HC Deb 02 February 1996 vol 270 c973W
Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a statement on the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union. [13626]

Mr. Hanley

The answer is as follows:

SUBJECT: MONTHLY FORECAST OF BUSINESS FOR FEBRUARY 1996

1. The following Councils are scheduled:

  • February 12: ECOFIN Council;
  • February 26: FAC, Agriculture Council;
  • February 27: FAC, Agriculture Council.

2. The following subjects are likely to be discussed:

12 February: ECONFIN

ECONFIN will decide on 22 January whether to go ahead with this meeting. The provisional agenda we have received is as follows:

  • (possibly) Renewal of Community guarantees of EIB loans to Latin America;
  • (possibly) Audiovisual guarantee fund;
  • The fight against fraud—presentation of work for 1996;
  • (possibly) Tax on savings;
  • Carbon/energy tax.

26 February: FAC Agenda not yet available.

26–27 February: Agriculture Council

  • Reform of the fruit and vegetable regime (possibly);
  • Bananas (possibly);
  • Reform of the wine regime (possibly);
  • Price fixing (possibly);
  • Hormones (possibly);
  • Animal welfare (possibly);
  • Inspection fees (possibly);
  • Pesticides (possibly).