Question reference: S3W-08388
- Asked by: Alasdair Allan, MSP for Western Isles, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 14 January 2008
-
Current status: Answered by Jim Mather on 28 January 2008
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty’s Government over the sovereignty of Rockall and its associated sea area.
Answer
The Scottish Governmenthas not made any representations to the UK Government concerning the sovereigntyof Rockall nor its 12nm territorial sea, both of which constitute recognised partsof Scotland.
The Scottish Government has made representations to the UK Governmentconcerning the conduct of negotiations with neighbouring coastal States over theagreement of boundaries to the UK’s claim foran Exclusive Economic Zone including the area extending 200nm from the St Kildabaseline to seas beyond Rockall and its adjacent sea area. Following these representations,the negotiating aims and conduct, including the participation of the Scottish Government,have been agreed with the Foreign andCommonwealth Office.
With regard to energyissues, while again we have not made any specific representations regarding Rockall,we have made clear, as part of the national conversation, that we would wish toundertake discussions with the UK Governmentregarding options for the transfer of responsibility of oil and gas resources tothe Scottish Government in the long-term.