§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.
§ Mr. HurdAt present 8 meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for March. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House earlier today.
A General Affairs (Internal Market) Council is expected to meet on 1 March. The Council is expected to consider draft directives on a single administrative document, the facilitation of frontier crossings for goods traffic, duty-free fuel and air transport. Ministers are also likely to discuss the technical standards information system, the 14th VAT directive and the certification of products from third countries.
The Agriculture Council is expected to meet three times in March, on 8 and 9 March, 14–15 and possibly 16 March, and again on 28, 29 and 30 March to continue discussion on CAP price fixing arrangements. Ministers are also expected to consider the reform of the Mediterranean acquis, which includes fruit, vegetables and olive oil, and the New Zealand 1983 butter arrangements.
The Research Council is expected to meet on 10 March to discuss the framework programme and to consider the future of the Community's Super Sara nuclear safety research project.
The Foreign Affairs Council is due to meet on 14–15 March when it is expected to continue its discussion on the Commission paper about Greenland's withdrawal as well as Community financing and the budgetary problem and on the Commission's mandate for the forthcoming negotiations for a new international sugar agreement, preparations for UNCTAD VI to be held in Belgrade in June, the EC/Spain 1970 agreement and the draft regulations for Community support for energy demonstration projects. The Council will also discuss Portuguese accession and hold a Ministerial conference with the Portuguese.
Ministers will consider further the question of the franchise for the European elections and may discuss the Community's agricultural trade relations with the United States of America. In preparation for the European Council to be held on 21–22 March, it will also discuss the report on the programme of work laid down by the last European Council in December 1982.
34WThe Finance Council is expected to meet on 21 March to consider the Commission's quarterly review of the economic situation in the Community and agree a report to the European Council. Ministers are also expected to exchange views on the Community's loan activities.
The European Council is expected to meet on 21–22 March.