Results 1-20 of 693 for (in the 'Commons debates' OR in the 'Westminster Hall debates' OR in the 'Lords debates' OR in the 'Northern Ireland Assembly debates') speaker:Ann McKechin

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: The first batch of renewables has already been started. Let me also clarify something that we said at the end of last night's debate, when the noise level was particularly high. My hon. Friend asked about regional marine conservation zone projects. I can tell her that there are several pieces of guidance. The guidance that I mentioned yesterday, which deals with regional projects, will be...

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: We will— [Interruption.]

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: I can assure my hon. Friend that we will be engaging with the renewable industries on this matter, but it is important that we have an entire skills set within the MMO so that it can deal with all the different features of marine life, including how to develop our renewable energy sources. Drawing an artificial distinction between engineering and science is not particularly helpful. We have a...

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: I commend this interesting and well-informed debate, which has been on a number of important clauses that we discussed at length in Committee. We have also had an opportunity to consider further some of the Bill's very important provisions. My hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) rightly brought our attention to the value and experience of the staff who will form...

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: That is indeed the case. I hope that my hon. Friend agrees that his amendments are unnecessary given the reassurances that he has received. On that basis, I urge him not to press his amendments to a Division.

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: I was coming to the hon. Gentleman's points on that subject. As he is aware, no appointment has been made, as yet, for the chief executive. A recruitment exercise took place earlier this summer. It is not that there were no suitable candidates, but that for a number of reasons we were unable to make a formal offer. I can advise him that a further recruitment exercise has just closed....

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: My hon. Friend raises an important point. We want to get on with the real work and get these plans and policies into practice. Given the huge interest in these matters in civil society, however, I am sure that the various Select Committees and all-party groups, which are very active in the House, will scrutinise the legislation from day one. That is absolutely right, because they will ensure...

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: As far as I am aware, the wording of that clause is not currently part of that organisation's briefing on the Bill. As far as I understand it, it is not pushing it heavily, but I cannot comment on every lobby group that has approached us. As my hon. Friend can imagine, we have been approached by a considerable number. I hope that the MMO's objective, coupled with the guidance, will ensure...

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: I shall explain in detail why I believe that the amendments would not strengthen the Bill. As a former practising solicitor, I have to say that I do not want the Bill to create a lawyers' charter, and I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would not want that either. That is why I want to make it clear that the current wording is important. Other partner organisations, such as the Environment...

Closed Circuit Television (Monitoring and Promotion): Clause 2 — General objective (27 Oct 2009) has video

Ann McKechin: There is an area of doubt, so that possibility cannot be overruled. My hon. Friend raises a point that is worth considering. That is why I do not believe that such an amendment would be helpful. It would run the risk of confusing the well-understood process of "sustainability appraisal", which has been established in other contexts for some time. I promised to consider this change, as did my...