HL Deb 22 October 1981 vol 424 c894WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is implicit in or consequential on the seabed mining Bill that the Royal Navy will give assistance and protection to seabed mining companies whose in situ equipment et cetera, anywhere in the world, is subjected to attack or harassment, and whether it is the case that the United States Government have undertaken to provide such naval and other assistance and protection to seabed mining companies in parallel circumstances.

Viscount Trenchard

It is not implicit in or consequential on the Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provision) Act that naval protection would be afforded to seabed mining companies. The Government would consider what action was appropriate should British interests be threatened. We understand that the U.S. Government have received no approaches about naval protection from U.S. mining companies; nor are we aware that they have given any undertaking regarding naval assistance.

House adjourned at seven minutes before seven o'clock.