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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome of the Research Council held in Brussels on 30 October was; what the Government's stance on each issue discussed, including their voting record was; and if she will make a statement. [12018] Ms Hewitt: The Research Council which was held in Luxembourg on 30 October: 1. Held a general debate on Commission proposals for the next EU Research and Development Framework Programme 2002-06, including the proposed new funding instruments, and the next EURATOM Research and Development Framework Programme 2002-06. The Government reiterated their support for a focused programme, aimed at achieving added value through European co-operation, and for improving the efficiency of financial arrangements. The Council agreed to set up an expert working group to examine the future development of research on nuclear fusion. 2. Adopted Council conclusions on the possible application of Article 169 concerning the voluntary networking of national programmes. 3. Received a presentation from the Commission of its Communication on the regional dimension of the European Research Area. 4. Received a presentation by the Commission on a draft European Community action plan on the Global Monitoring of Environmental Security (GMES) satellite initiative. The Government welcomed the emphasis on users' needs in the proposed action plan, but underlined the risks of a potential overlap with the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). 5. Received information from the Commission on the networking of member states' activities in the field of therapeutic AIDS trials. 6. Under Other Business, the Council agreed in principle a proposal by the Belgian presidency to set up an expert group of member states' representatives to examine the scope for co-operation in research aimed at countering bio-terrorism. 7. No votes were taken at the Council.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

12018; 374 c330W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Biological weapons Finance HIV/AIDS EU action Nuclear power Terrorism Research Euratom Satellites Nuclear fusion EC Research Council

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk