§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have come to any conclusion upon, and propose to take any action to implement, the legislative proposals contained in the report of the Copyright Committee published in 1952, which recommended, among many other amendments to the Copyright Act, 1911, those enabling the ratification of the Brussels Convention which was signed by this country, and also the Universal Copyright Convention.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOE THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, the proposals for legislation in this not uncomplicated field have been carefully studied. The two Conventions mentioned by the noble Lord are mainly of interest to our authors and publishers, but these are by no means the only persons interested in the recommendations made by the Committee. Many of these recommendations will merit favourable consideration when an opportunity for legislation presents itself.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether, quite apart from the Brussels and the Universal Copyright Conventions, Her Majesty's Government are aware that the present provisions of the Copyright Act, 1911, are totally inadequate to protect the interests of the public, the author, the publisher and the composer in the expanding field of broadcasting, both for sound and vision?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I think the general intent of the noble Lord's supplementary question is well understood by everybody, including Her Majesty's Government. This is a very complicated matter and I think it would 1487 be unfortunate if we rushed into premature legislation before all the interests concerned have been adequately consulted.
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, undoubtedly this is a complicated matter, but I would ask the noble Lord to convey to Her Majesty's Government the feeling on this side of the House that this matter needs most urgent attention. It will not get any easier if we let it rest. May I tell the noble Lord that in the field of television which, as he knows, is a somewhat controversial matter, I believe that on this point he would find a large measure of general agreement? I hope he will take the earliest opportunity of dealing with this matter.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I am glad to hear what the noble and learned Earl said about the lack of controversy on television. I certainly shall convey that sentiment and the others which he naturally and understandably expressed to my right honourable friend.