Vol. 271 No. 3
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the attitude he intends taking in respect of the subjects to be discussed at the forthcoming conference in Caracas on maritime law, for example, exploitation of seabeds, the fixing of the limits of the continental shelf, territorial waters, fishing and the prevention of pollution in the sea.
72.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether, in respect of the conference to be held on 20th June, 1974, in Caracas on maritime law, it is proposed that this country harmonise its policies with those of the other member states of the EEC to ensure that the Community will speak with a single voice on the subjects to be considered.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.
The Government have not yet finalised their attitude in respect of the various subjects and issues to be dealt with at the forthcoming UN Conference on the Law of the Sea.
These matters have been the subject of consultations for some time between my Department and the other Departments concerned with them. They have also been the subject of exchanges of views between member states of the European Communities at expert meetings which are continuing. Since the issues mainly relate to matters not coming within the responsibility of the Communities as such and the interests of the member states frequently differ it is not anticipated that a common policy will emerge. It is however intended that the member states will take account of one another's views. The Government will therefore have regard to these views when finalising their attitude to the various issues, although of course our own interests will be the principal consideration.
Is it the intention of the Government to press for an extension of our fishing limits?
A whole series of issues was involved at this conference and the question of our attitude on particular ones is still under consideration. If the Deputy will put down a question sometime hence I shall be able to give him more information.
