§ 40. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the dollar expenditure incurred in the import of matrices of American recorded music; what royalties are paid in dollars on records made from them and sold in the United Kingdom; and the dollar payment for performing fees when the records are broadcast.
Mr. AmoryImports from America of matrices for the reproduction of gramophone records for the last twelve months were of the order of £18,800. I regret that no separate figures are available for royalties or performing fees paid in respect of their use.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs the Chancellor aware that the B.B.C. uses records made from these matrices to give over 80 per cent. American music in its recorded programmes? Is he aware that this causes a grave loss of dollars to us and also gives no encouragement to British composers and song writers? Could he take some steps to increase the use of British artists?
Mr. AmoryI am aware that the payment of royalties and rights involves a considerable sum of money in total, but 201 I am not at present of the opinion that there is anything unfair or unreasonable in the present arrangements.