London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Bill

As the Minister has said, this group of amendments addresses concerns raised by the broadcasting and newspaper industries and taken up by both Opposition parties both here and in the other place. On Report in this House, the issue was raised at a fairly late hour so I am delighted that it has now been properly addressed. There was a justifiable concern that wholly legitimate and acceptable broadcasting and journalistic activity could—I say only ““could””—be caught by the advertising regulations, and there was particular concern about the term ““necessary incident””. This group of amendments addresses that concern, exempts publishing and broadcasting reports and information about the 2012 games from infringing the London Olympics Association right and gives the exemption statutory force on the face of the Bill. As you might expect, Mr. Deputy Speaker, this group of amendments therefore has my wholehearted support.