Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council

HC Deb 21 June 2004 vol 422 cc1229-30W

Mr. Connarty

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council held on 10 June 2004; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [179038]

Ms Hewitt

The Deputy Permanent Representative, Anne Lambert, represented the UK at the Telecommunications and Energy Councils in Luxembourg on 10 June 2004.

On telecommunications, there was political agreement on eContent plus, a four-year continuation of a programme to support the availability of public sector information, especially location-based information on the internet. All member states agreed to the Presidency compromise budget of 135 million Euros, a reduction in the Commission's original proposal of 163 million Euros, requested by the UK and other member states. There was agreement on the general approach of Safer Internet Plus, a four-year continuation of another existing programme, to improve the co-ordination of member states' and third countries' fight against on-line content harmful to minors. All member states accepted the Presidency compromise budget of 45 million Euros. Member states also endorsed the Council Conclusions on updating the eEurope 2005 Action Plan and on National Broadband Strategies, as a basis for contributing to the Lisbon Mid-Term Review at next Spring's Economic Summit. The eEurope 2005 Action Plan was previously fine-tuned in the eEurope Mid-Term Review to strengthen implementation mechanisms and speed up progress in five key areas (broadband, on-line public services, e-business, e-inclusion and benchmarking). The Presidency tabled for information a paper on the forthcoming Tunis World Summit on Information Society, and the Commission drew attention to its forthcoming communication on mobile services which would cover R&D, interoperability, the legal environment (including intellectual property rights) and spectrum.

On energy, political agreement was reached on a Directive establishing a framework for the setting of Eco-Design requirements for Energy-Using Products. This sets out the arrangements by which the Commission may set mandatory energy efficiency and other environmental product design requirements on manufacturers and incorporates existing legislation on boilers, household refrigeration and lighting ballasts. Political agreement was also reached on a Gas Regulation setting conditions for access to the gas transmission networks, on the basis of an implementation date of 1 July 2006. Though some member states (MS) wanted a longer implementation date, the UK argued that early implementation was essential to develop the single market in gas.

A general approach was agreed on a Council Decision laying down guidelines for Trans-European Energy Networks. Facing MS unanimity, the Commission accepted deletion of Articles 8–10, covering projects of European interest and the appointment of a European co-ordinator, from its original proposal. There was a progress report on proposals for Directives on Energy Services and on Electricity Security of Supply.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport represented the UK at the Transport Council and will reply separately.