§ Mr. Lyellasked the Minister for Trade what response he has received to representations by the Government to the United States Government concerning the Bill (HR 3940) introduced into the House of Representatives of the United States by Congressman Ashbrook which, if enacted, would damage the British book-printing industry.
§ Dr. VaughanThe late Congressman Ashbrook's Bill has been replaced by one (HR 6198) in the name of Congressman Kastenmeier, which seeks to continue in force until 1 July 1986 the manufacturing clause in United States copyright law. Our embassy and the delegation of the Commission of the European Communities in Washington have both made a number of representations in the past year against continuation of the manufacturing clause. My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State has also written to the United States trade representative; a reply is expected shortly.