§ 23. Mr. LazarowiczTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps she is taking to ensure that Scotland's interests are represented within Government in respect of the Communications Bill. [81462]
§ Mrs. LiddellMy Department has worked closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the DTI, and I am confident that the new regulator, Ofcom, has the capacity to take full account of the consumers and the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors in Scotland. Ofcom will have an overarching duty to take account of the needs of the nations and regions in all its activities. The Communications Bill makes statutory provision for specific Scottish representation on the Content Board and Consumer Panel to be established by Ofcom. Ofcom will also be required to establish an office in Scotland.