Merchant Shipping Pollution Bill [HL]

The noble Lord is ignoring precedent altogether. In the past there has been no occasion whatever when we have considered a provision of this kind; that is, where the Government are to be obliged to publish an annual report. Like any other noble Lord, the noble Lord, Lord Hanningfield, has opportunities in which to probe and question the government, and if possible to do so by question and answer—be it by a Written Question or an Oral Question. It would also be possible to initiate a debate. Furthermore, the noble Lord could arrange to see my noble friend. There are innumerable ways in which the issue could be explored and exploited. It should not be incumbent upon the department to publish an annual report on the issue, which is rather irrelevant. The important thing is that, if circumstances arise that necessitate Parliament being informed, I am sure that my noble friend or whoever is responsible will do that. It is superficial to place on the department an obligation to publish an annual report; it is not desirable in any way.