To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the territorial sea round the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands is to be extended to 12 miles.

The Isle of Man has asked that such an extension be made. Agreement in principle has been reached on the terms and conditions for the transfer of rights relating to petroleum beneath the sea bed. Agreement has also been reached for compensation to be paid to the Crown Estate for its interests in the extended territorial sea. Rights for coal will not be transferred at this time, but may be subject to negotiation at a later date. In exercising jurisdiction over fisheries, the established rights of all fishermen will be safeguarded and any measures will be subject to approval by Fisheries Ministers. On the basis of these negotiations, it is proposed that the territorial sea wil be extended. Discussions are continuing with Jersey and Guernsey.