Multi-fibre Arrangement

HC Deb 10 May 1982 vol 23 cc172-3W

16. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Minister for Trade when Ministers next will meet for the purpose of discussing the multi-fibre arrangement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Rees

No date has yet been fixed. There will have to be a full consideration by the Council of Ministers of the Commission's report upon the bilateral negotiations, which the Commission is required to make by the end of September. But the possibility of a discussion by the Council before then cannot be excluded.

23. Mr. Jack Straw

asked the Minister for Trade whether it is still intended that the deadline for a final report to the European Economic Community Council of Ministers on the multi-fibre arrangement bilateral negotiations will be the end of September 1982.

Mr. Peter Rees

That is the date that the Council has set for the Commission's report.

26. Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Minister for Trade if he is satisfied with the progress to date in the bilateral negotiations on the multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Peter Rees

So far the Commission has held only informal exploratory consultations with the supplying countries. Formal negotiations are scheduled to commence this week in Brussels.