Leveson Inquiry

Lord Smith of Finsbury Excerpts

Wednesday 25th April 2012 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Garden of Frognal]

The noble Lord makes a very powerful point. What he said about Ofcom was of course proven to be absolutely valid in the light of the events that unfolded. The sequence of events unfolded fairly rapidly, and the power of the regulator and the respect in which regulators are held have been enhanced by what has happened. We certainly see that Ofcom still has a role to play in matters such as this.

On the matters concerning my honourable friend the Prime Minister, I cannot comment directly.

[Lord Smith of Finsbury]

My Lords, as a former Secretary of State I re-emphasise the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Fowler. Matters relating to media ownership, public interest and plurality are surely matters to be determined by Ofcom or by the Competition Commission, not by any Secretary of State, however honourable.

[Baroness Garden of Frognal]

My Lords, we are hearing consensus from all sides of the Chamber on that, and I entirely agree with the noble Lord.