§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total area, in square miles, of continental shelf over which Great Britain asserts exclusive rights of exploration and exploitation.
§ Mr. RidleyUnited Kingdom rights have been asserted over a total of 137,000 square miles by designation under the Continental Shelf Act, 1964. Further areas will be designated in due course.
§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he will adopt to encourage the exploration and development of Great Britain's continental shelf lands.
§ Mr. RidleyI am generally satisfied with the rate of exploration and development of our continental shelf resources but I shall keep the matter under review.