Schedule 16
Marine and Coastal Access Bill [Lords]
5:00 pm
Ann McKechin (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Scotland Office; Glasgow North, Labour)
With respect to my hon. Friend, when we make legislation that affects devolved Administrations it is important that we do not give undertakings in Committee on their behalf, but consult them before making changes. I have made it clear that we will carry out that consultation between now and Report. I am sure that the outcome will be positive, and that we will be able to come back on Report with an appropriate amendment, but the amendment might not be in the exact terms that my hon. Friend has sought, as it might not be appropriate in Scotland or Wales, where the Environment Agency’s remit does not extend.
I also take this opportunity to clarify a statement made in the House on Second Reading by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. He may have implied that part 7 of the Bill would give responsibility for managing marine fisheries to the Environment Agency. He wishes it to be known that the new and more flexible powers given to the agency in that part of the Bill are exercisable only in respect of fisheries for migratory and freshwater fish.
I have been told that the Environment Agency’s remit does in fact cover Wales and the Scottish borders at the River Esk, so I apologise for any confusion, but we have not had the chance to discuss the amendment with the devolved Administrations, so my points about the need to consult them remain. We will consult on the matter and come back to it on Report.