SIR MINTO FARQUHARsaid, in the absence of the hon. Member for Dorsetshire (Mr. Sturt), he hoped an answer would be given to the Question put to the Government on the previous day respecting the crowding at the Levee on Wednesday last.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYWhen the hon. Gentleman the Member for Dorsetshire put his Question yesterday, I had no notice of it. He has since told me that be had given notice to a member of the Household of his intention to put his Question; but at the time I knew none of the facts, In consequence of that Question, I wrote to the Lord Chamberlain for information on the subject. He has informed me that the Levee of Wednesday must -be considered an exceptional one. No less than 3,000 gentlemen attended, and the accommodation ordinarily available on such occasions is not calculated for more than 1,500; but he adds that a large room, where seats are placed for the accommodation of ladies attending Drawing-rooms, 874 was thrown open, and efforts were made to induce gentlemen to wait there till their turn came for presentation. But I believe that in their anxiety to reach the presence of the Prince of Wales they all pressed forward towards the Throne-room. The Lord Chamberlain assures me that every effort will be made on future occasions to prevent the disorder which then prevailed, and I only hope gentlemen attending these Levees will endeavour to co-operate with the Lord Chamberlain and his officers in effecting their object.