Council of Ministers (Hansard, 25 February 1981)

§ Sir Ian Gilmour

At present eight meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for March. Heads of State and of Government will meet in the European Council in the Netherlands on 23–24 March. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House on 24 February.

The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 2–3 March and again on 30 March-1 April to discuss the 370W common agricultural policy price proposals. The 2–3 March Council will also consider proposals for controlling the use of hormones in domestic animals and on the use of bioproteins in animal feeding-stuffs. Post-1980 arrangements for New Zealand butter, proposals on policy concerning agricultural structures, beef imports into the Community and the common organisation of the market for sugar may also be discussed if agreement is not reached in February.

The Energy Council is expected to meet on 3 March to discuss the oil supply situation including various proposals for oil stocking arrangements in a supply shortfall, and progress on the guidelines for energy objectives for 1980 and member States' investment programmes.

A Council of Ministers responsible for steel is expected to meet on 3 March to discuss the restructuring of the Community steel industry, the provision of State aids and social measures.

The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on 9–10 March to continue discussions on proposals for a revised common fisheries policy and relations with third countries.

The Finance Council is expected to meet on 16 March to discuss the financial implications of the Commission's 1981 agricultural price fixing proposals. Ministers are also likely to consider the Commission's first quarterly review of the economic situation in the Community and certain of the issues which need to be settled before the non-life insurance services directive can be adopted.

The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 16–17 March to discuss proposals for a common format for the national passports of member States; preparations for the ACP—(African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States)—European Community Joint Council of Ministers of 9–10 April, and to consider developments in international discussions of North/South matters. Ministers will also discuss Commission proposals for the area of Greece to be eligible for the higher rate of intervention under the social fund; the adaptation of the 1980 European Community-Yugoslavia agreement to take account of Greek accession; the adoption of a draft fifth shipbuilding directive to replace the existing directive which expires on 31 March and possibly Community relations with the United States of America. There is likely to be a negotiating meeting with Spain about her accession to the Community in the margins of the Council.

The Transport Council is expected to meet on 26 March to consider the Commission's 1981–83 priority programme for transport; proposals for Community support for transport infrastructure projects; measures to promote combined transport; Community railways policy; the Community road haulage quota and technical requirements for inland waterways vessels.