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Diana Wallis: 'Traditional hallmarking not under threat'
August 2, 2003 12:00 AM
Local Liberal Democrat Euro MP Diana Wallis has responded to concerns that traditional hallmarking in Sheffield is under threat from new EU initiatives.
In a letter to jewellers and others across South Yorkshire who have written expressing concern, Diana Wallis MEP commented, "At present some countries have an independent certification scheme for verifying the quality of precious metals e.g. British hallmarking as monitored by the assay offices. But other countries do not, and a common system of verification across the EU would have benefits for both manufacturers and consumers i.e. British tourists could buy jewellery anywhere in the EU with greater confidence of its authenticity. Traditional marks could still be used as part of a common system."
"Furthermore, although producers would decide which certification method to use, quality control would remain, as it does at present, in the hands of national authorities or designated bodies."
She also said, "As with all EU legislation, the European Parliament and individual Member States have extensive opportunities to scrutinise proposals and to make amendment. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will scrutinise the proposals closely and take action to safeguard the interests of British manufacturers, jewellers and consumers."
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