§ 37. Mr. ADAMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any special scrutiny of books and printed literature imported from other countries; and whether he can state the quantities and value, respectively, of scientific, historical, and artistic books, in addition to novels, which were imported from the United States of America during the last full year available?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is not clear what exactly the hon. Member has in mind. If he will give particulars either to me or to my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury inquiries will be made and he will be informed of the result. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that the information asked for is not available, as books of the kinds mentioned are not separately distinguished in the official records.
§ Mr. ADAMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable quantity of such literature is coming into this country and that it is outlined in the statistical returns of his own Department; and can he give any information as to the types of literature that does come in?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid that I cannot go further than the answer which I have already given to the House.
§ Miss WILKINSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say why, in the case of two American magazines of high repute imported into this country during the last few weeks, at least two and sometimes three pages have been torn out; and what is this thing the British public are not allowed to see?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy Department has nothing to do with that.
Mr. RATHBONEMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether the magazines referred to can seriously be considered as being of high repute?