91997E2877

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2877/97 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Coherence of Commission policies with Council Resolution of 18 June 1992 on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes in third countries by Community-based manufacturers

Can the Commission confirm that the Danish baby food company, MILCO, violated the WHO Code of 1981 on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes in its operations in Bangladesh, and, as a consequence, has acted inconsistently with the Council Resolution of 18 June 1992 on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes in third countries by Community-based manufacturers ((OJ C 172, 8.7.1992, p. 1. ))?

Is it the case that the Commission offers tax rebates to companies such as MILCO, promoting breastmilk substitutes outside the EU, even when these activities are in breach of the WHO Code of 1981 and the Council Resolution of 18 June 1992?

If so, does the Commission not agree that its approach is wholly inconsistent with the International Code and the Council Resolution, and that these tax rebates should be immediately stopped?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997)

The Commission, in line with the Council Resolution of 18 June 1992, has instructed its delegations in third countries to serve as contact points for the authorities in order that any complaints or criticisms with respect to the marketing practices of a manufacturer based in the Community could be notified to them. No such complaints have been received to date from Bangladesh. The Commission therefore cannot confirm any statements or reports of inappropriate marketing practices by Community-based companies in this country.

Further the Commission would stress that in the absence of any such complaint on the subject, the case evoked by the Honourable Member in the second part of her question is not applicable.