§ Lord KENNETasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Soviet vessels have conducted exercises or weapon tests or scientific research within the area of the present British fishery zone or over the British Continental Shelf and, if so, when and for how long and, in the case of research, for what purpose.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSIt is not possible to know whether Soviet vessels on the high seas within our fishery zone or over the Continental Shelf may have been engaging in exercises or weapon tests. As to scientific research, the United Kingdom recognises in general freedom of research on the high seas, including its fishery zones unless it is research concerning the Continental Shelf and conducted there. Comprehensive information is not available therefore as to what research has been undertaken within the area of the present fishery zone or over its Continental Shelf.