To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what his policy is on penalties for (a) physical and (b) online copyright infringement; and if he will make a statement. (241331)

Penalties for criminal copyright infringement must be proportionate to the harm caused to UK industries, so that they act as an effective deterrent. We have recently (31 October) completed a consultation on introducing exceptional summary maxima (above £5,000) in the magistrates courts for offences of online and physical copyright infringement.