HC Deb 18 November 1977 vol 939 cc409-10W
Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the meetings of the EEC Finance Meetings so far in the current year together with the subjects discussed at each; what subjects will be discussed at the forthcoming meeting on 21st November; and if he will make a statement to the House upon his return from that meeting.

Mr. Healey

The information requested by the hon. Member is below. I intend to inform the House of the outcome of the November Council.

Following is the information:

14th February

  • Economic situation in the Community.
  • Work programme for the Finance Council during the UK Presidency.

14th March

  • Economic situation in the Community.
  • Fourth medium-term economic policy programme.
  • Increased internal coherence in economic and financial matters.
  • Preparation for the next meeting of the IMF Interim Committee.
  • Conference on International Economic Cooperation: financial aspects.
  • Export credits.

18th April

  • Preparation for the meeting of the IMF Interim Committee.
  • Follow-up to the meeting of the European Council in Rome: Tripartite Conference.
  • Community loan for Italy.
  • Economic and financial issues likely to be raised at the Downing Street Summit.
  • Conference on International Economic Cooperation: Common Fund.

20th June

  • Tripartite Conference.
  • Follow-up to the Downing Street Summit.
  • Excise duties on tobacco.
  • Draft Directive on credit institutions.

18th July

  • Work programme for Finance Council during the Belgian Presidency.
  • Economic situation in the Community.
  • Follow-up to the London meeting of the European Council on 29th to 30th June 1977.

19th September

  • Preparation for the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank.
  • Economic situation in the Community.

17th October

  • General exchange of views on the economic policy to be followed by the member States.
  • Adjustments of short and medium-term credit mechanisms.
  • Communication from the Commission on investment and borrowing in the Community.
  • Revision of IMF quotas.

21st November

  • Economic situation in the Community and the adoption of economic policy guidelines for 1978.
  • Improvement of economic policy coordination.
  • The Presidency's proposals for adjustment of the Community short and medium-term support facilities.
  • Commission proposals for a new Community borrowing facility.
  • Draft Banking Co-ordination Directive.