HC Deb 07 March 1979 vol 963 c719W
Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the proportions have yet been determined in which the funds held by the board of the British Phosphate Commission on behalf of the partner Governments would fall to be distributed; and, if so, what would be the proportions accruing to the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand Governments, respectively.

Mr. Tomlinson

Any balance of funds remaining after the British Phosphate Commission was wound up would be distributed in the proportions 47½ per cent. Australia, 31½ per cent. United Kingdom and 21 per cent. New Zealand.

Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for how long it is anticipated that the moorings and other apparatus used by the British Phosphate Commission in Ocean Island will remain in a usable condition after the end of phosphate mining; and if it is proposed to renew any such equipment.

Mr. Tomlinson

The life of apparatus would depend on its condition when mining ended, subsequent maintenance, the type of future use, and, particularly in the case of moorings, the weather. As regards renewal, I have nothing to add to my hon. Friend's reply of 20th February to the hon. Member.—[Vol. 963, c.172.]

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