HL Deb 03 March 1937 vol 104 cc448-50

Order of the Day for the consideration of the Second Report from the Select Committee read.

The Committee reported as follows:

1. PROVISION OF LUNCHEON AFTER THE CORONATION.

The Earl of Lucan, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on the Refreshment Department, submitted the following report by the Sub-Committee on Catering Arrangements for the Coronation:—

Report by the Sub-Committee on the Refreshment Department on Catering Arrangements for the Coronation.

The Sub-Committee on the Refreshment Department have considered the provision of meals in the House of Lords on the day of the Coronation. They propose that a buffet luncheon should be provided in the Royal Gallery at a cost of 10s. 6d. per head for Peers and Peeresses who attend the ceremony in the Abbey to consist of light dishes which can be eaten with a fork, sandwiches of all kinds, a variety of sweet dishes, cakes, etc., with tea, coffee and lemonade. It is proposed that Peers who wish to avail themselves of this buffet should take tickets beforehand, which will be forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliaments. Wines, spirits and mineral waters will also be available in the Royal Gallery for which cash payment will be taken at the time of ordering.

The Committee have been asked by the Earl Marshal to provide breakfast for about 400 Officers of State at 5.30 on the morning of the Coronation. This breakfast can be provided in the Royal Gallery before the buffet is set out.

The Committee have also been asked by the Master of the Household to provide a buffet luncheon for about 200 minor royal personages after the Coronation, It is proposed to provide this buffet in the King's Robing-room and to supply the same dishes as those supplied to Peers in the Royal Gallery.

The menu of the buffet luncheon will be available for inspection at the meeting of the House of Lords' Offices Committee.

It is proposed that the catering should be undertaken by Messrs. A. J. Carpenter (London) Limited, who hold the contract for catering to the House of Lords.

The Peers' dining-room and the Library will not be used for refreshments and will be available as sitting-rooms for Peers and Peeresses.

11th February, 1937.

The Report of the Sub-Committee was agreed to.

The Committee expressed their approval of the proposal of the Earl Stanhope, First Commissioner of Works, to provide buffet refreshments in Westminster Hall for persons occupying certain stands in Old Palace Yard.

2. PROVISION OF LAVATORY ACCOMMODATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CORONATION.

The Committee approved proposals laid before them by the Lord Great Chamberlain for providing temporary lavatory accommodation on the day of the Coronation.

3. PARLIAMENT OFFICE MESSENGERS.

The Committee sanctioned the inclusion of the post of Messenger attending the Registry among the posts which can rise to the £215—£240 scale.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF ONSLOW)

My Lords, I beg to move that this Report be now considered and agreed to. In doing so perhaps I should say one word on paragraph 1. Your Lordships will see that my noble friend Lord Lucan has made arrangements for an excellent luncheon to be provided, but there is nothing to say how your Lordships and your ladies will be able to proceed from the Abbey to the House and I think that is an important matter which your Lordships would like to know about. There is a general idea that there should be a covered way, where the annexe is. They would then come up here. I thought I would say one word on that because the first question that would be asked probably would be: "How are we going to get to the House from the Abbey?" There will be facilities for cars to be parked for those coming here and for those going straight home. The arrangements are not quite complete, but I hope they will meet your Lordships' convenience.

Moved, That this Report be now considered and agreed to.—(The Earl of Onslow.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.