§ MR. STACPOOLEsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, If it be his intention to provide seats in the Central Hall for the accommodation of the public now excluded from the Lobby; if it be true that the Hereditary Lord Great Chamberlain of England has opposed the placing of the seats in the Central Hall, promised to be placed there last Session; and, if so, under what Statute or Charter has the Hereditary Lord Great Chamberlain of England any control over the Central Hall or other part of this building?
§ MR. AYRTON, in reply, said, in consequence of the promise stated to have been given by his Predecessor in Office, in reference to providing seats for strangers in the Central Hall, he made an application to the Lord Great Chamberlain on the subject. After giving the matter due consideration, the Lord Great Chamberlain said he thought that 262 if seats were put up in the Central Hall they would become the resort of idlers and loungers, who would take possession of them; and, therefore, he thought it inexpedient to give permission for their erection. The authority of the Lord Great Chamberlain was understood to extend to all parts of the Houses of Parliament that were not appropriated by either of the Houses to special purposes.