andMr. White asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the meetings, if any, he has attended of the EEC Council of Ministers since 21 March 1979 and in respect of each meeting (a) the date, (b) the decisions taken, (d) when the next meeting is to take place and the matters to be discussed at that meeting.
Written Answers. - EEC Council of Ministers.
105.
Following is the information requested:
(a) 25 June 1979.
(b) The revision of the common fisheries policy, with particular reference to interim conservation measures and agreements with third countries.
(c) The Council decided that, in the absence of general agreement, member states would conduct their fishing activities in such a way that the catches of their vessels during the period up to 31 October 1979 would take into account the total allowable catches (TACs) proposed by the Commission on the basis of scientific advice.
(d) The next meeting has been provisionally fixed for October 1979 when the debate on all aspects of a revised common fisheries policy will be resumed.
106.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the meetings, if any, he has attended of the EEC Council of Ministers since 21 March 1979 and in respect of each meeting (a) the date, (b) the agenda, (c) the decisions taken, (d) when the next meeting is to take place and the matters to be discussed at that meeting.
The information requested is as follows:
(1) Council of Ministers (Agriculture) 26-27 and 29 March 1979
At this meeting the main items discussed were:
—the Commission's proposals for prices and related measures for 1979-80;
—the Commission's proposals on the calculation and elimination of MCAs;
—the Commission's proposal for a common organisation of the potato market;
—the Commission's proposal for common standards for the water content of frozen poultry;
—the Commission's proposal on the marketing of compounds feedingstuffs;
—imports of manioc from Thailand.
(2) Council of Ministers (Agriculture) 8 May 1979
At this meeting the main items discussed were:
—the Commission's several proposals for the wine sector;
—the Commission's proposal for a common organisation of the potato market;
—the Commission's proposal to fix a carry-over payment for common wheat, eye and maize in storage at the end of the 1978-79 marketing year;
—the Commission's proposal laying down common provisions on isoglucose;
—the Commission's proposals on agricultural structures policy;
—the Commission's proposal for a common organisation of the sheepmeat market;
—the Commission's proposal for a common organisation of the market in alcohol of agricultural origin;
(3) Council of Ministers (Agricultural) 18-22 June 1979
At this meeting the main items discussed were:
—the Commission's proposals for prices and related measures for 1979-80;
—the Commission's several proposals for the wine sector;
—the Commission's proposal for a common organisation of the sheepmeat market;
—the Commission's proposal on imports of sugar from the French Overseas Departments and India;
—the Commission's proposal on agricultural structures policy;
—imports of manioc from Thailand.
The decisions taken at the above meetings are shown in the relevant Council press releases, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.
The next meeting of the Council of Ministers (Agriculture) is to take place on 23-24 July 1979. The agenda for that meeting has not yet been fixed.
107.
andMr. Kelly asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the meetings, if any, he has attended of the EEC Council of Ministers since 21 March 1979 and in respect of each meeting (a) the date, (b) the agenda, (c) the decision taken, (d) when the next meeting is to take place and the matters to be discussed at that meeting.
I interpret the question by the Deputies to refer to EEC Councils held since 21 March 1979 which were attended by me or at which I was represented by a Minister at my Department.
On this basis, the Council's attended were: (a) Council (Energy) of 27 March 1979, attended by me; (b) Council (Foreign Affairs) 2-3 April 1979, attended by Mr. R. Burke, TD, Minister of State; (c) Council (Energy) 17 May 1979, attended by me; (d) Council (Energy) 18 June 1979, attended by me.
Of the items discussed at these Councils, the principal items which were mainly or solely the concern of my Department and the decisions taken on them were as follows:
(a) Council (Energy) 27 March 1979
(i) Petroleum and energy market situation.
It was agreed to limit consumption and importation of oil in 1979. Long-term objectives were also proposed.
(ii) Community Energy Policy Guidelines.
The Commission was requested to carry out a study of national policies. Energy saving and development of alternative sources, including coal and nuclear, were to be given priority.
(iii) Monitoring of the oil market.
It was agreed to improve information on oil imports with particular reference to original grades of crude oil, loading dates and component data in the price of oil and petroleum products. Monitoring of the free markets would be resumed.
(iv) Long-Term Outlook.
It is intended to open a dialogue with producer countries on the long-term outlook for trends in supply and demand in the world petroleum market.
(v) Community Crisis mechanism. The Council examined the problems arising in crisis arrangements to meet supply difficulties.
(vi) Limitation of oil consumption.
Discussions were held on the measures to be employed in order to reduce the level of oil consumption and petroleum products. To avoid these measures having an adverse effect on economic activity in the member states it was decided that they should be aimed at consumption of energy by Government Departments and local authorities and rational use of energy by motor vehicles. All member states were prepared to apply some of these measures.
(vii) Progress on the proceedings on coal proposals.
The Council requested the Commission to submit a report on the measures taken (or in preparation) to promote the use of coal for electricity generation. Reports on national policies regarding Community and imported coal were also required.
(viii) Demonstration Projects for Energy Saving and Alternative Energy Sources.
The Commission approved financial support for energy saving and alternative energy sources. It was agreed to introduce at a future meeting regulations concerning geothermal energy, solar energy and gasification and liquefaction of solid fuels and regulations fixing ceilings for expenditure on projects concerning alternative energy sources.
(b) Council (Foreign Affairs) 2-3 April 1979
(i) Negotiation of Textile Agreement between the Community and China.
The Council agreed on a "package" to be offered to China in regard to imports of textiles from that country into the Community.
(ii) EEC/Japan Relations.
The Council heard a report from Commission Vice-President Haferkamp on the outcome of his talks, in March 1979, with the Japanese Government. The Council noted that EEC/Japan relations remained a subject for concern. It also noted that the Commission would continue its consultations with the Japanese authorities and intended to submit an overall report in June.
(iii) Iron and Steel Industry-Aid.
The Council considered further a proposed code of conduct for the grant of aids for the restructuring of the steel industry. The Council requested the Commission to continue its efforts to find a solution to the difficulties encountered by the UK and Italy, both of which had entered reservations.
(iv) GATT Multilateral Trade Negotiations
The Council noted the Commission's intention to authenticate the various texts and agreements concluded in the Multilateral Trade Negotiations and that the Commission would submit recommendations to the Council, in due course, for the formalisation of the results of these negotiations.
(c) Council (Energy) 17 May 1979
(i) Situation of Community Oil Supplies.
The Commission was asked to keep itself informed of the activities of the oil companies during the coming months and to report to the Council.
(ii) Economic consequences of the crisis.
Since the rise in prices was having a negative effect on growth the Council decided to take appropriate measures to reduce oil consumption and to cope with a possible deterioration in supply. It also decided to call on the Community's industrialised partners to take similar action.
(iii) Limiting oil consumption.
The measures being taken by member states were approved. The Council objective was to maintain consumption at the 1977-78 level. The Commission was asked to keep present activities under close scrutiny and to consider what additional measures were needed to achieve this objective.
(iv) Monitoring the oil market.
Measures proposed by the Commission on improving information on oil imports and prices were approved. Member states were asked to supply the relevant information to the Commission which was asked to provide an analysis of price formation mechanisms.
(v) Crisis arrangements.
Certain arrangements as laid down in Decision No. 77/706 on the exporting of crude oil and petrol from one member state to another in the event of supply difficulties were approved.
(d) Council (Energy) 18 June 1979
(i) Preparation for the meeting of the European Council on 21-22 June 1979. Guidelines for the energy sector were prepared for reference to the European Council on
(a) a weekly analysis of oil prices paid by spot market operators and consumers for comparison with import prices.
(b) measures for compulsory recording of oil purchases.
(c) measures to stabilise and later reduce EEC oil imports.
(ii) Dialogue with producer countries.
Discussions are to be held on 30 June with representatives of the producer countries.
(iii) Economic consequences of the oil situation.
A preliminary examination was made of a Commission communication prepared for the European Council.
Next Council Meeting
The next scheduled Council meeting which may discuss matters of concern to my Department is a Foreign Affairs Council on 23-24 July 1979. The agenda for this Council is not yet available.