§ Mr. William Sheltonasked 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 GilmourAt present, seven meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for December. Heads of State and Government will meet in the European Council in Luxembourg on 1–2 December. The usual written forecast of business was deposited in the House on 25 November.
The Transport Council is expected to meet on 4 December to discuss the harmonisation of laws relating to Community driving licences; an increase in the Community road haulage quota; Community aid for transport infrastructure projects and negotiations with third countries on combined road/rail transport. Ministers are also likely to consider a report on the application of the drivers' hours regulation; proposals for the fixing of rates for the international carriage of goods by rail; the monitoring of information on cargo liner traffic; proposals on the co-operation between member States in air accident investigation and proposals on safety standards for shipping using Community ports.
The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 8–9 December to discuss post-1980 arrangements for New Zealand butter; the common organisation of the markets in sugar and potatoes; proposals on policy concerning agricultural structures and for barring the use of hormones on domestic animals. Ministers are also likely to discuss refunds to United Kingdom distillers on Community cereals used in exported whisky and amendments to regulations which are required to take account of Greek accession to the Community.
The Environment Council is expected to meet on 12 December to discuss proposals on major accident hazards in industry; barring the import of certain whale products; encouraging the use of recycled waste paper and board and the draft directive on the discharge of mercury into the aquatic environment by the chlor-alkali industry.
The Finance Council is expected to meet on 15 December to consider two proposals for borrowing and lending: the first is the Commission's draft amendments to enlarge and simplify the Community loan mechanism to assist the Community in meeting the problem of oil-related balance of payments deficits among its own members. The second is a proposal to renew the Ortoli loan facility without a limit when the existing 1,000 meua is exhausted. Ministers will also consider the annual report on the economic situation in the Community and a Commission communication which examines the links between energy problems and economic policy.
The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on 15–16 December to discuss outstanding aspects of a common fisheries policy.
The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 16 December to discuss any follow-up action to the European Council. Ministers are also expected to discuss the Community's attitude to developments in the global negotiations on international development; relations with Cyprus; a draft regulation on the management of the Community's food aid programme for developing countries and the draft fifth directive on aid to the shipbuilding industry.
100WThe Fiscal Questions Council is expected to meet on 22 December to resume discussion about the basis for harmonising the structure of excise duties on alcoholic drinks and about tax reliefs for intra-Community travellers. Ministers may also consider a request by Belgium for derogation under article 27 of the sixth VAT directive and proposals on tax reliefs for temporarily imported means of transport and permanent imports of personal property.