§ MR. HAZELLI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, in reference to Buckingham Palace, why it is more difficult to open this palace to the public because it is occasionally occupied by Her Majesty than it is to open Windsor Castle; and whether he can state the number of days during the years 1895, 1896, and 1897 respectively, when this palace has not been in use either by Her Majesty, or by the Royal Family, or by distinguished guests, or for any ceremonial purpose; and, if he cannot state the number of days exactly, will he state them approximately?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. A. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sThe Lord Chamberlain, within whose province this Question lies, desires it to be clearly understood that assent cannot be given to the opening to the public of Buckingham Palace, which is the private residence in London of Her Majesty, and of her family. It must be clearly understood that the internal portions of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are maintained at Her Majesty's expense, and although the Queen has graciously consented to allow the public to visit certain portions of Windsor Castle, where facilities for the purpose exist, when the Court is not in residence, yet, owing to the position of the State rooms at Buckingham Palace, and the constant use of the palace by members of the Royal Family, a similar privilege is altogether out of the question.