HC Deb 20 February 1986 vol 92 cc283-4W
Mr. Rowe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report on the outcome of the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 and 18 February.

Mrs. Chalker

I attended the FAC in Luxembourg for discussions on 17 February. My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, was present for the discussions on 18 February.

The United Kingdom and eight other member states signed the documents embodying the agreement reached by Heads of Government at the Luxembourg European Council on 2–3 December last. In doing so, they expressed the hope that it would shortly be possible for Denmark, Italy and Greece to sign. The Danish Government hope to do so immediately following the referendum in Denmark on 27 February. The Italians and Greeks hope to be able to sign in due course. Ratification procedures will not be set in hand until all member states have signed.

Ministers discussed relations with Turkey in the light of the Turkish request for a meeting of the Association Council. Work is now going ahead on a number of outstanding matters, including the unblocking of some of the aid committed to Turkey, with the aim of holding an Association Council in the autumn.

Ministers discussed relations with Japan. They reaffirmed the importance they attach to the Japanese Government taking steps to reduce Japan's overall trade surplus on the basis of the conclusions it reached in March and October last year. They agreed to resume detailed discussion at the March Foreign Affairs Council.

Ministers made progress in moving towards agreement on the main elements of the Community negotiating mandate on the renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement. There will be further discussion in March.

The Council agreed a mandate to resolve outstanding problems in the negotiations with the EFTA countries on the adaptation of the EC-EFTA agreement to take account of the accession of Spain and Portugal.

The Council agreed to a request from the ACP for a special meeting of the ACP/EEC Council of Ministers to be held on 4 March.

A meeting of the Co-operation Council between the EC and Egypt was held which considered economic and commercial relations in the light of recent developments, including the enlargement of the Community.