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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

I hear what the noble Baroness says. I have accepted part of the argument, that we are all seeking to achieve the same objectives. However, this is a specific obligation on Ofcom to extend its annual report at very considerable cost. It would be engaged in an exercise which truly, in the context of this clause and where we are with the Bill, is not justified. As the noble Baroness knows, we will debate Clause 17, not at length—we never debate at length—but with considerable intensity. I look forward to that with the greatest delight. It surely cannot be suggested that there are sufficient benefits attendant upon this extension of Ofcom’s annual report to justify accepting this amendment. I hope that the noble Lord will see that we have thought very seriously about the amendment and that he can safely withdraw it.