Publication of a Consultation Paper on the Proposed UK Marine Bill

That the Parliament notes the publication of a consultation paper on the proposed UK Marine Bill by Her Majesty’s Government; welcomes this step forward towards comprehensive marine legislation for the United Kingdom including for many reserved issues in Scottish waters; encourages as many stakeholders from Scotland as possible to participate in the consultation exercise; commends the consultation paper's recognition of the devolution context, in particular the possibility of devolving further or new powers; further commends the parallel work being carried out by the Scottish Executive under the marine and coastal strategy, Seas the Opportunity, and being further developed by the Ministerial Advisory Group; supports this advisory group’s work on identifying any need for parallel legislation in Scotland, and urges those responsible for the legislative programme after May 2007 to accord a high priority to marine legislation in Scotland to complement that being delivered at UK level.