The Government and music industry officials are on a mission, to crack down on illegal music downloaders. But a recent survey suggests that by stopping people file sharing or getting their music online dishonestly, could harm the music business.

A new survey has been published showing that those who admit to illegally downloading their favourite tunes actually spent £33 more on music than the law-abiding music fans. These figures suggest that plans by the Secretary of State for Business, Peter Mandleson, to target illegal downloaders and cut off their Internet connection could harm the music Industry, by punishing it’s best customers.

The poll, which surveyed 1,000 people with Internet access, found that one in ten people admitted to illegally downloading music. "The latest approach from the Government will not help prop up an ailing music industry. Politicians and music companies need to recognise that the nature of music consumption has changed, and consumers are demanding lower prices and easier access," said Peter Bradwell, from the think-tank Demos, which commissioned the new poll.

However, individuals from the music industry believe the findings only show one side of the story. The poll also suggested that the Governments plan to disconnect illegal downloaders could deter piracy, with 61% of illegal downloaders admitting the threat would put off them off downloading.

This year Virgin Media and Universal Music plan to launch the first music subscription service, offering unlimited music downloads, which can be kept for a set fee.

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