§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Council of Ministers.
§ Sir Ian GilmourAt present three meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for February. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House on 27 January.
The Agiculture Council is expected to meet on 9–10 February to discuss the post-1980 arrangements for New Zealand butter; the common organisation of the market for sugar: refunds to United Kingdom distillers on Community cereals used in exported whisky; the controlling of the use of hormones in domestic animals; proposals on policy concerning agricultural structures; proposals in relation to beef imports into the Community and possibly the sluicegate prices for poultry imports. There is also likely to be discussion on the Commission's paper "Reflections on the Common Agricultural Policy" or, if they are available, on the CAP price proposals for 1981–82.
The Finance Council is expected to meet on 16 February to discuss the financial and budgetary background to decisions on the Commission's forthcoming proposals for the 1981 agricultural price-fixing. Ministers may also consider amendments to the Community loan mechanism and the "New Community Instrument" (Ortoli loan facility).
The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 16–17 February to discuss a draft regulation for Community aid to non-associated developing countries and the enlargement of the European court of Justice. Ministers may also discuss relations with Japan; a first report by the Commission on discussions with the new United States Administration about current trade problems affecting in particular the textile sector, an adaptation protocol to the European Community—Yugoslavia agreement of 1980, to take account of Greek accession to the Community, and the revision of the method Administration about current trade problems affecting in particular the textile sector, an adaptation protocol to the European Community—Yugoslavia agreement of 1980, to take account of Greek accession to the Community, and the revision for the method of reviewing the pay of Community staff.