WRITTEN QUESTION E-2331/99 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Council. Council resolution on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes.
1. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 219 E/149 particularly in view of the conditions binding upon him with regard to the receipt and forwarding of parcels and documents by the companies concerned. What view does the Commission take of this and in particular the absence of any provisions protecting the interests of those sending cross-border consignments of documents or parcels? Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (24 January 2000) There exists no Community-wide regulation with respect to the safety of the consignment of documents and parcels transported by public or private companies or their delivery to the intended recipient. This matter falls under national law. (2000/C 219 E/188) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2331/99 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Council (13 December 1999) Subject: Council resolution on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes Having regard to Council Resolution of 18 June 1992 on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes in third countries by Community-based manufacturers (1) and, in particular, to paragraph 2 and paragraph 5 thereof, could the Council please clarify the term ácompetent authoritiesí used in article 2? (1) OJ C 172, 8. 7. 1992, p. 1. Reply (14 February 2000) The term ácompetent authoritiesí used in paragraph 2 of the Council Resolution to which the Honourable Member refers relates to the competent authorities in the third countries concerned, which of course remain free to designate those authorities. (2000/C 219 E/189) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2352/99 by Freddy Thielemans (PSE) to the Commission (13 December 1999) Subject: Food quality Is the Commission aware that Parmigiano-Reggiano and Grana Padana cheeses apparently contain large quantities of copper ü up to 20 times as much as is permitted in quality cheeses with a protected denomination of origin? It is a well-known fact that the copper salts which are probably used in cheese- making to prevent the milk from fermenting are highly toxic. Is the Commission planning to activate the rapid alert system? Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (24 January 2000) The Commission is aware of the facts reported by the Honourable Member. Already during a mission of the Commissionís food and veterinary office carried out in March 1999, this situation was brought to the attention of the Commission and the Member States. The report of that mission (report no XXIV/1099/99) can be consulted at internet (http://europa. eu. int/comm/dg24/health/vi/reports/index_en. html)