HC Deb 21 March 1979 vol 964 c600W
56. Mr. Newton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what differences exist between the Council of Ministers and the Council of European Economic Community Finance Ministers on the merits of United Kingdom participation in the European monetary system.

Dr. Owen

None. In legal terms, there is only one Council of Ministers at which member States are represented according to the subject to be discussed. The foreign affairs council in practice acts as general co-ordinator of Community business. But in all councils each Minister speaks and acts on the basis of the policies of the Government he represents.