§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by the interconnector working party; when it is likely to report; what are the expected volumes; and to what extent the Government remain committed to open access and published tariffs as the basis of the interconnector project.
§ Mr. EggarThe United Kingdom-continent gas interconnector is a private sector project being developed by a group of seven oil and gas companies to build a pipeline linking the United Kingdom and Belgian gas grids. The Government welcome the widespread interest from potential users in participating in this strategic link and the progress being made towards a commitment this year to go ahead. The development of the commercial arrangements for the interconnector is a matter for the companies involved.
§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to seek a resolution of the issue of jurisdiction before agreeing any new treaty relating to a cross-median sub-sea pipeline; what effect he expects the pending ratification of the law of the sea convention to have on these matters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThe Government believe it is important to resolve the application of jurisdiction to submarine pipelines crossing the continental shelf boundary between the United Kingdom and Norway if such projects are to be considered. The Government have taken no decision about accession to the United Nations law of the sea convention.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is considering seeking arbitration at the International Court of Justice to clarify the position with regard to jurisdiction over sub-sea pipelines crossing the United Kingdom-Norwegian line.
§ Mr. EggarI can confirm that we are considering the option of seeking arbitration to clarify the application of jurisdiction to submarine pipelines crossing the continental shelf boundary between the United Kingdom and Norway.