§ 74. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Trading With the Enemy (Copyright) Act, 1916, was passed because the effect of the Trading With the Enemy Act, 1914, had been to abolish copyright in works first published or made in an enemy country during the present War, and that it was thought expedient to create a copyright in such works in order that they might not be appropriated by unauthorised persons; and, if so, would it not be more dignified if the Government will issue instructions to the Public Trustee not to grant licences for the publication of such works but to exercise the rights vested in him by holding the copyrights "untouched until the end of the War?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe Trading With the Enemy (Copyright) Act, 1916, was not rendered necessary by the passing of the Trading With the Enemy Act, 1914. The Board of Trade were advised that, having regard to the effect of war on the relations of belligerent countries, doubts had arisen as to the existence of copyright in this country in works first published or made in an enemy country during the present War. The Act was passed to obviate the difficulties and inconveniences arising from this position and to prevent any unregulated reproduction of such works in this country. The Public Trustee, in whom the copyright is vested, will be advised to grant only such licences as are considered desirable in the public interest.