§ Mr. Nicholas Edwardsasked the Sectary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Irish Government dispute British claims to mineral and other rights in any part of the Celtic Sea or adjacent waters; and whether any negotiations are taking place or are planned with the Irish Government about the allocation of rights in this area.
§ Mr. EnnalsHer Majesty's Government have been pressing the Government of the Irish Republic for several years to agree to a demarcation of the Continental Shelf in the Celtic Sea area. The Irish Government have recently made proposals which are not acceptable to Her Majesty's Government. Negotiations are now 431W taking place between the two Governments.