25. Dr. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what approaches he has made to the Pakistan Government on behalf of Messrs. Peter Owen Limited consequent on that firm having recently had a consignment of books to the value of £58 12s. 10d. confiscated by the Pakistan customs when these goods, sent for delivery to the International Book Depot, Karachi, were left unclaimed by the Habib Bank Limited, the agent for the customer; and whether he will make a request to the Pakistan Government to reimburse the amount obtained by the auction of the books.
§ Mr. BraineI am glad to say that as a result of representation made by our High Commissioner in Karachi the Pakistan Customs authorities have agreed to consider an appeal from the firm for the return of the auction proceeds, despite the expiry of the ordinary time limit.
Dr. JohnsonI thank my hon. Friend and the High Commissioner for their efforts in this matter. This will be very good news not only to the firm mentioned in the Question but to British book exporters in general.