§ 28. Mr. Lindsayasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is seized with the significance of the economic as well as the cultural value of British book exports; whether his Department has analysed current tendencies; and whether 18 he is making preparations against the day when conditions will permit a revival and extension of this vital export.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)Yes, Sir. My Department is in close touch on these matters with the Publishers' Association, who estimate that the percentage of turnover exported has fallen from 30 before the war to 21 in 1942 and slightly more in 1943. I look forward to a rapid expansion in our exports of books after the war, but the rate of the expansion must, of course, depend on the labour and paper available.
§ Mr. LindsayWill the right hon. Gentleman keep in close touch with the Dominions Office and the British Council on certain aspects of this matter?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, I shall be very happy to do so.
Viscountess AstorIf I brought the right hon. Gentleman some books which are being published now, which not only are not fit for publication in this country but are a hindrance to the publication of books for the export trade, would the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter?
§ Mr. DaltonI am not a censor of morals, whatever else I am.