§ 27. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which Governments have formally signified their recognition of British sovereignty over parts of Antarctica; and which Governments have officially signified that they decline to do so.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyOf the Governments having territorial claims in the Antarctic, Australia, New Zealand and Norway have recognized British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands Dependencies. Both Argentina and Chile have laid claims to sectors of this British territory.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIn view of the importance strategically and perhaps economically of Antarctica, and in view of the Answer which my hon. Friend has just given, can he give an assurance that the Government will be resolute to resist any encroachment upon British territories and interests in Antarctica under cover of the International Geophysical Year?
§ Mr. HarveyYes.