Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91998E0668

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 668/98 by Sir Jack STEWART-CLARK to the Commission. Commission proposal for levy on blank tapes** 
  
*Official Journal C 310 , 09/10/1998 P. 0116*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0668/98 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (PPE) to the Commission (10 March 1998)

Subject: Commission proposal for levy on blank tapes

I understand there is a Commission proposal to provide compensation to copyright holders for audio reproduction of their material by adding a levy to the cost of blank tapes, recording and copying equipment.

Such a proposal would have serious financial consequences on the local Talking Newspaper Associations in the UK. The Talking Newspaper Associations provide a valuable service for the blind and partially sighted persons by keeping them informed of news and events. Recordings are made onto blank cassette tapes and distributed free of charge to listeners.

Does the Commission intend to permit exceptions to this proposal to exempt non-commercial services, charities and Talking Newspaper Associations from having to pay a levy on recordings into blank cassettes?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (8 May 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.

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