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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

I start by saying how much I appreciate all that the noble Lord, Lord Davies, has said this afternoon. It is always a pleasure to listen to him, especially when he is not being horrid to me. I say to the noble Lord, Lord Puttnam, that I have not proposed any changes in Ofcom’s duties, and I say to the noble Lord, Lord Razzall, that the Conservative Party’s view of Ofcom is only that it should restrict itself to its regulatory function and not get involved in policy-making. One of the main thrusts of the amendments is to prevent an inadvertent increase in Ofcom’s powers beyond what is appropriate, as indeed I said. Can the Minister confirm that I heard him correctly and that there will not be any such inadvertent increase? I disagree that my amendments would limit plurality. I am grateful for the assurance that the Minister gave to my noble friend Lady Buscombe about the extension of Ofcom’s powers, and perhaps he could table an amendment to that effect. I leave that suggestion with him. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 3 withdrawn. Amendment 4 not moved. Amendment 5 Moved by