§ MR. HORNERI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, if he can say for what reason the grille in front of the Ladies' Gallery was originally placed there; and if, seeing that there is no 967 such grille in the other House of Parliament, he will recommend the immediate removal of the grille from this House.
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASThe grill appears from the original plans of this Chamber always to have existed. I have little doubt that it was intended to mark the long previous practice of this House, that ladies should not be admitted to the Chamber during debates. The question was enquired into a few years since, and it was decided to make no change. Until the House definitely signifies its pleasure to have the screen removed, I cannot undertake to displace it.
§ MR. HORNERCan my right hon. friend say if its very advanced position is not entirely out of harmony with the general architecture of the House?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!