asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received about the effects on the United Kingdom book publishing industry of infringements in Singapore of their copyright; and if he will make a statement.

The Government are much concerned by piracy of United Kingdom books in Singapore. Over the past few years we have received representations from the Publishers Association, the British Copyright Council, the British Printing Industries Federation and the Confederation of Information Communication Industries. Three Ministers have raised the matter during visits there. We are, however, encouraged to learn that new legislation is being drafted, and we will monitor its progress carefully.