§ 15. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make arrangements for hon. Members to see, before it leaves this country, the display stand of coloured photographs of Her Majesty The Queen's tour of India, which Her Majesty is to present to the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta.
§ Mr. BraineYes, Sir. Her Majesty has graciously consented, and you, Sir, have agreed, that the display stand to which the hon. Gentleman refers may be placed on show in the Library from 11th to 19th April.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it used to be the practice of hon. Members of the Parliamentary Labour Party not to ask for any preferential treatment for themselves? If these photographs are to be shown they should be exhibited to the general public and preferential treatment should not be given to anyone.
§ Mr. BraineI take note of what the hon. Gentleman says, but in the circumstances, I think he will agree that it is proper chat when there exists this very interesting and colourful collection of photographs which make a permanent record of Her Majesty's great tour of India, an opportunity should be taken to show them to hon. Members. This 625 opportunity has been taken. The hon. Gentleman's point raises another matter.
§ Mr. ThomsonMy hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ellis Smith) has raised an important point. Would it not be worth while considering putting this very important and interesting display not in the Library, where it will be seen only by hon. Members, but, perhaps, at the top of the stairs leading to the Committee corridor, where other similar exhibitions have been shown?
§ Mr. BraineI will certainly have that suggestion examined.