WRITTEN QUESTION No. 797/98 by Katerina DASKALAKI to the Commission. Putting guides on a par with tour operators
21. 10. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 323/75 3. What specific projects were carried out for the following target groups: › women › young people › the long-term unemployed, and what amount of aid was granted for each? Supplementary answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1998) Because of the length of the answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliamentís Secretariat. (98/C 323/98) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0796/98 by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission (18 March 1998) Subject: Threat to traditional train service on the Diakofto-Kalavrita rack railway in the Peloponnese One of the oldest railway lines in Europe, the rack railway between Kalavrita and Diakofto in the Peloponnese, which has been operating for over a century is now threatened with closure because the relevant authorities no longer consider it economically viable. Given the historical and traditional character of this train service which passes through a gorge of unique natural beauty with a wealth of flora and fauna and given also its importance for the local tourist industry, will the Commission take measures to save and protect this small train which keeps alive the technology and traditions of a bygone era? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (27 April 1998) The Commission is providing part-financing to cover 75% of the cost of purchasing two engines for the traditional railway line between Kalavrita and Diakofto. The project, which is estimated to cost ECU 1. 72 mil- lion, has been approved by the Monitoring Committee for the operational programme for western Greece (subprogramme 2, measure 3, project 12). Decisions on whether or not to maintain railway lines is a matter for the national authorities. The funding of this project, however, demonstrates the willingness of the authorities concerned to keep the line in question alive. (98/C 323/99) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0797/98 by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission (18 March 1998) Subject: Putting guides on a par with tour operators The European Union has a number of Member States with very ancient civilizations and archaeological remains which attract large numbers of tourists. Guided tours of archaeological sites are conducted in a responsible manner by guides with a university eduction who are frequently trained archaeologists, well able to provide an expert commentary on Europeís unique cultural heritage