§ Mr. WEDGWOODI desire to ask the hon. Member for Southampton a question of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether the journalists of the House of Commons paid £250 for a stand in Palace Yard from which to view the Coronation procession; whether they have now been informed that there is no room for them in Palace Yard, and that seats will be found for them elsewhere; why this change was made, and will the money be refunded if the new position is less satisfactory to those who have paid?
Mr. DUDLEY WARDThe site in Palace Yard is primarily for the use of Members of the House of Commons. No specific position was promised to the journalists, and it has not been found possible to provide for them the position they desire. A good site will be provided within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster. The money can be returned if the position does not meet with the approval of all the parties concerned.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that when the original arrangements were made, and the money payment arranged for, the Press were told that the seats would be in Palace Yard?
§ Mr. BYLESIs it not more important that the Press should have the best site than that the House of Commons should?
§ Mr. HAYDENIs it not the fact that the Press stand was in Palace Yard last time.