§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from organisations representing disabled people about the impact on the disabled of a levy on blank cassette tapes; what response he is making; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe Green Paper "The Recording and Rental of Audio and Video Copyright Material" (Cmnd. 9445) published on 19 February took account of previous representations on the effect of a tape levy from organisations representing disabled people. Thus, while the paper contains proposals to introduce a levy on blank recording tape as a way of remunerating copyright owners for the use made of their works by those who tape them at home, it envisages rebates or exemptions for blind and other seriously handicapped people who use audio tape on a large scale without infringing copyright. A number of organisations representing disabled people have already commented on the Green Paper proposals and more are expected to do so before the end of the consultation period. We shall decide whether to introduce a levy only after full consideration of all the comments received.