Written question asked by Ronnie Campbell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 July 1997. It was answered by Robin Cook (Labour) on Monday, 21 July 1997 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: Statement on when the United Kingdom will accede to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Answer: Mr. Ronnie Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom will accede to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; and if he will make a statement. [10101] Mr. Robin Cook: We have decided to accede to the convention later this month. The convention has many advantages for the United Kingdom as a maritime nation with world-wide trading and other interests. The convention includes important environmental provisions. Accession will enable the United Kingdom to play a leading role in the institutions established under the convention. The United Kingdom's fishery limits will need to be redefined based on St. Kilda, since Rockall is not a valid base point for such limits under article 121(3) of the convention. An Order in Council will be made at the first opportunity. Thereafter we shall seek to agree a fisheries boundary with the Republic of Ireland. Further legislation may be needed in due course if British industry wishes to mine the deep sea bed under the terms of the convention and the agreement on the implementation of part XI of the convention. We shall also ratify the latter agreement, which fully meets the objections to the original terms of part XI.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 10101; 298 c397-8W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Fishing limits Mining Treaties UN Convention on the Law of the Sea Seabed Law of the sea Statutory instruments