Music: Internet

Mr. Amess
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps he plans to take to combat the illegal downloading of music from the internet; what recent representations he has received on this issue; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell
On 22 February the Government published its strategy—'Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy'. This strategy made 26 key commitments for Government and industry across every stage of the creative process. It included a commitment

“... to consult on legislation that would require internet service providers (ISPs) and rights holders to co-operate in taking action on illegal file sharing—with a view to implementing legislation by April 2009.”

However the document made clear that the Government's preferred solution was the adoption of voluntary or commercial agreements between the ISPs and right holders.