§ SIR ANDREW AGNEW (Edinburgh, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the continued growth of musical piracy; and whether
† See (4) Debates, cxlii., 1203.1019 he is prepared to give facilities for the introduction of remedial legislation on the subject.
§ *MR. AKERS-DOUGLASI do not see my way to introduce a Bill on Musical Copyright this year, and as to special facilities being given for a private Member's Bill—that is a question for the First Lord of the Treasury.
§ SIR ANDREW AGNEWIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a leading firm have been obliged to give up publishing because they can get no protection under the present law?
§ *MR. AKERS-DOUGLASI have seen a statement to that effect in the Press, but I must adhere to my Answer that I cannot attempt legislation myself, unless I can have substantial assurance that the Bill will be considered a non-contentious or agreed Bill.
§ *MR. PEEL (Manchester, S.)If a private Member introduces a Bill will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Prime Minister to get facilities for it?
§ *MR. AKERS-DOUGLASNo, Sir. I could not promise my influence to place such a Bill before Government Bills of perhaps greater general importance.