HL Deb 11 May 1976 vol 370 cc849-50

2.46 p.m.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a Statement on the results of the New York session of the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference.

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, the conference held intensive negotiations on the basis of the Single Negotiating Text. At the conclusion of the New York session a revised Single Negotiating Text was presented by the conference president and the chairmen of the three main committees, taking account of the views expressed at the session. I am taking steps to make a copy available in the Library of the House. It was agreed that the conference would resume in New York on 2nd August.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for that reply. While it seems that some progress has been made at the recent session, it appears that nothing has yet been enshrined in formal agreements. Does the noble Lord agree that the question of economic zones is one of the greatest urgency for the British fishing fleet? Will the Government give an assessment of the situation in the debate next week which the Opposition are providing in order to discuss all the subjects negotiated by this conference?

Lord GORON WY-ROBERTS

Yes, my Lords; in the debate next week we shall do our best to meet the wishes of the House and, certainly, of the noble Lord. As to the status and achievement of the fourth session, as I would call it, in New York, it was progressive rather than decisionary. Notionally, at least, and certainly hopefully, the fifth session in August-September of this year might be decisionary—although I would not hold out too many hopes on that score— so that, as we have said, we could move some time next year to a final meeting at which signatures will be possible.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that some of us are unable to deal with these complicated questions by these exchanges? Would he arrange for a debate in the House upon this very important issue?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, it is always open to my noble friend or anybody else to have a talk with my noble friend the Leader of the House on the possibility of a debate. I am bound to say that my noble friend's complaint that he is unable to deal with complicated matters at Question Time is fully shared by me.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, is the noble Lord the Minister aware that there is to be a debate next week, Wednesday, May 19th, and that the Motion on the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference appears on the Minutes of Proceedings today?