§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the attitude of Her Majesty's Government to the proposed reciprocating States agreement on deep sea mining; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindAn agreement concerning interim arrangements relating to polymetallic nodules of the deep sea bed, the main purpose of which is to encourage applicants to resolve overlapping claims for such exploration sites by voluntary procedures, was signed in Washington on 2 September by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the Federal Republic of Germany. Copies of the agreement have been placed in the Library of the House. We will continue to consult our partners in the conflict resolution agreement in order to consider whether further action is required to protect the interests of British companies involved.