HC Deb 12 December 1968 vol 775 cc578-9
Q5. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if he will discuss co-operation between the United Kingdom and the United States of America in the marine sciences when he visits President-elect Nixon.

The Prime Minister

It is too early to reach conclusions on what subjects would most appropriately be raised at my first meeting with the President-elect, but I shall bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

Mr. Dalyell

Will my right hon. Friend urge Mr. Nixon to give careful consideration to the proposals of the Maltese Government at the United Nations?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. Of course, the question of the use of the seabed for the benefit of developing countries is one that will be considered as part of the general international study of these questions, although it will be a complicated proposal to turn into reality. President Johnson proposed on 8th March, 1968, that there should be an international decade on ocean exploration and I am convinced that Mr. Nixon will be prepared to work with us, as we are working with Mr. Johnson's Administration, at the United Nations to get the adoption of that programme.