HC Deb 18 March 2002 vol 382 c84W
Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Research Council held in Brussels on 11 March; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [43216]

Ms Hewitt

The Research Council of 11 March 2002:

  1. 1. Held an orientation debate on the rules of participation and the specific programmes for the Sixth EU Research Framework Programme 2002–06 and Sixth EURATOM Framework Programme 2002–06.
  2. 2. Received an oral presentation by the commission on its proposal for a negotiating mandate to discuss a framework agreement with the European Space Agency.
  3. 3. Received an oral presentation by the commission on its proposal to amend the negotiating mandate on the legal aspects of a possible ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), in order to include possible site offers for ITER in Europe and cost sharing provisions.
  4. 4. Received a presentation by the commission of its proposed action plan for Biotechnology and Life Sciences in Europe.
  5. 5. Under other business, the commission gave a brief update on the work of the expert group on bioterrorism.
  6. 6. There were no votes at this council.