§ 18. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has yet received the final report from the technical investigation group on public lending right.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsYes, Sir.
§ Mr. MoateMay I remind the hon. Gentleman that the experiment quoted in the interim report indicated that for every £1 million spent on public lending right, the successful writer of popular fiction might get £1,260, whereas the writer of Welsh fiction might receive £2? Is it the language of Socialist priorities that such meagre benefits should be given to Welsh or specialist writers, and that such generous State subsidy should be given to authors like Harold Robbins?
§ Mr. JenkinsThe hon. Gentleman has got it wrong. It is by no means the intention that when public lending right comes into being the whole pool should be scooped by the most popular writers. The intention, which will be developed when the Bill comes before the House, will be demonstrated in practice. The figures given by the hon. Gentleman are incorrect.
§ Mr. FauldsMay we have a categorical assurance from the Under-Secretary of State that, after long-broken promises, the Government have at last summoned enough resolve to introduce this matter in the next Session?
§ Mr. JenkinsThe Government have never had any doubt about their intention to introduce a public lending right, but my hon. Friend will understand that I cannot anticipate the Gracious Speech.