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Performing Right Society

I thank my hon. Friend for that contribution. Like many colleagues, I have enjoyed the music of MP4 live, and I know that members of the band write its music in the little spare time that they have. I take his point—and will make it myself later in my speech—but there are concerns, and that is why I wish to raise them tonight. I have, for example, heard from the Association of Charity Shops, which told me that the cost of music usage is of increasing concern to charities and voluntary and community groups throughout the UK. It quoted its sports club members who said:"““The average cost of a Performing Right Society Licence for a sports club is £369””—" about £1 a day—"““However many sports clubs use music only incidentally, with audio-visual equipment being primarily available for training videos or to watch sports events.””" One club treasurer could not understand why he had"““received numerous very aggressive phone calls and a letter from PRS threatening enforcement within 14 days””" if he did not purchase a licence. It was felt that the intention of the legislation was to exempt not-for-profit clubs and that the PRS was exploiting some bad drafting. The club had removed all the offending equipment rather than pay for a licence. Many charity shops use music to support an attractive retail environment, in the same way as any retail concern, except of course they divert all their profits to charitable purposes. According to the charity shops, the current Government consultation on music licensing threatens to add substantial costs to their outgoings. That money could only come from funds earmarked for vital causes. Surely that is not a desirable outcome. My interest in this issue resulted from a conversation I had with the chairman of my local Federation of Small Businesses, Richard Thomas, who wanted to raise the concerns of his members because guest houses, other small businesses, and even a one-man band playing music in his own garage in Plymouth, had received telephone calls and demands for money. Some said that they had been frightened into paying by what they felt were bullying tactics, because they were told that if they did not have a licence they could face legal action for copyright infringement, and possibly become liable to pay damages and costs. Most felt that the hassle and potential cost of pursuing that would be prohibitive, so they paid up. I have been inundated with correspondence and e-mails from individuals, businesses and organisations expressing similar concerns. One came from a gentleman named Mr. Robson, who is 75. He said:"““The business used to be bigger, but I’ve retired now really. It’s more or less just a hobby.””" He used to go to his office on his own once a week, if the weather was not good enough to allow him to go out into the garden. Unfortunately, Mr. Robson happened to be listening to Classic FM when he received a cold call from the PRS. He said that he gets a bit lonely in his office when he is by himself, so he puts the radio on. Sadly, he was unable to convince the PRS of his situation. Mr. Robson said:"““The lady…didn’t seem to want to listen to me. She said she could hear the radio on in the background””." Two weeks later, the same woman rang again. Afterwards, Mr. Robson received a follow-up-letter. He said:"““I don’t know why they’re picking on a poor old guy like me.””" None of the other offices in the area in which he works received similar letters or contact. Mr. Robson wrote back explaining the situation and thought he might receive an apology, but sadly all he got was a duplicate of the first letter. He said that"““two more have arrived since. I just bin them now.””" Eventually, a PRS spokesperson confirmed that Mr. Robson did not need a licence. To its credit, the PRS called him to apologise. We then had a problem with Plymouth hospital radio, which provides an excellent service. It has contacted me with wider concerns, because with a turnover of less than £20,000, fees of almost £450 to PPL and nearly £200 to PRS are already quite significant. However, its concern involves the possibility of an increase in costs following the outcome of the consultation process. It understands the need to pay for music, but is worried that the consultation could have an adverse effect on it. It also feels that there is an awful lot of confusion and uncertainty among its friends and people in the voluntary sector. Plymouth hospital radio is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers who collectively give up thousands of hours each year to deliver charitable aims. They stand out in cold weather collecting money, and the last time they did that they managed to collect £500. Those people have genuine concerns about how much will be levied and where they fit into the tariff system. On the issue of whether the PRS and PPL should be treated differently, Plymouth hospital radio tells me that"““it is difficult to see a basis for this and we respectfully ask that when the legislation is redrafted””—" if it is—"““it includes a provision for a total exemption for hospital radio station charities from having to pay fees to either of these organisations.””" I hope that my right hon. Friend the Minister will listen to that concern.