asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet in a position to make a further statement about imports of learned, scientific and technical books.

Yes, Sir. I have been going into this question, as I have always been aware of the strength of the case for increasing imports of the classes of books mentioned by my hon. Friend, although I have had to balance this against our exchange position. I am glad that I am now able to tell the House that learned, scientific and technical books may, as from 1st April, be imported at twice the present rate, thus raising the annual import quota to 200 per cent. by value of the prewar level.

Will that include educational books for schools, or is it merely books of a technical nature?

It should include a large number of educational books, but I should like details of any specific instance the hon. and gallant Member has in mind.