HC Deb 11 May 1888 vol 326 cc48-9
MR. MARJORIBANKS (Berwickshire)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is possible during the Whitsuntide Recess, to give effect to some, at any rate, of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Select Committee on the Admission of strangers?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminister)

In answer to the Question of the hon. Member I have to say that the Speaker would desire to be guided in the matter by the convenience of the House. The Speaker is aware of a difference of opinion as to accepting without further discussion all the decisions at which the Committee have arrived; but, pending the decision of the House, the Speaker is prepared to do this much—to throw the two Galleries, the Speaker's and Strangers', into one, thus gaining an additional row of seats, and providing admission to what would be henceforth one Gallery by the entrance in the Central Hall. All the other arrangements would go on as at present, till the House had come to a definite decision on the subject.