HC Deb 17 December 1970 vol 808 cc1563-4
Q11. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to a marine oil rig.

Mr. Maudling

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.

Mr. Archer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was precluded by the rules of order from inviting the Prime Minister to visit the sea bed? As an alternative, will he invite the Prime Minister to read the report of the enlightening debate in another place on 25th November on the urgent necessity for an international régime over the ocean, and will he do something about it?

Mr. Maudling

Yes, I am sure that my right hon. Friend will be delighted to read that debate. The whole question of national and international jurisdiction over the sea bed is at present under consideration in the United Nations.

Mr. Marten

To avoid the taking up of the time of the House in asking about visits to Hackney and oil rigs, would not it be better to publish a list of what the Prime Minister was going to do, and then hon. Members opposite would not have to ask these Questions?