WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3165/98 by Mathieu GROSCH to the Commission. Benefits for frontier workers interrupting their careers
C 207/34 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 7. 1999 Nevertheless, some specific problems do still remain, as demonstrated in particular by the complaints from Spanish operators. Under Spanish legislation, the guarantee mark can be affixed either by an official body or by an authorised body. In the case of the latter, this body is one proposed by the manufacturer and expressly authorised to do so by the national authorities, which carefully monitor the marking operations. This system is therefore closely related to the quality assurance system. When it comes to effective recognition, the problems arise, in practice, from the fact that those Member States which operate a third-party verification system refuse to recognise that marks affixed under the responsibility of the manufacturer as part of a quality assurance system are equivalent. It is under these conditions that the Commission has recorded a new series of complaints and officially-identified cases and has re-established contact with all the Member States concerned in order to find a solution to this problem. The authorities in the Member States have, in effect, been asked if they are prepared to give equivalent recognition to marks affixed by a third party and those affixed under a quality assurance system which offers suitable and sufficient guarantees of professionalism and independence. (1) OJ C 209, 29. 7. 1994. (1999/C 207/043) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3160/98 by Sören Wibe (PSE) to the Commission (19 October 1998) Subject: Right to ban imports of meat produced with regular use of antibiotics Sweden has so far been allowed to retain its exemption banning the use of growth-promoting antibiotics in fodder. Does Sweden have the right, however, to ban imports of meat produced with regular use of antibiotics? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (9 December 1998) It is true that under Annex XV to the Act of Accession Sweden is authorised continue to apply its legislation in force before accession until 31 December 1998 in the case of the ban on the use of a number of additives, including antibiotics, in animal feed. Nevertheless, in view of similar reports from scientists and from international and national organisations on the development of resistance to antimicrobial agents, the Commission has asked the Scientific Steering Committee to look into this question using a multidisciplinary approach. The Commission will propose any measures it considers necessary in the light of the Committee’s scientific advice. The Act of Accession specifies that ‘these derogations may not have any effect on the free movement of animal products of the Community’. Sweden may not therefore prohibit imports of meat produced from animals whose feed contained antibiotics authorised by Council Directive 70/524/CEE of 23 November 1970 concerning additives in feedingstuffs (1). (1) OJ L 270, 14. 12. 1970. (1999/C 207/044) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3165/98 by Mathieu Grosch (PPE) to the Commission (19 October 1998) Subject: Benefits for frontier workers interrupting their careers A female frontier worker employed in Germany can apply for a childcare allowance and childcare leave in Germany even if she lives in Belgium. However, there is a problem for frontier workers from Germany who are employed in Belgium and who apply for a career break to look after their children. If the person in question