§ 29. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to bring the seabed beyond the continental shelf into the ownership and control of the United Nations.
§ Mr. MulleyAfter a discussion of these complex issues at the General Assembly last December, the United Nations set up an ad hoc Committee to study the peaceful uses of the seabed. We expect to take an active part in this work.
§ Mr. MallalieuHave any proposals yet been made to this committee by Her Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. MulleyWe welcome the Maltese initiative in raising this, and we cosponsored the resolution which led to the setting up of the committee. However, since this was done only just before Christmas, it is too early yet to expect any progress within the committee.