§ MR. M'LARENasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he can give the House any information as to the ceremony of opening the Royal Courts of Justice; and, whether he will direct that sufficient accommodation shall be provided for Members of the Bar who may desire to witness the proceedings?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREThe ceremony of opening the Royal Courts of Justice will take place on the 2nd of December, at 12 o'clock. I have reason to hope that Her Majesty will be able to open her Courts in person. Every endeavour will be made, so far as the available space permits, to admit, on the occasion, an adequate representation of the various branches of the Legal Profession; and I shall communicate on the subject in a few days with the Inns of Court and with the Incorporated Law Society. I may take this opportunity of stating that it will be impossible to be so free in the distribution of tickets to Members of Parliament as on the occasion of the parade at the Horse Guards. It will not be possible to appropriate to them more than 150 places in the large Hall. Of these 50 will be for ladies. I propose, then, that Members desiring to attend shall ballot for these places, and that the first 50 shall receive a lady's ticket in addition to their own. The Members' tickets will not be transferable, and as Her Majesty will open the Courts in State, Members will be expected to appear in leée dress.
§ MR. J. R. YORKEIn what costume will ladies be expected to appear?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREIn morning dress.
§ MR. M'LARENasked what provision would be made for members of the Junior Bar?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREsaid, he could not, at present, state how many of the Junior Bar would be admitted. Of course, all Queen's Counsel would be invited, and there would be an adequate representation of the Junior Bar.