THE DUKE OF ST. ALBANSsaid, he wished to ask the Lord Chamberlain a 690 Question, of which he had given him private Notice. Very alarming accounts had of late appeared in the newspapers with regard to the means of egress from the London theatres and other places of amusement. Would the Lord Chamberlain state whether those assertions were correct?
THE EARL OF KENMAREsaid, he was much obliged to the noble Duke for having called attention to the subject. The statements he had seen were much exaggerated. There must always be considerable danger when any large numbers of persons were congregated together within a building; but the London theatres were better provided with the means of escape than most other public buildings, and he was glad to say were being constantly improved. Perhaps the best answer which he could give to his noble Friend would be to lay on the Table a Return showing the actual state of things at the present time with regard to the exits from the theatres licensed by him.