§ [References are to Bill [81] as first printed for the Commons].
§ Amendment No.
§
1 Clause 2, page 3, line 39, at end insert—
(ee) requiring any exploration or exploitation of the hard mineral resources of the licensed area to be diligently carried out;
The Earl of GowrieMy Lords, I beg to move that the House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 1. This amendment takes account of the points made by the Opposition during the Commons Committee stage. It is intended to prevent companies sterilising large areas of the deep seabed by obtaining licences for several sites but carrying out little or no development work on them. Including diligence requirements in the list of possible terms and conditions for licences underlines the importance attached to this principle and indicates that the Government intend to license only serious applicants who can be expected to make good use of their licences. We have moved towards the Opposition view on this, and I hope, therefore, that the Commons amendment is acceptable. beg to move.
§ Moved, That the House doth agree with the Commons in the said amendment.—(The Earl of Gowrie.)
§ Lord Wynne-JonesMy Lords, we on this side of the House accept that this is an amendment which does have some effect in improving the Bill. Therefore, we would not oppose it and would advise its acceptance.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.