HC Deb 22 February 1988 vol 128 cc1-3W
Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with Phonographic Performance Ltd. about alleged needle time restrictions on the broadcast of music on independent radio stations; and what assurances have been received from Phonographic Performance Ltd. that needle time restrictions no longer exist.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with Phonographic Performance Ltd. about alleged needle time restrictions on the broadcast of music on independent radio stations; and what assurances have been received from Phonographic Performance Ltd. that needle time restrictions no longer exist.

Mr. Renton

Discussions have taken place with Phonographic Performance Ltd. on a range of issues. Phonographic Performance Ltd. has made it clear that, while the present nine-hour needle time limit is not immutable, it would expect to secure substantial payment from substantial users for any increase.

Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he as as to how many independent radio stations pay £30 or more per record to Phonographic Performance Ltd. for the broadcast of single play records.

Mr. Renton

I understand that no station pays Phonographic Performance Ltd. £30 or more per record.

Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what information he has as to the average price per record paid by independent radio stations to Phonographic Performance Ltd. for the broadcasting of single play records;

(2) what information he has as to the highest price per record paid by independent radio stations to Phonographic Performance Ltd. for the broadcasting, of single play records; and by how much this exceeds the average.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what information he has as to the average price per record paid by independent radio stations to Phonographic Performance Ltd. for the broadcasting of single play records;

(2) what information he has as to the highest price per record paid by independent radio stations to Phonographic Performance Ltd. for the broadcasting of single play records; and by how much this exceeds the average.

Mr. Renton

I understand that Phonographic Performance Ltd. has estimated that the average fee for the broadcasting of single play records by independent local stations is £1.26 per play. The highest fee paid is over £17. Broadly similar fees are also payable to the Performing Rights Society.

Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the overall percentage of net advertising revenue paid by independent radio stations to Phonographic Peformance Ltd for the broadcast of recorded music.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the overall percentage of net advertising revenue paid by independent radio stations to Phonographic Performance Ltd for the broadcast of recorded music.

Mr. Renton

The fees were determined by the Performing Right Tribunal in 1986. Established independent local radio stations are required to pay Phonographic Performance Ltd 4 per cent. of the first £1.25 million of net advertising revenue, and 7 per cent. thereafter, for the right to broadcast nine hours of recorded music each day. Broadly similar fees are also payable to the Performing Right Society.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to how many independent radio stations pay £10 or more per record to Phonographic Performance Ltd for the broadcast of single play records.

Mr. Renton

I understand that one such station now pays Phonographic Performance Ltd above this rate.