---

Digital Economy Bill [HL]

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Fowler, talked of new threats and the importance of being in a position to counter such threats, which means that my amendment to Clause 17 is not justified. I hope that he will forgive me for hiding behind the Delegated Powers Committee, which seems to have more authority than me. I very much sympathise with what the noble Lord, Lord Puttnam, and my noble friend Lord Fowler have said. This matter needs to be addressed. The problem nowadays is that the Executive take more and more power away from Parliament, which as a point of principle should be opposed at all times, if it is not a matter of national survival. I realise the importance of our creative industries, which are enormous contributors to the wealth and prosperity of this country and must be looked after. But there is still the idea that the supremacy of Parliament must be maintained. As usual, the noble Lord, Lord Whitty, made interesting and pertinent comments. I hope that the Minister will listen to what the noble Lord said when he exhorted him to roll over. The noble Lord and my noble friend Lord Lucas urged Her Majesty’s Government to look at the possibility of narrowing Clause 17, which might provide an answer to what everyone wants. I am somewhat disappointed that no one took real note of my comments on the complete ineffectiveness of statutory instruments in terms of controlling government. Eight times since the war in the House of Commons and three times in this House does not seem to be a very effective brake on anyone or anything. But if I was on the other side and wanting to do things, it would be a very effective way of getting absolute power while pretending not to have it.