HC Deb 16 February 1955 vol 537 cc50-1W
70. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since the freedom of the seas is of paramount interest to this country and since it is possible for oil and other minerals to be discovered outside territorial waters, Her Majesty's Government will propose that the residual areas of the ocean bed and their super-jacent waters shall be put under the jurisdiction of the United Nations.

Mr. Turton

No. Her Majesty's Government are concerned to preserve the principle of the freedom of the seas, but they do not believe that this principle would be furthered by the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion.