§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsAt present three meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for January 1982. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House on 21 December.
The Agriculture Council is expected to discuss changes in Mediterranean agriculture in the context of the enlargement of the EEC and various animal health matters, including disease notification, brucellosis eradication, amendments to directives on health problems affecting trade in fresh meat, the review of certain non-veterinary qualifications and possibly the welfare of battery hens. Discussion is also expected on the estimates of supply and demand for beef and veal for the processing industry during 1982 and to continue on the finalisation of GATT import quotas for 1982 on frozen beef and veal. Greek cotton producer groups may also be discussed.
The Foreign Affairs Council will meet on 25 and 26 January when it is expected too discuss relations with Cyprus and Community membership of the international tin agreement. It may also need to discuss arrangements for imports of low cost textiles and may be asked to endorse the establishment of a European foundation.
The Council will continue consideration of points made in certain resolutions of the European Parliament concerning Council-Parliament relations, and there is likely to be a meeting with the Parliament under the conciliation procedure to discuss a draft management regulation for food aid.
The Fisheries Council is expected to meet in January, on dates still to he finalised, to continue to discuss the outstanding issues concerning a revised common fisheries policy.