HL Deb 05 August 1902 vol 112 cc649-50
EARL CARRINGTON

I beg to ask the Lord Chancellor what arrangements, if any, have been made for the convenience of Peers attending the Coronation, with regard to luncheon and the parking of carriages, in order to facilitate their return home after the ceremony.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (The Earl of HALSBURY)

I am afraid I am not in a position to answer exactly at present, though I have interviewed the Chief Commissioner of Police. I understand, however, that carriages for the West door of Westminster Abbey will have to park in some place whence they could reach that door at the end of the ceremony. Those with tickets for the Poet's Corner will park outside this House. I will, however, obtain exact information by Thursday. With reference to the crossing of Old Palace Yard by the temporary covered way, I understand that there will be no difficulty, because the police will recognise Peers by their robes.

THE EARL OF MORLEY

Will that apply also to Peeresses and their daughters and sons?

THE EARL OF HALSBURY

Certainly, so I understand.

THE EARL OF MORLEY

If Peers come to the luncheon, and cannot get away, they will be stranded, in which case the last stage of the Peer will be worse than the first.

LORD GLENESK

I understood that the great advantage of lunching at the House was not the luncheon itself, but the facility it afforded, in connection with a carriage, of leaving the neighbourhood in comfort. If I attempt to drive home direct from the Abbey I may have to wait in the building all day before my carriage comes up. There is no escape by way of the West door. The wearing of robes would prevent that.

THE EARL OF HALSBURY

Pears who have determined to take lunch at the House can get a distinguishing rosette, which will enable their coachmen to park their carriages near the House.

EARL CARRINGTON

I hope it will be understood that the old Committee no longer exists, and that, therefore, neither Lord James, Lord Hardwicke, nor myself are in any way responsible for luncheons or carriages.

THE EARL OF HALSBURY

I understood from the police authorities that Earl Carrington was going to provide the rosettes to distinguish the coachmen.

EARL CARRINGTON

That is why I made my remark just now. We have nothing to do with the luncheon, or the parking of the carriages, or the rosettes.