§ 1. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he is making for the distribution and marketing of the proposed low-priced books for overseas so as to ensure they reach the widest possible public without increase in the agreed price.
Dr. HillDetailed arrangements made with the publishers and the contracts entered into will be designed to ensure that these cheap books reach the people we intend to have them and are sold at the retail price specified in the contract.
§ 2. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what advice he has received from the Advisory Committee on the Selection of Low-Priced Books for Overseas on the principles on which such books should be selected; and when it is expected to announce the first titles.
Dr. HillThe Advisory Committee has begun its work but has not yet submitted advice to Ministers on principles of selection—nor would I expect this as yet. I know the Committee is pressing on with its difficult task.
§ 7. Mr. Hornbyasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the estimated expenditure during the coming financial year on the official scheme to promote the sale of low-priced books overseas; at what price the books will be sold; and how many books it is estimated will be distributed under this scheme during the same period.
Dr. HillEstimates of expenditure on overseas information services generally will be laid before the House in due course. Selling prices of the low-priced books have yet to be determined. For the popular type of book, we are thinking of not more than ls. 6d. per copy. I hope it will be possible to distribute something approaching 2 million copies, of various titles, in the coming year.
§ 8. Mr. Hornbyasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will name 78W the countries to which it is planned to send books under the official scheme to provide low-priced books for overseas.