§ 89. Sir ROBERT NEWMANasked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is possible for him to take steps to consult the proper authorities as to the feasibility of the State opening of Parliament taking place in future in the recently restored and historic Westminster Hall; and whether that Hall would provide sufficient accommodation for Members of both branches of the Legislature to attend the ceremony without resorting to balloting for places, as is done at present by Members of the House of Commons who desire to obey His Majesty's command to hear the Gracious Speech from the Throne?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir John Baird)The question raised in the first part of the question does not come within my jurisdiction. As regards the second part, the superficial area of Westminster Hall is 16,500 feet, whereas that of the Chamber of the House of Lords is, approximately, 5,500 feet, including the Galleries.