§ Mr. Turtonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the quantities, values, and countries of origin of the import of new potatoes during the five months ended 31st May, 1959 and 31st May, 1960, respectively.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe following is the latest available information.
I will write to my hon. Friend giving the figures for May, 1960, as soon as possible.
users of small means to appeal to this tribunal when they consider excessive charges are demanded for the use of their music by monopoly copyright owners.
§ Mr. MaudlingSince the Performing Right Tribunal was set up in 1957 the total net cost has amounted to £7,287. The annual cost depends upon the number and length of hearings, since the members are paid by fee. On present 53W experience it is likely to be between £2,500 and £3,500.
Two cases have been heard and adjudicated upon by the Tribunal:
- (1) Between the Scottish Ballroom Association (and others) and the Performing Right Society,
- (2) Between Southern Television Ltd. (and others) and the Performing Right Society.
It is not known what these cases cost the parties.
In two other cases:
the Tribunal was not called to adjudicate as each was amicably settled by the parties before heavy costs were involved.
- (1) Between Gogo Ltd. (and others) and Phonographic Performance Ltd.,
54 - (2) Between Theatre Restaurants Ltd (and others) and the Performing Right Society
The machinery of the Tribunal is designed to avoid placing an undue burden on individual applicants of small means. The application fee is £2 with an additional fee of £5 if a hearing is necessary. There is no necessity for applicants to be legally represented. A shorthand record of the proceedings is not obligatory.