§ MR. ALFRED DAVIES (Carmarthen Boroughs)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether, in order to provide against the inconvenience caused by a downpour of rain on the 26th and 27th inst., he will have the stands to be occupied by Members of Parliament and their friends roofed and made waterproof.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sI am afraid it is impossible to carry out the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. May I take this opportunity of stating that the condition hitherto applied that Members' personal tickets for the stands are not transferable has been withdrawn. Such tickets are now-transferable without further payment.
§ MR. ALFRED DAVIESIs it not the fact that at the Jubilee in 1887 the stands were covered, and Members had to pay nothing for their seats?
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASNo, Sir, the hon. Member is entirely misinformed. The stands were not roofed, not so many tickets were issued, and hon. Members had to pay 12s. 6d. each.
§ MR ALFRED DAVIESIf the Members and their friends suffer any inconvenience, I shall move to reduce the salary of the right hon. Gentleman.
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASI have before pointed out it is no part of my official duty to make these arrangements.