HC Deb 30 April 1953 vol 514 c2327
15. Sir Edward Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the holders of tickets for stands on the route of the Coronation procession are required to reach them by 6, 7 and 9 a.m., respectively.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

No seat holder is required to be in a stand by a given time. The holders of seats along two miles of the route have, however, been advised to arrive by 6 a.m., those along a further two miles by 7 a.m., and those along the remaining one and a half miles by 9 a.m. In view of the crowds, those who arrive later than these times may find it difficult, if not impossible, to reach their seats.

Sir E. Keeling

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that in some streets in which the public are advised, if not required, to be there by six o'clock they will have to wait no less than eight hours for the procession?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I think my hon. Friend forgets that there will be earlier processions which they will see, and if they do not see those processions there will be bands and other things to occupy their attention.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that a distinguished Scottish judge has been allocated a seat at Hyde Park, where he will not be able to see much of the Coronation? If he has to wait from six o'clock in the morning will it not be a strain on him?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I think that the hon. Member should display his concern for the judiciary by giving me details of the matter by correspondence, and I will look into it.