Should the government aid music industry to crack US?(The big question)

Next week the Government is hosting a briefing outlining its plans to help the UK record industry export to the US more successfully. Is this a job for Government and, if so, what should it be doing?

Stephen Navin, Music Publishers Association

"This new focus is a good thing. Exports are hugely important and the creative industries are fundamental to our economy, so it's a natural extension for the Government. Our exporters can benefit from extraordinary opportunities in the US market, so it's only appropriate that the Government should give its support."

David Ferguson, British Academy of Composers and Songwriters

"Yes, it is partially a job for government and, in particular, it needs to get involved in the protectionist barriers the States has put up. In this context, it needs to deal with the whole question of protectionism It also needs to have a strategy on how the UK sets the terms of intellectual property policy."

Nigel McClune, Musicians Union

"People wouldn't give it a second thought if they were to hear that the Government was promoting UK manufacturing, science or technology overseas, so why not our industry? The very nature of music and the contemporary music industry, namely that it is truly international and ...