---

Digital Economy Bill [HL]

My Lords, Amendment 10 seeks to address in practical terms one of the major concerns that we on these Benches currently have with the balance of power between the regulator and the Government. The balance is weighted too far in favour of the regulator, and we would like it to be tilted more towards the Government. This can be done by establishing the right framework. Unfortunately, in this Bill, the Government seem to be happy to carry on as things are. I have no doubt that these reports will be vital in assisting the Secretary of State in determining priorities for communications policies. There is no doubt that Ofcom is the body that should carry out such an assessment at arm’s length from Ministers. However, I do not understand why the Minister’s hands need to be tied by stipulating how often these reports are produced. The Secretary of State is missing a trick if he insists on defining the regularity of these reports so rigidly. In many senses, it does not matter whether the report is every two years, as was originally suggested; every three years, as is now suggested; or every four years, as some, such as British Telecom, argue. It seems that the Government wanted to give ground on some issues but were not prepared to go the whole way, and as such they decided on the third suggestion as a halfway house. More significant are government Amendments 13 and 14, which are welcome. It has always seemed obvious that any reports that are of significance should be placed in the public domain, and I am glad that the Government now agree. I beg to move.