I asked the Minister to explain the change from "three miles" to "three nautical miles".
Maritime Jurisdiction (Amendment) Bill, 1987: Committee and Final Stages.
Section 1 agreed to.
SECTION 2.
Question proposed: "That section 2 stand part of the Bill".
Yes, I meant to refer to that in my reply. A nautical mile is longer than an ordinary mile, which is approximately 1,760 yards. A nautical mile is approximately 2,000 yards. It gives that extra bit per mile. A nautical mile is now acknowledged, by decision of the Law of the Sea Conference, to be the universal description in regard to all these matters. When miles are referred to in any marine context it means nautical miles.
I presume that for the past 20 years we have been operating under two sets of miles and that we are only correcting that now.
That is right.
So the legislation has been imperfect for 20 years.
On that argument, yes. There have been differing interpretations in different jurisdictions. Our interpretation has been 12 ordinary miles but we are now adopting the worldwide interpretation.
Question put and agreed to.
SECTION 3.
I move amendment No. 1:
In page 3, subsection (3), line 10, to delete "March" and substitute "September".
Amendment agreed to.
Section 3, as amended, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported with amendment.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass".
I should like to thank the House for its reception of this Bill. It is a matter of national interest and the debate has been at that level.
Question put and agreed to.