HC Deb 31 January 1983 vol 36 cc30-1W
Sir Brandon Rhys Williams

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

Mr. Hurd

At present 6 meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for February. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House on 27 January.

A General Affairs (Internal Market) Council is due to meet on 1 February. The Council is expected to consider directives relating to the Community's harmonised standards and access for third country products, the draft directive establishing a technical standards information system, and a number of measures to facilitate the speedy movement of goods across borders including the draft directive on frontier facilitation, the draft of the 14th directive on the deferred payment of VAT, and the Commission proposal for a single administration document for customs processing.

The Finance Council is expected to meet on 7 February. Ministers may discuss the economic situation in the Community and the Commission's proposal to contract loans under the New Community Instrument III for the purpose of promoting investment within the Community.

The Agriculture Council is next expected to meet on 7/8 February. It may consider CAP price fixing; the reform of Mediterranean acquis, which includes vegetables and olive oil; and fresh-meat directives involving the inspection and supervision arrangements for Community countries.

The Research Council is expected to meet on 8 February. Ministers are expected to discuss the framework programme; forecasting and assessment in the field of science and technology (FAST) and are likely to consider the future of the Community's Super Sara nuclear safety research project.

The Environment Council is expected to meet on 28 February to review the need for further action in the Community on trade in seal pups, in the light of a report from the Commission.

The Foreign Affairs Council is due to meet on 21/22 February when it is expected to discuss budgetary arrangements for 1983 and later and, if necessary, also the 1983 supplementary and amending budget containing provision for refunds in respect of 1982; the extension of the franchise for the 1984 European parliamentary elections and the present situation regarding the law of the sea convention and the question of Community signature.

Ministers will consider the Community role in the studies on East/West economic relations as set out in the Commission paper of 20 January: the state of trade between the Community and Japan and a further report from the Commission on the outcome of its discussions with the Spaniards about the European Community/Spain 1970 agreement. There will also be preparatory discussions for the Ministerial conference with the Spaniards which is expected to take place in the margins of the Council.