§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if, pursuant to the answer of 8 July, Official Report, c. 197, progress on European harmonisation of copyright is a necessary precondition to the conclusion of his current review of copyright law; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, pursuant to the answer of 8 July, Official Report, c. 197, if he will take steps to press the Commission of the European Communities to publish its memorandum on harmonisation of copyright at an early date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherReform of United Kingdom copyright law is not technically conditional upon progress towards harmonisation within the European Community. Nevertheless, because of the operation of the EEC treaty, it is important that as high a degree of harmonisation as possible is obtained. It would therefore be desirable for us to see the Commission's memorandum. The Commission is aware of our interest but I understand that work there is delayed. In these circumstances, we must continue with the formulation of our own proposals and we may have to
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§ Mr. TrippierI am looking at the need for additional measures to help new businesses. However, I believe that the priority for Government now is to make sure that potential and existing entrepreneurs are fully aware of the many schemes that have already been introduced, and to work on reducing administrative and legislative burdens.