Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

My Lords, the Minister referred to our Amendment 66. He used two slightly different phrases, one of which was the one that, when he used it at a previous stage, led to the wording in sub-paragraph (2). He pointed out that the Government would follow the law in the case of this particular directive or of any other. I am glad that he confirmed that just now when he said that the Government were committed to complying. That sounds more like a political commitment than a legal one, although obviously one wants both. I am glad that he has confirmed the legal commitment. He also pointed out in Committee that the directive might be changed or replaced and there might be other directives. That was one of the bases on which our amendment was criticised and it is why I worded sub-paragraph (2) in this way. I recognise the step that the Government have taken in their Amendment 65.