Council of Ministers (Hansard, 28 November 1986)

§ Mrs. Chalker

The usual forecast was deposited in the House earlier today. At present 10 meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for December. In addition, heads of state and Government will meet in London on 5 and 6 December.

The Internal Market Council will meet on 1 December. The council will be seeking agreement on a number of measures in the rolling presidency action programme for completing the internal market.

The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on 3 December and 17 and 18 December and is likely to discuss structures policy relations with third countries and total allowable catches (TACS) and quotas for 1987 and related measures. It may also consider an amendment to the technical conservation measures, and research and development.

The Economic and Finance Council will meet on 8 December to adopt the Commission's annual report on the economic situation in the Community, and the Commission's proposal for additional lending for small and medium sized enterprises (including the new Community instrument (NCI IV)). The Council will also discuss the extension of the medium term financial assistance facility which assists member states which have balance of payments problems; the Greek economy and protective measures (in relation to the release of the second tranche of the Greek loan); and the directive on the accounts of banks and other financial institutions. The 7th and 8th travellers allowances directives and a proposal on tax free allowances for fuel in the tanks of commercial vehicles will also be discussed.

The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 8 and 9 December. Among the subjects likely to be discussed are reform of the beef regime, the emergency measures in the milk sector, socio-structures and beef import quotas and balance sheets. It may also consider the flavourings directive, food law harmonisation directives; labelling and materials articles in contact with food, medicated feedingstuffs, extraction solvents, antioxidants and other items concerned with completion of the internal market, including a number of items in the veterinary field.

The Research Council will meet on 9 December. The provisional agenda anticipates discussion on the EC research and development framework programme for the period 1987–1991 and a first consideration of the report prepared by the industrial review panel on the joint research centre (JRC). The Council will debate the proposals for a revision in 1987 of the current JRC programme. The Council will also consider the Commission's proposals for a Community action plan for the evaluation of Community research and development activities; and the Commission's comunication on Community selections within EUREKA.

The Labour and Social Affairs Council will meet on 11 December. The main item for consideration will be the joint UK/Irish/ltalian resolution on an action programme on employment growth. The Council will consider draft directives on setting limits to exposure of workers to benzene and on the proscription of four specified 382W carcinogens. Ministers are also expected to consider the enlargement of the anti-poverty programme to cover Spain and Portugal, and may consider conclusions on youth training.

The Transport Council well meet on 15 and 16 December. The Council will discuss shipping and aviation measures. The Commission's recent proposals on both road haulage liberalisation and transport infrastructure support will also be discussed. The Council will also consider future Community policy on ports and railways.

The Foreign Affairs Council will meet on 15 and 16 December. The Council will review the negotiations between the Community and the United States on the trade implications of enlargement and discuss a new generation of Mediterranean financial protocols.

The Industry Council will meet on 22 December and will consider the adoption of a 6th directive on shipbuilding aid to take effect from 1 January 1987.