§ MR. JAMES (Gateshead)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether it is the fact that a large number of the pews of the late Chapel Royal, Whitehall, were allotted and held by Members of both Houses, certain public officials, and the owners of residences in the vicinity; that, in some cases, these pews were awarded to the occupiers of 203 certain houses at the time they were brought within the area of Metropolitan rating, and in consideration of the loss thereby sustained in a matter of taxation, from which, as built upon the property of the Crown, and within the precincts of the royal palace, such dwellings were originally exempt; whether any steps were taken to ascertain the views of those thus interested as to the course contemplated and subsequently adopted; and why, inasmuch as seats were always reserved for Members of the Legislature, the opinion of the House of Commons was not invited both as to closing the Chapel and the expediency of its subsequent destination?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. PLUNKET, Dublin University)The Office of Works had no authority in the allotment of seats in the Chapel Royal, Whitehall; but, for the information of the hon. Member, I have inquired in the Department of the Lord Chamberlain, and Sir Spencer Ponsonby Fane has stated to me that he has, as far as his experience goes, no reason to believe that the pews were granted on the conditions or for the considerations suggested in the Question. They were granted to the residents in the precincts of the old Palace, and to the dwellers in the neighbourhood, holders of Crown leases being given a preference. Pews were not assigned to Peers or Members of this House until the year 1867. There was no regular count kept of the attendances, but the Sub-Dean stated that they were reduced to a minimum except when the Bishop of Peterborough was to preach, or some other popular preacher. This House was not consulted with regard to the discontinuance of the services because the expenses of those services, amounting to about £800 a year, was defrayed out of Her Majesty's Civil List.