HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT (CRYPT).

HC Deb 10 March 1924 vol 170 c1928

104. Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the First Commissioner of Works for what purposes the crypt in the Royal Palace of Westminster has been, and is, used; and under whose control and within whose jurisdiction it is?

Mr. JOWETT

The crypt is under the general jurisdiction of the Lord Great Chamberlain, and the First Commissioner of Works is only responsible for the maintenance of the fabric. I understand that in the 14th century the crypt was known as the Chapel of St. Mary in the Vault, and contained an altar. Later it appears to have been used as the State dining room of the Speaker, and recently it has been used for baptisms, weddings, and occasional general services.

Mr. MACPHERSON

I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.