George, Eustace, Matthew, Hancock, regional, marine, co-operation, European, Union, EU
Ministers give evidence to Committee investigating Regional Marine Co-operation
2 December 2014
The Lords Sub-Committee hears from George Eustice MP and the Rt Hon Matthew Hancock MP as part of its ongoing inquiry into Regional Marine Co-Operation.
- Parliament TV: EU Regional Marine Co-operation
- Inquiry: Regional Marine Co-operation
- EU Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Energy Sub-Committee
The House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Energy hears from Government ministers in relation to its ongoing inquiry into Regional Marine Co-Operation.
Witnesses
Monday 8 December 2014, Committee Room 1, the House of Lords
At 4.00pm
- George Eustice MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Farming, Food and Marine Environment, Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA);
- John Robb, Director of Marine and Fisheries, Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA);
- Rt Hon Matthew Hancock MP, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Possible Questions
- How successful has marine planning been thus far in the UK as a means of harnessing the full potential of the seas in the creation of jobs and wider economic growth? Has this been achieved alongside the important task of protecting the marine environment?
- What progress, if any, is being made by Ofgem, working with EU counterparts, to overcome regulatory obstacles to the development of a meshed North Sea electricity grid? What plans does the UK Government have to work with other Member States in order to mandate the Commission to press forward with work to ensure that any regulatory obstacles are overcome?
- What discussions have been had with ministerial colleagues around the North Sea to identify how countries can work together to co-operate on maritime spatial planning?
- Given the varying application of relevant EU legislation around regional seas, would guidance from the Commission be helpful to assist with consistent application of EU legislation affecting the marine environment? How else is it possible to ensure that Good Environmental Status, for example, is interpreted in the same way by different Member States around the North Sea?
- How strong are links between the UK Marine Science Strategy and the development of knowledge about the North Sea as a whole?
- What experiences does the Government have in engaging with other Member States around the North Sea on marine issues, such as the recently reformed Common Fisheries Policy and implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive?
- To what extent is there duplication between current structures for co-operation?
- How does the Government see English Local Enterprise Partnerships and UK local authorities being involved in some form of strategic approach to North Sea marine planning?
Further Information
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