§ 2.40 p.m.
§ The Earl of LAUDERDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper:
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any legal difficulties still remain between Britain and France over any part of the demarcation line between their respective offshore exploration licensing areas.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)My Lords, the arbitration agreement of July 1975 under which the United Kingdom/France Court of Arbitration on De-limitation of the Continental Shelf was established contained provision for either party to refer back to the Court any dispute as to the 1971 meaning and scope of the Court's decision within three months of its delivery. Following delivery of the decision in July of this year, Her Majesty's Government made such an application to the Court on 17th October.
§ The Earl of LAUDERDALEMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for that reply. May I ask him what were the points raised by the United Kingdom delegation?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, the reference back to the Court raises two technical issues arising from the Court's decision. The first relates to what appear to be discrepancies in the choice of base points North and West of the Channel Islands. The other relates to what appears to be a discrepancy in the drawing of the line out into the South-West beyond the Scilly Isles and the French island of Ushant, which lies off the mainland of Brittany. Those are two technical points.
§ The Earl of LAUDERDALEMy Lords, can the noble Lord say how soon we expect to get these matters resolved?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, the Court have asked the French Government to submit a written response to the United Kingdom's application by 10th December. I have no doubt that that is in by now. The President of the Court has convened a meeting of the Court with parties, and that will take place this week, on 14th and 15th December. That will consider procedure in relation to our application and the French response to it. It may or may not include oral hearings. I could not give a date for the final decision on the applications, but I should not think that it will be unduly long.
§ Lord BLYTONMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that information coming to England through devious channels informs us that the Brussels Commissioners are now demanding the right to explore for oil in British waters? Can the noble Lord tell me whether it is the intention of the Commissioners, under the Treaty of Rome, to take to the Court which is protecting our interests the matter of British petroleum?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding their own United Kingdom oil is perfectly well known. No doubt we shall, in agreement with our friends and allies in the Community, come to a working arrangement about minimum sale price and the availability of exports surplus to our own requirements. I do not see that any reference or amendment of the Treaty of Rome is called for.
§ Lord BLYTONMy Lords, can I take it from that reply that the Government will not agree to the Community's taking over our oil from the North Sea?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSYes, my Lords, I believe I can safely concur with my noble friend in that sentiment.
§ Lord Clifford of CHUDLEIGHMy Lords, is it not a fact that the French have already "beaten the gun" off Ushant in exploring for oil?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I could not confirm that report. I should certainly like to look into it. But as the moment, as my noble friend said in replying to the first Question put by the noble Earl, the position is that a considerable area for further designation was announced on 23rd November in another place by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Energy. This, according to the order of 15th November, will open up a very large area reaching out beyond the Scillies and no doubt in the direction of Ushant.