§ 85. Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Information why the application of Messrs. Lawrence & Wishart, Limited, for an export permit covering their publications has been refused; and whether the application of any other publisher has been refused?
§ The Minister of Information (Sir John Reith)The answer to the first part of the Question is that after a full consideration of the case last December it was decided in the national interest that a general permit should not be issued to Messrs. Lawrence &' Wishart for the export of their publications to censorable countries. Permission to export a particular publication was later sought and granted. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. StraussCan the Minister give any explanation for this general refusal? Can he say, in view of the fact that this firm publishes almost entirely Socialist books, whether any political consideration entered into the decision?
§ Sir J. ReithI prefer not to answer more specifically, but I will tell the hon. Member that if this particular firm cares to make the particular application again, since general permission was refused, such application will have consideration.