HC Deb 01 March 1982 vol 19 cc35-6W
Mr. George Gardiner

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

At present, seven meetings of the Council are planned for March. Heads of State and Government will also meet in the European Council in Brussels on 29–30 March. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House on 25 February.

The Research Council is expected to meet on 8 March to discuss the Community's fusion programme. Ministers may also consider a Community framework programme for research and development on raw materials and Community support for information technology.

The Finance Council is expected to meet on 15 March to continue discussions on the European monetary system in preparation for the European Council. It will also consider the Commission's first quarterly review of the economic situation in the Community and may consider a Commission paper on indexation and is expected to discuss economic aspects of EC/Japan relations.

The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 15–16 and possibly 17 March and again at the end of the month on dates still to be finalised, to discuss the 1982–83 CAP price proposals and changes in Mediterranean agriculture in the context of the enlargement of the Community.

The Energy Council is expected to meet on 16 March to discuss progress on energy pricing and transparency, investment in the rational use of energy and Community policy on coal, nuclear energy and natural gas supplies.

The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 22–23 March. The second day will be devoted to the 30 May mandate. The Council will also discuss preparations for the European Council, trade relations with Japan, Community membership of the sixth International Tin Agreement and possibly also the bringing into force of the International Natural Rubber Agreement. It will consider a new Commission paper of STABEX. There may also need to be a further meeting between the Council and the European Parliament for conciliation on a draft management regulation for the Community's food aid programme. There will be a Ministerial meeting with Spain on the negotiations for Spanish accession to the Community.

The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on dates to be arranged to discuss the outstanding issues of a revised common fisheries policy.