HL Deb 25 June 1975 vol 361 cc1396-7
Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

My Lords, it may be a convenient moment for me to say that a Statement is being made in another place today about the business to be taken in the EEC Council of Ministers during July. With the leave of the House, I will, as usual, arrange for the Statement to be made available in the Official Report.

Following is the Statement referred to:

" With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I will make a Statement about business to be taken in the Council of Ministers of the European Community during July. The monthly forecast for July was deposited yesterday.

"The Heads of Government of the Member States will meet in Brussels on 16th to 17th July. The agenda for this meeting has not been confirmed, but it is likely that there will be discussion on commodity matters in the context of relations with developing countries, and on the prospects for dialogue between oil producers and consumers. We expect the Heads of Government to discuss stage III of the conference on security and co-operation in Europe and to exchange views on the general economic situation.

" At present 3 meetings of the Council of Ministers are proposed for July. Finance Ministers will meet on 10th; Foreign Ministers on 15th and 16th and Agriculture Ministers on 21st and 22nd July.

" Finance Ministers are expected to carry out the second formal examination of the economic situation in the Community provided for in the convergence decision of 18th February 1974. They will also consider the Community exchange regime and work in preparation for the IMF meetings.

" At the Foreign Affairs Council Ministers will make final preparations for the European Council in Brussels on 16th to 17th July. They are also expected to continue their discussion of raw materials problems in the light of preparations for the seventh special session of the UN General Assembly. Ministers will have before them a report on relations with Portugal and possibly the final text for formal approval of the agreement with Mexico. Agriculture Ministers are expected to consider proposals amending the basic wine regulations and the part of the basic sugar regulations dealing with imports from ACP countries, and for the rationalisation of horticultural production under glass."