Schedule 16
Marine and Coastal Access Bill [Lords]
5:00 pm
Ann McKechin (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Scotland Office; Glasgow North, Labour)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the issue, and he makes a strong case for the section’s repeal given that one of the key drivers is the repeal of old and obsolete legislation. However, the amendment does not quite do the trick, as the repeal of section 22 also needs to be reflected in part 5(B) of schedule 22 to the Bill. I have also been advised by my officials that that section of the 1975 Act applies to both England and Wales, and also to the Scottish side of the border at the River Esk. Accordingly, as the remit of the Environment Agency covers neither Wales nor Scotland, it would be appropriate for us to consult with the devolved Administrations as to how the section would affect their own domestic legislation.
My hon. Friend’s amendment could leave us in a confusing situation in which it could be unclear whether section 22 is repealed. I am sure that he will want to avoid that situation. Accordingly, I should like him to withdraw his amendment on the basis that we will consult, as appropriate, with the devolved Administrations about the repeal of the section, and come back to the matter on Report.