Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

Amendment 14 14: Schedule 1, page 217, line 10, at end insert ““and how it has taken steps to deliver its general objective, in particular to further sustainable development”” Still on Schedule 1, we now move on to the annual report. I shall speak to Amendment 14, which is grouped with Amendments 15 and 18 tabled by the Conservative Front Bench. I shall not say anything about those until they have spoken to them. Paragraph 25 of Schedule 1 states that,"““the MMO must prepare an annual report on how it has discharged its functions during the year””." This amendment would add a reference to delivering its general objective, "““in particular to further sustainable development””," which anticipates later amendments on furthering sustainable development. I therefore do not want to speak to that part now. Amendment 15 adds a reference to discharging its general objective. Under Clause 2, which we have not yet reached, general objectives are set out at a higher level than the functions of the MMO. It would include the requirement that in the annual report the MMO should report on how it delivers its high level general objectives, which I have no doubt will be discussed in great detail fairly soon. I think that many noble Lords feel that the general objectives as set out at the moment are not strong or broad enough, but that is not the point of this amendment. It assumes that the general objectives are in place and that the annual report should refer to them rather than just to functions such as producing plans and the regulation of licences. I beg to move.