§ Mr. Waldegraveasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report, a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.
§ Sir Ian GilmourThe usual written forecast of Community business was deposited on Friday 28 March. Heads of State and Government will meet in the European Council in Brussels on a date to be arranged. At present five meetings of the Council of Ministers are scheduled for April.
The Finance Council is expected to meet on 21 April to discuss preparations or follow-up to the postponed European Council (depending on the date of its meeting). Ministers are also expected to exchange views on the international economic situation, with particular reference to the meeting of the IMF interim committee on 25 and 26 April.
A joint foreign affairs/finance council is expected to meet on 21 April to discuss budgetary priorities and perspectives for the 1981 Community budget.
38WThe Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 21–22 April to discuss preparations or follow-up to the postponed European Council. Foreign Ministers may also discuss the request from the Court of Justice for an additional advocate general; a short list of developers and projects to construct a new council building to meet accommodation needs following enlargement; preparations for a ministerial meeting in the accession negotiations with Spain; arrangements under the EC-Turkey association agreement; Community relations with the Gulf States; preparations for a cooperation council with Egypt; a new commercial agreement with India; preparations for the annual meeting of the EC-ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) Council of Ministers, due to be held in Nairobi in May; preparations for a meeting of EC and Andean Pact Foreign Ministers, also to be held in May; and textile negotiations with Egypt and Bolivia.
The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 21–23 April to continue discussion of the Commission's proposals on the common agricultural policy prices for 1980–81 and economies in the CAP to help balance the markets and streamline expenditure. Discussion is also expected to continue on proposals on policy concerning agricultural structures and the common organisation of the market in sheepmeat and French import controls.
The Environment Council is expected to meet on 29 April for an informal session devoted to general discussion of environmental matters. The main topic will be an evaluation of the Community's environment policy. Ministers may also discuss soil management, energy and the environment, and lead pollution in the environment.