Communications Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 9:30 pm on 8 July 2003.

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Photo of Baroness Howe of Idlicote Baroness Howe of Idlicote Crossbench 9:30, 8 July 2003

My Lords, I, too, support the amendment moved by the noble Lord, Lord Fowler. On the previous occasion the matter was debated I was completely convinced by the arguments. Having listened particularly to the noble Lord, Lord Gordon, again I am even more convinced than I was on the previous occasion. It seems such an obvious first step that one should expect reciprocity between countries on ownership of such an important asset as our broadcasting system, or part of it.

The other advantage of the measure is that it would give Ofcom time to settle in before any reciprocity was arrived at and give the Government time to negotiate with the USA and come to a satisfactory conclusion. We heard it rumoured that that was exactly what was going on. In that case, why not wait until that moment? I very much hope that the Government will think again. We have heard some very important speeches this evening. They could not have been better put. I hope that they will carry the day.