does the Council agree with the Commission's decision, leading to an economically strong Europe, would the or does it intend to press ahead with its attempt to set up a Council be in favour of setting up a kind of 'Committee of European food inspectorate in view of the increasingly the excluded' responsible for assessing the impact of each widespread distribution of spoiled food on European proposed Directive on the poorest section of the markets? population, with a requirement for this committee to give an opinion, before a directive is drawn up, on its likely social consequences for individuals?
Answer Answer {10 July 1991) {10 July 1991)
Under the Treaties, it is the Commission which has the Since the Council has not received any proposals from the right of initiative, and it is therefore for the Commission Commission for setting up a European food inspectorate, to judge the wisdom or otherwise of setting up the it is unable to comment on the facts referred to by the proposed Committee, especially bearing in mind that it Honourable Member. could to some extent restrict the Commission in the exercise of its right of initiative. However, it does consider that one of the main aims of Community food legislation is to give consumers a guarantee of food health quality.
The Council is equally aware of the need to supplement this legislation; in this connection, the Commission has WRITTEN QUESTION No 1034/91 recently submitted a proposal for a Directive on 'scientific by Mrs Sylvie Mayer, Mr Sergio Ribeiro, Mr Vassilis cooperation' which will improve the precautionary safety Ephremidis and Mr Proinsias De Rossa (CG) evaluation of food and food ingredients. to the Commission of the European Communities (22 May 1991) Other measures have also been announced in (91/C 210/77) implementation of some aspects of the Directive on the control of foodstuffs, or to strengthen the early warning system for contaminated or spoiled food, which the Subject: Resumption of scientific cooperation with Israel Commission set up 10 years ago. Early in February 1990, in response to a call made by Parliament in its resolution of 18 January 1990, the The Council assures you that any Commission proposals Commission decided on a partial freeze in scientific on food safety will be examined with the utmost care and cooperation with Israel with a view to securing the all due dispatch, in order to be well equipped for the reopening of all the Palestinian universities closed since single market in 1993. January 1988.
The Commission has now decided, without first consulting Parliament, to resume that cooperation. 12. 8. 91 Official Journal of thi European Communities No C 210/37
Violations of human rights, in particular those protected which it gave during question time at Parliament's 1 by the Forth Geneva Convention, have worsened further February 1991 part-session ( ). and the Palestinian universities, whose reopening has frequently been announced by the Israeli occupiers, are (') Debates of the European Parliament Nos 3-400 and 3-401 still closed. (February 1991).
Can the Commission state the reasons for this volte-face, given that none of the conditions set for the resumption of cooperation has yet been met? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1066/91 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz and Mr Jose Vazquez Fouz (S) to the Council of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1038/91 {29 May 1991) by Mrs Marie-Christine Aulas, Mr Eugenio Melandri and (91/C 210/79) Mr Wilfried Telkamper (V) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Decision by the Federal German authorities to abolish visas for Polish citizens (22 May 1991) (91/C 210/78) The abolition of visas for Polish citizens wishing to enter the unified FRG will clearly lead to a significant increase in the numbers of Polish citizens wishing to remain in the Subject: Closure of Palestinian universities FRG and the other Member States which have removed border controls, with a view to obtaining access to consumer goods and, possibly, employment, on the basis In line with an urgent resolution adopted by the European of their perfectly legitimate desire to improve their living Parliament on 18 January 1990, the Commission partially standards. suspended scientific cooperation with Israel in order to press for the reopening of the Palestinian universities Does the Council posses estimated figures for the number which have been closed since January 1988, despite of Polish 'citizens', the length of their stay on EEC repeated promises to open them made in response to this territory and the number of work permits granted ? pressure but not acted upon.
Following the recent increase in human rights violations / Answer in the Occupied Territories, the European Council, meeting in Rome in December 1990, called 'once again on {10 July 1991) Israel to comply with Resolutions 672 and 673 of the UN Security Council, to act in conformity with its obligations The Council would draw the Honourable Members' under the Fourth Geneva Convention on the Protection attention to the fact that the matter they raise is not of the Civilian Population, and to cooperate with the covered by the Treaties and therefore falls outside the United Nations.' Community's jurisdiction; it is the Member States which determine which third countries' nationals need a visa to Why, in these circumstances, has the Commission now enter their territory. spontaneously abandoned the only firm action it has ever taken to induce Israel to fulfil its obligations? The Council is unable to supply the statistical information requested by the Honourable Members.
Will the Commission no longer take human rights into consideration where cooperation with third countries is concerned?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1121/91 by Mr Ian White (S) to the Commission of the European Communities Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1034/91 and 1038/91 (5 June 1991) given by Mr Matutes (91/C 210/80) on behalf of the Commission {3 July 1991) Subject: Social workers
Since 1980, in each Member State, how many social The Commission would refer the Honourable Members workers have been killed by their clients while they were to the reply to the oral question H-147/91 by Mrs Valent, on duty? No C 2t0/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 8. 91
Answer given by Mrs Papandreou mutual administrative assistance in the field of taxation. on behalf of the Commission This is designed to help in the fight against tax crime, which is increasingly being organized on an international (3 July 199!) basis. Is the Community taking account of the framework of this convention in defining and implementing its own The Commission does not have the information strategy in this area? requested by the Honourable Member.
Answer (10 July 1991) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1172/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S) There are at present two Commission proposals (') before to the Council of the European Communities the Council amending Community rules on mutual (5 June 1991) administrative assistance in the field of taxation. (91/C210/81) The proposal on indirect taxation does take account of Subject: Council of Europe convention on administrative the as yet unratified OECD/Council of Europe cooperation in the field of taxation convention to which the Honourable Member refers.
The Council of Europe and the OECD have jointly (») O] No C 141, 7. 6. 1989, p. 7 and OJ No C 187, 27. 7. 1990, submitted for signature and ratification a convention on p. 23.