Clause 22 - Designation as a related site for the purposes of s. 21
Energy Bill [Lords]
Public Bill Committees, 27 May 2004, 3:00 pm
Mr Laurence Robertson (Shadow Minister, Economic Affairs; Tewkesbury, Conservative)
I beg to move amendment No. 97, in
clause 22, page 21, line 30, at end add—
'(g) any other event or process arising from nuclear activities leading to the occurrence of contamination.'.
The amendment is a genuine attempt to improve the Bill and help the Government. Subsection (4) relates to what constitutes contamination and the reasons why contamination takes place. My amendment simply adds a catch-all line that might encompass something that is not covered in the rest of the subsection.
Mr Stephen Timms (Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness), Department of Trade and Industry; East Ham, Labour)
I understand what the hon. Gentleman is trying to do and I accept that his intent is helpful. However, his amendment is not necessary because clause 22(4) already provides comprehensive coverage when it comes to defining what constitutes contamination by nuclear activities. That is the basis for the NDA being given designated responsibility. I agree with what he wants to achieve, but it is covered in the Bill.
On the point put to me earlier by the hon. Member for Lewes about the memorandum of understanding, a draft copy is on the Department of Trade and Industry website; it was published with the draft Bill. When it is finalised by the NDA and the regulators, it will be placed in the Library of the House.