Digital Economy Bill: Lords second reading
3 December 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
Members of the House of Lords discussed the second reading - main principles - of the Digital Economy Bill on 2 December
A wide-ranging discussion on issues including online copyright infringement, rights of digital copyright owners, unlawful file sharing, the British Film and music industries and public service media took place.
- Lords Hansard: Digital Economy Bill - second reading debate
- Video & Audio: Digital Economy Bill - second reading debate
- Passage of a Bill: Second reading (Lords)
- Bills before Parliament: Digital Economy Bill
Second reading is the first opportunity for Members of the Lords to debate the main principles and purpose of the Bill and to flag up concerns and areas where they think changes (amendments) are needed.
The Government minister, spokesperson or Member of the Lords responsible for the Bill opens the debate.
Any Member can speak in the debate so this stage can indicate those Members particularly interested in the Bill - or a particular aspect of it - and those who are most likely to be involved in amending the Bill at later stages.
After second reading the Bill goes to committee stage - where detailed line by line examination of the Bill and discussion of amendments takes place.
The first day of committee stage on this Bill is scheduled for 6 January 2010.