§ 2. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a book, "The Oppressed English," by Major Ian Hay Beith, published in New York, has been prohibited from export into the United Kingdom under the American War Precautions Act, but is circulated in British Colonies; whether, seeing that this book is written by an author doing work for the British Government, he will secure a copy to be placed in the Library of this House; and whether it is at the request of the British Government that this book is prevented from being sent to these shores?
§ The MINISTER of BLOCKADE (Lord Robert Cecil)The answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the negative. As to the second, the hon. Member should make his suggestion to the authorities who control the Library.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not usual for the Foreign Office to place important documents published abroad—not published here—in the Library, and will the Noble Lord reconsider this answer?
§ Lord R. CECILI do not think it is part of the duty of the Foreign Office to place in the Library every book published abroad.
§ Mr. KINGAs this is a matter affecting the general affairs of this House, may I ask whether, when a book is published abroad, it is not usual to ask the Foreign Office rather than the officials of the House, who are here in connection with publications in this country?