HC Deb 13 February 1947 vol 433 c527
63. Mr. Rankin

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is prepared to provide an office for the sale of His Majesty's Stationery Office and other Government publications in the city of Glasgow

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

The Stationery Office has arrangements with a principal bookseller in Glasgow to give special attention to the sale of Government publications, and other leading booksellers in the city are also large customers for official publications. The establishment of a special sale office in Glasgow would involve a use of manpower which could not at present be justified by increased sales or increased conveniences to the public.

Dr. Taylor

Is it not a fact that the Stationery Office will not allow these publications to be sold on the basis of sale or return by these booksellers, and does he not think that the sale of these publications by ordinary booksellers is greatly curtailed because of that fact?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I certainly accept that that is so. Nevertheless, we cannot have a Stationery Office office in every town in the country and we have to limit ourselves to some of the large centres at the moment.

Dr. Taylor

Is not that a very good reason for having the sale of these publications based on sale or return?

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Glasgow is one of the largest centres in the country?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I am aware of that