§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes the European Commission is proposing to the authorisations currently in force concerning the use of low-level antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed; and if he will make a statement. [62294]
§ Mr. RookerThe Commission has proposed the suspension of four antibiotic growth promoters, bacitracin zinc, spiramycin, virginiamycin and tylosin phosphate, with effect from 1 January 1999. There would be provision allowing Member States not to operate the suspension until 30 June 1999. The suspension would be re-examined before 31 December 2000 following the results of monitoring for antibiotic resistance in farm animals.
The proposal failed to achieve a qualified majority in favour at the Commission's Standing Committee on Animal Nutrition on 2 December. It is therefore likely to be presented to the Agriculture Council on 14/15 December.