§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in theOfficial Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesThe following Councils met between 1–15 October:
- 1 October - Environment Council
- 7 October - Economic and Finance Council
- 7 October - Transport Council
- 14 October - Labour and Social Affairs Council
- 15 October - Consumer Affairs Council.
The Agriculture Council will meet on 21 and 22 October and Ministers will discuss the reform of the common agriculture policy, the agricultural aspects of the GATT Uruguay round, and sweeteners in food. Ministers may also discuss meat products, and food quality.
The Research Council will meet on 28 October. Ministers will discuss, and may agree common positions for, the following specific programmes under the third framework programme 1990–1994: controlled nuclear fusion; nuclear fission safety; and human capital and mobility. Ministers may also consider the Commission's proposal for the joint research centre's 1992–1994 programme.
The Fisheries Council may meet on 28 October and Ministers might discuss technical conservation regulations.
The Energy Council will meet on 29 October and Ministers will give further consideration to the proposed energy charter for the development of a free market in energy across the whole of Europe and beyond. Under the heading of "Energy and the Environment", Ministers will examine issues concerning CO2 emissions and response strategies, and may adopt the SAVE decision on energy efficiency. Ministers will also discuss the related hot water boilers directive, proposals to amend the existing Commission powers on oil crisis management and oil stocks, and accession by the Community to the IEA. Ministers might consider proposals to increase competition in the energy sector through the liberalisation of the gas and electricity markets.