HC Deb 28 October 1952 vol 505 cc1719-20
22. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Works how much grandstand accommodation for the Coronation Procession will be reserved for disabled ex-Service men.

Mr. Eccles

I hope to make special arrangements for disabled ex-Service men in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions.

27. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that it is difficult for London hotels to make definite bookings for the Coronation period as the Government have not yet been able to state how much accommodation will be required for official visitors; and if a decision on this matter can be expedited.

Mr. Eccles

Everything possible is being done to give hotels the earliest information of the amount of accommodation desired for official visitors. The exact numbers of the foreign delegations cannot yet be known.

Miss Burton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is causing considerable difficulty to many would-be visitors to the capital, and can he expedite the matter so that the hotels may be in a position to know how much accommodation they will have for visitors?

Mr. Eccles

I started on 3rd June to give the hotels the best estimate I could. The House will understand that until Her Majesty's invitations are accepted or refused I cannot produce exact figures.

Miss Burton

Does the reply mean that the Government, although they have had a Recess of 10 weeks, are quite incapable of making any haste in this matter? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when these figures may be available?

Mr. Eccles

I cannot answer that question. It is quite unfair on the Sovereign, who is issuing these invitations.

30. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Works whether provision is being made to allocate any seats along the Coronation route to trade unions and professional and commercial bodies.

Mr. Eccles

Yes, Sir. Seats will be offered to these and other national organisations representing different aspects of national life.

Mr. Erroll

Can the Minister indicate how these bodies should make their application?

Mr. Eccles

Yes, Sir. If they will write to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, they will get an answer.

Mr. Simmons

Will they include the British Legion and B.L.E.S.M.A.?

Mr. Eccles

I cannot at this stage say which bodies, but I am quite certain that those mentioned by the hon. Member are well in the picture.