The Committee Clerk: The Committee discussed clauses 1, 2 and 3 in the closed session. I will not go into any great detail, because a letter will come to you outlining some of the queries.
I say for the record that we discussed each of the objectives that are currently in the Bill. The Committee has received a number of proposed additional objectives, as well as proposed amendments. We discussed the fact that some of the proposed additions and amendments that we have received may not sit neatly in a high-level policy statement, but we may flag those up to you to see whether there is anywhere else in the Bill where some of the proposed amendments fit better before we decide, or rather before the Committee decides — that was the royal "we" — whether to look at any further specific amendments. We are also aware that other avenues are open to us, including seeking ministerial assurances on some of the matters that will be covered in the letter.
We were asked specifically through an amendment to try to link the Climate Change Act to the Bill in some way. However, it was decided that that was not necessary, because the things that we have been asked about are clearly laid out in the Climate Change Act.
During the discussions, one of the specific additional objectives raised was the promotion of angling. It was felt that that could be a useful addition to the Bill as an objective, so the matter of how that might be done will be included in the letter to you. There are two sides to that coin: a duty to promote angling while retaining sufficient flexibility. However, there was concern amongst members that, if there were no duty to promote angling, that may not be achieved and could fall by the wayside.
The evidence that the Committee has received on clause 2 has generally consisted of requests for more detailed reviews, more regular reviews and more specific time periods. We had a good discussion about the clause and noted that clause 2(4) would keep the policy statement under permanent review. That is the Committee's understanding of how that is worded. The Committee will, however, keep an open mind on the potential need for additional review levers. The Committee is also very aware that it needs to be clear about what it would want such reviews to do.
We then looked at clause 3: "Statement: preparation, publication and laying". Again, we have received a significant number of proposed amendments on who to consult with under that statement, consultation periods etc, which the Committee will consider further. However, the Committee believes that some of the amendments that it has received go further than what could be covered in clause 3. There were also concerns about making lists too prescribed, which could lead to exclusion. Members will bear in mind all those things.
As I said, a follow-up letter will be sent to you.
Chair, do you want to ask members whether they have any further questions?