§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the nature of the documents and the part he expects Ministers of Her Majesty's Government to play in their drafting which will convey the future common position of the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community when conveying their opinions on proposed legislation to the European Assembly.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Council's common position will be determined by the member states in accordance with the relevant treaty article as amended by the Single European Act. The common position will be drafted following discussion in the Council. We shall, as now, play our full part in these discussions and in establishing the common position, which will be conveyed to the European Parliament by means of a Presidency communication containing the text of the common position.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the expected dates, and nature of each meeting he expects to arrange in London, or elsewhere in the United Kingdom, in respect of political co-operation or gymnich meetings, in his capacity as President of the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community between July and December.
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§ Mrs. ChalkerThe President of the Council of Ministers of the EC is not responsible for political cooperation. As Foreign Minister of the country holding the Presidency, my right hon. and learned Friend will hold an informal 'Gymnich' meeting of EC Foreign Ministers on 6–7 September at which political co-operation subjects will be discussed, as well as a European political co-operation ministeral meeting on 10 November. The European Council on 5–6 December is also likely to discuss political co-operation subjects.