Book Production

Abstract

IN connexion with the recent discussion of the shortage of educational and other books (see Nature, September 9, p. 319), the following reply given by Mr. Dalton in the House of Commons on September 26 should be noted: "The Minister of Production has agreed, at my request, to increase the allocation of paper to publishers of books as from the end of next month to 42½ per cent of their pre-war usage. I hope that the publishers will do all they can to devote this extra paper to supplying liberated territories, as well as Empire and other oversea markets. The Minister of Production has also increased by more than one third the allocation to my special reserve, and has made a further additional allocation for certain classes of educational books. I am in touch with the Minister of Labour about the supply of labour for printing and binding." The additional allowance of 2½ per cent of publishers' 1938–39 consumption of paper will be welcome; but it is difficult to see how Mr. Dalton's hope that the extra paper should be used to supply liberated territories and overseas markets could be fulfilled. It seems very doubtful if any publisher would be able to differentiate sharply between books for such overseas markets and those for use in Great Britain. In any event, there is a definite shortage of educational and scientific books, which are needed as much at home as abroad. Publishers are well aware of this, and will no doubt do all in their power to overcome it. They will also note Mr. Dalton's remark that he is in touch with the Minister of Labour about the supply of labour in the printing and binding trades. As wé have said before, these trades have been stripped of labour, and until more workpeople are made available, full use cannot be made of the additional allocation of paper for the production of educational and other books.