Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

My Lords, we return to the proposal to perfect the Bill by introducing to the process of designation of marine conservation zones the notion of seascapes. We had a useful discussion in Committee on two slightly different amendments, since when the Minister has kindly arranged a meeting with officials from the various departments concerned and other organisations involved. Our discussions there certainly reassured me that the issue is being taken seriously by the department—I am happy to place that on record. One basis of my previous argument was that such an amendment is necessary to enable the Government to fulfil their obligations under the European Landscape Convention. I understand that the convention does not refer specifically to seascapes, although it extends out to sea to the 12-mile limit. The Minister wrote to explain his department’s thinking on how the United Kingdom already complies with the convention. That was appreciated, but it did not go quite far enough. I understand that this is an area where thinking is developing. I also understand that both Natural England and English Heritage have plans for implementing the convention which would include historic seascapes assessment, so that the characterisation work carried out by English Heritage in Liverpool Bay and other places will not be lost. While I have been reassured by the fact that work and thinking on this subject are ongoing, it will nevertheless be up to us to ensure, if the amendment is not accepted, that the issue is followed up and made clear in primary legislation when a suitable vehicle is presented—that will possibly be the heritage protection Bill if it ever sees the light of day. I have also noted the part to be played by the recently published, high-level marine objectives document, Our seas–a shared resource, which will, I understand, inform the marine policy statement and marine planning. The document defines "seascape" as follows: ""An area of sea, coastline and land, whose character results from the actions and interactions of land with sea, by natural and/or human factors"." This definition will be very helpful for the future and is certainly a first step. As the ministerial policy statement process may be the next opportunity to deal in a suitably flexible manner with the developing thinking on seascapes, I would appreciate it if the Minister would give us comfort on four points: the recognition of the importance of seascapes; support for further work on defining what they are, and the identification of nationally important seascapes; confirmation that the marine policy statement will specifically address seascapes and include recognition that nationally important areas may be so defined in future; and confirmation that these areas will be a material consideration in the marine consenting process. I know that a number of noble Lords wished to speak in support of the amendment, but have found it impossible to be here today. However, I am delighted that my co-signatories to the amendment are here and able to participate. I beg to move.