Clause 222
Marine and Coastal Access Bill [Lords]
4:45 pm
Martin Salter (Reading West, Labour)
I thank the Minister. I am sure that the Committee will be grateful to him for addressing a number of issues in subsequent clauses, which will save me from seeking further stand part debates. Can I push him on the broader powers of the Environment Agency? He will be aware that I recently convened a meeting of recreational anglers to find out what they were looking for in a marine Bill. Concern was expressed over whether the Environment Agency’s current duty to improve, develop and maintain fisheries, and enhance the social and economic contribution of fisheries, would continue. I see no sign that it will not, but I invite the Minister to put that on the record because reassurance would be much appreciated by Britain’s 3 million anglers.