§ 7. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what progress has been made, in countries other than Africa, with the scheme for selling low-priced books overseas.
§ Mr. VosperWe are making steady progress, and 670,000 copies of low-priced books have now been printed, including 350,000 copies of university textbooks. Over half a million more books, including nearly 200,000 more university textbooks, are in production. In all, 65 titles are involved. The countries concerned were listed in the Reply given to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson) on 9th February.
§ Mr. MayhewI welcome the fact that progress is now being made, but can 188 the number of countries be extended? It is still very limited.
§ Mr. VosperThe low-price books are available now in 15 countries and the university textbooks in five countries. I told the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson) that we would consider whether the scheme should be extended to Africa. The initial requirement is to make the scheme thoroughly successful in the countries where it now operates.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsCan my right hon. Friend say what the cost is to the Exchequer?
§ Mr. VosperI cannot give an accurate answer, but it is in excess of £1 million.
§ Mr. MayhewCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the scheme will not be cut as a result of the cuts in the overseas information services?
§ Mr. VosperNo alteration in the scheme has been made or is proposed in respect of recent cuts.