§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has had from voluntary associations representing the blind in regard to the difficulties that would be posed by the European Commission's proposal to levy tax on all blank audio tapes.
§ Mr. LeighI have been asked to reply. There have been numerous representations from both national and local voluntary groups since the European Commission's intention to propose a levy on blank recording tapes, to compensate copyright owners for home taping, became known in January 1991. The Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Talking Newspaper Association of the United Kingdom, many local talking newspaper associations and numerous individuals have made their concerns known. The Government will take these representations fully into account when deciding its negotiating position on the proposal, which has not yet been published.