HC Deb 26 May 1927 vol 206 c2182
Mr. LUNN

May I put a question to you, Mr. Speaker, of some concern to many Members of this House? There are numbers of people in the Lobby who have tickets and cannot get into the Gallery. Most Members have been pestered with demands for tickets, as always happens when there is an important Debate. The front seat in the Gallery is usually vacant until four o'clock, and I should like to know if there is some reason for reserving that front seat. Is there some idea of priority for particular strangers? Is there a class basis in regard to the allocation of seats in the Members' Gallery?

Mr. SPEAKER

Not at all. The seats to which the hon. Member refers are on special occasions reserved for the Press.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

The Colonial Press.

Mr. SPEAKER

The foreign and Colonial Press, who are not always able to be accommodated. There is no question of priority for other persons at all.

Mr. ALBERY

Would it not be entirely misleading to the constituents of hon. Members if their applications for tickets are allowed to be described as "pestering"?

Mr. MAXTON

On occasions like this, when great public interest is aroused, would it be possible to transfer the sittings of the House to a place like the Coliseum?

Mr. SPEAKER

That suggestion would require more consideration than I am able to give it now.