HC Deb 29 October 1981 vol 10 cc397-8W

Mr. Latham asked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on the achievements to date during the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Economic Community.

The Prime Minister: The United Kingdom Presidency still has two months to run, but already it is possible to point to achievements in a number of areas. In particular I would cite the following: decisions taken by the Foreign Ministers of the Ten earlier this month to improve European political co-operation; the advances made in the negotiations with Spain and Portugal on their accession; the launching of the negotiations on the Community's budget problems; the agreement on important elements of a common fisheries policy; the decision to make a third offer of Community food to Poland at special prices; the negotiation of an agreement with Australia giving the Community nuclear industry access to Australian uranium; the recent agreement on measures to limit the affect of oil shortfalls; the successful meeting in London at ministerial level between the European Community and the Association of South East Asian Nations; agreement in principle on proposals for a Community contribution to countering hunger in the world; and agreement that the Commission should open discussions with the International Sugar Organisation with a view to Community membership of an improved agreement.