16. LIMITATION OF ASSIGNMENT:Neither PARTY shall assign the whole or any part of its rights and obligations hereunder directly or indirectly without the prior written consent of the other party.Unless otherwise stated in such consent, assignor shall not be released from its obligations hereunder following such assignment.17. RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTY:Nothing in this Agreement shall be considered or construed as conferring any right or benefit on a person not a party to this Agreement and the PARTIES do not intend that any term of this Agreement should be enforceable by virtue of the agreements (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, by any person who is not a party to this Agreement.