HC Deb 09 May 1960 vol 623 cc13-4W
73. Mr. Hornby

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what further progress has been made with the plan to export books at low prices.

Dr. Hill

The work of the Advisory Committee on the Selection of Low-Priced Books has made good progress. Some 2,000 titles have been put forward by publishers and others, here and overseas. The initial task of selecting a first short list from these has been a heavy one, but I understand that the Committee will shortly recommend its first list to the Ministers concerned.

The Advisory Committee is also studying a first list of some 25 scientific and technical textbooks for issue in low-priced editions for university and college libraries, instructors and individual students.

The Government have decided to give a measure of priority to university textbooks, recognising the importance which the Commonwealth Education Conference—held in July, 1959—attached to the supply of books of educational, scientific and technical value. We have taken into account also the particular views of the authorities in certain countries about the most pressing needs of their rapidly growing student populations. An adequate supply of suitable books is vital to technical education, itself essential to the strengthening of their economies.

Initially, this arrangement will be applied in India. We hope to extend it, as funds allow, to other countries.

Subject to negotiations with publishers, it is hoped that the low-priced editions of textbooks will be made available for distribution through normal trade channels in India by the opening of the students' buying season in December, 1960. The publishers have readily co-operated with the Government in investigating this need, as with other parts of the book exports programme, and we much appreciate their expert help and advice.

The size of editions will depend upon demand, among other factors, but we have in mind editions of up to 5,000 copies of the most specialised and advanced university textbooks.