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Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

I must thank those who have supported me on this amendment. My only quarrel with the Minister is that we are primarily passing legislation here, not sending messages, but I know that Governments have always to consider these points. I thank the Minister for persevering in spite of his difficulties; it is most useful to have him here explaining the Government’s position. I think that he is saying that, if one of the Administrations, whether south, north, east or west, fall down, there will be a sort of get-together and others will say to them, ““Look, you really ought to post a notification that you wish to withdraw from this””. Perhaps he has confidence that the relevant channels have enough power to bring that about. However, as the Bill stands, it falls to the Administration who wish to withdraw to post a notice and otherwise continue with the marine policy statement despite the fact that they are perhaps not complying with it. We shall read the Minister’s full answer but, in the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 86GA withdrawn. Amendment 86GB not moved. Clause 46 agreed.