§ 24. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Information what body advises on the subsidising of periodicals to the Middle East; what persons form this body; how are they appointed; what periodicals now receive their support; and at what individual cost?
26. Miss Rathboneasked the Minister of Information which Press organs receive subsidies in respect of their Middle East services; and which have received such subsidies within the last six months but have been discontinued?
§ 27. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Information why the issue of "Picture 1510 Post" for 22nd November was banned for export; and what journals, in addition to the "London Illustrated News," the "Sphere," "Illustrated" and "Punch," continue to benefit from the subsidy?
§ Mr. BrackenThese payments are made to distributors solely to enable them to export at a lower price than would otherwise be possible, the particular British papers and periodicals which are found most useful by our representatives in various parts of the world. The administration of these payments is a part of the ordinary Departmental work of the Ministry. The issue of "Picture Post" for 22nd November was not given subsidised distribution to countries in the Middle East because it was thought unlikely to be helpful to the British cause in this part of the world. I do not think it would be in the national interest for me to specify what, or how many, periodicals are exported abroad in this way, or the cost involved.