§ LORD KENNETasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider it (a) in accordance with national and international law, and (b) desirable, that artificial islands should be made in the international waters of the North Sea, and what discussions they are having with the Dutch and other North Sea Governments on this subject.
§ BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIEInternational law is not entirely clear, but the Continental Shelf Convention 1958 does make provision for the construction and operation of installations and other devices necessary for the exploration and exploitation of the natural resources of the Continental Shelf. The matter is on the agenda for the Law of the Sea Conference. Her Majesty's Government have no present intention to construct such an island, and are having no discussions on the subject with the Dutch or other North Sea Governments.