Media: Ownership

Baroness Anelay of St Johns Excerpts

Monday 4th April 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Grade of Yarmouth]

My Lords—

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

My Lords, it is a rule of the House that for it to be in order only one person should be on their feet at one time. I am sure that noble Lords on all Benches wish to abide by that. I am aware that my noble friend Lord Fowler has recently spoken. Perhaps we should hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Bonham-Carter, before we hear from the noble Lord, Lord Grade, unless another Member of the House wishes to speak first.

[Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury]

My Lords, the Secretary of State said last week that the existing check on media plurality,

“may not be as robust as it should be”.

Does the Minister agree that in the upcoming communications Bill rules on media plurality and the merging of media companies should be strengthened?