Consumers: Vulnerable Consumers

Baroness Bakewell Excerpts

Tuesday 29th October 2013 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

Again, I note the point made by my noble friend. It is worth pointing out that providing information only online could, in certain circumstances, amount to indirect discrimination unless it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. Consumers have the choice not to access the internet, but that choice may mean paying for a paper copy.

[Baroness Bakewell (Lab)]

My Lords, it is not a matter of lifestyle choice whether or not people prefer to use the internet: for many people it is a question of poverty. Some 44% of the older people who are not online, when asked why, said that they could not afford it. Does the Minister agree that this is adding to the disadvantage they already experience by virtue of being old and poor, and making it worse?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I certainly note the comment that the noble Baroness made. It is in line with the other comments that have been made today and has been firmly noted.