asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the present position with regard to the dispute with the Republic of Ireland over territorial rights in respect of Rockall.

The question of the delimitation of the continental shelf between Ireland and the United Kingdom, including those areas which might be affected by Rockall, is still being discussed between the two Governments. A further round of discussions at official level will take place on 6 and 7 February. British sovereignty over the island of Rockall is not in dispute with the Republic of Ireland.