Thomson Publications
Sir: It has become necessary for me to reply to the irresponsible and inaccurate column under the pseudonym Bockbuyer ' on page 161 of The Spectator of January 29, at least insofar as it refers to the Thomson book publishing companies.
The facts are simple: the gross turnover of the Thcmsen book companies increased in 1971 by 8.8 per cent to a total of over eight million pounds sterling. The Thomson book publishing cmOre,' as you call it, was formed by twelve publishing companies or imprints. All the major ones have increased their business in 1971 and three of the smaller companies had a decline of less than 5 per cent; with the exception of one minor children's imprint, all our companies are profitable. In spite of the poor economic conditions prevailing in 1971, the profits of our book companies showed growth over the figures for 1970. The budget for 1972 planned for substantial growth in profits and at the moment there is every indication that they will be met.
The net profit of our book pub lishing operation is substantial, and ' Bookbuyer ' would be well advised to refer to this office for information rather than listen to the silly gossip which appears to be his chief authority at the moment.
G. M. Rainbird Thomson Publications Limited (a subsidiary of the Thomson Organisation Ltd.), Elm House, 10-16 Elm Street, London WC1
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