Clause 2
Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill
11:45 am
Edward Vaizey (Shadow Minister (Arts), Culture, Media & Sport; Wantage, Conservative)
The previous debate was very enjoyable. I am intrigued by the hon. Member for Bath’s apparent obsession with the erection of inanimate objects, but no doubt it took the debate further.
I have very little to say on clause 2, but it would be useful if the Minister used the opportunity during our debate on the clause to address a matter that was raised on Second Reading. As far as I am aware—I stand to be corrected by the Minister—in bringing war pensions information into play the Bill differs from the Television License (Disclosure of Information) Act 2000. As the Minister is aware, one or two hon. Members made the point on Second Reading that war pension information is more sensitive than social security information in the context of disclosure. In Northern Ireland, for example, those in receipt of a pension via the Ministry of Defence may not want their neighbours or contractors to know about it. Will the Minister let the Committee know whether any additional security measures are being put in place to ensure that such information is well protected? I gather that the Secretary of State for Defence has input into the Bill as a consultee. I also understand that the Bill is permissive and that the BBC and related organisations will not have the right to see such information, so in that sense strong protection is already in place, but I wonder whether the Minister could elaborate.