HC Deb 26 February 1917 vol 90 cc1706-7W
Sir W. BULL

asked 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. CAVE

The 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 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.