§ Mr. Hendersonasked 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.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe usual written forecast was deposited in the House on 29 February. Heads of State and Government will meet at the European Council in Brussels on 19–20 March. At present eight meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for March.
The Council of Environment Ministers will meet on 1 March. Items which are likely to be on the agenda include the draft regulation on action by the Community relating to the environment (ACE), and the draft directives on the transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste and on atmospheric pollution in the vicinity of industrial installations — air pollution framework directive. It is possible that the draft directives on environmental assessment of public and private projects, and beverage containers will also be on the agenda.
The Consumer Affairs Council will meet on 2 March, and is expected to consider the proposal on doorstep selling and to continue discussion on product liability and misleading advertising.
The Fisheries Council may meet on 5 March to discuss the technical management of conservation measures and third country fisheries negotiations with the United States of America, Norway, Mauritania and Cape Verde.
The Agriculture Council will meet on 5–6 March, 12–13 March and 26–27 March when it is expected to consider the 1984–85 agricultural price proposals and related measures, the reform of the common agricultural policy, structures directives, and the processed fruits and vegetables regime.
228WThe Economic and Finance Council is expected to meet on 12 March to consider the Commission's quarterly report of the economic situation in the Community. The Council is also expected to discuss several other subjects including European economic interest groupings; fiscal barriers to transborder co-operation; insurance; and review of the operation of the European monetary system — EMS.
The Foreign Affairs Council is due to meet on 12–13 March. The most important agenda item will be preparation for the European Council. It is also expected to consider the 1983 refund regulations; a progress report from the ad hoc working group on the Greek memorandum; the Community's trade relations with Hungary; the Commission's proposal to limit imports of certain cereal substitutes and the Community's position for the negotiation of a second international cocoa agreement. Ministers will also prepare the Community's negotiating position for a ministerial conference with the Portuguese which is due to be held in the margins of the Council. A proposal for the integrated development of agricultural and other sectors in Mediterranean areas may also be discussed.