HC Deb 02 March 1978 vol 945 cc324-5W
Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies are being undertaken by her Department into schemes to assist authors; and what is the total cost of such studies; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Oakes

The Department is currently conducting a study of technical equipment and of the extent of automatic data processing equipment in libraries, which will assist the implementation in due course of a public lending right for authors. The cost of this exercise will be £7,000. As part of its normal administrative duties, and therefore at no extra cost, the Department is also examining the possible ways of operating a non-statutory PLR scheme on an interim basis pending legislation.

The Arts Council operates other schemes to assist authors.

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