§ Viscount Cranborneasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Minister.
§ Mr. Humphrey Atkins:At present seven meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for November. Heads of State and Government will meet in the European Council in London on 26–27 November. The ususal written forecast was deposited in the House on 23 October.
The Development Council is expected to meet on 3 November to discuss development issues arising out of the North-South dialogue; a report on stocktaking of Community aid in the agriculture and food production sector, a proposal for improval procedures for emergency aid and draft guidelines for the programme of financial and technical aid to non-associated developing countries in 1982. Ministers are also expected to consider Commission proposals on hunger in the world and may in addition have some preliminary discussion on proposals on food aid; on further work required on the energy needs of developing countries, on trade promotion policies and on the role of women in development.
The Finance Council is expected to meet on 9 November to continue its consideration of the draft insurance services directive. Ministers may also discuss a Working group report on oil subsidies and petroleum taxation that was commissioned by the Council in September, and may consider the economic situation in preparation for the next European Council.
The Research Council is expected to meet on 9 November to discuss a Commission paper on the current state of Community research and development activity and a strategy for the 1980s.
The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 16–17 November to discuss the finalisation of GATT import quotas for 1982 on frozen beef and veal, buffalo meat and high quality beef (Hilton) and to consider proposals on the welfare of laying hens in battery cages and on the consolidation of the main agri-monetary regulations.
The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 16–17 November to discuss preparations for the European Council at which the main topic for discussion will be the 30 May mandate.
The Budget Council is expected to meet on 24 November to consider the amendments and modifications to the 1982 draft budget which will have been adopted by the European Parliament on 6 November. The Council will also meet a delegation from the European Parliament to discus budgetary questions which arise in the inter-institutional dialogue.
The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on 30 November and 1 December with the aim of reaching agreement on proposals for a revised common fisheries policy.