§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of Canadian Bill C202, which sets out to legislate for the high seas and to interfere with vessels engaged in innocent passage contrary to the Convention on the High Seas and the Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, both of which have been ratified by Her Majesty's Government.]
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government have followed the progress of Canadian legislation on this question very closely. Bill C202 was tabled in the Canadian House of Commons on April 8, and on the same day the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was informed officially of the proposed legislation. We have been considering what attitude we should adopt, and hope very shortly to have reached a decision. I am sure that noble Lords will not expect me to anticipate this decision by enlarging on our views at this moment.
LORD GEDDESMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government will bring into consultation the other signatories to the Convention of the Law at Sea in dealing with their representations to the Canadian Government?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, we attach a great deal of importance to the Convention, but I should not at this stage wish to give an undertaking as to how we shall proceed after our considerations.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, can the noble Lord tell those of us who have not read the Bill C202 what it says?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, if the noble Lord knew what I should have to do to reply to that question he would realise that it would take a very long time. But the fact is that the Canadian authorities are deeply concerned about pollution in the Arctic Seas. They had a disaster last year, and because of the cold the oil will not disperse; it floats on to the coast and causes considerable havoc. The Bill itself enlarges Canadian responsibility well beyond its territorial waters; and certainly these circumstances are not to be found in any other part of the world.