Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Dan Jarvis Excerpts
Thursday 14th June 2012

(12 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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My hon. Friend has been absolutely assiduous in representing the concerns of the people who work at the PLR in conversations with me and in writing to me. That stands testament to the active work of a great constituency MP. It is certainly part of our preferred option to ensure that jobs remain in the north and do not transfer to London.

Dan Jarvis Portrait Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab)
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It is now increasingly accepted that part of the long-term future of book lending lies in e-books being available in all libraries. In order for our libraries to move into the 21st century, the tensions between the public lending rights scheme and e-books must be addressed. Will the Minister therefore tell the House why he has not moved to implement the extension of the public lending right to e-books, as mandated in section 43 of the Digital Economy Act 2010?

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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Part of the problem with e-books is that most publishers do not want e-books lent in libraries. I have had discussions with publishers on that on at least two occasions, and would happily discuss it jointly with publishers and the hon. Gentleman so he can hear their views first hand.