§ LORD WELBYMy Lords, I rise to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether it would not be a very great convenience to the House if, on the occasion of the Coronation, Peers were admitted to the Abbey by the Chapel of Henry VII, bearing in mind the fact that such an arrangement would not interfere in any way with the Coronation route. I think it is clear that it would be a great convenience to those who wish to go over from this House to the Abbey if they were permitted to make use of that short space of fifty or sixty yards which separates this House from the Chapel of Henry VII. I understand, from papers that have been circulated, that facilities are to be given to Peers leaving the Abbey to come to this House, and facilities are also to be given by which Peers will be able to get to this House by steamer. It seems to me that our convenience might be further considered by our being allowed to come to this House and go from here to the Abbey in the morning. If that were done, it is evident that a certain amount of pressure on the western entrances would be lightened; and as for any interference with the public, you have only to go into New Palace Yard to see that the last scaffold is some fifty or sixty yards to the north of 1016 the Peers' entrance. I put it to your Lordships that the concession for which I ask would be of very great convenience, and if it were given it would lengthen the time during which Peers would have an opportunity of entering the Abbey. To most of us it would be a considerable convenience if the time at which we have to enter the Abbey was extended by an hour or half-an-hour. I hope that in these circumstances the First Commissioner will be able to hold out some hope that the convenience of your Lordships will be consulted in the direction I have indicated.
LORD ZOUCHE OF HARYNGWORTHBefore the noble Earl answers the Question, might I venture to ask another which bears on the same subject? It is whether on the same occasion facilities will be afforded to those of your Lordships who desire to do so to robe within the precincts of the House before the Coronation, in the same manner as is done at the opening of Parliament.
§ EARL CARRINGTONThe matter referred to in Lord Welby's Question is one which comes entirely within the jurisdiction of the Earl Marshal, and I am informed by him that the arrangements for Peers entering the Abbey have received most careful consideration, and the scheme has been decided upon and drawn up after consultation with the police. The arrangement suggested by my noble friend would not enable Peers to enter the Abbey at a later hour than that which has been fixed, as all the doors of the Abbey will, in accordance with the Order in Council of May 4, be closed at nine a.m. The cards of admission, I am informed, have already been issued, and any change at this stage would inevitably lead to confusion and inconvenience to all concerned. The courtesy of the Earl Marshal and his desire to oblige are so well known that I am quite certain he would have met the wishes of my noble friend had it been possible.
As regards the further Question put by Lord Zouche, his suggestion shall receive consideration. I think what he suggests could easily be arranged for those Peers who chose to come to the House of Lords before the ceremony. Perhaps I may remind your Lordships that no one will be allowed to pass the police lines without a ticket after 7.15 a.m. on Coronation Day. 1017 The doors of the Abbey will be shut at nine o'clock. The first Procession will arrive at 9.30, the second at 10 o'clock, and His Majesty the King is timed to arrive at 10.30. Tickets of admission to the Palace of Westminster enabling the holders to pass on foot until the traffic is closed at 8.30 may be obtained on application at the Lord Great Chamberlain's office, House of Lords. This will be of some convenience to noble Lords, as I am given to understand by the police that no person whatever will be allowed to break into the route at different points after 7.15 a.m. without either a luncheon card for the House of Lords luncheon, or a ticket for a stand, or a card of some sort.