HC Deb 29 April 1981 vol 3 cc406-7W
Mr. Nelson

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

Sir Ian Gilmour

The usual written forecast was deposited in the House on Monday 27 April. At present three meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for May.

The Finance Council is expected to meet on 11 May to continue discussion of the draft non-life insurance services directive and may also do some preparatory work for the European Council in June.

The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 11–12 May. Items for consideration have yet to be decided.

The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 18–19 May to discuss Commission proposals on revising the method for adjusting Community staff pay and on a new consultation procedure with the staff. Ministers will also consider matters such as developments in the North-South discussion of international economic questions. There will also be a meeting with Portugal, in place of the meeting which was scheduled for 13 April, to continue the negotiations for Portuguese accession to the Community.