Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Morris of Aberavon

Monday 18th March 2013 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I believe that there are safeguards in place, but I think that the best thing would be for me to respond to the noble Baroness with a succinct answer in writing.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon]

The noble Baroness, Lady Deech, made the point, as I did, that surely we are entitled to have the views of the Law Officers on this very important matter. It is a matter of long standing that you cannot bind a successor Parliament. A simple majority can overturn the whole of this mechanism, requiring a two-thirds majority in both Houses. I find it very difficult to understand and I may be wrong, but I should like an explanation. Moreover, I think that the House is entitled to one.

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I am certainly not denying that the House deserves an explanation, but I should reiterate that it is better to offer one in writing where the point will be presented thoroughly. I can certainly agree to do that.

The noble Lords, Lord Phillips and Lord Clinton-Davis—

BBC: Resignation of Director-General

Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Morris of Aberavon

Monday 12th November 2012 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I do not know whether it is true to say that the BBC is actually ungovernable. As I said earlier, some very serious problems need to be addressed within the BBC. I absolutely agree with the noble Lord that we should give the noble Lord, Lord Patten, every support that we can to sort out these issues at this very difficult time.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon]

My Lords, the extent to which the BBC lost the plot is illustrated by its failure in what I hope is an exceptional incident: to put to Lord McAlpine the facts that it was alleging. Why was there such an elementary failure to put these matters to him, contrary to law and natural justice? It is not rocket science.

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

The noble and learned Lord makes a passionate point. I agree that what happened concerning the naming of Lord McAlpine was completely abhorrent. There are inquiries into the matter and I do not want to comment any further. We are looking to get to the bottom of that through the BBC. It is a matter for the corporation.