On to that other hot government related topic in music-ville, and Peter Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, and a former Runrigger, as you may remember, has announced he will formally launch his Private Member's Bill proposing an extension of the sound recording copyright for performers and producers from fifty to seventy years at the Houses Of Parliament on 27 Feb. The bill has already had its 'first reading' in the House Of Commons, but Wishart will be publishing a more detailed outline of his proposals this week, ahead of a second reading on 7 Mar.
Wishart's bill goes against government policy on the matter, of course, they have backed the Gowers Report conclusion on the issue that the current fifty year term is adequate, even when compared to the US sound recording term of 95 years, and the music publishing copyright term of life plus seventy years. Wishart, an SNP MP, hopes to show the cross parliamentary support for his bill at the event on Wednesday, with Tories, Liberal Democrats and Labour types all supporting the proposals. He is inviting music industry types to also attend to demonstrate support for the proposals in the music world.
As also previously reported, despite the UK government's view on the matter, the European Union's Internal Market Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, recently spoke in favour of extending the sound recording term to 95 years - an EC move on the matter could supersede the UK government's policy.