§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communications he has received from the Soviet Government about the right of scientific expeditions from Great Britain to undertake research in Arctic waters; and what his policy is.
§ Mr. GodberWe have received no communications from the Soviet Government about the right of British scientific expeditions to undertake research in Arctic waters. Our policy is to exercise our right to freedom of movement in international waters. As regards research on the continental shelf, we follow the provisions of the Continental Shelf Convention, 1958, which states that the consent of the coastal state shall be obtained.