Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 July 2010.

Deep Sea Mining

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their stance on the regulation of deep sea mining in international waters.

Answer: Deep seabed mining activity is regulated by the International Seabed Authority, established by UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which the UK is a party. The Government strongly support the work of the authority to regulate mining activity on the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Through our membership of the council of the authority, we will continue to take an active interest in the development of mining on the seabed as it becomes increasingly viable from a technical and economic standpoint. We will also seek to ensure that potential future UK commercial interests are protected and that environmental concerns are adequately addressed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1134; 720 c190WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deep Sea Mining
Monday, 27 September 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Mining Regulation International waters Seabed
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk