§ Mr. Harveyasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the increasing difficulties arising from the growing shortage of text books; and what improvement in the position may be anticipated as a result of his communications with the various Government Departments concerned.
§ Mr. ButlerThe reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Some scarcity is unavoidable owing to the acute shortage of paper supplies, but I am in constant touch with those of my colleagues who are concerned, and my hon. Friend can rest assured that the need for better supplies for text books is fully appreciated and that everything will be done to improve the position which can be done without impeding the national war effort.