Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

My Lords, I have an amendment in this group which broadly endorses what the noble Lord, Lord Wallace, has just said. My particular concern is with Clause 149(2)(b), which, roughly, seeks to balance the social and economic benefits of exploiting the sea fishery resources with the need to protect the marine environment. My amendment would add to Clause 149(2)(b) the expression, ""in a way which is consistent with sustainable development"." That is because the present text could lead to a situation in which the social and economic benefits of exploiting the sea played a stronger part in the mind of the decision-maker than the need to protect the marine environment. In other words, we need to put some spin on the subsection to ensure that, where there is a conflict, the principle of sustainable development prevails. I saw the Minister’s face express a degree of pain at my last statement. Nevertheless, he will understand where I am coming from.