Clause 186 - OFCOM's power to require information in connection with dispute
Communications Bill
4:45 pm

Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield, Conservative)

Having raised the issue of disputes and the speedy manner in which we would want them to be determined, the clause deals with the way in which evidence may be acquired. Under subsection (3), evidence must be provided

''within such reasonable period as may be specified by OFCOM.''

I hope that the Minister will be able to reassure me on the question of confidentiality, because information will occasionally be required by Ofcom to make a decision regarding a dispute. Such evidence will have a commercial value. Although to some degree Ofcom must be transparent in the manner in which it makes judgments, what freedom does it have to preserve the confidentiality of any commercially sensitive information provided?

Mr Stephen Timms (Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness), Department of Trade and Industry; East Ham, Labour)

I would certainly expect Ofcom to preserve the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information. I may be able to offer more explicit reassurances on that particular matter. If that is the case, I will drop the hon. Gentleman a line and send copies to all members of the Committee.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 186 ordered to stand part of the Bill.