HL Deb 02 March 1987 vol 485 cc440-1

Report received.

In the Schedule:

The Earl of Dundee moved Amendment No. 1:

Page 4, leave out lines 19 to 22 and insert— ("(d) any other structure capable of floating on water (or which would be so capable if in proper repair) and used or capable of being used for habitation; but does not include any houseboat constructed for or used by five or less persons;")

The noble Earl said: My Lords, at present in Clause 2 a vessel is defined to exclude a houseboat or other structure capable of floating on water and used or capable of being used for human habitation. On reflection, it appeared that this exclusion would apply to flotels, which are structures used to provide accommodation for persons engaged in mineral exploration and exploitation activities of which there are a number in the North Sea. That was not the intention. This amendment puts it beyond doubt that the provisions of the Bill which apply to vessels will apply equally to flotels. I beg to move.

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, does my noble friend, as I have been advised, wish to move Amendments Nos. 1 to 5 en bloc or just Amendment No. 1?

The Earl of Dundee

My Lords, Amendment No. I has been moved separately. My understanding is that Amendments Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be moved subsequently en bloc.

On Question, amendment agreed to.

The Earl of Dundee moved Amendments Nos. 2 to 5:

Page 28, line 42, leave out ("dredging") and insert ("operation")

Page 29, line 1, leave out ("dredging") and insert ("operation")

Page 29, line 2, leave out ("dredging") and insert ("operation")

Page 29, line 4, leave out ("dredging") and insert ("operation")

The noble Earl said: My Lords, together with Amendment No. 2 I should like to move Amendments Nos. 3, 4 and 5. At present Clause 60(3)(a) mentions that 28 days' notice must be given before any proposed dredging takes place near apparatus. However, Clause 4—the powers proposed to be exercised—also mentions deepening, widening, scouring, improving the bed and foreshore of a harbour area and blasting any rock in that area. In view of the works powers in the order it is recommended to replace the references to "dredging" in Clause 60(3) with the word "operation". I beg to move.

On Question, amendments agreed to.