§ Mr. Sackvilleasked 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. RifkindThe usual written forecast was deposited in the House earlier today. Heads of State and Government will meet at the European Council in Dublin on 3–4 December. At present nine meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for December. In addition, 629W Community Ministers will meet with their African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) colleagues in Lomé on 8 December to sign the third Lomé convention.
The Fisheries Council will meet on 3 and 4 December to continue its discussions on total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for 1985 and relations with Norway.
The Environment Council is due to meet on 6 December to discuss a range of proposals on environmental matters especially the proposed directives dealing with air pollution from large combustion plants, the reduction of the lead content of petrol and the control of vehicle emissions.
The Economic and Finance Council is expected to meet on 10 December to consider the annual report on the economic situation in the Community; the proposed Commission mandate for negotiation of an OECD sector agreement on export credits for aircraft; a possible Commission mandate for further discussions within the OECD consensus group on tied aid credits; a progress report on negotiations on the proposed non-life insurance services directive; and measures to strengthen the European monetary system, including convergence and surveillance procedures, progress on financial integration and the development of the public and private ecu. Ministers may also consider a compromise proposal concerning tax exemptions for travellers, for small private consignments, and for fuel in tanks of commercial vehicles.
The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 10–11 December to consider agricultural structures, including aids for investment in agricultural holdings, measures for forestry and the protection of the environment. The Council will also discuss beef imports from third countries under GATT; the collection of the milk supplementary levy; and wine reform including vineyard planting, production rules for sparkling wine and the compulsory declaration of alcoholic strength on a number of alcoholic drinks.
The Transport Council will meet on 11–12 December, when it is expected to continue its discussions on the harmonisation of lorry weights and dimensions; road haulage quotas; a proposed regulation on road safety; railway co-operation; and infrastructure support. Ministers will also consider a progress report on a timetable for the harmonisation and liberalisation of inland transport; 630W Community policy on civil aviation and on shipping; and proposals on drivers' hours, summertime and hired vehicles.
The Labour and Social Affairs Council is due to meet on 13 December to consider the draft resolution on long-term unemployment; a draft recommendation on positive action for women; a draft proposal for a third programme for the exchange of young workers; a draft directive on industrial noise; and a draft decision on Community action to combat poverty. Ministers are expected to be given a progress report on the draft "Vredeling" directive and may also consider future regional priorities for the European social fund.
The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet; on 17–18 December to consider any follow-up action needed after the Dublin Council; and to prepare its position on outstanding points in the negotiations with Spain and Portugal. The Council will review the Community's position in the light of the United States decision to impose unilaterally a 5.9 per cent, market share ceiling on Community exports of pipe and tubes; will consider duty-free newsprint quota arrangements for 1985; and will discuss Community relations with Cyprus in preparation for the EC-Cyprus Association Council which is due to take place at some time during these two days.
The Internal Market Council is due to meet on 18 December to discuss the draft directive on the right of establishment of pharmacists to resolve outstanding problems affecting certain member states. The Council may also discuss the proposal for a single administrative document for goods traffic; the standardisation of manufactured products; product liability and a draft directive on co-ordination of laws relating to self-employed commercial agents. Ministers may consider progress reports on the EC draft bankruptcy convention, on proposals for a unit trusts directive and on the draft regulation to establish a European Economic Interest Grouping.
The Research Council is expected to meet on 19 December to discuss proposed research and development programmes in fusion, radioactive waste, reactor safety, radiation protection and non-nuclear energy. Ministers will also discuss biotechnology research, basic research in industrial technology (BRITE) and proposals for a video communications project.