"I agree that there is a lot of information out there, but I would like to see it scrutinised more professionally. Part of the problem we heard in the committee was that access to data made it difficult for the academic studies that were carried out to find the evidence …..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"Is the noble Lord trying to suggest that all forms of gambling are addictive? There are millions of people who regularly enjoy a bet. It is possible to grow a business and still not increase the number of people who have an addiction. Most people do not have an addiction; …..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, the previous Government introduced changes which led to reduced services and a higher cost for the passenger. Can the Minister say what that has cost the taxpayer? Does he have any estimates about the changes the previous Government brought about—the failed railway reorganisation?..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, the creative industries are the second-most important industry in the UK. Will the Minister guarantee that under the legislation creators’ work will be protected and they will be properly rewarded for the work that they do?..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, the Opposition seem to be very worried about the impact of this on recruitment. What would have been the impact had we followed the advice of the Opposition and frozen public sector pay?..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, has not a smokescreen been created here? Can my noble friend guarantee that the commissioner will carry out his full investigations and that, once he has done so, any criminal activity will be referred to the police to take the appropriate action?..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, is it the case that many government departments use consultations as a reason not to do something? Is it not about time that we put timescales on these things and make sure that departments act on behalf of the public?..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, many local authorities are able to raise millions of pounds from their council tax payers from things such as car park charges. Does the Minister intend to take into account the massive amounts of money that some local authorities can raise?..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, is it not the case that the present health structures are not suitable for purpose? Do we not need to look at providing health centres that include a pharmacy, dentists, doctors and all other services in one place to get the maximum resources to the public?..." Lord Watts - View Speech
"My Lords, I congratulate the Government on trying to reset the relationship between ourselves and Europe that was ruined by the previous Government. Can I urge the Minister to put growth and our trade relationship at the forefront of our policy and to take no notice of those people who …..." Lord Watts - View Speech