asked the Minister for Trade whether he has discussed with the Trade Ministers for West Germany and Italy any combined action against the United States of America under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade on any continuation, even on an amended basis, of section 601 of the United States Copyright Act 1976 beyond 1 July 1982; and whether any retaliatory tariff action will be taken against the prohibition of importation or distribution in the United States of America of English language works printed in the United Kingdom.

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.