WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3992/98 by David HALLAM Ban on antibiotics
12. 11. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 325/45 It will be principally for each Member State to ensure consistency between the map of areas which are eligible under Objective 2 and the map of areas which qualify for national regional aid under Article 92(3)(c) of the EC Treaty. The Commission considers that the possibility of proposing, under Objective 2, areas which are not covered by the exceptions provided for in Article 92(3)(c) and containing overall not more than 2 % of the national population not covered by Objective 1 gives each Member State sufficient flexibility. However, it should be borne in mind that this question is being discussed in the negotiations which are taking place on the legislation contained in the Agenda 2000 package. The final outcome will not be known until these negotiations have been concluded and the new regulations have been formally adopted. (1) OJ C 90, 26. 3. 1998. (1999/C 325/054) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3992/98 by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission (21 December 1998) Subject: Ban on antibiotics The Commission is planning on the basis of scientific advice to ban the following four products: 5 Zinc Bacitracin 5 Virginiamycin 5 Spiramycin 5 Tylosin. There is considerable concern that whilst this leaves European agriculture less competitive, these products may still be used in animals and birds reared in third countries and may continue to constitute a threat to public health if over-used. Can the Commission explain what steps it will take to prevent the importation of meat and animals and birds receiving these antibiotics? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (29 January 1999) The Council meeting which took the decision to suspend the use for growth promotion of the substances mentioned by the Honourable Member also discussed the consequences on import from third countries of live animals and foodstuffs of animal origin. The Council and the Commission recognised the importance of the external dimension of this dossier. They emphasised, in that respect, their joint resolve to ensure the protection of consumers’ health, whilst complying with the Community’s international commitments. The outcome of that discussion was that the Commission was invited to present, before 30 June 1999, a report on the economic, legal, and public health implications of the antibiotics resistance issue with regard to the external dimension