HC Deb 02 November 1970 vol 805 cc266-7W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy towards the proposals submitted by states to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the Seabed beyond the 200-metre limit; and if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT a précis of the United Kingdom proposals.

Mr. Anthony Royle

The United Kingdom, France and the United States have tabled proposals in the form of working papers, all of which are reproduced in full as appendices to the report of the August Session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the Sea Bed. Of these only the United States working paper refers to the 200 metre isobath as a limit. Her Majesty's Government have welcomed both the United States and French working papers as bases for discussion and are giving the contents of both careful consideration.

The main headings of the United Kingdom proposal for an International Régime for the Sea Bed and Ocean Floor Beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction, which was tabled without formal commitment to Her Majesty's Government, are as follows:

  1. 1. The régime should be established by means of an international agreement.
  2. 2. The régime should govern the exploration of the sea-bed and ocean floor, and of their subsoil and the exploitation of the natural resources of this area.
  3. 3. The agreement should define the area in which the régime was to apply.
  4. 4. The agreement should provide that the establishment of the régime did not affect the legal status of the superjacent waters as high seas or that of the air space above those waters.
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  5. 5. The agreement should provide that, subject to the right to take reasonable measures for the exploration of the area and the exploitation of its natural resources, as provided under the régime, the laying or maintenance of submarine cables or pipelines should not be impeded. Moreover, the exploration of the area and the exploitation of its resources should not result in any unjustifiable interference with other uses of the sea-bed or of the high seas, including the conservation of the living resources of the sea, or in any interference with the freedom of scientific research.
  6. 6. The agreement should provide for the establishment of an international body to administer appropriate parts of the régime in accordance with its provisions.
  7. 7. The agreement should provide for the allocation of licences to States.
  8. 8. Equitable allocation of licences between States Parties.
  9. 9. The nature of the licences to be issued would require precise definition.
  10. 10. The agreement should provide for the payment of international royalties and for licensing fees in respect of operations conducted under the régime.
  11. 11. The agreement should make provision for Operating Rules.
  12. 12. Arrangements would be needed to verify that States were complying with the agreement.
  13. 13. Provisions governing liability for damage would need to be included in the agreement.