HC Deb 08 December 1969 vol 793 cc32-3
37. Sir Dingle Foot

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Government of the United Arab Republic regarding participation by British firms in proposed oil-drilling operations in the Sinai Peninsula and its offshore waters; and if he will make a statement regarding the policy of Her Majesty's Government to such participation.

Mr. Luard

This country is only marginally involved in proposed oil operations in the Sinai Peninsula and its offshore waters since, according to our information, only one of the companies concerned is registered in England, and that company is a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary of an American company. We are, however, concerned about the legal implications of this development and are looking into them. We have received representations from the ambassador of the United Arab Republic on the subject.

Her Majesty's Government recognise that the Sinai Peninsula and its territorial waters are under the sovereignty of the United Arab Republic, even though at present military forces of Israel are in occupation and control of the peninsula.

Sir Dingle Foot

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that long-term projects of this sort initiated in occupied territory have the most serious implications, tending to show that the Israeli Government have no intention of complying with the United Nations resolution and leaving the occupied territory? Will he make clear that the British Government do not approve of any form of participation by a British firm in projects such as these?

Mr. Luard

I agree with my right hon. and learned Friend that such a development does have serious implications. I have already told him that we are looking into the matter for this reason. As regards the legal rights and wrongs, my right hon. and learned Friend probably knows that this matter either is already or may shortly be the subject of legal proceedings. For that reason, I imagine that he will not expect me to comment at this time on the legal rights and wrongs.