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Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty for Persistent Misuse of Network or Service) Order 2006

The fundamental point is that originally the £5,000 fine was set when it was not thought that the phenomenon would develop. However, given the nature of the organisations involved in these silent calls, it was felt that, in any event, a £5,000 fine would not be much of a deterrent. That is why it was considered necessary to increase the amount. We are dealing with a significant and substantial problem and, given the scale of the activity to which the noble Lord has referred, he might see why the increase is necessary. If the risk amounts to £5,000, some might be tempted to take that risk, but £50,000 is genuinely of a different order.