Piped Music etc. (Hospitals) Bill [HL]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lords who have taken part in this debate. The standard has been raised by the literary contribution of the noble Earl, Lord Howe. I also thank the noble Lord, Lord Addington, for his measured reply. He and the noble Earl said that it was a question for local decision and common sense—indeed, everyone said that. I quite agree that where that is in place, it is the way to approach the matter. But despite the survey which the Minister told us about, it remains true that in large numbers of hospitals—by ““hospitals”” I mean all hospitals—there is an immense amount of noise and distraction, not necessarily good distraction, from piped music and uncontrolled television broadcasts. It is right that we should tackle what has in this debate been under-rated as an evil, because it is an evil. When I was about to come into the Chamber, I met a noble Lord in the Corridor who said, ““I wish you well with your Bill. It is much needed””. Almost everyone who has spoken to me on this matter has said that the Bill is much needed. I therefore hope to take it through your Lordships' House. On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House,