§ 26. Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the register for public lending rights will be open for authors to register their books.
§ Mr. ChannonOn 1 September.
§ Mr. MadelAs it is understood that several European countries are to introduce similar public lending rights schemes, will my right hon. Friend consider extending our scheme on a reciprocal basis, so that British authors can benefit?
§ Mr. ChannonThe only country in Europe that I know of that has a similar scheme is West Germany. We shall readily examine whether it is possible to have a reciprocal arrangement with West Germany. The question raises many difficult legal issues, but I am having it examined.