HC Deb 30 June 1902 vol 110 cc306-7
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I beg to ask the, Secretary of State for War whether any provision will be made to enable Members to see the two reviews.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

Perhaps this will be a convenient opportunity for me to ask a Question of which I have given private notice, viz., if, to afford the people an opportunity of seeing and welcoming the Colonial and Indian troops, they cannot be invited (after the Review on the limited space of the Horse Guards' Parade, by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales) to march round Hyde Park, or some other route comparatively clear of business traffic, and under carriage regulations, enabling people on foot to see something.

MR. BRODRICK

The route as at present adopted is by Grosvenor Gardens, Grosvenor Place, Constitution Hill, and the Mall. It is hoped that ample opportunity will thus bo given to those who desire to see the troops.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Both days?

MR. BRODRICK

Yes; the whole of the arrangements have been made in the course of a few hours, and it will be quite impossible to bring troops up to London to line the enormous extent of route which my hon. and gallant friend proposes. The police would not undertake to control so long a route without an adequate supply of soldiers to keep the road. With regard to this House, so far as I am aware, the distribution of tickets has been placed in the hands of the Colonial Office, in order to satisfy as many Colonial visitors as possible. The accommodation is limited, and that which would be required by Members of this House, if a large number desired to go, would make it prohibitive to assign special places to all.

MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

Will any arrangements be made to enable Members to see this desirable and interesting function?

MR. BRODRICK

I am informed that 200 tickets will be placed at the disposal of Mr. Speaker's Secretary.