HC Deb 19 March 1940 vol 358 cc1820-1
Mr. Keeling

I desire to ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it has been found possible to make any special arrangements during the war for the admission to the Members' Gallery of officers and men from the Empire overseas?

Mr. Speaker

I understand that it is the wish of all Members of all parties of the House to make available for officers and men belonging to forces from the oversea parts of the Empire a certain number of original Orders for the Members' Gallery, for the duration of the war. After consultation with the authorities of the House, I have come to the conclusion that it will not be necessary for hon. Members to surrender any seats in the Members' Gallery for which they ballot. Under my direction, the Sergeant-at-Arms is accordingly giving instructions that eight original Orders shall be reserved up to 3.30 p.m. each day (11.15 a.m. on Fridays) for officers and men belonging to forces from the oversea parts of the Empire who present themselves at the Admission Order Office, provided they establish their title either by their uniform or in some other way. The new arrangement will come into force on Tuesday, 2nd April.