§ 68. Sir R. Robinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for the representation of this country at the proposed future discussions with regard to the drawing up of a new international convention relating to the protection of musical copyright, gramophone manufacturers and radio and television diffusion; and if he will make arrangements to ensure that the views of 147W music users are given due weight in this matter in addition to those of composers, executants and manufacturers.
§ Mr. H. StraussI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the "Preliminary Draft Convention regarding the Protection of Performers, Manufacturers of Phonographic Records and Broadcasting Organisations" drawn up in 1951. The United Kingdom was represented on the Committee that drew up this draft, which is only a preliminary draft, and it is represented on the Permanent Committee of the Berne Copyright Union which has recommended that the Berne Bureau should revise and clarify it. Music users among others will be asked to comment on any revised text that may be submitted to Governments.
§ 69. Sir R. Robinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the report of the committee on copyright was made to the Government in October, 1952, he will give an assurance that legislation dealing with outstanding problems in this field will be brought before Parliament at an early date.
§ Mr. H. StraussNo. My right hon. Friend cannot, at present, say when it will be possible to introduce such legislation.