37. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protection in the matter of copyright is afforded to British authors in the countries of Latin America; which of these adhere to the Berne Convention; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard and increase the export of British cultural work to this area.
§ Mr. BevinNone of the Latin American countries, except Brazil, is a party to any Copyright Convention of which this country is a signatory. The Berne Convention of 1886 was revised by the Berlin Convention of 1908 and by the Rome Convention of 1928, to both of which Brazil adhered with effect from February, 1922, and June, 1933, respectively. I understand, however, that as a general rule British authors can obtain protection in Latin American countries by complying with the relevant local laws and requirements.
Mr. SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to exercise his great gifts for negotiation so that British authors will get rather a better deal in that area?