Digital Economy Bill — Third Reading — 7 Apr 2010 at 22:58

The majority of MPs voted to give the Digital Economy Bill its Third Reading, which means it now returns to the Lords for them to consider the commons amendments.

The bill contains a wide range of provisions; the most controversial remaining following amendments relate to powers to block internet sites, and disconnect users, for infringing copyright.

Concern had been raised that the bill was being rushed through without proper scrutiny. In response the leader of the house, Harriet Harman, announced a "super-affirmative procedure" to bring regulations to give powers to the courts to block access to internet sites in relation to copyright infringement back to the House of Commons.^[1]

The bill is being dealt with during the "wash-up" period at the end of a Parliament. The Leader of the House, Harriet Harman told the commons: "Of course, the Bill will make progress in the wash-up only on the basis of consensus"^[1], as that consensus no longer appears to be present following the apparent Conservative abstention the fate of the bill is not yet clear.

The Lord President (Lord Mandelson) was scheduled to introduce the Consideration of Commons Amendments in the House of Lords on the 8th of April 2010^[2]. The Bill could as a whole could be approved in the Lords immediately following that consideration and could receive Royal Assent, before Parliament is dissolved in advance of the general election.

On the question of if the bill should be read a third time the house divided: Ayes 189, Noes 47.

• [1] Harriet Harman, House of Commons, 6 April 2010
• [2] House of Lords Order Paper 8th April 2010 (Not a permanent link)

Debate in Parliament | Source |