§ Mr. D. Giddysaid, that the subject of copy-rights had been considered in a committee, both as it respected the claims of universities and the rights of authors. Universities had long claimed and exercised a right of receiving copies of all works. With respect to authors, it was for a long time thought 811 that, unless the work was entered at Stationers'-hall, they could not claim their right. The contrary, however, was decided at common law; the consequence of which was, that the properties of works suffered much hardship by being obliged to deliver to the Universities a certain number of copies, which were often very expensive, and the sale of which was very limited. With respect to the copy-right of authors, different views were taken of the subject. Some thought that they had a right in perpetuity, while others were of opinion that it would be sufficient to a certain extent. The law now was, that the author's right existed for 14 years only. The class of books which the Universities were desirous to get, were such as were least profitable to booksellers, and it was a hardship on them; but there were other books, such as novels, which could be of no use to the Universities. The object of his Bill would be, to enable the librarians to call at Stationers hall for such books as they may desire to have. He would, therefore, move, "That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the several Acts for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies and copy-right of printed books to the authors of such books, or their assigns."
§ Sir F. Floodwished to know if the Bill was to extend to Ireland. He hoped the same number of books would be continued to the universities in that country as heretofore.
§ Mr. D. Giddysaid, at present there were only two copies allowed to Ireland; and he was not aware that the number would be abridged.—Leave given.