Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill

moved Amendment No. 24: 24: Clause 5, page 4, line 19, leave out from ““council”” to ““a”” in line 20 and insert ““, other than a council for a district in a county for which there is”” The noble Lord said: On Report in another place, my honourable friend the Minister with responsibility for creative industries and tourism moved an amendment to the Bill to extend it to information held by local authorities on blind and registered partially sighted people. The amendment responded to representations made by the digital switchover consumer expert group and to amendments tabled by Opposition Members. The definition of ““local authority”” did not reflect the variety of local authorities in England that might hold information on blind and partially sighted individuals. In particular, it could be read as excluding 33 metropolitan borough councils in England. A similar amendment was needed to similar provisions contained in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill. The amendment corrects that drafting defect and ensures that the powers will enable information about registered blind and partially sighted people to be shared with a help scheme. I commend the amendment to your Lordships. On Question, amendment agreed to.