HC Deb 30 June 1902 vol 110 c408

On the motion for Adjournment—

MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)

called attention to the totally inadequate provision made for Members of the House of Commons at the important review which was to take place on the morrow. It seemed to many Members to be an example of the extraordinary discourtesy with which the House had been treated by the present occupant of the Colonial office. He under stood that some 8,000 or 10,000 seats were available, and a paltry 200 had been placed at the disposal of the House. He hoped that the First Commissioner of Works would be able, even at this stage, to make some arrangement by which hon. Members might attend the review.

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

said he had not received notice of this question until five minutes earlier, and could only say that he would do what he could to make extra provision in the morning. The hon. Member, he thought, had grossly exaggerated the number of seats that were available. Never had the House been so well treated as in the distribution of seats for the Coronation: but in regard to the few scats—he thought some 2,000—available at the Horse Guards tomorrow, it was thought that their guests from over the seas should have the first choice.

Adjourned at a quarter after Twelve o'clock.