HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 cc813-4
30. Mr. Richard Law

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the proceeds of the sale in Germany of English periodicals are blocked; and whether, in view of the importance of the circulation of British periodicals as a factor in German re-education, he will take steps to make available in this country, the proceeds of their sale in Germany.

Mr. McNeil

Proceeds from the sale of British periodicals in Germany cannot be made available in this country since Germany has no sterling resources. Realising the importance of British periodical circulation in Germany, His Majesty's Government have, therefore, made available, through the Foreign Office and the Central Office of Information, considerable quantities of periodicals in addition to those sold in Germany against a blocked account. This latter device is achieved through a voluntary agreement with the Periodical Proprietors' Association.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see himself whether he could get more paper? Is he aware that more paper is used for football pools than in the whole of the British zone in Germany for education?