asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made at the current session of the conference on the Law of the Sea in Geneva; and whether a further session is envisaged.

There was progress on some important questions, including aspects of sea bed mining, access to fisheries for States with limited fishing zones or none, and pollution from shipping. The conference worked out new negotiating texts on these matters, but further improvements are needed at the next meeting. This will be held from 21st August to 15th September in New York.