HC Deb 17 December 1980 vol 996 c222W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Lord Privy Seal how often in the Council of Ministers the veto has been threatened (a) in public or (b) in private.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Decisions in the Council of Ministers are generally taken by consensus, and so in practice the question of a veto does not arise. Where a member State feels that very important interests are at stake it may ask for discussions to continue until all member States are in agreement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Council of Ministers.

Sir. Ian Gilmour

At present four meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for January 1981. The usual written forecast of business was deposited in the House on 15 December.

The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 12/13 January, to discuss further, unless these matters are agreed at a Council expected to be held before the end of December, post-1980 arrangements for New Zealand butter; the common organisation of the market for sugar; proposals on policy concerning agricultural structures and possibly for banning the use of hormones in domestic animals. Proposals covering agricultural conversion rates, monetary compensatory amounts and the value of the unit of account are also expected to be considered.

The Finance Council is expected to meet on 19 January to consider amendments to the Community Loan Mechanism and a Commission proposal to renew the "New Community Instrument" or "Ortoli Loan Facility".

The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 19/20 January, but there are not yet any firm items for the agenda.

The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on 26/27 January to discuss outstanding aspects of the revised common fisheries policy.