To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps he has (a) taken and (b) plans to take to prevent the illegal downloading of (i) music and (ii) films from the internet; what discussions (A) he, (B) Ministers in his Department and (C) officials have had with representatives of the music and film industry on the matter since June 2007; what the (1) location and (2) duration of each meeting was; whether a record of each meeting was kept; who attended each meeting; and if he will make a statement. (177119)

Ministers from the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills work regularly with other Ministers across Government. They have regular contact with representatives of the music and film industries, as have officials, to discuss a range of IP related issues including those relating to the protection of copyright.

The illegal downloading of copyright protected music and films from the internet is a serious issue and through the UK Intellectual Property Office DIUS works to tackle these issues, by ensuring that the legal framework for copyright is effective and by taking action on enforcement, for example through the National IP Crime Strategy. In addition we work with right holders and other stakeholders to improve awareness and respect for IP among users—to try and reduce demand for, and supply of, illegal content.

Ministers and officials from the UK-IPO meet regularly with representatives of the music and film industries as well as other stakeholders, such as other types of rightsholders, technology companies and users of copyright materials. Meetings often cover a diverse range of topics relating to copyright issues and in many instances will involve discussions on key issues such as the illegal downloading of online materials. A detailed inspection of the records shows that during the period in question meetings took place with a variety of organisations representing the music and film industries. Ministers and/or senior officials met with organisations such as British Music Rights, BPI, EMI, the Musicians’ Union, the British Copyright Council, the British Screen Advisory Council, the UK Film Council, Time Warner, and the Alliance against IP Theft. These meetings generally took place in either Government premises or at the offices of the organisation concerned, and commonly lasted for an hour or so. The extent of any records kept, including records of who attended, depends on the subject matter—in many instances these meetings were introductory meetings which covered a large number of topics. It is not known to what extent non-governmental attendees may have made their own records.