andMr. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs 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.
Written Answers. - Council of Ministers Meetings.
114.
Because proceedings of the Council of Ministers are confidential the Deputies will understand that this reply to their question will be limited accordingly. The main issues discussed and the conclusions reached at the last four meetings I attended were
(a) Foreign Affairs Council, 2-3 April 1979
(1) UNCTAD V.
The Council held a general exchange of views on the progress made in the preparation of the common position of the Community and the member states for the Fifth UNCTAD meeting to be held in Manila, 7 May-I June 1979.
(2) GATT Multilateral Trade Negotiations (MTN).
On the basis of a Commission communication the Council held a detailed discussion on the GATT MTNs.
(3) Iron and Steel Problems.
The question of a draft decision on specific aids for the iron and steel sector was examined and the Council noted statements on the need to lay down Community rules governing aid.
(4) Japan.
Vice-President Haferkamp reported on his talks with the Japanese Government in Tokyo. The Council noted that EEC/Japan relations remained a matter for concern and that the Commission would continue its consultations with the Japanese authorities.
(B) Foreign Affairs Council 8 May 1979
(1) Relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific States.
There was detailed consideration by the Council of issues to be resolved before the Ministerial Conference on 24-25-26 May.
(2) Turkey.
Agreement on the free movement of workers was reached, subject to confirmation in capitals.
(3) Food Aid.
Council agreed on details of the 1979 package, and it was decided that work would commence shortly on a framework regulation to apply from 1980.
(4) Budget Affairs.
The supplementary budget to the European Parliamentary Budget for 1979 was discussed. Following bilateral contacts between the Presidency and the President of the European Parliament, the Council decided to allow only the increased appropriation for travelling expenses for the new Parliament; other issues would be decided after the European Elections.
(c) Foreign Affairs Council, 24 May 1979
(1) Relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific States.
The Council prepared its negotiating position for the ACP/EEC Ministerial Conference held in Brussels on 24-25-26 May.
(2) Greek Accession.
The Council adopted
—the Decision concerning the accession of the Hellenic Republic to the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community, and
—the Decision concerning the accession of the Hellenic Republic to the European Coal and Steel Community.
(3) Generalised System of Preferences.
The Council signified its agreement to the main features of the new generalised system of preferences in the textile sector, to take effect from 1 January 1980.
(D) Foreign Affairs Council, 12 June 1979
(1) GATT.
Commissioner Haferkamp reported on progress.
Commissioner Gundelach reported on the recent agreement ad referendum with Australia.
(2) Japan.
The Commission reported on the Community's trade relations with Japan and, in particular, the growing trade imbalance.
(3) European Council, Strasbourg, 21-22 June 1979.
Preparations for the European Council were discussed.
(E) Foreign Affairs Council, 27 June 1979
(1) Conclusion of ACP/EEC Lomé Convention negotiations.
The next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council will be held on 24 July 1979; the agenda has not yet been decided.