§ Mr. Skeetasked the Prime Minister whether it is Her Majesty's Government's policy either to support continuance of the Antarctic treaty indefinitely or claim a review of its terms in 1991.
§ The Prime MinisterWe are satisfied with the operation of the Antarctic treaty to date and will continue to support it. We have no plans to call for a review of its terms in 1991.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Prime Minister whether it is feasible to operate a mineral regime for the Antarctic without modifying the terms of the Antarctic treaty 1959.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. Article IX of the treaty provides for consultative parties to consult and make recommendations to the Governments
on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica".Negotiations have now started on a regime for minerals. We envisage that such a regime can be agreed without modifying the treaty.