HC Deb 24 May 1960 vol 624 cc195-6
18. Mr. Morris

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what, under the existing grant scheme for the publication of Welsh books, was the average amount paid for each book published; how much this represented per copy; and what is the intended amount, similarly, of payment under the increased grant already announced.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)

It is the University of Wales Press Board that is responsible for the detailed administration of the grant scheme. I have asked the board to let me have periodical information as to the working of the scheme. In the light of such information I hope to be in a position to make a report shortly.

Mr. Morris

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that statement, may I ask whether that report will be published? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the moment there is no provision for giving a grant for the reprinting of Welsh books, hundreds of which are now out of print? Will he give further consideration to some provisions by way of loan for financing the stocking of books so that a sufficient number can be printed at one and the same time so as to avoid this difficulty? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some Welsh publishers in the past have refused a grant or returned it as inadequate and have requested the University Board to lump two or three grants together and reallocate the money in respect of one book?

Mr. Brooke

This was a generous addition to the grants for the publication of Welsh books. I cannot hold out any hope that it will be extended, but I certainly intend that the report shall be available to the public and I will send the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Is not the sum now being paid pitiable? Will not the right hon. Gentleman discuss with the Minister of Education the possibility of giving assistance to the publication of Welsh schoolbooks which, as the right hon. Gentleman should know, are in very short supply?

Mr. Brooke

The sum involved has been trebled this year.