§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what protests have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the French authorities regarding the construction of an airstrip at Point Geologic in Antarctica and the threat to penguin breeding grounds; if any of the Greenpeace protesters were British subjects; what policing arrangements exist within Antarctica; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarWe are following with close attention the construction of the French airstrip at Point Geologie in the French-claimed sector of Antarctica. The information required under the Antarctic treaty concerning French activities this austral summer has already been provided by the French authorities.
The French are constructing their airstrip under the terms of article VII. 2 of the agreed measures on the conservation of antarctic fauna and flora, which permit such activities to the minimum extent necessary for the establishment, supply and operation of Antarctic stations. Observance of the agreed measures is subject to review, and this can be done during the normal course of Antarctic treaty meetings, the next of which will take place in Paris in May.
I understand that a number of the members of Greenpeace involved in the recent airstrip protest were British subjects.
Under the Antarctic treaty, consultative members have the right to designate observers to carry out inspections in all areas of Antarctica including all stations operated by treaty members.
The United Kingdom is a founder member of the Antarctic treaty system, and a full consultative party.