§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the recent Antarctic meeting in Madrid.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government warmly welcome the outcome of the Madrid meeting and hope that the draft protocol tabled there will provide the basis for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment which has always been the Government's objective.
Of particular importance are the provisions for a ban on mineral activity for 50 years, and mechanisms for a review of the ban after 50 years, or before if everyone agrees. The results of these provisions would be that there can never be mining in Antarctica unless all the present consultative parties agree.