While researching this story I found a 2004 report on IT website C:Net that said "talks have begun that could finally make the songs of The Beatles available for sale online". It also reported that "Microsoft is planning to open an internet music store this year". How things change.
Anyway, word has it that talks are under way that could, erm, finally make the songs of The Beats available for sale online. Following those previously reported indications by the boss of Beatles company Apple Corps that plans were properly underway to make the fab four's music available for legit download, EMI Group Vice Chairman David Munns has confirmed that Beatles downloads will definitely be available, erm, "soon". It seems, however, that a Beatles online merchandise store will launch ahead of any download venture.