HC Deb 02 March 1970 vol 797 c27
25. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reply he intends to send the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the feasibility of an international treaty on marine pollution, pursuant to General Assembly Resolution No. 2556

Mr. Luard

We are still considering our reply to the Secretary-General's inquiry and I am not yet able to make a statement.

Mr. Archer

Would my hon. Friend at least agree that, while it may take a little time to secure international agreement on territorial claims over the ocean, it is only common sense to agree not to poison the cake before we divide it?

Mr. Luard

I can assure my hon. Friend that we are truly concerned about the problem of pollution at sea. He will know that we have already played a prominent part in bringing about agreement on earlier conventions for the prevention of pollution of the sea by oil—in 1954 and 1963. We shall continue our efforts in this direction.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Is not the main problem one of enforceability?

Mr. Luard

It is perfectly true that this is one of the main problems. On this question I.M.C.O.—the United Nations organisation mainly responsible—has been undertaking discussions.