§ Lord MELCHETTMy Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Order is to give the Preseli District Council powers to maintain and regulate the old harbour of Fishguard and levy dues and charges for the use of harbour facilities and services. The old harbour, in respect 996 of which the new powers are required, is predominantly used by pleasure boats. The council are already owners of the quay and lessees of the foreshore and they have established a case for overall control of the harbour. I am sure that any noble Lords who have had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful harbour, as I have, will be pleased to learn that although Clause 5(1) refers to the conferment of
powers of improvement, maintenance and management of the harbour",this does not include a power to carry out any major new works.The Committee on Unopposed Bills in another place were somewhat critical of the fact that the Schedule to the Bill did not indicate the particular powers which the district council were going to assume. Clause 5(1) of the Schedule was therefore amended to refer to the powers of improvement, maintenance and management of the harbour conferred by incorporation of the provisions of the Harbours Clauses Act 1847, except for those specifically excluded. I hope I have explained the narrow scope of this Bill to your Lordships at sufficient length. My Lords, I commend the Bill to the House and I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a. —(Lord Melchett.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to the Unopposed Bill Committee.