To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what progress the UK Intellectual Property Office has made in its consultation on copyright exceptions; and when he expects it to report the results of the consultation. (217146)

The consultation arising from the Gowers review of intellectual property, is taking place in two phases. The first phase was launched in January this year, and closed in April. Some 250 responses were received. Most of the respondents fell into two distinct categories: either seeking to maintain existing levels of protection for rights holders, or wanting far greater use of exceptions to permit freer access to copyrighted materials.

The UK Intellectual Property Office is currently working towards the second stage of the consultation, which is expected to be launched later this year. This second stage is intended to set out any legislative changes which will give effect to the Government's proposals. Final decisions on the way forward will be taken in the light of the outcome of the second phase.