HC Deb 05 November 1936 vol 317 cc218-9
14. Mr. ACLAND

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take any and, if so, what steps to secure that those who have paid high prices for seats from which to view the Coronation procession shall be able to reach those seats on the day of the Coronation?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Lloyd)

The Commissioner of Police is fully alive to the need for taking all practicable steps to assist the public, whether seat holders or not, to view the Coronation procession, and directions as to means of access will be given the widest possible publicity.

49. Major STOURTON

asked the Lord President of the Council what steps are being taken to guarantee to the poorer sections of the community a fair share of reserved seats to view the Coronation procession; whether he can state what proportion of the processional route is either owner or controlled by the Government; and whether a large scale erection of seats is contemplated for allotment and sale by the Government?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

The points raised in the first and third parts of the question are under consideration at the present time, and I am not as yet in a position to make any statement upon them. As regards the second part of the question, approximately one-third of the route is owned or controlled by the Government.

Major STOURTON

In formulating schemes, will my right hon. Friend consider making provision of special stands for ex-service men and their families to view the Coronation procession?

Mr. MacDONALD

That is all part of the complete scheme which is being worked out at the moment, and it would not be very profitable to deal with separate items. I wish to assure the House that the whole question is under very careful consideration at the moment.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is a very strong feeling throughout the country that there should not be profiteering on seats on the day of the Coronation?

Mr. MacDONALD

indicated assent.

Mr. THURTLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to explore every avenue in this matter?