ISSN 0378-6986 Official Journal C 101 Volume 31 of the European Communities 15 April 1988
English edition Information and Notices
Notice No Contents Page
I Information
European Parliament
Written Questions without answer
88/C101/01 No 1944/87 by Mr Domenec Romera i Alcazar to the Council Subject: Alleged existence of an international extremist organization causing disturbances at football grounds 1
88/C101/02 No 2055/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Shortfall in United Kingdom funding for Health and Safety Executive 1
88/C101/03 No 2056/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Comparison of educational systems in Member States
88/C101/04 No 2057/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Social security benefits/loans within the Community 2
88/C101/05 No 2058/87 by Mr Rolf Linkohr to the Commission Subject: Supplementary water tax in Baden-Wiirttemberg 2
88/C101/06 No 2061/87 by Mr Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Freedom of access to employment for air traffic controllers 2
88/C101/07 No 2063/87 by Mr Alberto Tridente to the Commission Subject: Safety conditions in the United States' two main nuclear power stations used for military purposes (Hanford and Washington) 2
88/C101/08 No 2064/87 by Mr Alberto Tridente to the Commission Subject: Use of radioactive waste as fertilizer in Oklahoma 3
88/C101/09 No 2065/87 by Mr Alberto Tridente to the Commission Subject: Carcinogenic properties of naphthalene 3
88/C101/10 No 2066/87 by Mr Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: Deaths caused by the consumption of cheese 3
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88/C101/11 No 2067/87 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: Adoption of directives or regulations on environmental protection by the Council of Ministers 3
88/C101/12 No 2068/87 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: Action on traffic noise in the European Community 3
88/C101/13 No 2069/87 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: Perchlorethylene (PER) 4
88/C101/14 No 2070/87 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission Subject: The use of fresh opium poppy capsules by florists 4
88/C101/15 No 2071/87 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: The use of computer communications systems by the disabled and the elderly 4
88/C101/16 No 2072/87 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject: Council resolution of 9 November 1987 on the promotion of translation of important works of European culture (87/C 309/03) 5
88/C101/17 No 2073/87 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission Subject: Advertising methods of Spanish foundries 5
88/C101/18 No 2074/87 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission Subject: Fruit imports from the southern hemisphere , 5
88/C101/19 No 2076/87 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission Subject: Establishment of doctors in the Community 6
88/C101/20 No 2078/87 by Mr Leen van der Waal to the Commission Subject: Establishment of a fraud unit 6
88/C101/21 No 2079/87 by Mr John Tomlinson to the Commission Subject: Radioactive fall out 6
88/C101/22 No 2082/87 by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin to the Commission Subject: Belgian report on the disposal of radioactive waste 6
88/C101/23 No 2085/87 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject: Second round of rationalization in the European steel industry 6
88/C101/24 No 2086/87 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject: Cost-comparative research into Community transport firms 7
88/C101/25 No 2092/87 by Mr Frangois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: Unemployment figures broken down by date of signing on 7
88/C101/26 No 2094/87 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject: New telecommunications systems and new opportunities for elderly and disabled people 7
88/C101/27 No 2095/87 by Mr Leen van der Waal to the Commission Subject: AIDS research and prevention programme 8
88/C101/28 No 2099/87 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Italian customs formalities 8 Notice No Contents (continued)
88/C 101/29 No 2100/87 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Transportation of live cattle to Austria and Italy 8
88/C 101/30 No 2101/87 by Mr Willy Kuijpers to the Commission Subject: Community action on films for young people 9
88/C 101/31 No 2103/87 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: The import of dangerously contaminated Swiss cheese into the Community 9
88/C 101/32 No 2104/87 by Mr Horst Seefeld to the Commission Subject: Council of Europe Convention on the transfer of sentenced persons of 21 March 1983 9
88/C 101/33 No 2105/87 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Restriction of British fishery zones 10
88/C 101/34 No 2107/87 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Words of the European anthem 10
88/C 101/35 No 2112/87 by Mr Rolf Linkohr to the Commission Subject: Resources from the European Social Fund for the young unemployed 10
88/C 101/36 No 2114/87 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: Bioethanol from surplus grain 10
88/C 101/37 No 2115/87 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: Taxation on Scotch whisky 11
88/C 101/38 No 2116/87 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission Subject: The cost of CAP fraud in 1987 11
88/C 101/39 No 2118/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: European Social Fund assistance for United Kingdom training schemes 11
88/C 101/40 No 2119/87 by Mr Leen van der Waal to the Commission Subject: Problems regarding measurement of the mesh size of fishing nets in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 2108/84 11
88/C 101/41 No 2121/87 by Mr Hans-Jurgen Zahorka to the Commission Subject: Possibility of reduced motor insurance premiums for farmers who own several tractors 12
88/C 101/42 No 2123/87 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission Subject: Packaging regulations 12
88/C 101/43 No 2124/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Ecology and development 12
88/C 101/44 No 2125/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: The Evros Delta 13
88/C 101/45 No 2126/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Washington Convention 13
88/C 101/46 No 2127/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Ecology and development in the Amazon region 13
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88/C101/47 No 2128/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Ecology and development in the Amazon region 14
88/C101/48 No 2129/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Ecology and development in the Amazon region 14
88/C101/49 No 2130/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Ecology and development in Central and Latin America 14
88/C101/50 No 2131/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission Subject: Relations between the European Parliament and the ECSC 15
88/C101/51 No 2133/87 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission Subject: European Community Trades Description Legislation 15
88/C101/52 No 2135/87 by Mr Gustave Pordea to the Commission Subject: East-West joint ventures 15
88/C101/53 No 2137/87 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: Payment of subscriptions in ECU 15
88/C101/54 No 2138/87 by Mr Andrew Pearce to the Commission Subject: United Kingdom production of bread-making wheat 16
88/C101/55 No 2140/87 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission Subject: Training schemes 16
88/C101/56 No 2141/87 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission Subject: The destruction of tropical rain forests 16
88/C101/57 No 2142/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Freedom of movement among male midwives and recruitment of male student midwife trainees within the Community 16
88/C101/58 No 2143/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission Subject: Comparative redundancy payments within similar professions 16
88/C101/59 No 2149/87 by Sir James Stewart-Clark to the Commission Subject: Action to prevent illegal drugs from entering the Community 17
88/C101/60 No 2151/87 by Mrs Ien van den Heuvel to the Commission Subject: Trade in human organs 17
88/C101/61 No 2154/87 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: EC-supported guidance programme for the introduction of biotechnology on farms . . 17
88/C101/62 No 2155/87 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: Genetic engineering techniques affecting the growth of cattle 17
88/C101/63 No 2156/87 by Mr Antonio Iodice to the Commission Subject: European Cinema and Television Year 18
88/C101/64 No 2157/87 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission Subject: Delay in dealing with the Belgian complaint about discrimination in the field of social security 18
88/C101/65 No 2159/87 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission Subject: Updating of a demographic report 18
88/C101/66 No 2160/87 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission Subject: The dumping of cheap footwear from South-East Asia in the Community Member States 18 Notice No Contents (continued)
88/C101/67 No 2161/87 by Mr John Bird to the Commission Subject: Aid package for Syria 19
88/C101/68 No 2164/87 by Mrjaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission Subject: Disposal of butter stocks — Special programmes for consumers 19
88/C101/69 No 2165/87 by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission Subject: Replacement of the old customs forms by the single administrative document which is due to enter into force on 1 January 1988 19
88/C101/70 No 2166/87 by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission Subject: Monitoring of special brake tests for certain road vehicles 19
88/C101/71 No 2167/87 by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission Subject: Air safety 20
88/C 101/72 No 2168/87 by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier to the Commission Subject: 'Round-up' total herbicide 20
88/C101/73 No 2171/87 by Mrs Marcelle Lentz-Cornette to the Commission Subject: Support for cross-border cooperation in the Saar-Lor-Lux area 20
88/C101/74 No 2172/87 by Mr Alfred Lomas to the Commission Subject: Equal retirement age for men and women 21
88/C101/75 No 2173/87 by Mr Thomas Megahy to the Commission Subject: EEC survey of teachers' pay and conditions 21
88/C 101/76 No 2174/87 by Mr Jose Medeiros Ferreira to the Commission Subject: Interpretation of Chapter 64, Article 643 of the budget — Expenditure in the social field 21
88/C101/77 No 2175/87 by Mr Roberto Costanzo to the Commission Subject: Construction of a silo for the storage of grain in the port of Naples 21
88/C101/78 No 2176/87 by Mr Jean-Marie Vanlerenberghe, Mrs Nicole Fontaine, Mr Jacques Mallet and Mr Roger Partrat to the Commission Subject: 'Jean Monnet Year' 21
88/C101/79 No 2178/87 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission Subject: Extension of the French reprocessing plant in The Hague 22
88/C101/80 No 2179/87 by Mr Otto von Habsburg and Mr Joachim Dalsass to the Commission Subject: Bank accounts held by foreigners in Italy — Discrimination against Community citi zens 22
88/C101/81 No 2181/87 by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi to the Commission Subject: Community financing for the 'tunnel' motorway 22
88/C101/82 No 2182/87 by Mr Vera Squarcialupi to the Commission Subject: 31 deaths caused by a Swiss cheese 22
88/C101/83 No 2183/87 by Mrs Margaret Daly to the Commission Subject: Birds Directive 23
88/C101/84 No 2186/87 by Mr Peter Price to the Commission Subject: Written answers to parliamentary questions 23
88/C101/85 No 2187/87 by Mr Peter Price to the Commission Subject: Mission expenses 23
(Continued overleaf) Notice No Contents (continued)
88/C 101/86 No 2190/87 by Mrs Hedy d'Ancona to the Commission Subject: Progress with regard to a European policy on migration 23
88/C 101/87 No 2192/87 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission Subject: The granting of honorary rank 23
88/C 101/88 No 2196/87 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission Subject: New method for the payment of Belgian pensions to Community citizens who have returned to their country of origin 24
88/C 101/89 No 2198/87 by Mr George Patterson to the Commission Subject: Classification of Tamarindus Indica 24
88/C 101/90 No 2199/87 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission Subject: Wild caught fur — Fur taken from animals that have been trapped in the wild imported into the Member States of EEC 24
88/C 101/91 No 2201/87 by Mr Wilfried Telkamper, Mr Bram van der Lek and Mr Jakob von Uexkiill to the Commission Subject: EIB loan for a new combined heat and power station in Hanover (Federal Republic of Germany) 24
88/C 101/92 No 2202/87 by Mrs Brigitte Heinrich, Mr Wilfried Telkamper, Mr Bram van der Lek and Mr Jakob von Uexkiill to the Commission Subject: Regional Fund grant in Stadtallendorf, Hessen (Federal Republic of Germany) 25
88/C 101/93 No 2203/87 by Mr Jakob von Uexkiill to the Commission Subject: Problems with the payment of Social Fund grants in Ireland 25 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/1
(Information)
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
WRITTEN QUESTIONS TO WHICH NO ANSWER HAS BEEN GIVEN (*)
These questions are published in accordance with Rule 46 (3) of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament: 'Questions to which no answer has been given within one month by the Commission, or within two months by the Council, . . . shall also be published in the "Official Journal of the European Communities'".
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1944/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2055/87 by Mr Domenec Romera i Alcazar (ED—E) by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) to the Council of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (22 December 1987) (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/01) (88/C 101/02)
Subject: Alleged existence of an international extremist Subject: Shortfall in United Kingdom funding for Health organization causing disturbances at football and Safety Executive grounds
According to a report by two eminent Belgian Is the Commission aware that the United Kingdom criminologists prompted by the Heysel Stadium disaster Health and Safety Executive have a budgetary shortfall of in Brussels, there is evidence to show that an international 9,5 million for the coming financial year? Would the extremist organization was behind this and subsequent Commission agree that such a shortfall and the resultant disturbances at other football grounds. reduction in work undertaken by the Executive can only lead to problems within the United Kingdom on the implementation of workplace directives and The report is accompanied by documents, photographs environmental directives, both of which are areas and correspondence between supporters from different presently covered by the Health and Safety Executive? countries, exchanging techniques for causing Further, would the Commission agree that it is disturbances, avoiding controls and searches, etc., as well hypocritical of the United Kingdom systematically to as details of contacts between hooligans and neo-Nazi underfund the Health and Safety Executive considering groups. the United Kingdom's participation in the European Year of the Environment, participation which now appears Has the Council taken note of the increasing scale of this largely meaningless due to this budgetary shortfall? problem, with a view to adopting the measures necessary to eradicate completely these acts of deliberate barbarism? In conclusion, will the Commission also comment on the inevitability of the United Kingdom Government falling foul of many directives and the fact that this will lead to
(*) The answer will be published as soon as they are received from the institution concerned. No C 101/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
increased tension and friction between the United 2. If so, does it consider this measure to be compatible Kingdom Government and the Commission in the coming with EC legislation? year(s)? 3. If not, does it regard it as a violation of the EC Treaties?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2056/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2061/87 (18 January 1988) by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR-NL) (88/C 101/03) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Comparison of educational systems in Member (18 January 1988) States (88/C 101/06) Will the Commission outline the methods used to finance the education systems operating in Member States other Subject: Freedom of access to employment for air traffic than the United Kingdom? Can it also indicate whether controllers non-United Kingdom schools operate any equivalent to the 'governorship' system in United Kingdom the Is the Commission aware of reports that a deal has been whereby members of the general public are appointed to struck between Eurocontrol and the Netherlands Civil the governing body of an individual school and charged Aviation Authority excluding Dutch nationals from with the running of these institutions? applying for employment at the Eurocontrol centre in Beek?
Can it state whether such an agreement is compatible with the clause prohibiting discrimination on grounds of nationality in the EC? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2057/87 by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) Does it regard as generally permissible agreements to the Commission of the European Communities between current and possible future employers to exclude (18 January 1988) certain suitably qualified persons from applying for employment? (88/C 101/04) If not, what action will it take against the above Subject: Social security benefits/loans within the agreement? Community
Can the Commission provide information concerning which, if any, Member States offer social security provision on a loan basis to be repaid at some future date?
Will the Commission also provide details of any Member WRITTEN QUESTION No 2063/87 States proposing to introduce such a system of loans in the foreseeable future? by Mr Alberto Tridente (ARC—I) to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/07)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2058/87 Subject: Safety conditions in the United States' two main by Mr Rolf Linkohr (S- D) nuclear power stations used for military purposes to the Commission of the European Communities (Hanford and Washington) (18 January 1988) What view does the Commission take of the report by the (88/C 101/05) US National Research Council that the safety conditions in the two main nuclear power stations in the United Subject: Supplementary water tax in Baden- States used for military purposes are insufficient to Wurttemberg? prevent radioactive leaks in the event of a serious incident such as that which occurred at Tchernobyl? 1. Was the Commission informed of the introduction of a supplementary tax on water (the so called 'Wasserpfennig') in Baden-Wurttemberg? 15.4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/3
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2064/87 Federal Republic of Germany the Ministry of Health has by Mr Alberto Tridente (ARC—I) issued warnings to the public not to eat this type of cheese. In the countries concerned this speciality cheese is made to the Commission of the European Communities out of untreated milk, not pasteurized milk, as stipulated (18 January 1988) in the Federal Republic of Germany by food legislation. (88/C 101/08) The process of pasteurization entails heating the milk to 60° C, thereby killing off all harmful bacteria. Subject: Use of radioactive waste as fertilizer in 1. How does the Commission explain the sudden spate Oklahoma of deaths in Switzerland, bearing in mind that this manufacturing process has been in use there for many Is the Commission aware that radioactive waste is being years? recycled in fertilizers by the Kerr McGee company, the managers of a nuclear power station in Oklahoma, that 2. Is the Commission aware of any similar cases of illness animal malformations and deaths have been recorded in Community countries? following ingestions of fodder fertilized with this waste, 3. In which countries of the Community have these and that the animals fed on this fodder and the cereals speciality cheeses from France and Switzerland been grown using the radioactive fertilizer are about to be put marketed? on the market? 4. Does the Commission consider it necessary to Can it check that these products are not intended for introduce measures at European level to prohibit export to Europe? certain manufacturing methods for health reasons?
What measures will it take to ensure that proper checks are made of meat and grain from the United States?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2067/87 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE—D) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2065/87 (18 January 1988) by Mr Alberto Tridente (ARC—I) (88/C 101/11) to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) Subject: Adoption of directives or regulations on (88/C 101/09) environmental protection by the Council of Ministers
Subject: Carcinogenic properties of naphthalene Council agreement on European environmental protection measures is often blocked, or delayed for long 1. Is the Commission aware of the decision by the periods, by one country or a small number of countries. Soviet Government to ban the sale of naphthalene following the conclusion by a committee of experts that it Can the Commission list the cases over the last ten years is carcinogenic? in which agreement on directives and regulations in the Council of Ministers has been thwarted by the opposition 2. Does it not consider that an investigation should be of a single country? made into the possible carcinogenic effects of naphthalene in the Community? If so, would the Commission please name the countries concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2066/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2068/87 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE—D) by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE—D) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/10) (88/C 101/12)
Subject: Deaths caused by the consumption of cheese Subject: Action of traffic noise in the European Community The German press (Bild am Sonntag, 22 November 1987) has carried reports of deaths in Switzerland caused by the Noise is a feature of everyday life which is detrimental to consumption of the speciality cheese 'Vacherin'. In the the well-being of many people in all the countries of the No C 101/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
European Community. This applies to place of work, but 5. What technical safety measures would it be possible to even more to the nuisance caused by traffic noise at home, implement in these two sectors? affecting people's leisure.
The European Community has issued regulations to protect workers from noise-induced health hazard at work.
1. What steps does the Commission intend to take to WRITTEN QUESTION No 2070/87 reduce the nuisance to the public caused by traffic by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE—D) noise? to the Commission of the European Communities
2. Does it categorize traffic noise as a matter for (18 January 1988) European environmental protection? (88/C 101/14)
3. Is it conducting any studies in this field? Subject: The use of fresh opium poppy capsules by 4. Has it any information on the situation in the florists individual Member States? In the Federal Republic of Germany, for example, measures to combat traffic The use of fresh opium poppy capsules by florists, which noise are currently being stepped up. was once very popular, is prohibited in the Federal Republic of Germany by narcotics legislation. 5. Are similar steps being taken in Denmark, France, Italy and the United Kingdom? In the Netherlands and in Denmark, however, the opium poppy may be freely bought and sold without a licence. This substance is thus available to bouquet-makers in both these countries, but may not be sold or used in the Federal Republic.
1. Does the Commission consider that the use of fresh opium poppy capsules in making up bouquets entails a WRITTEN QUESTION No 2069/87 risk of drug abuse? by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE—D) 2. If so, does it consider that measures are required in to the Commission of the European Communities Denmark and the Netherlands to stop its cultivation (18 January 1988) and use by florists? (88/C 101/13) 3. If not, does it consider that the relevant provisions of the German narcotics law are too far-reaching? Subject: Perchlorethylene (PER)
Perchlorethylene has attracted attention in the Federal Republic of Germany, as it is often used in dry cleaning and causes atmospheric pollution, which can lead to the contamination of food. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2071/87 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE—NL) As well as being used in dry cleaning, this substance is also to the Commission of the European Communities widely used in the metal-working industry on account of its grease-dissolving properties, which can give rise to (18 January 1988) problems both at places of work and also for the (88/C 101/15) environment in general.
1. Can the Commission say which countries of the Subject: The use of computer communications systems by European Community have regulations governing the the disabled and the elderly use of this substance? In recent years the development of new computer 2. Is it familiar with the studies of the American NTP communications systems has accelerated. In the near (National Toxicological Program) ? future these systems are expected to take over to a significant extent from the present-day telephone. 3. Has it already investigated this substance, and does it propose to submit regulations governing its use in the At present approximately 5% of the population have European Community? trouble using the telephone. With computer communications systems this percentage is expected to 4. What known PER substitutes are available for use in rise to 20%. The people must affected are the disabled and the dry-cleaning and metal-working sectors? the elderly. 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/5
This means that, in the future, a section of the population 9. Does the Commission propose to draw any will to a certain extent be threatened with loss of access to conclusions from the penultimate paragraph of the one of society's most important channels of abovementioned resolution 87/C 309/03: 'Agree to communication. encourage the highest possible quality of translation and recognize the vital role of well-trained translators in this connection', and to give strong support to the Is the Commission prepared to introduce provisions at an training of translators in the various Member States? early stage to enable the elderly and people with a handicap to use this new equipment, for instance by O OJNoC309, 19. 11. 1987, p. 3. promoting special research or special standards in this field?
If so, what action does the Commission propose to take?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2073/87 by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S—D) to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/17)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2072/87 Subject: Advertising methods of Spanish foundries by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR—NL) In its August 1987 issue, the journal 'GUSS' reports on to the Commission of the European Communities increased efforts by Spanish foundries to gain a foothold (18 January 1988) in the German market. It is stated that trade unions, trade (88/C 101/16) cooperative associations, environmental levies, wage levels and so forth are largely responsible for the fact that increasing numbers of castings are being manufactured in Spain. Subject: Council resolution of 9 November 1987 on the promotion of translation of important works of 1. Is the Commission aware of these advertising European culture (87/C 309/03) methods, and what view does it take of them?
2. To what extent do conditions for the production of With regard to the Council resolution on the promotion castings in Spain differ from those of other of translation of important works of European culture ('): Community countries in terms of the environment, wages and contributions to trade cooperative 1. Can the Commission say what criteria will be applied associations? in selecting the works to be translated?
2. What genres will be considered for translation?
3. Why is choice limited to contemporary literature? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2074/87 4. Has the Commission any specific target group in mind by Mr Pol Marck (PPE—B) for which the translations will be chiefly designed, for to the Commission of the European Communities instance secondary school pupils, or will the selections (18 January 1988) be aimed at a wide audience? (88/C 101/18) 5. How many works will be considered annually for translation? Subject: Fruit imports from the southern hemisphere
6. How much money will be available annually for the According to some reports, countries of the southern translation projects? hemisphere, more especially Chile, have not adhered to the agreements concluded.
7. What criteria will the Commission employ when 1. Are these reports correct? What are the true figures ? allocating projects to translators? 2. If so, is the Commission considering any sanctions 8. Does the Commission propose to involve experts (or against offenders, for instance, reducing their quotas specialist organizations) in any pre-selection process? for future years? If so, what experts will be consulted in the various Member States? No C 101/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2076/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2079/87 by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S—D) by Mr John Tomlinson (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/19) (88/C 101/21)
Subject: Establishment of doctors in the Community Subject: Radioactive fall out
1. Is the Commission aware of the case of Dr Siegfried What centres of population would be affected within a Menachem, a German married to a British citizen who is 100-km radius by an accidental emission of radioactive practising as a doctor in the Federal Republic and who gas or particles from the reprocessing plant at Cap la obtained his initial medical qualifications in Jerusalem. Hague (Northern France) assuming (a) westerly, (b) These were recognized in the Federal Republic where he south-westerly, (c) southerly, winds of moderate completed his specialist training. strength?
2. Why did the competent Commission department not apply the relevant directive in this instance and why has the case not been settled by the Commission?
3. Does the Commission intend to institute WRITTEN QUESTION No 2082/87 proceedings for infringement of the Treaty against the by Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin (S—B) United Kingdom? to the Commission of the European Communities 4. What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that (18 January 1988) individual Member States learn from the problems they (88/C 101/22) encounter when incorporating directives into national legislation and can it suggest how to avoid individuals in Subject: Belgian report on the disposal of radioactive the Community gaining the impression that great efforts waste are being made to avoid settling specific cases on the basis of the directives ? What are the Commission's views on the report by ONDRAF (national body concerned with radioactive waste and fissile materials) defining the areas likely to be chosen as disposal sites?
Does it not consider that European coordination is WRITTEN QUESTION No 2078/87 needed? by Mr Leen van der Waal (NI-NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/20) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2085/87 Subject: Establishment of a fraud unit by Mr Ben Visser (S—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities 1. Is it correct that the Commission intends to set up a (18 January 1988) special 10-man fraud unit? (88/C 101/23) 2. If so, which Commissioner will have responsibility for this unit? Subject: Second round of rationalization in the European steel industry 3. What powers will it be given and in what areas will its activities be concentrated? In its recent proposals (COM(87). 388 final/2), the Commission proposes a considerable reduction in 4. Can the Commission give an estimate of the scale of production capacity in the European steel industry. fraud each year and an indication of the areas in which it occurs most freqently? 1. Does the Commission agree that there is no incentive to reduce capacity if the option of trading quotas 5. In view of earlier statements referring to the need exists? Would it be possible to abolish trade in quotas for a flying squad of 80 people, does the Commission and to declare that unused quotas have expired after a consider that a group of 10 people will be able to deal with certain time (for instance six months)? the fraud problem satisfactorily? 2. The Commission proposes a levy on production over 70% of the quota allocated. Would it not be desirable, as an incentive to reduce capacity, for the levy to be 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/7
based on production capacity? This might make firms that this may result in a failure to comply with traffic more willing to shed excess capacity. and social security regulations.
3. Could aid to firms (also) be related to the amount of — Differences in taxation between Member States are production capacity actually closed instead of (or in only one of the factors that influence the relative addition to) aid in respect of quotas that have finally competitiveness of firms. been ceded? 1. Is the Commission aware of the report by the Swiss firm Prognos ? 4. What is the relation between the Commission proposals and the recent agreement in Federal 2. Does the Commission share the report's conclusions Republic of Germany on reducing production (') ? Is as listed above? the aid granted in line with the Commission proposals 3. Is it true that the errors in cost calculation, which are and does it replace or complement the proposed concealed by internal transport services, reported by Community aid? the Swiss firm, do in fact lead to a distortion of competition in transfrontier transport? 5. Is it true that the Italian Government is going to grant a very large amount in aid (reportedly Lit 5 000 4. Is it possible that the objections to the speedy billion) to its own steel industry? Is it also true that completion of the internal market for the transport of this amount is intended for purposes banned under goods, raised by a number of Member States, might be the Codex (i.e. covering losses)? explained by the unfavourable competitive situation described above? O See Article in the FinancialDagblad, 6 October 1987. 5. What conclusions does the Commission draw from these findings with regard to the liberalization of the transport of goods by road?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2086/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2092/87 byMrBenVisser(S-NL) by Mr Francois Roelants du Vivier (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/24) (88/C 101/25)
Subject: Unemployment figures broken down by date of Subject: Cost-comparative research into Community signing on transport firms What is the trend in unemployment figures in the The German Federal Government has commissioned a Community and the Member States broken down by date Swiss firm, Prognos, to carry out a cost-comparative of signing on the dole (less than one year, between one study of transport firms in Belgium, the Federal Republic and two years, and over two years) ? of Germany, Denmark, France, Italy and the Netherlands (report published in August 1987). The following facts emerge from the report.
— Many firms in the Federal Republic of Germany, France and Italy find their transfrontier operations WRITTEN QUESTION No 2094/87 unprofitable (faulty calculations), these unprofitable by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR—NL) services are offset by profitable internal services. to the Commission of the European Communities — Transport liberalization in Europe will not (18 January 1988) necessarily lead to a general reduction in freight costs. (88/C 101/26) Low freight costs are partly made possible by the better internal rates. Subject: New telecommunications systems and new opportunities for elderly and disabled people — Errors in cost allocation between internal and external transport services distort competition in Telecommunications are developing ever more rapidly. In international transport. a few years the Integrated Services Digital Network will become a reality and it will be followed by the Integrated — Many firms are forced to save on costs, because of the Broadband Communication Network. People are situation in international transport. There is a fear becoming much more dependent on the new information No C 101/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88 technology than hitherto, on the telephone for instance. 2. Is the part of the programme devoted to education New opportunities are opening up but there are also great and information to reduce the sexual transmission of risks, particularly for the elderly and disabled people in AIDS geared solely to technical ways of preventing our midst. 5% of the population already have problems the spread of AIDS or are the dangers and problems using ordinary telephone handsets because of disabilities of promiscuity also pointed out? or age. There is a great risk that people — whose number may increase to 20% — will become completely isolated if 3. If not, does the Commission not think it important the new technological inventions take little or no account that this should be done, just as, in the Community, of their limitations or possibilities. publicity is given to the risks of excessive smoking?
1. Have there already been in-depth surveys of the problems that elderly and disabled people (may) experience in the introduction of new tele communications systems?
2. If so, are these surveys expressly taken into account in WRITTEN QUESTION No 2099/87 the project stage of new telecommunications systems, by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR-NL) in order to avoid costly adjustments later, and what to the Commission of the European Communities have been the results? (18 January 1988) 3. Which research and development projects concerning (88/C 101/28) telecommunications benefits for elderly and disabled people have received Commission funding to date and what were the amounts involved? Subject: Italian customs formalities
4. Are there international or Community research and Is the Commission aware that, contrary to agreements, development projects in the field of the customs office in Aosta, where a lot of livestock and telecommunications systems for elderly and disabled perishable goods destined for Italy cross the border, does people, intended to avoid the wasting of time, money not open until 8.30 in the morning and that delays of 4 to and energy and to prevent the development of 5 hours are the norm there? incompatible systems? Is the Commission aware that this situation arises because 5. If so, does the Commission intend to (continue to) the forms for the payment of monetary compensatory give these projects high priority and what does this amounts paid in the Netherlands and the Federal mean in practice? If not, does the Commission intend Republic of Germany have to be stamped there before to encourage efforts in this direction? they are sent to Dusseldorf and Arnhem to be cleared via the administration in Rome?
Will the Commission ensure that a stop is put to this state of affairs and how will it do so?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2095/87 by Mr Leen van der Waal (NI—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2100/87 (18 January 1988) by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR-NL) (88/C 101/27) to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) (88/C 101/29) Subject: AIDS research and prevention programme
According to a Commission press release (IP (87) 319), Subject: Transportation of live cattle to Austria and Italy the Commission recently granted 35 million ECU over a three year period for an AIDS research and prevention Is the Commission aware that live cattle cannot be programme in the ACP countries. A significant part of transported through Austria by road as this country has this programme is directed towards education and announced that there is no annual vaccination against information, to reduce the sexual transmission of AIDS. food-and-mouth disease there?
1. Are the contents of programmes such as the above Is the Commission also aware that this makes for a assessed on the basis of certain criteria by the considerable and unnecessary increase in cost as the cattle Commission before financial aid is granted? have to be transferred to trains? 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/9
Is the Commission aware that transport. conditions in bacteria which can cause the illness listeriosis. This trains are less hygienic than in lorries and that the transfer disease can be fatal for people whose resistance is low puts extra stress on the livestock? (new-born babies, pregnant women, the sick and elderly).
Is the Commission also aware that live cattle are confined Several deaths in Switzerland and France have been in trains for longer than necessary because Italy continues attributed to this disease. repeatedly to refuse to issue certificates of acceptance of livestock? When was the connection between the consumption of How does the Commission propose to put an end to these this cheese and the outbreak of the disease listeriosis in two situations which give rise to discomfort for animals particular groups of consumers first demonstrated or first and moreover entail extra and unnecessary costs? suspected?
Is the Commission prepared in its negotiating mandate When and in what way did the Swiss authorities of Swiss with Austria to endeavour to find ways, through the producers inform importers and the authorities in the intermediary of the Council, of ensuring the transport of Member States, and the Community itself, of this live cattle through Austria without transfer to other situation? modes of transport? How did national importers, the authorities in the Member States and the Community react to the news?
Does the Commission think that the Swiss authorities or the Swiss producers provided information about the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2101/87 contaminated cheese in good time and does it consider by Mr Willy Kuijpers (ARC-B) that importers, the Member States and the Community itself reacted appropriately and in sufficient time? to the Commission of the European Communities (18 January 1988) What does the Commission think of the idea of using (88/C 101/30) television time on the various national television stations throughout the European Community in such cases, so Subject: Community action on films for young people that Community citizens are all informed at the same time and in the same manner about dangerous products circulating within the Community, so that the dangerous Recently a European children's film association was set up consequences can be kept to a minimum? in Troia peninsula in Portugal by representatives of various young people's film organizations from all the Member States of the Community. At the same time a project was mooted for the selection of two worthwhile films for young people from every Member State to be dubbed so that they can be shown in every Member State of the Community in the language(s) of that country.
What assistance will the Commission provide for this WRITTEN QUESTION No 2104/87 project within the framework of European Film and by Mr Horst Seefeld (S-D) Television Year? to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) (88/C 101/32)
Subject: Council of Europe Convention on the transfer of WRITTEN QUESTION No 2103/87 sentenced persons of 21 March 1983 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities How many Member States of the European Community (28 January 1988) have signed the agreement on the application of the (88/C 101/31) Convention of the Council of Europe on the transfer of sentenced persons between Member States of the European Community? When can the states which have Subject: The import of dangerously contaminated Swiss not yet signed be expected to sign? Which states are they cheese into the Community and why have they not yet signed the agreement?
For some time it has been known that the cheese known as Vacherin Mont d'Or produced in Switzerland contains No C 101/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2105/87 Several versions involving both music and words have by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC—B) been published in France and in the Federal Republic of Germany, particularly by commercial firms, to to the Commission of the European Communities commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the signature of (28 January 1988) the Treaty of Rome. (88/C 101/33) The teaching of the European anthem particularly in schools was rightly recommended by the European Subject: Restriction of British fishery zones Parliament on 20 November 1987. The ceremonies organized in 1987, both before and after the adoption of Under the Community agreement of 25 January 1983, the Lemass report and the resolution accompanying it on Member States can extend to 12 miles the zones reserved 20 November 1987 were nonetheless hampered by the for operators of the ports and vessels from other Member absence of an official version of the words of the anthem. States (traditionally active in these zones) within the Community 200-mile zone in the areas of the Atlantic I would like to know whether, when and under what Ocean and North Sea, which in principle are open to all conditions the Commission encouraged the adoption of fishermen from the Community. The British decision to ' the European anthem in the light of the People's Europe extend British territorial waters from 3 to 12 miles as of 1 and whether provision has been made for an official October 1987 which will chiefly affect French and Belgian version of the words specifically for the people of the fishermen was announced to the world after the event, European Community, bearing in mind its official when British inspection ships drove away other fishing linguistic diversity. vessels. In extending its territorial waters in this way Great Britain has also changed its 'base line' so that the 12-mile zone is now calculated from every 'dry point', instead of taking the low-water line as is customary. This means that the 12-mile limits are in practice sometimes 30 miles from the British coast. This means that rich fishing grounds (such as the Thames estuary and the Scilly Isles are WRITTEN QUESTION No 2112/87 substantially restricted). Can the Commission say: by Mr Rolf Linkohr (S-D) — how the various Member States established the base to the Commission of the European Communities line from which their territorial waters are (28 January 1988) determined; (88/C 101/35) — whether a uniform definition of the base line can be introduced for the practical purposes of Community Subject: Resources from the European Social Fund for fisheries policy? the young unemployed
There is some suggestion that the Baden-Wurttemberg Land Government is using EC resources to help finance its measures to aid the young umemployed, in particular young women, i.e. it is itself providing fewer funds than official figures indicate. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2107/87 by Mr Ernest Glinne (S—B) What EC resources have been allocated to Baden- to the Commission of the European Communities Wiirttemberg in the last two financial years for projects to aid the young unemployed ? (28 January 1988) (88/C 101/34)
Subject: Words of the European anthem
In the wake of the report on the European anthem WRITTEN QUESTION No 2114/87 submitted on 10 June 1971 (Doc. 2978) to the by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED—GB) Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe and in accordance with suggestions submitted as early as 1963 by to the Commission of the European Communities the Belgian section of the Council of European (28 January 1988) Municipalities, in January 1972 the Committee of (88/C 101/36) Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted the prelude to Beethoven's Ode to Joy, 4th movement of the 9th symphony as the tune of the European anthem. Subject: Bioethanol from surplus grain
The anthem, which has no words, is now apparently Following the expert report which comes to no firm widely used in the Community. conclusions as to the real economic possibilities of turning 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/11
bioethanol, produced from the Community's surplus assessment of the scheme's suitability for European Social grain, into a fuel additive, how does the Commission Fund assistance based on an objective examination of the intend to pursue the matter? extent to which it meets the eligibility criteria'.
Will the Commission indicate whether it is satisfied that all the United Kingdom's proposals do in fact meet the Social Fund guidelines or whether they feel as I do that in certain respects these proposals diverge significantly from the guidelines? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2115/8 7 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED—GB) In replying could the Commission indicate those areas to the Commission of the European Communities where it is less than fully satisfied as to the United (28 January 1988) Kingdom's various schemes? (88/C 101/37) (') OJNoC93, 11.4. 1988. O OJ No C 86, 4. 4. 1988. Subject: Taxation on Scotch whisky O OJNoC93, 11.4. 1988.
Following the recent GATT ruling calling on Japan to eliminate all forms of taxation on Scotch whisky which discriminate against imported products, what steps is the Commission taking to see whether the ruling is being observed? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2119/87 by Mr Leen van der Waal (NI-NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) (88/C 101/40) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2116/87 by Sir Scott-Hopkins (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Problems regarding measurement of the mesh size of fishing nets in accordance with (28 January 1988) Regulation (EEC) No 2108/84 (88/C 101/38) 1. Is the Commission aware of the report entitled 'An Subject: The cost of CAP fraud in 1987 investigation into fishing nets and methods of measuring mesh sizes in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 1 What does the Commission estimate that fraud will cost 2108/84' C ), drawn up by the TNO Production Research the CAP in 1987, following its estimates of 8 million in Centre for the East Netherlands Cooperative Producers' 1985 and 20 million in 1986? What new measures does it Organization on 1 September 1987? propose to reduce the incidence of CAP fraud? 2. Does the Commission endorse the viewpoint set out in this report that the accuracy of the measurement of mesh size may vary according to the official carrying out the inspection and the conditions in which it takes place?
3. Does the Commission accept the statement made in WRITTEN QUESTION No 2118/87 this report that in line with the assertion made under 2, by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) fishing nets with mesh of a specific size may be approved to the Commission of the European Communities by one monitoring body but rejected by another (in accordance with the same EEC Regulation) on the basis (28 January 1988) of measurement results which differ by around 5 mm? (88/C 101/39) 4. Does the Commission share the view that this is Subject: European Social Fund assistance for United causing great uncertainty amongst fishermen, who are Kingdom training schemes being forced to switch to nets with a wider margin of error as regards mesh size, thus losing as much as 30% of their In reply to Written Question Nos 1051 ('), 1052 (2) and catch? 1053 (3) dealing with ESF assistance to United Kingdom training schemes and young people's attitudes to the 5. Does the Commission endorse the investigation's Community, the Commission statet that it 'has to make an conclusions that the above problems are being caused by: No C 101/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
(a) the excessively vague formulation of the regulation Does the Commission not believe that the EC should have which allows for too many different ways of carrying its own packaging regulations, not least in the light of out measurements and drawing conclusions? completion of the internal market in 1992?
(b) the fact that the measuring equipment is not suitable Does the Commission intend to present relevant for determining accurately the mesh size of fishing proposals, possibly based on the UN recommendations? nets?
(c) the wide variations both in mesh size within If so, when? individual fishing nets and in the stability of mesh size under differing conditions of use? If not, why not?
6. If so, what action does the Commission intend to take in response to the conclusions and recommendations contained in this report (pp. 29—32)?
(') OJ No L 194, 24. 7. 1984, p. 22.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2124/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2121 /87 (88/C 101/43) by Mr Hans-Jurgen Zahorka (PPE—D) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) Subject: Ecology and development (88/C 101/41) The Okavango Delta in Botswana, with its wealth of flora and fauna, is one of Africa's largest inland wetlands. A Subject: Possibility of reduced motor insurance premiums water shortage in Southern Africa has led to a great for farmers who own several tractors number of proposals and plans for utilizing the water potential of the delta, e.g. irrigation, the construction of With regard to motor vehicle insurance for tractors, has dams and canals and other alterations to waterways. One any Community country adopted an arrangement similar recently published plan involves building a 1 340 km canal to that in force in Switzerland whereby farmers who own from the Zambezi near the frontier between Namibia and several tractors need insure only the largest vehicle, and Zambia to supply water to farms and industries in South may transfer the registration plate from that vehicle to the Africa. Other plans and developments involving mining smaller tractors when necessary, on condition that only and tourism are potentially harmful to the delta. EC one tractor is in use at any one time? Member States are participating in a number of plans and developments: What view does the Commission take of the proposal that such an arrangement be introduced throughout the 1. Is the Commission aware of the environmental impact Community to ease the financial burden on farms, in report which is being prepared by the Federal German particular those in areas where the terrain is varied? consultants Agrar- und Hydrotechnik on behalf of the Botswana Government, although it does not cover all the known projects which might, or are intended to, affect the Okavango Delta?
2. Would the Commission request the Government of Botswana to broaden the terms of reference of the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2123/87 environment impact report, or augment it with a by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR—NL) second report in order to cover all the plans and projects? to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) 3. Would the Commission be willing to assist Botswana (88/C 101/42) if broadening the terms of reference created financial or other problems?
Subject: Packaging regulations 4. Would the Commission grant the Government of Botswana concrete assistance in formulating and, if Is the Commission aware that the packaging regulations necessary, implementing the Management Plan for introduced 2 years ago and based on United Nations the Okavango, in creating Wildlife Management recommendations are inadequate in many respects? Areas and in other related activities? 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/13
5. Will the Commission bring its influence to bear to WRITTEN QUESTION No 2126/87 encourage Botswana to develop this integrated by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) Management Plan? to the Commission of the European Communities 6. Will the Commission request the Government of (28 January 1988) Botswana to accede to the Ramsar Convention and to (88/C 101/45) put down the Okavango Delta for the list of Wetlands of International Importance in the light of the abovementioned plans? Subject: Washington Convention
1. Will the Commission explain how it assesses its priorities for enforcement under CITES and explain why it considers it more important to take Member States before the European Court for voting the wrong way at a CITES conference than for allowing illegal trade in WRITTEN QUESTION No 2125/87 endangered species? by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) 2. Has the Commission sent any letters to Member to the Commission of the European Communities States on the subject of their voting at the Buenos Aires (28 January 1988) meeting of CITES? If so will it detail the subject of these letters, the Member States to which they were sent and the (88/C 101/44) reason for sending them?
Subject: The Evros Delta 3. Considering the assurance given to the extraordinary meeting of Parties of CITES held in The reclamation of part of the Evros Delta (in North-East Botswana, that Member States would be able to vote Greece on the Turkish border) has caused considerable individually on proposals to amend the appendices of CITES, will the Commission explain why it has damage to the environment. Its ecological function as an threatened to take Member States before the European undisturbed breeding-ground for many marsh and water Court for voting individually on proposals to amend the birds has been partially lost and its role as a rich source of appendices in Buenos Aires? food for wetland migratory birds has been seriously affected. The development of the reclaimed area has destroyed much of the tranquility, and there has been a increase in illegal hunting.
By contrast, only the freshwater, fluvial area has produced agricultural land of acceptable quality. The WRITTEN QUESTION No 2127/87 saltwater, partially lagoon-like, area of the delta which by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) has also been reclaimed has not been developed or is being used very extensively for grassland. There is little to the Commission of the European Communities likelihood of modern economic farming ever being (28 January 1988) carried out on this very salty land. (88/C 101/46) 1. Does the Commission not believe that no time should be lost in studying how the area unsuitable for Subject: Ecology and development in the Amazon region farming (the area that was originally a brackish, saltwater lagoon) can be restored to its previous 1. For what projects in Brazil and/or the Amazon function as a source of food for migratory birds in the region has funding been requested from the ECSC or Spring and Autumn, and hence as far as possible to its institutions associated with the ECSC? role as an undisturbed breeding and feeding ground for marsh and water birds whose numbers have 2. In each case who has applied for funding? declined considerably in Greece in recent years? 3. Which requests have been granted by the ECSC and 2. Will the Commission discuss with the Greek why? authorities whether the dikes which have been built across the lagoon area can be dismantled? 4. Which requests granted by the ECSC are being cofunded by institutions other than the ECSC? Which institutions?
3. Can the Commission see any way of further curbing 5. Will the Commission indicate for each (co)funded illegal hunting in and around this marshland of project: international importance? (a) the sums involved;
(b) over what period; No C 101/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
(c) for which parts of the projects concerned; and 4. How many Indians were living in areas where projects (co)funded by the ECSC are being implemented or are (d) the stage reached in the funding? planned, and where are they living now?
6. Will the Commission answer these questions in as 5. How many of the Indians originally living in the areas much detail as possible in respect of the Carajas project, in question are still living there? and will the Commission give a clear indication of the connection between the major and the minor Carajas 6. What measures have been taken to ensure that the projects? aboriginal Indians do not suffer from the detrimental effects of projects which have already been, or are being, implemented and planned projects?
7. How the aboriginal Indians have reacted to these projects and the accompanying measures? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2128/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) 8. How many Indians have 'died' in projects in which the EC is involved, and who bears the responsibility? to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) (88/C 101/47)
Subject: Ecology and development in the Amazon region
Can the Commission indicate for projects it is (co)funding in the Amazon region: WRITTEN QUESTION No 2130/87 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) 1. What products the EC obtains from these projects ? to the Commission of the European Communities 2. What European firms are involved in projects (28 January 1988) (co)funded by the ECSC in Brazil and elsewhere in (88/C 101/49) the Amazon region?
3. Whether these firms receive any form of assistance (financial or otherwise) from the ECSC for their Subject: Ecology and development in Central and Latin activities in that region? America
4. Whether any firms involved in 'non-ECSC projects' in 1. For what projects in Central and Latin America, the Amazon region receive assistance from the EC or with the exception of the Amazon region, has funding the ECSC for such activities? been requested from the ECSC or institutions associated with the ECSC?
2. In each case, who has applied for funding?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2129/87 3. Which requests have been granted by the ECSC and why? by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities 4. Which requests granted by the ECSC are being (28 January 1988) cofunded by institutions other than the ECSC? Which (88/C 101/48) institutions?
Subject: Ecology and development in the Amazon region 5. Will the Commission indicate for each (co)funded project: Can the Commission indicate, in respect of projects it is (co)funding in the Amazon region: (a) the sums involved;
1. The short- and long-term effects of these projects on (b) over what period; the natural environment, both locally and more generally? (c) for which parts of the projects concerned; and 2. What measures have been taken to restrict these effects to a minimum? (d) the stage reached in the funding?
3. How the effects of such measures are being monitored ? 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 101/15
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2131/87 supplier. He may, however, not so pass this responsibility by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S—NL) if the supplier is from another Member State. If the item being sold is one where the vendor cannot reasonably to the Commission of the European Communities check on the validity of the description given by the (28 January 1988) supplier, it is obviously safer to purchase goods (88/C 101/50). originating within the United Kingdom.
The existence in some countries and not others of a trades Subject: Relations between the European Parliament and description act therefore appears to act as a non-tariff the ECSC barrier:
1. Does the Commission agree? I have been appointed Parliament's rapporteur for environmental questions in Latin America. In order to 2. Does the Commission agree that reliance on trades find out about the involvement of the EC, and in descriptions requires legal protection which in order particular the ECSC, in this field I phoned the official to avoid non-tariff barriers should be based on responsible for this matter in DG XVIII/B in European Community legislation? Luxembourg and asked for an appointment. 3. Will they consider proposing a directive to this effect? After consulting his superior he asked me to submit a written request for a meeting together with a list of the questions I wished to raise.
1. Why does the Commission compel MEPs wishing to have a private appointment to submit requests in writing? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2135/87 by Mr Gustave Pordea (DR—F) 2. Does not the Commission believe that such a rigid bureaucratic attitude stands in the way of Parliament's to the Commission of the European Communities task of advising and acting as a watchdog on the (28 January 1988) Commission? (88/C 101/52)
3. Does the Commission appreciate that when my report has been written it will have to submit a written Subject: East-West joint ventures request (in triplicate) for any further information it may require, accompanied by a written list of points to It is now one year since the 10 members of the Warsaw be discussed? Pact decided to liberalize their trade with the West, e.g. by establishing joint ventures with other countries.
What progress has been achieved on this and the parallel diplomatic initiatives and EEC-COMECON talks and, should the need arise, to what extent will it be possible — notwithstanding the prospect of the creation of a market of more than 300 million consumers — to exclude hi-tech, WRITTEN QUESTION No 2133/87 strategically sensitive sectors from such ventures? by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) (88/C 101/51)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2137/87 Subject: European Community Trades Description by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED—GB) Legislation to the Commission of the European Communities In certain Member States it is a legal requirement that (28 January 1988) goods shall match the description of them given in sales (88/C 101/53) literature or advertisements — in the United Kingdom this is called a Trades Description Act. When goods are traded within the United Kingdom, a vendor who has Subject: Payment of subscriptions in ECU relied on the description of goods given to him by a supplier in the United Kingdom may in effect pass on his Since the fall in the value of the US dollar is causing responsibility under the above legal requirement to the problems for United Nations bodies whose subscriptions No C 101/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
are priced in dollars, will the Commission prepare 1. What steps is the Commission prepared to recommend proposals for its own and Member States' subscription to to the Council of Ministers to ensure a reduction in be measured in ECU? demand for tropical timber, possibly by encouraging a greater use of home-grown hardwood?
2. What other steps is the Commission taking to ensure that this problem is dealt with? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2138/87 by Mr Andrew Pearce (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) (88/C 101/54) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2142/87 Subject: United Kingdom production of bread-making by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) wheat to the Commission of the European Communities What steps is the Commission taking to increase the (28 January 1988) proportion of United Kingdom wheat production that is of bread-making quality and to ensure that bread-making (88/C 101/57) wheat presented to intervention stores is bought in as such and not mixed with feed wheat and bought in under that category? Subject: Freedom of movement among male midwives and recruitment of male student midwife trainees within the Community
Will the Commission inform me of any detailed proposals WRITTEN QUESTION No 2140/87 that it has to ensure:
by Lord O'Hagan (ED-GB) (a) the freedom of movement in employment of male to the Commission of the European Communities midwives within the Community; (28 January 1988) (b) freedom of opportunity for males to train as (88/C 101/55) midwives in Member States? Subject: Training schemes
The Commission will be aware that the Treaty of Rome provides for citizens of Member States to be given comparable chances of employment. 1. Can the Commission intervene if a particular Member State decides to discriminate positively in favour of a WRITTEN QUESTION No 2143/87 particular group? by Mr Stephen Hughes (S—GB) 2. Is it proper in Community law for Member States to to the Commission of the European Communities organize training schemes limited to individuals (28 January 1988) within a certain age bracket? (88/C 101/58) 3. Would the Commission agree that there is an increasing need to provide training schemes for the middle-aged as well as the young unemployed? Subject: Comparative redundancy payments within similar professions
Given that the Community is moving inexorably towards the completion of the Internal Market by 1992, will the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2141/87 Commission outline its plans for redundancy payments to by Lord O'Hagan (ED-GB) workers in similar professions/sectors throughout the Member States? Specifically will it comment on what to the Commission of the European Communities moves it proposes to make to ensure that redundancy (28 January 1988) terms are both equitable and comparable in the health (88/C 101/56) service sector where as a result of United Kingdom Government legislation redundancies are expected in the Subject: The destruction of tropical rain forests United Kingdom in the coming years? It is said that 40% of hardwoods from these forests is consumed in Europe. 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/17
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2149/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2154/87 by Sir James Stewart-Clark (ED—GB) by Mr Ernest Glinne (S—B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (28 January 1988) (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/59) (88/C 101/61)
Subject: Action to prevent illegal drugs from entering the Subject: EC-supported guidance programme for the Community introduction of biotechnology on farms
This year's national congress of Belgian veterinary Can the Commission provide current statistics on the surgeons was devoted to the biotechnologies. They noted seizure of heroine, cocaine, cannabis and synthetic drugs that genetic engineering is having a profound effect on all by the different Member States? matters relating to agriculture and the agri-foodstuffs sector and offers major professional opportunities for the How many of the seizures are due to prior intelligence veterinary profession. In the congress's view, veterinary and how many to spot checks at the frontiers? surgeons will soon become the farmer's most expert guide, advising on the genetic, alimentary and prophylactic aspects of running a farm. The congress also Does the Commission agree that, as the Community heard about the incentives which EEC is planning to moves towards 1992 and the completion of the internal provide for the first farmers willing to accept these market, increased resources for intelligence gathering and guidance programmes. Can the Commission answer the improved cooperation between police and customs and following questions: between Member States will be necessary? — What is the content of these guidance programmes ?
— Have these programmes been earmarked by the biotechnologies management and coordination council for Community financial assistance?
— If so, does the Commission not think that these financial incentives for the introduction of WRITTEN QUESTION No 2151/87 biotechnology in farming run the risk of causing by Mrs Ien van den Heuvel (S—NL) serious problems, such as those referred to in the to the Commission of the European Communities report drawn up by Mr Graefe zu Baringdorf for the EP Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (28 January 1988) and adopted by the European Parliament on 7 (88/C 101/60) February 1987?
Subject: Trade in human organs
1. Is the Commission aware of the statements by a British professor, Professor McMasters, at a medical congress in the Italian town of L'Aquila, revealing the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2155/87 existence of an international black market in human by Mr Ernest Glinne (S—B) organs, for which children in Third World countries are being killed? to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) 2. Does it not consider that as long as there is a dire (88/C 101/62) shortage of donor organs, this appalling practice will continue? Subject: Genetic engineering techniques affecting the growth of cattle 3. Is it prepared to take the necessary steps to put an end to this trade in organs in general? This year's national congress of Belgian veterinary surgeons, which was devoted to the biotechnologies, 4. How soon can the European Parliament expect examined genetic engineering techniques which, applied initiatives from the Commission aimed at overcoming the to cattle, could make growth hormone injections shortage of donor organs ? redundant, since the animals would produce the hormone themselves.
What view does the Commission take of these techniques? No C 101/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
Does it consider them to be an acceptable way of field of social security was dealt with long after bypassing the European ban on the use of hormones due complaints made subsequently? to take effect in January 1988? How did this situation arise? Is this research into growth hormones supported indirectly by the Commission as part of its biotechnology research programme, and if so, how?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2159/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2156/87 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (ED—E) by Mr Antonio Iodice (PPE—I) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/65) (88/C 101/63) Subject: Updating of a demographic report Subject: European Cinema and Television Year In view of the fact that Spain and Portugal have joined the The organizers of the European Cinema and Television Community and they are not included in the report drawn Year will by now probably have adopted formal decisions up by the Economic and Social Committee (CES 602/84 regarding the events considered to be most important in final), which was approved by the latter's section for 1988. Social Questions on 13 June 1985, does the Commission think that the said report should be updated to include They have said that the programme of main events is to be information relating to the new Member States and that it supplemented by some 50 minor national and should then be distributed in their languages given the international events. interest of both countries in such a serious problem?
The International Festival of Cinema for Children and Young People in Giffoni Valle Piana, now in its 17th year, has a well-established programme which has been highly praised in European and international cinematographic circles, partly because of the significant framework it has proved it can provide for cinema criticism and the educational and didactic field. WRITTEN QUESTION No 2160/87 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE—L) Does the Commission not consider that this international to the Commission of the European Communities festival could be included in the programme of events (1 February 1988) referred to in view of the considerable appreciation accorded to its activities in the field of cinematographic (88/C 101/66) culture?
Subject: The dumping of cheap footwear from South-East Asia in the Community Member States
Is the Commission aware of the serious complaints by the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2157/87 Dutch Footwear Manufacturers' Federation in Tilburg by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S—B) (and the European Confederation of the Footwear to the Commission of the European Communities Industry) about the extremely high exports (dumping) of cheap footwear from South-East Asia in the Community? (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/64) Does the Commission know that exports of footwear from South-East Asia to the Community rose by 41% in Subject: Delay in dealing with the Belgian complaint the first half of 1987, whereas exports of European about discrimination in the field of social footwear to non-Community countries fell by 15%. security Does the Commission know that exports of footwear Can the Commission explain why the complaint by the from South-East Asia to the Netherlands rose by as much Women's Liaison Committee about discrimination in the as 62% in the first half of 1987 and does the Commission 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 101/19
realize that this increase is equivalent to about ten million confirm this? What are the reasons for this considerable pairs of shoes, which is equivalent to the annual shortfall? Is the Commission considering further production of the entire Dutch footwear industry? measures to make it possible still to achieve the original objective? Does the Commission also know that the United States wants to restrict footwear imports and that this is one of the reasons why third countries are diverting their footwear exports to Europe?
Does the Commission realize that this trend may sound the death knell of a large part of the European footwear WRITTEN QUESTION No 2165/87 industry? by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser (PPE—D) What measures has the Commission taken to bring this to the Commission of the European Communities situation under control or to reverse it? (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/69)
Subject: Replacement of the old customs forms by the single administrative document which is due to WRITTEN QUESTION No 2161/87 enter into force on 1 January 1988 by Mr John Bird (S—GB) 1. Does the Commission subscribe to the opinion that to the Commission of the European Communities the new eight-page form, which is only intelligible to (1 February 1988) business with the aid of fifty-page handbook, rather than (88/C 101/67) simplifying and facilitating customs formalities, will lead to a great deal of additional work for businesses, since the reorganization of the present customs tariff system and Subject: Aid package for Syria the extension of the goods code to 23 possible figures will invalidate all compulsory customs tariff data, thus I understand that the Commission is currently negotiating necessitating conversion of the tariff information an aid package for Syria. catalogues and lists of products?
Would the Commission tell me: 2. Is it the intention of the Commission that the users of this document should be able to split it up, since it is (a) what investigation it has done into the human rights most important to businesses that the form can be used by situation in Syria? the various parties concerned in different places for (b) whether this aid package will be made conditional on different formalities? an improvement in the human rights position within that country?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2166/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2164/87 by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser (PPE—D) by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC—B) to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities • (1 February 1988) (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/70) (88/C 101/68) Subject: Monitoring of special brake tests for certain road Subject: Disposal of butter stocks - Special programmes vehicles for consumers 1. How does the Commission check that Directive The special programme to dispose of 1 million tonnes of 71/320/EEC O of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of butter from storage also includes measures in favour of the laws of Member States relating to the braking systems consumers. The intention is to dispose of 130 000 tonnes of certain categories of road vehicles and their trailers, in 1987—1988. stipulating the correct braking action of the towing vehicle and the trailer, is being complied with, if a special It is reported that the end of September only 21 000 brake test such as exists in France and the Federal tonnes had been disposed of. Can the Commission Republic of Germany is not compulsory? ^oCton^o Official journal of the European Communities n^ ^
^. similarly, howdoes the Commission, without the ^^TTE^^E^Tt^^^o^t^B^ harmonization of special brake tests, checkcompliance by^rErancoisR^elantsduViv^er^AR.C^B^ withL^irective^Bl^BEEC^^of^Mecemberl^Don the approximation of the law of the member states to the commission of the European communities relating to road^worthiness tests for motor vehicles and theirtrailers^ ^BCtO^B^
^. If it is proposed to amend POirective^BP^^BEEC, ^^c^.^Round^up^total herbicide does the Commissionplantosupplement it by pressing for the introduction of a detailed efficiency test for Earmin^ periodicals are recommending the use of brakin^systems, as is compulsory for allroad haulage .Roundups total herbicide until tO days before vehicles in the Eederal Republic, and for some road harvesting. haulage vehicles in EranceB POoes the Commission have anydataontheresidues of this pesticide in cereals treated with it so close to ^eed^DL^m^m^,D^ harvesting
^^TTE^^E^T^^^o^t^B^ ^^TTE^C^UE^Tl^^^o^^B^ by^rs^larceiieLent^C^ornette^PPE^L^ by^rsL^rsu^aBraun^oser^PE-^fO^ to the C^omm^ssionofthe European communities to the C^omm^ssio^ of the European C^ommunities
^B(GtOtB^ ^BC^tOtB^
^^c^. support for cross-border cooperation in the ^^c^. Air safety ^aar^LorLu^area
t. In view of the steady increase m the number of Outcome ofthe conference on better qualityof^rowth aircraft movements anticipated r^in li^ne with the rise in andconsumptionstrate^ytoimprove our environment, passenger numbers, according to recent studies by the or^ani^edon^Oand^l ^viarchl^^inLu^embour^by AEA^, withC^erman air spaceparticularly overcrowded the Community^ Economic and social Committee in withinternationaltrafficbecauseof thebanonfli^hts collaboration with the (commission and the European overflying the territory east of the Iron Curtain,there isa Parliament. ^rowin^ safety problem.The congestion at airports,more thanathirdofwhich^accordin^toanEC^AC^study^ If the objectives set forth here are to be met in full, regular will have to contend with serious overcrowding problems meetings are required, in e^istin^ fora such as the in the ne^t few years, with the attendant pressure on ^aar^LorLu^ commission, the ^LDL interregional runways,also has knockon effects ori air safety,since at Trade Council, the chambers of industry and commerce, present many aircraft are kept in holding patterns for the unions withapermanentstructure and all other bodies half^an^hourormore. involved.
(Gan the commission state the utilisation rates of the The establishment ofaconsultative body with the aid of individual air routesinthe most heavily overflown areas the Commission should also be considered. The of the Eederal Republic of (Germany, the Benelux Economic and social committee should deliberate on its countries and eastern Erance^These are kept secret by the purpose, tasks and procedures. At the initiative of the air traffic authorities concerned, though described as Economic and^ocialCommittee, representatives of the bodiesrepresentin^ producers, workers, consumers and disastrous by insiders. environmental interests in the ^aarLorLu^outhern Bel^iumTrier area have met for a social dialogue on ^. To what extent can the Commission work for environmental matters. improvements in the flight control system, for example by means of cooperationbetween air traffic controllers or The intention is that this form of cooperation should take improvements in the Eurocontrol system — including the the form of an interregional environmental committee. lon^overdue introduction of automatic flight announcements by the individual control systems^ r^At Is the Commission prepared to support this cross-border present, air traffic controllers still notifyoneanother of cooperation, which is to be welcomed in the li^ht of the aircraft movements by telephoned internal European markets 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/21
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2172/87 Can the Commission say whether such financial aid by Mr Alfred Lomas (S—GB) includes assistance for the building of accommodation for the elderly? to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/74)
Subject: Equal retirement age for men and women WRITTEN QUESTION No 2175/87 One of my constituents has written to me regarding the by Mr Roberto Constanzo (PPE—I) position of men like himself, who take early retirement. First of all he received supplementary benefit, but when to the Commission of the European Communities his company pension was received, his supplementary (1 February 1988) benefit was cut right down. (88/C 101/77)
He cannot get the state pension or even a bus pass until he is 65 years of age, yet a woman can get these at the age of Subject: Construction of a silo for the storage of grain in 60. the port of Naples
Is the Commission proposing any legislation to deal with Does the Commission: anomalies such as this? — know that some newspapers have expressed reservations regarding the legality of constructing a large-scale silo for the storage of grain in the port of Naples?
— consider that funds from the EAGGF should be used by commercial undertakings to build a silo in a port to WRITTEN QUESTION No 2173/87 store imported grain? by Mr Thomas Megahy (S—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities — consider that a commercial undertaking involved mainly in importing cereals from third countries (1 February 1988) should receive aid from the EAGGF? (88/C 101/75) — consider that the Commission departments have acted in accordance with the guidelines of the CAP by Subject: EEC survey of teachers' pay and conditions offering to finance a project of this kind and shelving other more deserving applications submitted by I understand that the Commission has sponsored an EEC associations of Community farmers? survey of teachers' pay and conditions, conducted by a Dutch firm. This is, I believe, available within the Commission in the original Dutch language.
Can the Commission state when it is proposed to publish this survey in the various Community languages? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2176/87 by Mr Jean-Marie Vanlerenberghe, Mrs Nicole Fontaine, Mr Jacques Mallet and Mr Roger Partrat (PPE—F) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2174/87 (88/C 101/78) by Mr Jose Medeiros Ferreira (S—P) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: 'Jean Monnet Year' (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/76) On 7 July 1987 the President of the Commission expressed his institution's support for the Statement by the Presidency of the European Council announcing that Subject: Interpretation of Chapter 64, Article 643 of the 1988 was to be declared 'Jean Monnet Year' to budget — Expenditure in the social field commemorate the centenary of the birth of one of the founders of the European Community. The European Article 643 covers measures to assist the elderly, specified Parliament approved this initiative (in its resolution of 8 in paragraph 2. July 1987). No C 101/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
What actual measures does the Commission intend to What steps will the Commission take to ensure that such take to back up this Statement and make the general discrimination is stopped? public more aware of who Jean Monnet was and what he stood for?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2178/87 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2181/87 by Mrs Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (ARC—D) by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi (COM—I) ^ to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/79) (88/C 101/81)
Subject: Extension of the French reprocessing plant in The Hague Subject: Community financing for the 'tunnel' motorway
At present Cogoma is extending, to an excessive degree, The EIB recently granted Italy 212 million ECU in the plants for reprocessing used fuel from nuclear power addition to 49,4 million ECU from the NCI to finance stations. various projects in the industrial, energy and 1. Can the Commission say how much extra capacity is environmental fields and certain infrastructure projects. being created? About 75 million ECU has been allocated for completing work on the 'tunnel' motorway. 2. For what kind of nuclear fuel is the additional plant being built? 1. Is the Commission aware that the motorway will pass through various areas which are environmentally 3. Has the operator in The Hague concluded new particularly sensitive, including the western shore of contracts with foreign firms ? Lake Maggiore? 4. Which countries will have their nuclear waste reprocessed in The Hague? 2. What guarantees have been provided to safeguard the environment in the areas involved? 5. Does the Commission have any information about the conditions included in the contract regarding 3. On what evidence was the project considered as collectionof the reprocessed waste? compatible with the environment and hence as qualifying for finance from the EIB?
4. Can the Commission produce the documents relating to the environmental impact research provided by the applicants and to the assessment thereof made by the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2179/87 authority which granted the financing? by Mr Otto von Habsburg (PPE—D) and Mr Joachim Dalsass (PPE—I) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/80)
Subject: Bank accounts held by foreigners in Italy — WRITTEN QUESTION No 2182/87 Discrimination against Community citizens by Mrs Vera Squarcialupi (COM—I) Is the Commission aware that payments can be made from to the Commission of the European Communities bank accounts held by foreigners in Italy, which are (1 February 1988) governed by the ministerial decree of 12 March 1981, only (88/C 101/82) if the balance on the account is at least Lit 500 000?
Can the Commission say on what provisions such Subject: 31 deaths caused by a Swiss cheese restrictive measures are based?
Does the Commission not also consider that such The cheese 'Vacherin Mont d'Or', which is produced in restrictive measures, when applied to Community Switzerland and exported to various European countries, citizens, constitute an inadmissible form of discrimination has caused the deaths of 31 people in the last four years as which should be discontinued forthwith? a result of food poisoning. 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/23
Can the Commission state what steps have been taken to What changes does the Commission propose in order to ensure that people in the Member States are not in danger ensure that parliamentary questions are answered without of being killed by 'Vacherin Mont d'Or'? Can it also say delay? what rules exist to protect consumers in the European Community against risks of similar food poisoning caused by Community cheeses?
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2187/87 by Mr Peter Price (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2183/87 (88/C 101/85) by Mrs Margaret Daly (ED—GB) to the Commission of the European Communities Subject: Mission expenses (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/83) What were the mission expenses for Members and staff of the Commission in respect of attendance at part-sessions of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg (a) during Subject: Birds Directive 1986 and (b) during 1987?
Is the Commission satisfied that the EEC Directive on birds has been properly implemented and is being fully observed in all Member States? If not, what action is the Commission taking or intending to take to ensure compliance with Community law? WRITTEN QUESTION No 2190/87 by Mrs Hedy d'Ancona (S—NL) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/86)
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2186/87 Subject: Progress with regard to a European policy on by Mr Peter Price (ED—GB) migration to the Commission of the European Communities What progress has the Commission made with regard" to (1 February 1988) the communication it submitted on guidelines for a (88/C 101/84) Community policy on migration in respect of third countries, following the judgment of the European Court of Justice of 9 July 1987 on the complaint lodged by five Subject: Written answers to parliamentary questions Member States?
How many of the questions for written answers tabled under Rule 62 to the Commission by MEPs during 1986 were answered:
(a) within 7 days, WRITTEN QUESTION No 2192/87 by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR—NL) (b) within 1 month, to the Commission of the European Communities (c) within 3 months, (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/87) (d) within 6 months,
(e) within 1 year, or Subject: The granting of honorary rank
(f) remained unanswered after 1 year? Article 54 of the European Commission's staff regulations states the following with regard to honorary rank: on termination of service an official may be given an Does the Commission consider that these figures disclose honorary rank either in his career bracket or in the next a satisfactory situation? higher bracker, by decision of the appointing authority. No pecuniary benefits shall attach to such honorary rank. What are the Commission's internal procedures, described step by step, in answering such questions? 1. Are there implementing provisions for this article ? No C 101/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 4. 88
2. What is the procedure ? Tariff Classification of Tamarind Seed, could the Commission state under what classification Tamarind 3. Does this article apply to all ranks? Seed was being imported into the Community prior to 4. How often has the Commission granted an honorary November 1984? rank to an official? How often was this an honorary rank in his career bracket and how often in the next In the event of some Member States having imported higher bracket? Can the Commission provide a survey Tamarind Seed duty free before November 1984, should of the situation by rank? not any duty charged by importers in other Member States be refundable? 5. How many of these officials are women ? (') Debates of the European Parliament No 2 — 357 of November 1987.
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2196/87 by Mr Ernest Glinne (S—B) to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 2199/87 (1 February 1988) by Lord O'Hagan (ED-GB) (88/C 101/88) to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) Subject: New method for the payment of Belgian (88/C 101/90) pensions to Community citizens who have returned to their country of origin Subject: Wild caught fur — Fur taken from animals that I have been informed that the national pensions office, have been trapped in the wild imported into the Tour du Midi No 5, 1060 Brussels, a Belgian public body Member States of EEC operating within the framework of Royal Decree No 513 of 27 March 1987, has decided that the pensions of In view of the intense cruelty and suffering caused, will beneficiaries living abroad, in Italy for example, will no the Community now consider banning these imports? longer be paid by international postal order. In accordance with a letter signed by Mr Masyn, the chief administrator, they have been paid by giro cheques (postagiri) since October 1987. This has had the following consequences:
1. There is no longer a direct exchange between Belgian WRITTEN QUESTION No 2201/87 francs and Italian lire, but payment is made by a New by Mr Wilfried Telkamper (ARC—D), Mr Bram van der York bank after conversion into dollars, which results Lek (ARC-NL) and Mr Jakob von Uexkull (ARC-D) in a loss of 8 to 10% for the beneficiaries; to the Commission of the European Communities 2. The 'postagiri' are not accepted by post offices and are (1 February 1988) sometimes totally rejected: in the province of Pesaro, for example, only the local Pesaro savings bank would (88/C 101/91) accept the new instrument of payment. Subject: EIB loan for a new combined heat and power What is the Commission's attitude to the problems thus station in Hanover (Federal Republic of created? Germany)
EC News No 31/33 of 4 August 1987 states (p. 8) that the EIB has made a loan of DM 30 million to GKH- Gemeinschaftswerk Hannover GmbH for a new WRITTEN QUESTION No 2198/87 combined heat and power station in Hannover-Stocken. The Commission justified the payments on the grounds of by Mr George Patterson (ED—GB) the positive effects of the power stations on the to the Commission of the European Communities environment. However, in Hanover there are fears that (1 February 1988) the new power station will create considerable problems for the environment. (88/C 101/89) 1. Can the Commission guarantee that the emission into Subject: Classification of Tamarindus Indica the air of the harmful substances dust, NOx and SO2 will be reduced to the technically feasible minimum or Following the Commission's answer on Tuesday 17 at least to the standard of the planned coal-fired November to my question H-601/87 (') on the Customs power station in Munich North? 15. 4. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 101/25
2. Is the Commission aware that the emission level of 1. What is the Commission's response to the fact that the 3 NOx approved for Stocken is 150 mg/m instead of additional premises financed with EC money are the technically feasible 75 mg/m3, that the emission of located in a water conservation area? dust can be reduced from 25 to 15 mg/m3 if additional filters are used (which would present no technical 2. Does the Commission subscribe to the reasons — problems) and that a desulphurization plant for the which are totally at variance with all ecological power station has already been ordered which is not considerations — adduced by the chief executive of state of the art and which therefore entails the risk of the local authority for granting permission to build an unnecessarily high SO2 emission level? these premises?
3. Why was the (technically feasible) re-use of the waste water not made a condition by the Commission?
4. Why has the Commission not made its loan conditional upon the operators regularly publishing WRITTEN QUESTION No 2203/87 measuring values in respect of the emission of harmful by Mr Jakob von Uexkull (ARC—D) substances, thereby complying with the demands of concerned citizens? to the Commission of the European Communities (1 February 1988) (88/C 101/93)
Subject: Problems with the payment of Social Fund grants in Ireland
For 1987 the sum of £Irl 10 million was allocated from the WRITTEN QUESTION No 2202/87 European Social Fund for Irish students following a 'two by Mrs Brigitte Heinrich (ARC—D), Mr Wilfried year training course' at university, i.e. person who have Telkamper (ARC—D), Mr Bram van der Lek previously not been students but have been in (ARC-NL) and Jakob von Uexkiill (ARC-D) employment. The grants cover the course fees and part of the cost of living; they vary from £15 — 35 per week to the Commission of the European Communities depending on the distance from place of residence to (1 February 1988) college. Because of staff problems with the CDVEC (88/C 101/92) (County Dublin Vocational Education Committee), prompt processing of this year's grant application was not possible with the result that come 2 500 students are Subject: Regional Fund grant in Stadtallendorf, Hessen experiencing considerable financial difficulties. (Federal Republic of Germany) 1. Is the Commission prepared to call upon the Irish Department of Education to do its utmost to ensure In 1987 the sum of DM 328 000 was allocated from the that the funds granted by the EC reach the intended Regional Fund for additional premises for the recipients? manufacture of food and drink. According to information from former MEP Mr Frank Schwalba-Hoth, this money 2. What measures is the Commission prepared to take to is going to the firm of Ferrero. prevent late payment of the grants in future years? COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA
EC annual report 1985
424 pp. Published in: EN Catalogue number: CB-49-87-373-EN-C ISBN: 92-825-7524-1 Price (excluding VAT) in Luxembourg: IRL 25.20 UKL 23.10 USD 36.90 BFR 1 400 ECU 32.50
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88-17 COMMISSION DES COMMUNAUTES EUROPEENNES
TABLEAUX COMPARATIFS DES REGIMES DE SECURITE SOCIALE APPLICABLES DANS LES ETATS MEMBRES DES COMMUNAUTES EUROPEENNES 14e edition — (au 1" juillet 1986) Regime general (salaries de l'industrie et du commerce)
La presente brochure, elargie a l'Espagne et au Portugal, permet, grace a des tableaux de caractere schematique, des comparaisons rapides entre les regimes de securite sociale des diffe- rents Etats membres. Elle est mise a jour au ler juillet 1986 et couvre les regimes applicables aux salaries de l'indus trie et du commerce, regimes qui, dans certains pays, valent aussi pour l'ensemble des travail- leurs, voire l'ensemble de la population. La brochure n'a pas pour objet de fournir une documentation complete, mais constitue un document d'information rapide concu de telle sorte que le lecteur puisse comparer facilement, en ce qui concerne les elements essentiels, la legislation de son pays a celle des autres pays (pour toute etude approfondie, on se reportera utilement aux etudes speciales). Aussi n'a-t-til pas semble opportun de mentionner tous les details de chaque reglementation, ni de suivre de pres les terminologies nationales dont les differences de pure forme risquent d'accroitre dans les apparences les differences de fond. La definition de la securite sociale correspond a celle retenue par la convention n° 102 de l'OIT (Organisation internationale du travail) et englobe done toutes les everitualites prevues par celle-ci. Ces diverses eventualites font l'objet, chacune, d'une serie de tableaux, les deux premieres series etant consacrees aux principes d'organisation et aux modalites de financement, les pays etant classes selon l'ordre alphabetique. Pour une comparaison «chiffree» des differents systemes, on se reportera utilement aux publi cations specialisees (comme, par exemple, Projections a moyen terme des depenses de protection sociale et leur financement et Statistiques de la protection sociale) et aux etudes de la Commission.
127 pages Langues de parution: DE, EN, FR Numero de catalogue: CB-48-87-864-FR-C ISBN: 92-825-7541-1 Prix publics au Luxembourg, TVA exclue: BFR 475 _ FF 76 Ecus 11,10
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88-21 COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
THE REGIONS OF THE ENLARGED COMMUNITY
THIRD PERIODIC REPORT ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONS OF THE COMMUNITY
Like its predecessors, the third report on the social and economic situation and development of the regions in the Community seeks to give as comprehensive a picture as possible of the dis parities between regions in the Community and their characteristics. However, it cannot and does not set out to present a detailed account of the situation in each individual region; that is done by the regional development programmes.
The content and structure of the report have been shaped in particular by two events: — enlargement of the Community in 1986 to include Spain and Portugal; the situation in the regions and the differences between them have thus had to be looked at for the first time within this wider framework; — adoption of the Single European Act which incorporates Community regional policy into the framework of the Community Treaties and assigns to it the task of helping to achieve convergence and cohesion in the Community.
300 pp. Published in: ES, DA, DE, GR, EN, FR, IT, NL, FT. Catalogue number: CB-49-87-381-EN-C ISBN: 92-825-7526-8 Price (excluding VAT) in Luxembourg: IRL 18 UKL 16.50 USD 26.50 BFR 1 000 ECU 23.30
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