50. Mr. Idwal Jonesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will propose an increase in the present grant of £1,000 given to support the publication of Welsh books; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIt is not only the publishing of books in Welsh but the buying and reading of them that is important. I have arranged for discussions to be held with the University of Wales Press Board and the Union of Welsh Publishers and Booksellers, but 940 I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
Mr. Idwal JonesIs the Minister aware that certain hon. Members on this side of the House do not fully understand his attitude to the reading of Welsh books? If the grant were increased the price of Welsh books could be reduced and a larger market created among Welsh readers.
§ Mr. BrookeThe matter is rather more complicated than that. I attach a great deal of importance to this question. I realise how significant it is for the future of the Welsh language which, as a Conservative, I want to help to conserve.
§ Mr. MikardoCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many books in Welsh have been purchased and read by the Minister for Welsh Affairs?
§ Mr. BrookeI find the language a very difficult one to learn.