49 and 50. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether the arrangements for the supply of books and newspapers through booksellers in this country to the British zone can be extended to permit similar supplies from other countries to be admitted;
(2) whether he will consider extending the present arrangements to enable books and newspapers to be sent direct by individuals in this country to the British zone.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe present arrangements were only introduced this month, but the possibility of extending the scheme on the lines suggested is already being considered.
Mr. HughesWould my hon. Friend indicate what are the reasons for confining the supply of books from this country to booksellers? What are the difficulties in the way of permitting individuals to send them direct?
§ Mr. HyndI think there is some misunderstanding. Books are not sent from this country through booksellers, but can only be sent to Germany through the special facilities provided by the "Save Europe Now" organisation. The arrangement with booksellers is for provision of papers and periodicals. The reason it has not been possible to agree to individuals sending newspapers and periodicals is purely a security one.