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Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

This Bill is widely welcome, but by people who want it to work. I used the example of the Severn barrage. It could apply anywhere where there is a conflict between planning and the environment. However, I use that example because I understand that in a couple of weeks’ time a decision is going to be taken on whether that barrage will be built irrespective of the environmental consequences. That is what I worry about. I accept my noble friend’s description of the way in which departments work together. I believe that and that it will always be the case. But there may be an occasion where there is a conflict between the two. I am told that a relationship between the two departments would be damaged if the power of veto was in the hands of the MMO. At the moment, the imbalance is in favour of the planning committee and consequently we will not have a position of redress. I do not believe that the relationship between the two departments would be damaged if there were such a power in the Bill. Nor do I believe that they would abuse that power, because in the first day of Committee my noble friend said that the people on the MMO would be of high calibre. I am sure that they would be and that they would be concerned about falling out with any planning applications. However, if it were there, it would be even stevens because it would not be abused and it would be used only when necessary. I shall not move the amendment. Amendment 63 not moved.