Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

If the noble Lady would be kind enough to permit me to speak now, that would assist me in answering not her, on this occasion, but the noble Baroness, Lady Miller, about marine life, so that it is on the record. I want to tell the Committee that, as part of the marine Bill, which is being considered in draft at the present time, we are considering widening the scope of marine nature conservation laws and introducing new management schemes to meet our marine conservation aims. Ultimately, we want legislation that ensures that we have the ability to protect marine species and habitats where and when there is a need to do so. That does not answer the noble Baroness’s question about this Bill’s relevance, but it may be of some use. I am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady Byford, for giving way.