§ 21. Mr. Edelmanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will authorise the export of books from Britain to Israel to be paid for in Israeli currency.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI regret that I cannot accept this suggestion.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time the Russians are sending into Israel a great deal of propaganda material printed in English, and that the Americans have made special arrangements for the export of books to Israel? Would not it be wise to consider a special arrangement by which our books might be sent to Israel and paid for in Israeli currency?
§ Mr. ButlerI have discussed this question with the representative of Israel. I realise that there is a genuine case here, but our difficulty is in deciding whether to start making an exception in favour of particular exports, even books. I will bear the question in mind. It has a legitimate background and it is an important matter.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the special case of scientific and technical journals, for which there is great need in Israel?