§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government have entered into any agreement with other States concerning applications for deep sea mining sites.
§ Mr. Rifkind:An 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 are being placed in the Library of the House.