§ 6. Sir John Wardlaw-Milneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the Chinese Government to the representations made to them in 1931, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, as to the desirability of China improving her copyright law; and what action has been taken to prevent unauthorised reprints of British educational books being sold in Shanghai at low prices to the detriment of British publishing firms?
§ Mr. EdenI understand that the Chinese Government are still unwilling to amend the Copyright Law at the present 652 time. British publishers in China have accordingly been advised to avail themselves of such limited protection as may be afforded by registration under the existing law. If the hon. Member can supply me with particulars in regard to any specific cases of which he has information, I shall be glad to consider them.
§ Sir J. Wardlaw-MilneIs my right hon. Friend aware of the great losses caused to British importers of books?
§ Mr. MoreingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I could produce evidence at this moment as to thousands of pounds lost in the last few years by a well-known British publishing firm?