§ MR. HANBURY-TRACYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If it is the intention of the Government, this Session, to introduce a Bill to amend the 770 Law of Copyright; and, if not, if he can give an assurance that the question will be dealt with early next Session?
MR. GLADSTONESir, my hon. Friend has touched upon a subject of very great and peculiar interest to me— an interest greater, perhaps, than that attached to the question by the general public. I should be very glad indeed to see it dealt with; but I am afraid that, in view of the demands upon the attention of the House, I cannot give any specific pledge as to the time when the matter will be likely to receive the attention of the Government. The subject has been heretofore in the hands of private Members; and if any independent Member should bring forward a proposal in regard to it, it will, I feel sure, be received favourably by the Government, who would give any assistance to procure for it a fair and impartial consideration.