Clause 23 - Modification of impounding licences
Water Bill [Lords]
3:45 pm
Ms Sue Doughty (Guildford, Liberal Democrat)
We, too, have concerns about the obligations on licence holders, and I listened with interest to the hon. Gentleman's introduction. Although we have not asked for the deletion of the lines referred to in amendment No. 39, we feel that there must be clarity for licence holders. They must know what will be expected of them, what the financial
implications will be and what site restorations will be required. We accept that it would be unreasonable for such a provision to be included in the Bill, but it could be made by regulation, which would provide more opportunity for consultation on what might be reasonable. Businesses such as watercress growers need greater reassurance about where they stand, and such a lack of clarity is not good for them. They need to know the implications of the clause.