HC Deb 19 March 1986 vol 94 cc189-90W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last made representations to the authorities in Taiwan about the piracy there of the works of British publishers; what further steps he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Pattie

It is not possible for the Government to make representations direct to the authorities in Taiwan, which the United Kingdom does not recognise. Taiwan has, however, recently introduced a new copyright law which will protect foreign works if they are registered in Taiwan, provided that the country of which the authors of those works are nationals gives reciprocal copyright protection. To ensure eligibility of works of United Kingdom authors for registration in Taiwan the United Kingdom made an Order in Council on 18 November 1985 providing the necessary protection in the United Kingdom for works originating in Taiwan. No further action is contemplated unless there is evidence that the new Taiwan law is failing to protect United Kingdom works against copyright piracy.

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