Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Thursday, 7 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 January 2010. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 18 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Copyright: EC Law

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on negotiations at EU level on the extension of copyright term limits.

Answer: The Government have made clear their support for an appropriate extension to the term of protection for sound recordings and performer's rights in sound recordings. Any extension should more closely match the expected lifetime of performers and should also be accompanied by a package of measures that deliver real and lasting benefits to all performers and musicians. We believe that the current proposal of the European Parliament for an extension of term from 50 to 70 years, together with a number of permanent measures designed to assist performers and musicians, will deliver this.The text proposed by the European Parliament is still before the Council and I expect discussions to continue under the new Commission when it is appointed. The UK will continue to work to deliver a satisfactory outcome.

Secondary information