HC Deb 19 November 1942 vol 385 cc481-2
13. Mr. Colegate

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulty in obtaining textbooks for engineering and other students; and whether he will take steps to see that a sufficient number of people are available in the book-printing and book-binding industries to enable the position to be remedied?

Mr. Bevin

I am informed that there is no serious shortage of technical books, although there have been difficulties. The labour position in the book-printing and book-binding industries is constantly under review.

Mr. Colegate

Surely the Minister is aware that one press alone claims that 500 textbooks are out of print? Does that not call for some remedial action?

Mr. Bevin

Of course, many books are running out of print, but the demands made upon me for war work are so great that I have to decide which is the most urgent.

Mr. Colegate

Are not engineering textbooks essential for the war effort?