COLONEL LONG (Worcestershire, Evesham)To ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can now inform the House what arrangements he has been able to make with regard to Members being allowed on the 26th and 27th June to drive to the public entrance of the House of Commons by Grosvenor 1102 Road and Abingdon Street, those going to House of Commons stand to pass through New Palace Yard, and those going to Abbey by path between Abbey and St. Margaret's; also as to parking Members' carriages in New Palace Yard, and as to whether Members could be allowed to go to the Abbey from the House of Commons up to, say, 10 o'clock.
(Answer.) The regulations made for the access of carriages to Westminster Abbey on the 26th June have now been published in the London Gazette, and the Commissioner of Police regrets that it is not in his power to arrange for any modification of the Privy Council Order, which directs that the doors of the Abbey shall be closed at 9 a.m. It would greatly complicate the traffic arrangements if Members were to be set down at the St. Stephen's Porch instead of at Poets' Corner; but there is no reason why, after setting down at Poets' Corner, Members should not cross the road on foot to the entrance of the House of Commons if they wish to do so. The possibility of parking the carriages of Members of Parliament in New Palace Yard was considered, and the proposal was abandoned as impracticable. A covered way will be constructed between St. Stephen's Porch and Poets' Corner. My hon. and gallant friend will thus perceive that, while the Commissioner of Police does not sec his way to adopt the proposals in the Question, he practically meets all his requirements. The arrangements for persons going to places on the line of route on the 26th and 27th are not yet completed, but every possible arrangement will be made to suit the convenience of Members on both days.—(Office of Works.)