HL Deb 23 March 1982 vol 428 cc924-5

2.40 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 prospects for agreement being reached on provisions for an international sea-bed régime at the resumed United Nations Law of the Sea Conference.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the Government remain firmly committed to seek the adoption of a generally acceptable treaty by consensus on all aspects of the Law of the Sea. The United States concerns on deep sea mining and outstanding matters raised by other delegations will continue to be the subject of negotiations during the session which has just begun in New York, but obviously I cannot predict the outcome.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for his reply. Does he agree that after more than seven years of negotiation it is to be hoped that the important matters already settled shall be given effect fairly soon? As regards deep sea mining, will the Government continue to keep closely in touch with the three British companies which have been preparing to take part over the years in the new deep sea mining régime?

Lord Trefgarne

Yes, my Lords. I agree with my noble friend on both points.

Lord Wynne-Jones

My Lords, is the noble Lord prepared to say whether Her Majesty's Government will stand by agreements which had been very largely reached before the present Administration in the United States decided to cancel them all?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I think that is an oversimplification of the position of the United States. Certainly in the draft that had been agreed prior to the change of Administration in the United States there were a number of good things and some less good things as well. We agree with the United States that among the less good things was the deep sea-bed mining régime, and that is the matter which is particularly exercising the United States now. We certainly believe there is room for improvement in those proposals.