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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

My Lords, the provisions on extended licensing preclude the inclusion of works for which the copyright owner has given notice that they want them to be excluded from an extended licensing scheme. The importance of the opt-out is that copyright owners retain control of their work and cannot be compelled to have their works licensed under a scheme. There is no overriding policy reason to interfere with the copyright owner’s control. In relation to the point about partial withdrawal for a body of work, I am seeking confirmation from the Box, but I am not getting anything. Communication is a wonderful thing—when it works. I am pretty sure that we can confirm that in writing, together with another point which we will need to deal with. I think I have given plenty of assurance on the question of control, the opt-out and the extensive nature of that, but where I have not we will explain further in writing. In the light of the explanation, I hope noble Lord will feel able to withdraw his amendment.