HC Deb 04 May 1959 vol 605 cc19-20
32. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what preparations are now being made to present the British case at the Second Law of the Sea Conference in 1960.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Robert Allan)

Preparatory work for this Conference is going ahead. As my hon. Friend will realise, however, much of this is of necessity confidential and I am afraid I cannot give details.

Mr. Wall

Will the Joint Under-Secretary of State say whether we are having conversations with foreign States who think as we do about this problem, and in particular with the Commonwealth countries? Will he say when the leader of the delegation is likely to be appointed and whether the fishing industry will be represented on the delegation?

Mr. Allan

Yes. We are having consultations with other Governments and Commonwealth countries. I think that I can say categorically that industry will be represented. As the Conference will not take place for a year, it would be a little premature to appoint the leader now.