The Digital Economy Bill heads for the House of Commons

Having been signed by members in the House or Lords, The Digital Economy Bill has now been sent to the House of Commons for its first reading.

Largely supported by the Government, the integrity of the Lib Dems section 120A still remains in tact, where the proposed amendment to clause 17 which aimed at "further proofing" the Bill attacking non-peer to peer piracy.

Additional proposals saw by the Lib Dems, included courts deciding on who should cough up in legal proceedings, as apposed to internet service providers automatically being requested to do so. And also site owners to be informed when an injunction was to be implemented or applied for. Though at this moment members were unable to cast a vote.

Lib Dems think that 120A is an improvement on clause 17 but are disappointed that further further measures to tighten up the amendment were not able to be pushed through.

BPI CEO Geoff Taylor said: “It is vital for the future of the UK's creative sector that the Digital Economy Bill is adopted. We are pleased that it has passed through detailed scrutiny in the Lords and will continue to work closely with all parties as it progresses.”

The Lib Dems were also unsuccessful in getting their Live Music Bill debated on Friday, but the spokeswoman adds it is not the end for that with the Bill’s sponsor Lord Clement-Jones committed to re-introducing the Bill in the next parliament if it is unable to get more debating time in April.