HC Deb 18 May 1897 vol 49 cc724-6
COLONEL MILWARD (Stratford-upon-Avon)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether, in order to join in the general illumination of the heights round the Metropolis, and of the country at large, he is willing to cause the summit of the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament to be illuminated, by electric lights following the tracery, by coloured fires, or otherwise, at 10 p.m. upon Queen's Night, 22nd June 1897?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER, OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

I do not see my way to carry out the suggestion of my hon. Friend. The matter presents considerable difficulties, but I will endeavour to some extent to meet his views, if I find that the difficulties to which I have alluded are not insuperable.

MR. R. ASCROFT (Oldham)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that an accident happened at the last Jubilee through a string of Hags and other decorations falling across the read whilst the Royal Procession was passing; and whether, with a view to prevent the possibility of any similar accident on Jubilee Day, he will take such steps as may be necessary to bring to the notice of the occupiers of premises along the line of route the absolute necessity of seeing that all flags and decorations suspended across the roadway are hung in a safe and efficient manner?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

I cannot recall the accident to which the hon. Member alludes, and I am not aware that I have any powers in the matter. I will look into the matter, however, and consult with the Commissioner with the view of seeing whether any action is possible or desirable.

MR. ALEXANDER CROSS

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he intends to make arrangements for the accommodation aboard ship of Members of Parliament to enable them to view the naval manœuvrees on 26th June next?

*THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

it is the intension of the First Lord of the Admiralty to make arrangements for the accommodation aboard ship of Members of Parliament to enable them to view the naval review on June 26 next.

MR. M. J. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he is prepared to make a statement in reference to the Irish treason-felony prisoners: and whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to grant them amnesty in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to answer the Question. I have nothing to add to the declarations I have made in this House on this subject or to what has been stated by the Leader of the House upon it.

MR. FLAVIN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government are prepared to take the responsibility on their shoulders of keeping these men in gaol until their legal term expires? [Cries of "Order, order !"]