§ Sir W. BULLasked the Home Secretary when he will bring railway bookstalls on the level or into line with regard to shops as far as compulsory closing is concerned?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Early Closing Orders apply to railway bookstalls in the same way as to shops except that they contain a provision authorising the sale of periodicals and books after the closing hour from the bookstalls of such terminal and mainline stations as may be approved by the Secretary of State. A certain number of stations have been approved under this provision in order to meet the convenience of passengers, especially long-distance 1707W travellers, but they form only a small fraction of the total number. I see no reason to alter the existing arrangements at the present moment.