Huw Irranca-Davies (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Marine and Natural Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Ogmore, Labour)

I am delighted to serve under your stewardship once again, Mr. Gale. For the benefit of members of the Committee, I will explain the purpose of the clause. As we have discussed in previous sittings, and as was discussed at length in the other place, science and evidence more widely will be important to the Marine Management Organisation. In recognition of that importance, clause 2 puts the MMO under a duty to take into account all relevant facts and matters when making decisions, including scientific evidence, evidence relating to the social, environmental and economic elements of sustainable development and any other facts and matters that the MMO considers appropriate. To ensure that the MMO has access to scientific advice, it will be required to appoint a chief scientific adviser and establish a science advisory committee. It is worth putting that on the record once again, and I hope that members of the Committee are happy with that explanation for the purpose behind clause 24 and for the changes that have been made in the other place to strengthen it.