HC Deb 09 November 1959 vol 613 cc9-10
18. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the progress he is making in connection with his plans for the increased export of British books to Africa and Asia.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Dr. Charles Hill)

Yes, Sir. Negotiations have begun with a number of countries with the aim of agreeing upon schemes broadly on the lines of the former British Book Export Schemes.

Mr. A. L. P. Norrington has accepted the chairmanship of the Advisory Committee on the Selection of Low-Priced Books for overseas. I hope to be able to announce the names of the other members of the Committee next week. The necessary administrative preparations are being made so that negotiations on contracts can begin as soon as titles have been selected. A Publishing Trade Consultative Panel has been set up after consultation with the trade organisations concerned.

The British Council is steadily expanding its own library service and cooperating with Colonial Governments in the improvement of their own services.

There has been consultation with the trade organisations in the periodical field on measures to assist circulation of newspapers and periodicals in some of the more difficult markets overseas.

Mr. Thomson

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that statement and wishing him all speed in the negotiations in which he is engaged, may I ask whether he could say when the first agreement with a foreign country on currency arrangements is likely to be arrived at? Will he consult the publishing trade in this country and the other countries concerned to see what we can do to encourage more effective wholesaling and retailing of books, in the African countries in particular?

Dr. Hill

I cannot forecast the date by which the first agreement will be completed, but I will inform the House as soon as that happens. As for the second part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, that kind of consultation is taking place.

Mr. P. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that his first priority will be to send books to countries in the Commonwealth and after that to foreign countries?

Dr. Hill

The criteria applied are, of course, information criteria related to this country's information work, and although the Commonwealth plays a part, I cannot agree that it should be the first priority.