Interpretation

Part of Telecommunications Bill (Allocation of time) – in the House of Commons at 5:02 pm on 21 November 1983.

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Photo of Mr Simon Coombs Mr Simon Coombs , Swindon 5:02, 21 November 1983

I was about to do that, and I am grateful to you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for your implied reprimand. I draw the attention of the House to the discussion in Committee on the meaning of the word "maritime". In attempting to improve the Bill, the Government on one occasion—all of the other proposed amendments to the clauses have come from the Opposition—suggested that the words "ship-to-shore" should be replaced by the word "maritime".

The Committee's proceedings illustrate the type of entertainment to which we were subjected. I quote the words of an Opposition Member who is not present and should perhaps remain anonymous, although the House may guess who he is. He stated: I opened the Oxford English Dictionary. Its first definition of 'maritime' is:'Of countries and peoples:Bordering on the sea; living near the sea-coast.' That has nowt to do with it.

Another definition is `Of animals, plants, etc.: Living or found near the sea.' Definition 3 in the Oxford English Dictionary is 'Of a fighting force: Intended for service at sea.' I hope that the amendment has nothing to do with a fighting force or anything so belligerent.

Definition 4, which is perhaps relevant—I do not know—states: 'Of, pertaining to, arising from, or existing in, the sea.'I think that we are bothered not about the sea but about ships, and so on. What about oil rigs? We are bothered about people, ships, perhaps oil rigs and other means of being at sea. The fifth definition in the Oxford English Dictionary is: `Characteristic of a seaman, nautical.' After reading that dictionary, we must surely question whether the Government are using the right word."—[Official Report, Standing Committee A, 15 November 1983, c. 588.]