HC Deb 09 September 1831 vol 6 cc1247-8
Mr. Baring Wall

wished to make a few observations relative to the ceremony of the Coronation. The medals sent to the Members of that House had amounted to only 450. He thought the whole business had been managed clumsily by Ministers. If it had been meant to give medals only to the Members who had attended the ceremony, the numbers should have been 410 and not 450. Medals ought to have been sent to every Member of the House, and it was unfair to put such a premium upon attendance, when accommodation had been provided for only 410.

Lord Althorp

thought the hon. Member perfectly right to give such attention to so momentous and important a subject. It had never been the intention to give medals to any of the Members except those who were present.

Mr. Baring Wall

said, the noble Lord had given a most unsatisfactory answer.

Mr. Spring Rice

said, that many Members of the House had attended the coronation as Officers of that House, as Privy Councillors, and in other capacities, which accounted for the difference between the 450 and the 410. The ancient practice had always been, to give the medals only to those who were present to receive them; and therefore, in giving medals only to those Members who had attended the ceremony, the arrangements had been carried on strictly in accordance with ancient usages.

Mr. Hume

thought, that the arrangements which had been made respecting persons getting to the Abbey, had produced great convenience, and they evinced much consideration and care; but as to getting away again, that turned out a very different thing. There was no order or regulation in this respect. The ladies had to sit till seven or eight o'clock, confined in their dresses; and he was himself confined. At length he made his escape with a friend, and took shelter in a pastrycook's shop till he could procure his carriage.

Mr. Lamb

was sorry that better arrangements had not been made, but as he knew by experience the difficulties of getting away from public ceremonies of such a nature, he had provided no carriage, but had walked home without any inconvenience.

The House resolved itself into a Committee.