§ 49. Captain Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Production whether his attention has been called to a decision recently made in the courts that the playing by loud-speaker of the British Broadcasting Corporation's programme "Music While you Work" in a factory is a public performance, involving the management in infringement of copyright; and whether he will, without waiting for the confirmation or otherwise of this decision, and without prejudice to any rights of any parties, ensure that "Music While you Work" is heard in every factory where it contributes towards better production?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am advised that the result of this decision is that factory managements who wish to broadcast "Music While you Work" programmes must secure the permission of the owners of the copyright in the items concerned. I understand, however, that appropriate arrangements for this purpose can be made without difficulty. In reply to the second part of the Question, I have great sympathy with my hon. Friend's point of view, but regard must be given to the fact that radio equipment is directed first to the needs of the Fighting Services.
§ Sir I. FraserIs my right hon. Friend aware that some 5,000 factories are using this music, and that it aids production very materially. Is it wise to ask each of these 5,000 factories to make separate arrangements, with a multiplicity of copyright transactions? Could he not, by some general direction, either indicate to these factories that they may pay on Government account or, better still, have some general clearance for them, so that they need not be inhibited from using this means of increasing production?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am advised that on application to the Performing Right Society some such global arrangement can toe made without difficulty.
§ Sir I. FraserIs it intended that 5,000 factories shall each apply to the Performing Right Society, or, will my right hon. Friend act as their agent and do it for all of them?
§ Mr. LytteltonIf there is any way in which I can help I shall be glad to do so.
§ Captain StricklandIs my right hon. Friend aware that this Performing Right Society are receiving from the B.B.C. a licence fee, that they are also drawing a similar fee from the artists who sing these songs, and that they are now to receive a similar fee from the factories? Is it not time that this was stopped?
§ Mr. LytteltonThese matters are quite outside the Question, and I must have notice of them.
§ Mr. WoodburnCould the Performing Right Society be informed that the B.B.C. will cease to perform this music if they insist on these blackmailing fees?