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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

Not quite. This is a new system of reporting on infrastructure and therefore we need to be quite clear that Ofcom actually does extend its reporting on this particular form of report to the groups outlined in the last three amendments in this group. I am quite happy for this to be expressed in a different way or to make sure that the existing Communications Act and other regulations ensure that Ofcom do this in relation to the new reports we are talking about here. But if the issue is not raised in this context, there is an opportunity for it not to do so. Moreover, when we come to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, I should make it absolutely clear that I am not seeking any change in the constitutional arrangements. However, the exercise in Scotland to which my noble friend Lord Maxton referred to try to close the digital divide involved not only the providers and Ofcom, but also the education service, the library service and other elements of public services that are either delivered in terms of education and information by the Scottish Government or local authorities in Scotland subject to that Government, or they are access for the community to those services which are the responsibility of the Scottish Government. What I am implying is that there should be separate reports for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. That may not be clear from the amendments, but the point is not covered simply by sending separate copies to the respective Secretaries of State. In order to tackle the digital divide, it is not only the regulated industry and the regulator which are important, but also the other services that are provided to the communities in those areas. The majority of those other services are controlled by the devolved Governments and therefore a specific strategy for closing the digital divide in Scotland is appropriate and ought to be reflected somewhere in the Bill. I do not say that this is the best way to do it, but a recognition of that reality is needed somewhere. For the moment, however, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 12 withdrawn. Amendment 13 Moved by