§ Dr. John Cunninghamasked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government have been involved in negotiations with the Governments of the United States of America, the Federal Republic of Germany and France about licensing arrangements or other matters related to deep sea mining; whether an agreement has been reached; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdHer Majesty's Government have entered into negotiations with the Governments of the United States of America, the Federal Republic of Germany, France and other countries with a view to adopting certain common procedures to facilitate designating them as reciprocating countries as envisaged in section 3(1) of the Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provisions) Act 1981. I will inform the House if an agreement is reached.