§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government intend to ratify the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1969, and the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage 1971.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe Government intend to ratify both conventions—which have been presented to Parliament in Cmnd, 4403 and Cmnd. 5061—and will introduce the necessary legislation as soon as parliamentary time is available. The Government favour simultaneous entry into force of the two conventions and are in touch with other Governments for this purpose.