HC Deb 08 November 1982 vol 31 cc305-6
14. Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Minister for Trade whether he has decided not to introduce a levy on blank recording tape.

Dr. Vaughan

No decision has yet been taken on whether a levy would be desirable. Comments on the Government's Green Paper on copyright have shown that views are divided on this and my Department is now considering the situation.

Mr. Haselhurst

Does my hon. Friend agree that any new policy on copyright law would be the better for making a distinction between home taping and commercial piracy and that to impose a levy on blank recording tapes would constitute an unjustified blow against the former?

Dr. Vaughan

We are very much aware of this. That is why we welcome the research now taking place in relation to tape control that would prevent, or at least considerably reduce, tape pirating.

Mr. Cryer

Would not a levy provide some revenue for film producers in the absence of proper and adequate legislation against video piracy, which costs the film industry millions of pounds a year and is destroying the very base of film production?

Dr. Vaughan

I appreciate the weight of the hon. Gentleman's comments. This is one of the aspects that we are considering. He must also recognise, however, that a general levy right across the board would be an extremely unfair burden on a large number of private individuals.

Mr. Squire

Further to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. Haselhurst), and taking the matter to its logical conclusion, would not a levy on blank tapes produce even higher profits for the pirates making the illegal tapes?

Dr. Vaughan

That is why we are reluctant to dive into the idea of a levy unless we are sure that it will be of benefit. At the moment that does not appear to be the case.