HL Deb 15 October 1831 vol 8 cc812-3

The Earl of Shaftesbury presented a Report from the "Library Committee" of the House of Lords, to whom it was referred previously to the Motion for the second reading of the Reform Bill, to ascertain what additional accommodation could be provided in the House, &c. His Lordship read the Report, to the following effect:—

  1. "1. That the galleries already erected in their Lordships' House, pursuant to an Address in September last, to afford seats for all those who might attend on a then approaching Debate, are inconvenient, and 813 ought, to be taken down; that the fireplace in the centre of the wall (on the Ministerial side of the House, and now boarded up), injuriously interferes with the due ventilation of the House, and that the said fire-place ought to be bricked up and closed.
  2. "2. That it is advisable to erect a gallery at the end of the House (namely, over the door below the bar of the House) for the accommodation of strangers under certain restrictions; and that the said gallery ought to be according to a plan handed to the Lords' Committee by Mr. Smirke.
  3. "3. That their Lordships be recommended to move an Address to his Majesty, that he would be pleased to give directions to have the present side galleries taken down, the said centre fire-place closed, and a new gallery raised at the end of the House, in accordance with Mr. Smirke's plan."

The Duke of Cumberland

inquired where this gallery was to be erected?

The Earl of Shaftesbury

replied, in the vacant space immediately over the principal entrance at the lower end of the House.

The Duke of Cumberland

Is it for Peers?

The Earl of Shaftesbury

For strangers.

The Duke of Richmond

added, that the place below the bar, occupied by strangers, would be for the accommodation of Members of the House of Commons.

Lord Ellenborough

said, that the introduction of similar alterations had been under the consideration of the former Government, but that the great expense at which they were estimated, namely, 2,500l., prevented their being effected.

The Report of the Committee agreed to, and on the Motion of the Earl of Shaftesbury, an Address was ordered to be presented to his Majesty, praying his Majesty that he would be graciously pleased to have the recommendation of the Committee carried into effect. [The erection of this gallery is an epoch in the history of the House of Lords. In it, by their Lordships' approbation, was provided accommodation for the reporters of the Public Press; though according to their Lordships' standing order it still remains a breach of their privileges to report their debates.]