HC Deb 20 November 1952 vol 507 cc2024-5
18. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the import ban on sound recordings by British orchestras for United States radio and television programmes, he will ban the import of similar recordings by United States orchestras pending the negotiation of fair reciprocal arrangements.

Mr. Mackeson

So far as I am aware, no restrictions are imposed by the United States Government on imports of sound recordings made in this country. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

If information is provided to the hon. Gentleman that such an import ban does exist, will he take the matter up with the American Government so as to ensure fair reciprocal arrangements?

Mr. Mackeson

I shall be very pleased to look into it.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Did my hon. Friend consult the B.B.C. on this matter before he replied to this Question? Is he aware that, in fact, there are such restrictions so far as the networks are concerned? Is he further aware that this is largely due to the growth of restrictive practices of musicians' unions on both sides of the Atlantic, and will he do his best to make certain that no argument is put into the hands of Mr. Petrillo to enable this ban to be cancelled?

Mr. Mackeson

I think my Department consulted the B.B.C., and, so far as I know, the information I have given to the House is correct.