§ Sir S. McAddenasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development whether he is aware that it is not possible for the Performing Right Tribunal to meet between mid-November, 1963, and mid-March, 1964, because no quorum can be found during those four months; and whether, in view of the inconvenience to those concerned with this Tribunal, he will arrange for some additional appointments or increase of remuneration which will enable a quorum to be found more readily.
§ Mr. D. PriceMy right hon. Friend's information is that it would not have been impossible to find a quorum during this period and that dates were offered in November and December but were not acceptable. The 16th March was then found to be convenient to all concerned.
128WThe Chairman and members of this Tribunal are necessarily appointed on a part-time basis and have other unavoidable public commitments. Hearings need to be arranged well in advance on dates which suit the convenience of the parties and their legal advisers as well as the Tribunal. The Tribunal already has the full complement of members allowed by the Copyright Act and there is no reason to think that an increase in remuneration would make any difference.
§ Sir S. McAddenasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how many of the references dealt with by the Performing Right Tribunal since its establishment have been made by individual users of music and by trade protection associations, respectively.
§ Mr. D. PriceThe Tribunal has heard seven cases. In four of these the referors were associations. In the remainder they were limited companies. Particulars of all decisions, including the names of parties, appear in the Board of Trade Journal.