§ 4.37 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF GLASGOWMy Lords, I have permission from the Leader of the House to raise a point before we adjourn. To-morrow there is going to be a Secret Session in another place, and I have not the slightest doubt many of your Lordships will want to attend, probably a great many more than are here now. I would like to remind your Lordships of the occasion, not very long ago, when the Prime Minister made a speech to which we all wished to listen and a great number of Peers queued up in another place. When the moment came to go in there was a rush of Peers, and what can best be described as a "scrum" took place at the entrance. One Peer was knocked down, and I myself lost my place in trying to save him from being trampled on. I am not venturing to lecture your Lordships. I am only trying to save your limbs and save you from hurt on this occasion if it should come about that things happen the same way as last time. All I can do is to express the hope that your Lordships will to-morrow manage to conduct yourselves with that decorum which is traditional.
§ THE EARL OF GLASGOWI hope something will be done about it. I cannot do anything except appeal to your Lordships so that all can get to their places if they are there early enough and if those who come late accept the position.
§ LORD GAINFORDMay I ask if it is not a fact that the Galleries will be open to your Lordships as well as the usual seats which are permitted when your Lordships attend proceedings in another place?
§ 4.40 p.m.
§ EARL STANHOPEMy Lords, I am not quite sure what is going to happen in 224 another place. I have been told definitely that an additional gallery will be open, the Diplomatic Gallery. I have just had a note put in my hand to say that all galleries will be open. Whether that is so or not, I am not quite sure; at any rate there ought to be ample room for your Lordships; and I feel sure, after the appeal which has been made, that there will be no broken limbs and no one will be the worse for attending another place.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKDoes that mean we shall be able to mingle with members of the other House? The noble Earl said "all galleries."
§ EARL STANHOPEWe cannot sit among members of the House of Commons any more than members of the other House can sit among noble Lords in this House.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.