TNAG-0086-FCO40-122-Copyright-legislation-1968 — Page 159

CONFIDENTIAL

4. Rediffusion (Hong Kong) is a subsidiary of

Rediffusion International Limited, which has a strong Rediffusi

lobby in Westminster (which was very much in evidence

during the enactment of the UK Copyright Act of 1956).

The Order in Council will have to be laid before

Parliament and Ministers will be consulted when the

implications of the Hong Kong draft Bill and the

modifications to the UK 1956 Act, as to be applied by

Order in Council, have been fully assessed.

5. It is not at present possible to recommend a

reply to the attached letter from Mr. W.T. Wells, Q.C.,

M.P., more forthcoming than the attached draft. At

the same time this is worded so as to give the

assurance in general terms which appears to be sought.

6. I have discussed with Mr. Whitehead, who agrees

with this minute.

Hem Beattie.

(H. R. M. BEATTIE) Commonwealth Trade Department

11 March, 1968

CONFIDENTIAL