HC Deb 27 October 1982 vol 29 cc419-20W
Mr. Timothy Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of the forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.

Mr. Onslow:

At present 10 meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for November. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House of 27 October.

The Research Council is expected to meet on 4 November to discuss revision of the multiannual research programme of the joint research centre, reseach and development in information technology, stimulation of the Community's scientific and technical potential and the Community's research programme in the field of science and technology for assistance to developing countries. Ministers may also discuss research and development in applied metrology and reference materials.

The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on 8 November to discuss outstanding issues on the common fisheries policy.

The Development Council is expected to meet on 8 November to continue discussions on Commission proposals on hunger in the world, Community development policy, non project aid and the role of women in development food aid. Ministers may also consider North-South issues.

The Energy Council is expected to meet on 9 November to discuss investment in the rational use of energy, natural gas supplies, solid fuel policy and energy demonstration projects. Ministers may also consider a progress report on the Commission's studies on energy pricing, a draft recommendation on gas prices and tariffs and draft directives on oil stocks, heat generators and substitute fuels in petrol.

The Finance Council is expected to meet on 15 November to continue discussion on the draft seventh company law directive on harmonisation of consolidated accounts. Ministers will also consider a Commission paper on investment, prepare for the Joint Council of Employment and Finance Ministers on the 16 and possibly consider the Annual Report on the economic situation in the Community.

The Labour and Social Affairs Council is expected to meet on 15 November to prepare for the Joint Council of Employment and Finance Ministers on the 16th.

The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 15/16 November to consider beef imports for 1983, the welfare of hens in battery cages and a draft directive on the health inspection of Community establishments dealing with fresh meat. Ministers may also consider the reform of Mediterranean agriculture including fruit, vegetables and olive oil.

A Joint Council of Employment and Finance Ministers is expected to meet on 16 November to discuss the economic situation in the Community together with youth unemployment and measures to reduce working time.

The Budget Council is expected to meet on 22 November to consider the draft Budget for 1983 and decide its position on the amendments and modifications to be noted by the European Parliament on 28 October.

The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 22/23 November, when it is expected to discuss the solution of the budget problem for 1983 and later as well as the suggestion. that there be a wider review of Community finances, preparations for the GATT Ministerial meeting and preparations for the December meeting with Spanish Ministers. The Council is expected to consider the Community's external steel policy and a Commission memorandum on the future European Community development policy. The new regional development fund regulation and the Commission's proposal for fixing the Community's generalised scheme of preferences for 1983–85 may also be on the agenda.

A meeting with Portuguese Ministers is expected to take place in the margins of the Council.