HC Deb 04 November 1954 vol 532 cc576-8
13. Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent dollars are allocated for the importation of United States horror comics.

Mr. Maudling

Dollars are made available for single copies of any periodical, which may be imported through the post under open general licence, by persons who pay, or have paid, the overseas supplier direct. Dollars spent on comics, as opposed to other periodicals, are not separately recorded, but the cost is believed to be negligible.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the nature of the publications, can the Minister justify the spending of even a small amount of dollars on their purchase? Will he see what he can do to stop the practice?

Mr. Maudling

I am sorry to think people should spend money upon importing horror comics, but what I could not justify would be the use of exchange control powers for the purpose of censorship.

Mr. Jay

When the Chancellor allocates dollars for these purposes, does he not consider the value of the imports in question to this country?

Mr. Maudling

That is exactly my point. My right hon. Friend allocates dollars for as many periodicals as he thinks are justified, but he cannot distinguish between one periodical and another.

Mr. Ede

Does the hon. Gentleman's reply also refer to the expenditure of dollars on the purchase of the plates from which the comics can be printed in this country?

Mr. Maudling

I gather that these plates are paid for on a royalty basis and that there is no separate record of the cost involved. With regard to the provision of dollars, that matter normally flows from the provision of a licence, and licences are dealt with by the Minister of State, Board of Trade.

Mr. Rankin

Surely, it is the fact that periodicals coming into the country are controlled and can be prohibited? Why are these exempted?

Mr. Maudling

Whether or not they can be controlled, that control is not within the foreign exchange control for which I am responsible; it would not be right in operating this control to distinguish between one periodical and another on grounds of taste.