Council of Foreign Ministers (Hansard, 15 December 1976)

§ Dr. Owen

There was a substantial discussion of fisheries at the Council (Foreign Affairs) on 13th December. Agreement was reached on the levels of fishing which might be permitted to third countries in 1977 after European Economic Community member States have extended their fishing limits on 1st January.

With certain countries it is hoped that an agreement based on reciprocity, lasting for up to a year, may be reached, to cover the period while the Community is continuing to work towards the revision of the common fisheries policy. With other countries, notably the Soviet Union, Poland and the German Democratic Republic, the Community will allow a quota for three months only in the first instance, at the average level of fishing in the period 1965–74, reduced by a further 15 per cent. The situation will be reviewed thereafter. All third countries will have to provide a list of vessels, giving details of technical characteristics, before they engage in fishing. Some countries whose fishing is of recent origin will not be allowed to fish from 1st January 1977.

There was also a discussion of the interim internal fisheries regime for 1977, designed to regulate fishing in the extended waters of Member States while work continues on the revision of the CFP. Agreement was not reached on 738W this; and the Commission will produce revised proposals, which may be discussed at a special Council on 20th or 21st December. My right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and I made clear that, while the British Government preferred an interim Community solution, it could only be on the basis of proposals which protected the interests of British fishermen and was without prejudice to longer term arrangements.

In addition to fisheries matters the Council adopted a Directive in respect of insurance agents and brokers which provides for the mutual recognition of qualifications. This represents a small step forward towards the creation of a genuine common market in insurance. The second Directive on Company Law was also adopted. It will co-ordinate the safeguards in respect of the formation of public limited liability companies.

The Council also had a short discussion on the EEC uniform passport but no conclusions were reached.

The President of the Council appealed to Member States to complete ratification of the Budgetary Powers Treaty of 22nd July 1975 so that the new European Court of Auditors could be set up as soon as possible. The United Kingdom is among the four States to have ratified the Treaty and we had taken the initiative in having the subject raised at the Council with the aim of ensuring that the new Audit Court can be brought into full operation before the end of 1977.

On the Community's external relations the Council agreed that following the visit to Belgrade on the 2nd December by the Dutch Presidency and the Commission, there should be rapid follow-up action to strengthen co-operation between the Community and Yugoslavia.

The Council agreed that it would look again at the Community's position in the CIEC at its next meeting on 18th January and that in the meantime further work should be put in hand by the Community's institutions to facilitate agreement on common positions.

Meeting as a Conference of Member States, the Foreign Ministers also formally appointed the new Members of the Commission. My right hon. Friend the Member for Stechford was appointed President of the new Commission. The Vice Presidents will be appointed later.