§ Lord Wilberforceasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to ratify on behalf of the United Kingdom the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and, if so, when such ratification may be expected.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)I announced on 20th July, in response to a Question from the noble Lord, Lord Morris, (col.WA29) our intention to accede to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We are now working on the necessary procedures; it is too early to say when we will be in a position to accede.
§ Lord Wilberforceasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the contribution of the British team towards the preparation of texts relating to Part XI of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention was significant and deserving of commendation.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyBritish negotiators played a significant role in securing an outcome which is satisfactory for British and Western interests.