HC Deb 27 February 1987 vol 111 cc427-8W
Mr. Hanley

asked 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.

Mrs. Chalker

The usual forecast was deposited in the House earlier today. At present, eight meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for March.

The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 2–3 March and 30–31 March to discuss the 1987 price fixing proposals, which will include reviews of the green currency system and the oils and fats regime. It may also discuss socio-structural proposals. intervention in dairy produce, milk quotas and French national aid for small milk producers.

The Economic and Finance Council will meet on 9 March to consider the Commission's quarterly review of the economic situation in the Community, and the European Court of Auditors annual report on the 1985 financial year. The Council may also discuss the budget reference framework for 1988; a proposed directive on prospectuses to be published when securities are offered for subscription or sale to the public, and amendment to directive 80/390 on listing particulars for admission of securities to official stock exchange listing.

The Foreign Affairs Council will meet on 16–17 March. The Council will discuss EC-Japan relations. It will also discuss the EC student mobility programme (ERASMUS). The Council may consider a draft negotiating mandate for an EC-Hungary trade and economic co-operation agreement; and Commission proposals for a new generation of financial protocols for some of the Community's preferential partners.

The Industry Council will meet on 19 March and will consider the next steps in European steel policy.

The Environment Council will meet on 19–20 March and will discuss large combustion plants; vehicle emissions; sulphur content of gas oil; the fourth environment action programme; export of dangerous chemicals; and regular leaded petrol.

The Transport Council will meet on 23–24 March. Discussion is likely to concentrate on the aviation package, but the Council will also discuss road haulage liberalisation, infrastructure spending and vehicle taxation.

The Research Council is scheduled to meet on 24 March. The agenda includes discussion on the Community's Framework Programme for Research and development in the period 1987–91. Three individual research programmes — RACE (Telecommunications), Science and Technology for Development and Medical and Public Health — may also be discussed, although final agreement may not be possible in advance of agreement on the framework programme. The Council may also consider the report of the industrial panel on the future role and organisation of the Community's joint research centre.