Mr.
Benyon: I am confused about where in the amendment it says
that. It is important to get this point in the Bill. There will be a
great many people concerned at this proposed change to the Bill and I
want the Minister to reassure them, because the Government are now
talking about an entirely different proposal. That different proposal
would exclude all concept of spreading room, there would only be a 4 m
path and there can be no extension from that.
Regarding the
Minister’s other point, that the commercial interests of people
in estuaries will be considered by Natural England, we need that in the
Bill. That point does not appear to be listed in the Bill. Perhaps the
Minister can clarify where that point enters into our
understanding.
Ann
McKechin: I point out that clause 295(4)(g) states that
there must be a balance struck between the interests of the public and
the interests of owners and occupiers. “Interests” would
obviously be economic
interests.
Mr.
Benyon: I apologise to the Minister, but clause 295(4)(g)
is
about: “the
existence of a ferry”.
Ann
McKechin: My apologies. I just want to clarify that, when
we talk about the “interests of owners and occupiers”,
which is mentioned throughout the Bill at other points, we mean their
“economic interests” as well as other factors that may
apply. That point has been made in our debates on other clauses in the
Bill.
However, if
the hon. Gentleman is still concerned about this particular definition
of a physical feature, I would be prepared to withdraw these amendments
at this stage, so that we can seek further clarification that will
hopefully be of assistance to him.
Mr.
Benyon: I am really grateful to the Minister. That is a
very reasonable and thoughtful way of proceeding. I can assure her that
I will work very closely to try to achieve that, because I think that
that might be a way forward
here.
Ann
McKechin: I beg to ask leave to withdraw the
amendment. Amendment,
by leave, withdrawn.
10.25
am The
Chairman adjourned the Committee without Question put (Standing Order
No. 88).
Adjourned
till this day at One
o’clock.
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