HC Deb 14 January 1980 vol 976 c631W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what arrangements Her Majesty's Government propose to make with regard to companies in deep sea mining consortia; and what discussions have been held between the United Kingdom and the United States of America in respect of consortia involving both United Kingdom and American companies.

Mr. David Mitchell

In the context of the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference the Government's aim is to negotiate an international seabed mining regime which, while sharing the benefits and the opportunity to participate among all States, will offer adequate incentives to companies to undertake deep sea mining projects. Three British companies are currently operating in a consortium with partners from the United States, Canada and Japan. The Government keep in close touch with these Governments and the companies themselves.