§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Secretary of State for Trade what he estimates will be the effect of the export sales of books and magazines on the Post Office's proposal to raise the direct agents bag reduced rate by 100 per cent.
§ Mr. DeakinsAn industry's export performance is influenced by many factors and I doubt whether any particular change can be quantified. I hope the effect of any changes in postal rates will not be as adverse as these industries fear. I am sure they will be assessing how best to mitigate the effect and maintain their export trade.
§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will take steps to bring the export costs of publishers of British books and magazines more into line with those of their overseas competitors.
§ Mr. DeakinsIt is not in the Government's power to harmonise costs. But we do provide certain services to help exporters and I hope the publishers of 219W books and magazines will continue to make good use of them.