1st May 2006 http://www.scotlink.org/files/policy/PositionPapers/LINKmtfPositionMB2UKBill.pdf
In March 2006 Defra, working closely with the Scottish Executive, published the consultation paper on a UK Marine Bill. LINK members believe that this offers a groundbreaking opportunity to manage the seas around the UK in a way that avoids the destructive ‘free-for-all’ that is failing both our seas and coastal livelihoods.
The UK-wide consultation establishes a general framework for managing all those activities for which the UK Government has responsibility. Defra and the Scottish Executive are working closely on this, and Defra leaves it up to the Scottish Executive to decide on how best to meet its devolved responsibilities.