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Judicial Appointments: Peach Report

Lord Graham of Edmonton asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to publish Sir Leonard Peach's report on the operation of the appointments procedures in relation to all judicial appointments and Queen's Counsel.

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg): Sir Leonard Peach's report is being published tomorrow (Friday 3 December). Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA53

Archives Policy

Lord Sawyer asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to publish a policy statement on archives.[HL179]

The Lord Chancellor: The first ever government policy on archives is published today. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The report is also available on the Internet.

Archive services have both governmental and cultural functions. Effective records management is essential to good governance, and at the same time, our documentary heritage is a crucially important cultural asset. The revolution in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) gives the archives sector the opportunity to make major advances in both areas and to provide genuinely inclusive services to ethnic minorities, women and young people who are under-represented among archive users.

The policy document has been produced by all the government departments with a responsibility for archives. It is an example of how joined-up government works to good practical effect. It will provide a framework for future government thinking and action on archival matters.

Heritage Policy Review

Baroness Anelay of St Johns asked Her Majesty's Government:

With reference to the Review of Heritage Policy announced by the Department of Culture,

Media and Sport on 18 November: (a) which organisation or government department will bear the costs of the first stage of the assessment which is to be carried out by English Heritage on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions; and (b) what are the names of the non-governmental bodies and developers which they expect English Heritage to consult.[HL61]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey : We are currently discussing with English Heritage how the costs of the assessment of heritage policies, and in particular the cost of consultation, will be borne. We will expect consultation to encompass all the main organisations within the heritage sector, such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, The National Trust and the national amenity societies. We will also look to English Heritage to seek the views of other relevant interests, including local government, industry and commerce, developers and the tourism sector. Any organisations or individuals not specifically approached will of course still be welcome to offer views, either to English Heritage or direct to government.

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA54

Sudan: Export Controls

Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will refuse licences for the export of pumps and ancillary equipment for use in connection with oil pipelines in the Sudan; and whether they will ask the European Union and other governments to do likewise.[HL56]

The Minister for Science, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville): The export of oil pipeline pumps and ancillary equipment to Sudan is not generally subject to control. All applications for a licence to export controlled items to Sudan are considered very carefully, irrespective of their intended end-use, against the relevant criteria and in light of current circumstances in Sudan and the continuing EU arms embargo. Details of all export licensing decisions between 2 May 1997 and 31 December 1998 were set out in the Government's first and second annual reports on strategic export controls. The report for 1999 will be published in due course.

Wandsworth Prison: Chief Inspector's Report

Lord Lester of Herne Hill asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the report by Sir David Ramsbotham, Chief Inspector of Prisons, into conditions at HM Prison Wandsworth; and, if not, why not.[HL68]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton): Yes. As with all inspectorate reports, the report on Wandsworth prison is going through a process in which it is being checked for accuracy. It is likely to be published in December.

Offences against the Person

Lord Carlisle of Berriew asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they plan to bring forward legislation to reform the law concerning offences against the person.[HL95]

Lord Bassam of Brighton: We hope to do so as soon as parliamentary time can be found.

European Union: Forthcoming Business

Lord Davies of Coity asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for December and list the major European Union events for the next six months.[HL151]

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA55

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Barones Scotland of Asthal): Monthly Forecast of EU Business: December 1999

29 November-3 December--Seattle--WTO Ministerial Conference

No formal agenda

1-2 December--Brussels--European Parliament Plenary

Consultation Procedure

--(poss.) Proposal for a Council regulation regarding the implementation of measures to intensify the EC-Turkey Customs Union

--(poss.) Council Act establishing the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Member States of the European Union

--Proposal for a Council decision concerning the approval, on behalf of the Community, of the amendments to the Annexes to the Convention on the protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area (Helsinki Convention)

--(poss.) Proposal for a Council Directive on the marketing of forest reproductive material

--(poss.) Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 2201/96 on the common organisation of the markets in processed fruit and vegetable products

--(poss.) Proposal for a Council regulation on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products

--Proposal for a Council regulation amending for the third time Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 of 30 March 1998 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms

--Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 2596/97 extending the period provided for in Article 149(1) of the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden

Codecision Procedure

First reading

--(poss.) Proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation regarding the implementation of measures to promote economic and social development in Turkey

--(poss.) Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive relating to limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air

Codecision Procedure

Second Reading

--(poss.) Common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council decision establishing a scheme to monitor the average specific emissions of CO2 from new passsenger cars

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA56

Codecision Procedure

Third reading

--(poss.) Joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee for a European Parliament and Council Directive on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres

2 December--Brussels--Energy Council

1. Adoption of the provisional agenda

2. (poss.) Approval of the list of "A" items

3. Strategy for integrating environmental aspects and sustainable development into energy policy

--Report to the Helsinki European Council

4. Directive 96/92/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity: State of implementation and harmonisation requirements

--Information from the Commission and adoption of Council Conclusions

5. Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on energy efficiency requirements for ballast for fluorescent lighting

--Orientation debate

doc. 9564/99 ENER 81 ENV 242 CODEC 373

6. Communication from the Commission: Strengthening the Northern dimension of European energy policy

--Presentation by the Commission and adoption of Council Conclusions

doc. 12805/99 ENER 123 RELEX 44

7. Access for electricity from renewables to the internal electricity market

--Information from the Commission

8. Directive 98/30/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas: Harmonisation report

--Presentation by the Commission

9. Communication from the Commission on security of EU gas supply

--Presentation by the Commission

doc. 12896/99 ENER 124

10. Energy Charter Treaty

--Progress report

--(poss.) Adoption of Negotiating Directives on an Agreement on Transit (Item on which a vote may be requested)

11. Any Other Business

(a) Millennium bug

--Information from the Commission

(b) Community energy efficiency action plan

--Information from the Commission

Possible "A" Items

1. European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a multiannual programme for the promotion of energy efficiency--SAVE programme

--Adoption

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA57

2. European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a multiannual programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the Community--ALTENER programme

--Adoption

2 December--Brussels--Research Council

1. Adoption of the agenda

2. (poss.) Approval of the list of "A" items

3. Implementation of the 4th and 5th research Framework Programmes

(a) Overview of the 4th Framework Programme

(b) Outcome of the initial calls for proposals under the 5th Framework Programme

(c) Participation of the applicant CCEE and Cyprus in the 5th Framework Programme

--Commission reports and exchange of views

4. Preparation for future research Framework Programmes

(a) Information from the Commission

(b) Information from the Presidency

(c) Exchange of views

(d) Approval of the Council conclusions

12370/99 RECH 105 ATO 102+ COR 1 (d)

5. European space strategy

--adoption of a Council Resolution

9125/99 RECH 80 ECO 226 TRANS 144

6. Waste management and decommissioning of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) installation

--approval of Council conclusions

11269/99 RECH 98 ATO 93

+ COR 1 (fi)

+ COR 2 (s)

7. Additional research programme for the high-flux reactor (HFR) at Petten (2000-03)

8. Other business

--ASEM Ministerial Conference, 14 and 15 October 1999: information from the Presidency and the Commission

Possible "A" Items--Adoption of Council Decisions concerning:

--the conclusion of a scientific and technological co-operation agreement with Argentina

--the conclusion of a scientific and technological co-operation agreement with China

--the conclusion of a scientific and technological co-operation agreement with Russia

2 December--Brussels--Justice and Home Affairs Council

1. Adoption of the agenda

2. Approval of the list of "A" items

3. Tampere follow-up:

--Information on the state of preparation of the "scoreboard"

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA58

4. Draft Convention on mutual assistance in criminal matters between the member states of the European Union

doc. 13451/99 COPEN 60

5. Draft Framework Decision on increasing protection by penal sanctions against counterfeiting in connection with the introduction of the euro

doc. 13450/99 DROIPEN 21

6. Initiative for a Council Regulation on insolvency proceedings

doc. 13465/99 JUSTCIV 177 MI 120

7. Proposal for a Council Regulation on the Service in the member states of judicial and extra-judicial documents in civil or commercial matters

docs. 13466/99 JUSTCIV 178 8671/99 JUSTCIV 81

8. Organised crime:

(a) The Prevention and Control of Organised Crime: A European Union Strategy for the beginning of the new Millennium--oral report

(b) 1998 EU Organised Crime Situation Report--oral report

9. Eurodac--Regulation on comparison of fingerprints of asylum applicants and certain other aliens

doc. 13408/99 EURODAC 24

10. Draft negotiation mandate on Dublin parallel agreement with Norway and Iceland

--adoption*

doc. 13407/99 ASILE 42

11. Admission: Commission proposal on family reunification

--Presentation by the Commission

12. Council Decision concerning the UK application to participate in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis*

doc. 11177/4/99 SCHENGEN 74 REV 4

13. Europol:

Future activities of Europol after Tampere European Council

--Information from the Presidency

14. Adoption of the decisions discussed in the Mixed Committee at Ministerial level (after the Mixed Committee meeting)*

15. Proposal for a directive on electronic commerce--criminal law aspects:

--Information by the Swedish delegation

doc. 13309/99 JAI 103 MI 119

16. Measures to combat child sex tourism

doc. 12629/99 JEUN 65 TOUR 10 JAI 96

17. Any Other Business

(* Items on which a vote may be requested)

6-7 December--Brussels--General Affairs Council

--Adoption of the provisional agenda

--Approval of the list of "A" items

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA59

Horizontal Issues

--Resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament at its part-sessions in Brussels on 3-4 November 1999 and Strasbourg on 15-19 November 1999

--Preparation of the Helsinki European Council (10-11 December 1999)

--Overall co-ordination

--Common strategies

--European Security and Defence Policy: Presidency reports on military and non-military aspects of crisis management

--Enlargement

--Presidency report on the Intergovernmental Conference

--An effective Council for an enlarged Union

--Draft Statute for MEPs

--EP electoral procedure

External Relations

--Negotiations for a development partnership agreement with the ACP states

--Financial allocation for the 9th European Development Fund

--Trade co-operation

--Indonesia

--Transatlantic Relations

--Western Balkans

Items Likely to Become "A" Items

--Enlargement

--Adoption of EU common position with a view to the Accession Conferences with Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia at Ministerial level on 7 December 1999

--Association with Hungary

--Establishment of the EU position for the 6th Association Council meeting on 7 December 1999

--Association with Poland

--Establishment of the EU position for the 6th Association Council meeting on 7 December 1999

--Association with the Czech Republic

--Establishment of the EU position for the 5th Association Council meeting on 7 December 1999

--Arms destruction: joing action (Russian Strategy)

--TACIS: adoption of new regulation

6-7 December--Brussels--Internal Market Council

--Strategy for the Internal Market

--Presentation by the Commission--Exchange of views

--Joint Work Programme of the Three Presidencies (FIN, P, F)

--Progress report--Exchange of views

--Scoreboard (new version)

--Presentation by the Commission--Exchange of views

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA60

--SLIM Initiative--phase IV

--Presentation by the Commission--Exchange of views

--Mutual recognition of diplomas (SLIM Directive)

--political agreement

--Copyright in the information society--Progress report

--Directive on legal aspects of electronic commerce

--Political agreement

--Resale right--Political agreement

--Take-over bids--Political agreement

--Community Customs Code-- Political agreement

--Directive on distance selling of financial services

--Political agreement

--Parallel imports/Exhaustion of trade mark rights--Oral report

--Public Procurement--Progress report by the Commission

--(poss.) Buses and coaches--Political agreement

--Revision of chemical product policy--Presentation by the Commission

--Follow-up to the Council Resolution on Standardisation

--Vertical Directives on foodstuffs

--Sugars

--Preserved milk

--(poss.) Fruit juices

--Political agreement

--(poss.) Regulation on data protection within EU institutions

--Progress report

--Any Other Business

7 December--Brussels--Accession Conferences with Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia

--No formal agenda

7 December--Brussels--Association Councils with the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland

--No agenda yet available

7-8 December--Brussels--3rd EU-ACP Ministerial Conference

--No formal agenda

9-10 December--Luxembourg--Transport Council

1. Adoption of draft agenda

2. Approval of "A" points

Maritime Transport

3. Short Sea Shipping--Commission Communication

--Council Conclusions/Resolution

Horizontal Issues

4. Intermodality and intermodal freight transport

--Commission Communication

--Council conclusions

Land Transport

5. Railways

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA61

(a) Rail infrastructure package *--Common position

(b) Rail interoperability--Commission Communication and draft directive

--Debate

(c) Alleviation of rail bottlenecks

--Commission presentation and exchange of views

6. Working time in road transport

--Commission report and debate

Air Transport

7. Aviation noise: short and long term problems

--Briefing by Commission and/or (poss.) draft regulation/Debate

8. EASA--Debate

9. (poss.) Agreement with (CEECs)

--Exchange of views/progress report

10. Agreement with Cyprus*--Adoption of negotiating mandate

11. Air traffic delays--Commission Communication

--Commission presentation

12. Galileo--negotiations with US and Russia

--Commission progress report

13A. Ferry Manning: economic impact of draft directive

--Commission working paper--Commission presentation

13B. Transport & Environment (TERM)--Commission report on indicators

13C. Innovation forum--Commission presentation

13D. Eurocontrol--Community accession

--Commission progress report

13E. EU/US dialogue on aviation

--Commission information on Chicago Conference

13F. Air transport and the environment--Commission Communication

--Commission presentation

*Items on which a vote may be requested

10-11 December--Helsinki--European Council

--No formal agenda

13 December--Brussels--ECOFIN Council

--No agenda yet available

13-14 December--Brussels--Environment Council

1. Adoption of the agenda

2. (poss.) Approval of the list of "A" items

3. Proposal for a Council Recommendation providing for minimum criteria for environmental inspections in the Member States *

(Legal basis proposed by the Commission: Art. 175(1)

--Common position

5086/99 ENV 1 PROL-COOP 1

4. Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 88/609/EEC on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants *

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA62

(Legal basis proposed by the Commission: Art. 175(1))

--Common position

10916/98 ENV 364 PRO-COOP 144

5. Amended proposal for a Council Directive on assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment *

(Legal basis proposed by the Commission: Art. 1754(1))

--Common position

7093/97 ENV 104 PRO-COOP 32

6333/99 ENV 59 PRO-COOP 40

6. Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air *

(Legal basis proposed by the Commission: Art. 175(1))

--Common position

5518/99 ENV 14 PRO-COOP 10

7. International negotiations concerning the Protocol on biosafety

--Council conclusions

8. Overall assessment of the Fifth Action Programme and environmental sectoral indicators

--Presentation by the Commission and exchange of views

9. Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants, and Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council relating to ozone in ambient air

--Progress report

10232/99 ENV 262 CODEC 425

10. The Commission's work programme for 2000

--Briefing by the Commission

11. Community strategy on chemical products

--Progress report from the Commission

12. Other business

(a) Brominated flame retardants

--request by the Danish and Swedish delegations

(b) "Car-free day" event

--briefing by the French delegation

(c) (poss.) Situation of the SAVE and ALTENER programmes

--statement by the Spanish delegation

* Item on which a vote may be requested

13-17 December--Strasbourg--European Parliament Plenary

--No agenda yet available

14-15 December--Brussels--Agriculture Council

--No agenda yet available

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA63

14-16 December--Brussels--Ministerial Conference on Follow-up of Progress on UN Beijing Platform for Action

--No formal agenda

16-17 December--Brussels--Fisheries Council

1. Adoption of the Agenda

2. Approval of the list of "A" items

3. Proposal for a Council Regulation fixing for 2000 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in other waters where limitations in catch are required *

Legal basis: Article 8(4) of Reg. (EEC) No. 3760/92

--Adoption

4. (poss.) Morocco: future fisheries relations

--State of play by Commission

5. Proposal for a Council Regulation laying down certain control measures applicable in the area covered by the Convention on Future Multilateral Co-operation in the North-East Atlantic Fisheries *

Legal basis: Article 37 of the Treaty

--Adoption

Doc. 10074/99 PECHE 144

6. (poss.) Proposal for a Council Regulation amending for the fifth time Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms (sandeels)

7. Any Other Business

--(poss.) Regional meetings

--Presentation of the Communication by the Commission

--Organisation of future work

* Item on which a vote may be requested.

This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

European Calendar: December 1999-May 2000

Date	Location	Event
December 1999
29 November -3 December	Seattle	WTO Ministerial Conference
1-2	Brussels	European Parliament Plenary
2	Brussels	Energy Council
2	Brussels	Research Council
2	Brussels	Justice and Home Affairs Council
6-7	Brussels	General Affairs Council
6-7	Brussels	Internal Market Council
7	Brussels	Accession Conferences with Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia
7	Brussels	Association Councils with the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland
7-8	Brussels	3rd EU-ACP Ministerial Conference
9-10	Luxembourg	Transport Council
10-11	Helsinki	European Council
13	Brussels	ECOFIN Council
13-14	Brussels	Environment Council
13-17	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
14-15	Brussels	Agriculture Council
14-16	Brussels	Ministerial Conference on Follow-up of Progress on UN Beijing Platform for Action
16-17	Brussels	Fisheries Council
January 2000
14	Brussels	Fisheries Council (poss.)
17-21	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
18	Brussels	Budget Council (poss.)
24-25	Brussels	General Affairs Council
24-25	Brussels	Agriculture Council
28-29	Lisbon	Development Ministers (Informal)
31	Brussels	ECOFIN Council
February 2000
2-3	Brussels	European Parliament Plenary
11-12	Lisbon	Social Affairs Council (Informal)
14-15	Brussels	General Affairs Council
14-18	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
21-22	Brussels	Agriculture Council
21-22	Vilamoura	San Jose Meeting
23-24	Vilamoura	Rio Group Meeting
28	Brussels	ECOFIN Council
March 2000
1-2	Brussels	European Parliament Plenary
3-4	Lisbon	Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal)
13	Brussels	Joint Social Affairs and ECOFIN Council
13-17	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
16	Brussels	Internal Market Council
20-21	Brussels	General Affairs Council
20-21	Brussels	Agriculture Council
23-24	Lisbon	Special European Council
27	Brussels	Justice and Home Affairs Council
28	Brussels	Transport Council
29-30	Brussels	European Parliament Plenary
30	Brussels	Environment Council
April 2000
3	Luxembourg	Fisheries Council
3-4	Cairo	EU-Africa Summit
4	Luxembourg	Social Affairs Council
7-8	Lisbon	ECOFIN Council (Informal)
10-11	Luxembourg	General Affairs Council
10-14	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
13	Luxembourg	Consumer Affairs Council
15-16	Oporto	Environment Council (Informal)
17-18	Luxembourg	Agriculture Council
May 2000
2	Brussels	ECOFIN Council
2	Brussels	Telecommunications Council
3-4	Brussels	European Parliament Plenary
5-7	San Miguel, Azores	Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers
11	Brussels	Health Council
15-16	Brussels	Agriculture Council
15-19	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
16	Brussels	Culture Council
18	Brussels	Industry Council
18	Brussels	Development Council
22-23	Brussels	General Affairs Council
25	Brussels	Internal Market Council
28-30	Evora	Agriculture Council (Informal)
29-30	Brussels	Justice and Home Affairs Council
30	Brussels	Energy Council

2 Dec 1999 : Column WA65

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