§ 52. Sir W. Smithersasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Board of Trade Notice 1865, of 16th March, affects the importation of about 100,000 trade and technical journals, magazines and periodicals; that by 27 eliminating booksellers and publishers he is losing dollars earned in trade discount of about 20 per cent. of the value; and if he will reconsider his decision in the light of the fuller details which have been sent to him.
§ Mr. BelcherI assume that the hon. Member is referring to Notice to Importers No. 281 of 17th March, announcing an amendment to the open general licence for the import of printed matter by post. The point he raises is under consideration.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that the important words of this Question are "trade and technical journals"—which will not come in—because they are virtually the raw materials essential to the business of these firms; and why does he voluntarily throw away the 20 per cent. dollar discount which they would otherwise get?
§ Mr. BelcherI will bear in mind the point made by the hon. Member, together with all other points in connection with this Question.