HC Deb 12 November 1936 vol 317 cc1030-1
47. Sir PERCY HARRIS

asked the Lord President of the Council what control, if any, the Government propose to have over seats to view the Coronation procession; and whether, if the prices charged are excessive, they will consider changing the route of the procession and controlling the prices charged?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

As I stated in the House last Thursday in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Salford, South (Major Stourton), the question of seats to view the Coronation procession is, at the present time, under the consideration of the Coronation Committee. The Government has, however, no power of control over seats on private property. As regards the latter part of the question, the suggestion made by the hon. Member seems to me to be quite impracticable.

Sir P. HARRIS

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the general information is that any private person is unlikely to be able to get seat to see the procession, except at a very high fee, and does he realise that that will cause grave discontent among many of His Majesty's subjects?

Mr. MacDONALD

Perhaps the hon. Baronet will Await the report of the Coronation Committee, which is dealing with all these questions.

Mr. R. C. MORRISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past few days an official report has been issued stating that none of the seats erected by His Majesty's Office of Works will be available to the public?

Mr. MacDONALD

I am not aware of that. If it has been published it is inaccurate.

Mr. THURTLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is the chairman of the Coronation Committee? Are they satisfied that a really strong man is in that position?

Mr. MacDONALD

Yes.