§ Mr. Mageeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further progress he has made towards 150W introducing a public lending right for authors.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsI published last month the report of investigations into the complexities of giving effect to a public lending right for authors. The report indicates the considerable progress that has been made in working out practicable methods for measuring the entitlement of authors to the right, but also shows the further studies and pracical tests which need to be carried out before conclusions can be reached on the precise methods to be adopted for the implementation of a right. In the light of these findings, and the desirability of presenting Parliament with clear and detailed proposals for legislation, the Government have decided that it is right to defer our plans to legislate until the further investigations have been completed. It is expected that these will give clear indications by the autumn.