§ 11. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many cases in the years 1953 and 1954 he has given permission to United Kingdom exporters to accept Israeli currency in part payment for books; and if he will now give these permissions more freely.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI regret that the information is not available. Such treatment must remain exceptional, but permission will continue to be given where it is clearly in the national interest.
§ Mr. JohnsonWould my right hon. Friend consider a scheme similar to that now in operation in the United States, so that we might make use of any Israeli currency we received from possible sales?
§ Mr. ButlerIsrael is earning about £6 million a year in sterling, and I think it is reasonable that Israel should allocate an adequate sum to purchase British goods.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a tremendous unsatisfied demand in Israel for British books and publications, and that at present the market is being flooded with American publications? Could he, perhaps, take a rather more sympathetic view of this matter than the Foreign Secretary took last week?
§ Mr. ButlerThe sympathy as between the Foreign Office and the Treasury is absolutely level, but I will give the matter the consideration which the hon. Member desires.