Oral Answers to Questions

John Robertson Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

I will do absolutely everything I possibly can to ensure that we continue to have major sporting events in this country. Such events are great for the economy, great for tourism and inspire people to get involved in sport.

[John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab)]

13. When he plans to announce his decision on whether to change Ofcom’s appeals process.

[The Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy (Mr Edward Vaizey)]

No decision has been made on the appeals process. However, we will make an announcement through the normal channels once we have reached a decision.

[John Robertson]

I thank the Minister for that extensive answer. May I urge him to consider Ofcom and the deal for mobile companies? For example, only 9% of people will switch companies. We have had the same kind of problems in the energy market and people are now working hand over fist trying to help people switch mobile phone providers. It takes seconds for a company to let somebody switch their phone, so it is time that those companies were brought to book and we need to give teeth to the regulator.

[Mr Vaizey]

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says. I tried to keep my answer as short as his rather radical haircut, which looks very impressive this morning. We are sympathetic to the concerns that the current framework for appeals against Ofcom’s decisions are costly and lengthy, but we need to strike the right balance between providing a proper right of challenge and allowing the regulator to make timely and effective decisions.