HC Deb 24 July 1991 vol 195 cc641-2W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether seismic surveys are currently being conducted in international waters beyond the 12-mile territorial limit of the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Garel-Jones

I am not aware of any seismic surveys currently being conducted in Falkland Islands territorial waters, in waters lying above the continental shelf or in adjacent international waters.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to implement his Department's current proposals relating to the Falkland Islands and off-shore minerals and hydrocarbon extraction.

Mr. Garel-Jones

This Department has not itself drawn up such proposals. However various Government Departments have been considering draft minerals legislation submitted for approval by the Falkland Islands Government. This process is continuing and we hope to conclude it before long.