§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate the high charges made by the Performing Rights Society and the 12 per cent. increase of 1983.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe Performing Rights Society has a range of different charges, each generally determined by separate negotiation between the society and the relevant organisation representing a particular group of users of copyright music. Should a dispute arise in relation to the amount or terms of a charge, the Copyright Act 1956 provides the appropriate machinery for settlement in that the matter in dispute may be referred for arbitration to the Performing Rights Tribunal. There is no provision for Government intervention or investigation.