HC Deb 10 April 1978 vol 947 cc333-4W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if it is the policy of the United Kingdom that multinational companies should have unrestricted and unlimited access to sea bed mineral resources beyond the limits of national jurisdiction and outside exclusive economic zones;

(2) if it is the policy of the United Kingdom that State enterprises or public corporations should have unrestricted and unlimited access to sea bed mineral resources beyond the limits of national jurisdiction and outside exclusive economic zones.

Mr. Luard

It is the Government's policy that a future law of the sea convention should provide for assured access for States, public corporations and private companies, as well as the proposed international enterprise. Access should be on a non-discriminatory basis and subject to clearly defined conditions, such as technological and financial capability.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that the technology for exploiting minerals on the deep sea bed should be made available to developing countries; and, if so, by what means.

Mr. Luard

The United Kingdom delegation to the Law of the Sea Conference will seek provisions in a future law of the sea convention to facilitate, through fair and equitable negotiations, access on commercial terms and conditions by the international enterprise, and developing countries, to deep sea bed mining technology to the greatest extent feasible.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom would be willing to set up joint enterprises with developing countries for the exploitation of deep sea bed resources.

Mr. Luard

The Government support the development of deep sea mining on as wide a base as possible and by all appropriate means. These could include joint enterprises with developing countries.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the view of the United Kingdom that an international sea bed authority enterprise should have a monopoly over mining from the deep sea bed.

Mr. Luard

No. The international régime to be established in the future convention should provide assured access for States and private companies as well as for the international enterprise under the general oversight of the international sea bed authority.