HL Deb 25 April 1972 vol 330 cc273-4

2.44 p.m.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will endorse 1972 as International Book Year.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government endorsed 1972 as International Book Year when our delegation supported the resolution proclaiming it during the 16th General Conference of UNESCO.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I am not sure whether I should not declare an interest, as I write some books. May I ask the Minister whether much more cannot be done in this respect? Is she aware that Mr. Nixon has issued a Presidential Proclamation which has had great publicity in America? Is she also aware that the French Government are giving six Classic books to every newly-wed couple in the country this year? Is she further aware that UNESCO has opened an office in this country? Is it not possible for the Government, by proclamation—it may even be by Royal Proclamation—and by presentation on T.V. and through the media, to make the public aware that 1972 is in fact International Book Year?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I am aware of the facts which the noble Lord has put forward, including the fact that he writes books, although I have not yet had the advantage of reading one. But I can tell him that we have decided to make an approach, through the Department of Education and Science, to local authorities, and through the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO, to support and publicise a wide variety of International Book Year activities.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, is this not a little late? We are a fourth of the way through the year. Is it not a little belated that the Government should just now be taking action?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

No, my Lords; it is already being done. Apart from that, we have a very large programme, under our aid programme, which amounts to about £850,000 this year for books alone.