Authors Triumph as the Digital Economy Act Includes Extension to the Public Lending Right Scheme

LONDON, April 14, 2010 - The All Party Writers Group (APWG) has been successful in persuading the
government to agree to a review of the current scope of Public Lending Right
(PLR). Audio books have long been lent in public libraries, without the
author being remunerated for the loan. With e-books likely to have a big
impact on the way people borrow from libraries, it is important that the PLR
rules, which have been in place for the past 30 years, should reflect current
technologies.

The APWG is delighted that it has been able to help update PLR
legislation so writers are rewarded for the lending of their works by public
libraries regardless of the format.

Janet Anderson, Chair of the APWG said: "I am delighted that the
government saw fit to include a clause on the extension of Public Lending
Right in the new Act. At a time when our creative industries are so central
to the economic lifeblood of the UK, it is essential that writers are
properly rewarded for all uses of their work, whether it be on paper,
digitally or through the loan of their work in libraries.

The Public Lending Right, is currently under threat from economic and
efficiency cuts. It is vital that the current PLR fund is maintained and the
proposed increase in funding to cover the additional loans enabled by this
legislation is ring-fenced against further cuts."

Public Lending Right is an important source of income for many writers.
The APWG is keen to ensure all writers maintain their ability to receive fair
compensation for any uses of their works.

About All Party Groups

All Party Groups provide an opportunity for Members of Parliament to help
keep the Government and Opposition informed of opinion both inside and
outside Parliament on policy issues.

ALCS - Protecting and Promoting Authors' Rights

ALCS protects and promotes authors' rights concerning their intellectual
property and moral rights to ensure they are fully respected and fairly
rewarded. ALCS is committed to fostering an awareness of the value of
copyright issues amongst writers as well as the wider public who use, enjoy
and benefit from the written word in all its forms.

Set up in the wake of the campaign to establish Public Lending Right in
1977, ALCS is a not-for profit company that has distributed a total of GBP230
million to writers since its inception.

In its role promoting and protecting authors' rights, ALCS consults
regularly with policy makers in the UK and Europe over copyright, digital
rights management and intellectual property matters.

Notes for Editors

    APWG contact information
    ALCS, The Writers' House,
    13 Haydon Street, London EC3N 1DB
    Tel: +44(0)20-7264-5700; email:alcs@alcs.co.uk

    Website:www.allpartywritersgroup.co.uk

    Media Contact

    ALCS, Alison Baxter: +44(0)20-7264-5700

Media contact: ALCS, Alison Baxter: +44(0)20-7264-5700