§ 29. Mr. Mayhewasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been made with the scheme for subsidising British books for overseas sale.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Dr. Charles Hill)The production of the twenty-three low-priced university textbooks, the titles of which I announced in November, is now under way, and the first batch has been sent off. Arrangements to produce some additional textbooks are being completed, and I expect to announce their titles shortly. Mr. Norrington, chairman of the Advisory Committee on the Selection of Low-Priced Books, has recently visited India and Pakistan, and I am looking forward to hearing his conclusions.
In addition, the Advisory Committee has now recommended some thirty general titles, and the preparations for low-priced editions are being pursued. They fall into several categories—aids to the study of English, history and travel, popular science and practical books. I expect that further recommendations will be agreed at the Advisory Committee's meeting on Wednesday next.
§ Mr. MayhewIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these books have been on sale in India at prices well above the authorised prices, and that a flourishing black market seems to be 21 developing? What information has he about this, and what does he intend to do about it?
§ Dr. HillThe books to which I refer have not yet arrived and been placed on sale in India, so the hon. Member's information cannot relate to the books to which I have referred.
§ Mr. MayhewDoes that situation apply in the case of the books which the right hon. Gentleman described in his last Answer to a Question from me?
§ Dr. HillMy answer concerned the twenty-three textbooks. Progress is being made. Indeed, copies of the first are on their way to India, but I am informed that they have not yet arrived.