§ MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he has yet matured his scheme for establishing communication between the House and the Libraries and Smoking Rooms?
§ MR. PLUNKETThere would be no difficulty in establishing communication between this Chamber and the Library and Smoking Rooms, as suggested by my hon. Friend, if it were quite clear that it was desired by a considerable majority of Members, and I do not forget that my hon. Friend presented me with a Memorial in support of his proposal numerously signed; but, on the other hand, I know that many Members are opposed to the plan, on the ground mainly, I think, that the House is already ill enough attended, and when a Motion was formally made on the 8th of April, 1889, on the subject it was negatived.
§ MR. COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a proposed counter Memorial on the occasion in question failed for the absence of signatures?
§ MR. PLUNKETNo, Sir; I was not aware of that.
§ MR. COOKEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give directions for the National Standard to be hoisted on the flagstaff on the Victoria Tower of the Palace of Westminster during the Session of Parliament?
§ MR. PLUNKETThe Houses of Parliament are technically a Royal Palace, and, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, when Her Majesty opens Parliament her Royal Standard is displayed on the Victoria Tower, but I have no power in the matter at all. The 527 Lord Great Chamberlain is the proper authority.
§ MR. PLUNKETThat is rather a difficult question to answer offhand. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to give a longer notice of the question.