HL Deb 01 February 1978 vol 388 cc842-3WA
Lord KENNET

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Within what distance of the shores of the United Kingdom would the Composite Negotiating Text permit foreign Governments to establish permanent or temporary platforms for purposes other than economic exploration or exploitation (a) on the surface and (b) within the body of the waters.

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

Provided that such a platform did not affect the exercise of the rights of the coastal State or of other States and their legitimate uses of the sea, this appears to be lawful anywhere outside the territorial sea of the United Kingdom.