§ 2. Mr. Kenneth Thompsonasked the Attorney-General if he is aware of the unsatisfactory state of the law as regards unauthorised rediffusion of wireless broadcasts, particularly of sporting events; and if he will, accordingly, consider the desirability of introducing amending legislation in the light of present-day conditions.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am aware that difficulties arise over wireless broadcasts of sporting events. A committee is now considering what changes are desirable in the law of copyright, and I understand from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that this committee has already taken evidence from the Association for the Protection of Copyright in Sport, which represents all the main sporting and athletic interests.
§ Mr. ThompsonIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that, owing to the present unsatisfactory state of the law, negotiations have broken down for the broadcast of this year's Grand National, which is a very serious matter for old people and people lying ill? Can he give an assurance that the present law is sufficient to protect promoters if they agree to the broadcast?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI can quite understand that my hon. Friend's constituents regard this as a matter of national importance, but I am afraid I am unable to give any assurance, let alone any forecast, as to what is going to happen on Saturday.