Paragraph 2

Section 24 (research) is amended as follows.

After subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)

The MMO must, at the request of the Secretary of State—

(a)

undertake research into any international marine matter, or

(b)

commission or support (by financial means or otherwise) research into any such matter;

and may, in complying with such a request, undertake, commission or support research with other bodies or persons.

(2B)

The MMO must, at the request of the Secretary of State, make the results of any research under subsection (2A) available to any person.”

In subsection (3), after “Subsection (2)” insert “ or (2A) ”.

After subsection (3) insert—

“(4)

For the purposes of this section a matter is an “international marine matter” if—

(a)

it relates to an area outside the UK marine area, and

(b)

the MMO has power under subsection (1)(a) to undertake research into a corresponding matter that relates to the UK marine area or an area within it.

(5)

References in this section to the functions of the MMO are to functions exercisable by or on behalf of the MMO (including functions that the MMO performs under an agreement under section 14, and functions that any other body performs under an agreement under section 15).

(6)

References in this section to a person include a person outside the United Kingdom.”