HL Deb 08 February 1974 vol 349 cc937-8WA
LORD KENNET

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether vessels not under the British flag are subject to British jurisdiction when serving oilrigs built on the British Continental Shelf and within the 500-metre safety zone of those rigs.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR of BELHELVIE

Section 3(1) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964, which reflects the relevant provisions of the 1958 Continental Shelf Convention, provides thatAny act or omission which—

  1. (a) takes place on, under or above an installation in a designated area or any waters within five hundred metres of such an installation; and
  2. (b) would, if taking place in any part of the United Kingdom constitute an offence under the law in force in that part, 938 shall be treated for the purposes of that law as taking place in that part".