HL Deb 28 February 1978 vol 389 cc366-7

2.55 p.m.

Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

My Lords, without being preposterous, may I say that a Statement was made yesterday in another place about the business to be taken during March in the EEC Council of Ministers. 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 by Ministers of the European Community during March. The monthly written forecast was deposited on Thursday, 23rd February.

"At present four meetings of the Council of Ministers are proposed for March. Agriculture Ministers will meet on the 6th and 7th, Foreign Ministers on the 7th, Finance Ministers on the 20th, and Energy Ministers on the 21st. A joint meeting of ACP/EEC Ministers will also be held on the 13th and 14th to review the implementation of the Lomé Convention.

"Agriculture Ministers are expected to resume discussions on CAP prices for 1978–79, Mediterranean agriculture, producer groups and potato marketing arrangements. They are also expected to consider proposals for the future of the Milk Marketing Boards.

"Foreign Ministers are expected to consider relations with Japan, steel imports, the North/South dialogue, aid to non-associates, and direct elections to the European Assembly. They are also expected to adopt the Community mandate for the joint meeting of ACP/EEC Ministers.

"Finance Ministers are expected to discuss adaptations of the economic policy guidelines for 1978, the economic situation and Commission proposals for improved co-ordination of national economic policies.

"Energy Ministers are expected to resume discussions on Community energy policy objectives for 1985, refinery problems and assistance to the coal industry. They are also expected to consider financial aid to projects demonstrating energy saving and alternative energy sources, joint hydrocarbon exploration projects and minimum stock levels for oil products".