§ Mrs. Chalker[pursuant to her oral reply, 19 October 1988, column 876]: The Foreign Affairs Council met on 26 September. I represented the United Kingdom, accompanied by my hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development.
The Council discussed the Community's negotiating mandate for the renegotiation of the ACP/EEC convention—Lomé IV. The mandate was subsequently finalised, and negotiations with the ACP countries formally opened on 12 October. My hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development represented the United Kingdom.
The Presidency gave a progress report on the negotiations on the implementing regulations for the structural funds. There was no discussion.
The French Minister made a statement on audiovisual co-operation among member states, arguing for adoption 159W of a directive on broadcasting; progress in developing high definition television; and an industry-led programme jointly funded by Governments, similar to the present EUREKA arrangements for joint projects in industrial development.
A conference of the representatives of the member states considered the order of rotation of the 13th judge of the European Court of Justice, and concluded that Spain should take the next place followed by Italy and the United Kingdom. Other ECJ appointments, including those of Sir Gordon Slynn as judge and Professor Francis Jacobs as advocate-general, were approved, and took effect from 6 October.