HC Deb 13 July 1981 vol 8 cc834-5
Mr. MacGregor

I beg to move amendment No. 13, in page 5, line 22, at end add 'or (iv) to avoid a conflict with any obligation of the United Kingdom arising out of any international agreement in force for the United Kingdom.'.

In Committee the hon. Member for Whitehaven (Dr. Cunningham) withdrew an amendment on these general lines when I undertook to consider the matter to see whether it was possible to bring forward a suitable amendment on Report. I did not give any commitment, but I am happy now to be able to move the amendment to cover the concerns expressed in Committee. There the hon. Gentleman said that he was not wedded to his precise wording and that he would not object if I were to alter his amendment to bring it more closely into line with the American Act.

The amendment emphasises the Government's commitment to honour their international obligations, either present or future. As explained in Committee, the amendment is not necessary to deal with the UNCLOS convention when it comes into force, as there is separate provision in clause 18(3) to repeal the Bill when the convention arrangements come into force. However, the amendment underlines the important principle of avoiding conflicts with our international obligations, and I commend it to the House.

Dr. John Cunningham

On behalf of the Opposition, I welcome the Minister's brief but clear comments on the amendment. As he said, we raised the matter in Committee, and we are doubly grateful that two of our suggestions have been accepted by the Government. I, too, commend the amendment to the House.

Amendment agreed to.

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