Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 May 1999. It was answered by Stephen Byers (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list the agenda for the EU Research Council on 20th May. - (Holding answer 18 May 1999).

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the agenda for the EU Research Council on 20 May. [84676] Mr. Byers: [holding answer 18 May 1999]: The agenda for the formal session of EU Research Council on 20 May consists of: 1. Approval of the adoption of decisions concerning the association of applicant countries (CCEE and Cyprus) with the Fifth Framework Programme for European Research and Technological Development. 2. Consideration of a draft Council Resolution on "Women and Science: Mobilising women to enrich European research". 3. Any Other Business: (a) the Commission will provide information on the competitiveness of European enterprises in the face of globalisation, with regard to action to be taken on its Communication. (b) the Presidency will provide information on scientific and technical co-operation with the Mediterranean partner countries. (c) the Commission will provide information on decommissioning of the Joint Research Centre's obsolete nuclear facilities. There will also be an informal afternoon session at which the Presidency aims to stimulate a wide-ranging debate on the future of European research. Ministers will be joined by seven representatives of industry and academia who will speak briefly on key issues in European research.

Secondary information