WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1705/97 by Wolfgang KREISSL-DÖRFLER to the Commission. Damage to the environment due to destruction of surplus fruit and vegetables
11. 3. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 76/43 implementation of the Uruguay round and the continuation of this process, in particular by the quantitative and budgetary reduction of export refunds. However, market liberalisation and the elimination of support do not automatically improve the environment, achieve rural development or help the poor and hungry in developing countries. Accompanying policies securing the multifunctional character of agriculture are needed to achieve these aims. (98/C 76/121) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1703/97 by Hadar Cars (ELDR) to the Commission (20 May 1997) Subject: Representation in Taipei During his meeting with Parliamentís Foreign Affairs Committee on 14 April this year, Sir Leon Brittan was reminded of Parliamentís call for a representation to be established in Taipei and was asked what action the Commission had taken in response thereto? He replied that no progress had been made and that the Commission intended to await decisions on Taiwanese and Chinese membership of the WTO. Given that Hong Kong is soon to be handed over to China, it is important, from a political perspective, that the EU utilize every opportunity to strengthen its contacts with Taiwan. Trade policy alone should not therefore determine when a representation is established in Taipei. It is extremely important, for political reasons, that such an office be opened as soon as possible. Is the Commission President, Mr Santer, prepared to act in order to ensure that the Commission establishes a representation in Taiwan in the near future? Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (13 June 1997) The Commission believes that (resources permitting) there is a good case for establishing an office to pursue Community commercial and cooperation policies in Taipei. Such an office could operate on the same informal basis as the commercial and other offices which many countries maintain in Taiwan, including most Member States. It could already perform useful tasks under the current Community market access strategy, and would certainly be even more important once Taiwan is a member of the World trade organisation (WTO). In addition, it would be in a good position to assist in the development of cooperation activities in areas such as science and technology and European studies, as well as in the field of business cooperation. However, such a possibility will depend on an evaluation of the Commission’s priorities for the development of its network of external representations. This in turn will depend on the overall availability of human and financial resources. (98/C 76/122) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1705/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Do¤rfler (V) to the Commission (23 May 1997) Subject: Damage to the environment due to destruction of surplus fruit and vegetables As the Commission gave only a general answer to my questions E-1901/96, E-1902/96 and E-1903/96 (1) (and based it on outdated figures), I should like to repeat my question about damage to the environment due to destruction of fruit and vegetables (and the costs arising from it) and to request an appropriate answer: