asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals to amend or extend the Island of Rockall Act 1972.

No, Sir.

In view of renewed interest by certain politicians in the Irish Republic, will my right hon. Friend affirm, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, that though it be uninhabited, and notwithstanding any negotiations on the law of the sea, Rockall is sovereign territory of the United Kingdom and will so remain?

I am not aware that a claim has been made by the Irish Government, but if it were it would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. The position has not changed since the Island of Rockall Act 1972. That position stands so far as the British Government are concerned.

To what extent is the Scottish Office involved in any overtures for negotiations with the Faroe Islands and the Republic of Ireland over the median line settlement for the allocation of oil development licences in those areas?

To no particular extent, but if the right hon. Gentleman wants to ask a particular question on that matter I shall be glad to answer it.