§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 9 June 1992,Official Report, column 86, when he now proposes to bring forward legislation to repeal the Antarctic Minerals Act 1989.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe intend that a provision to repeal the Antarctic Minerals Act 1989 should be included in a Bill to give effect to the environmental protection protocol to the Antarctic treaty. We hope that this Bill can be introduced at the earliest opportunity.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are taken to enforce the moratorium on mining activity in Antarctica.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMeasures to enforce the moratorium require the introduction of legislation. We intend that a provision to repeal the Antarctic Minerals Act 1989 should be included in a Bill to give effect to the environmental protection protocol to the Antarctic treaty. We hope this Bill can be introduced at the earliest opportunity.
Until the new legislation is in force, the United Kingdom will do all it can by administrative means to implement the provisions of the environmental protocol, including the prohibition of mineral activities. The other Antarctic treaty consultative parties are doing likewise.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the creation of a world natural park in Antarctica; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAntarctica is a special conservation area under the 1964 agreed measures for the conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora. It is also designated a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science, by the 1991 environmental protection protocol to the Antarctic treaty. We believe that this and the stringent environmental protection measures in the protocol adequately reflect the concept of a world park.