§ 2.35 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the noble Viscount the Leader of the House the following question of which I have given him private notice—namely, what arrangements His Majesty's Government have made to enable Parliament to partake in the general welcome to the King and the Royal Family on Their Majesties return to London next week.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount for this opportunity. As your Lordships are doubtless already aware, the King and Queen with the Royal Princesses are expected home in London on Monday next, May 12, shortly after midday, arriving at Waterloo Station from the port of disembarkation, where there will have been a civic reception in their honour. Their Majesties will drive in carriages from Waterloo to Buckingham Palace by way of Parliament Square, and Members of both Houses will doubtless wish to have an opportunity of taking part in the general welcome to the King and Queen, who are expected to pass through the Square at about 12.45 p.m.
Arrangements have been made to enable Members of both Houses and their friends to assemble on the pavements adjoining New Palace Yard, and on the opposite side of the roadway, at that time. A Humble Address of Welcome will be Moved in both Houses of Parliament on the afternoon of Their Majesties' arrival in London, and I know that as many of your Lordships as possible will desire to be present on that occasion. In your Lordships' House the time will be 2.30 p.m. I may add, perhaps, that all these arrangements follow the lines of those which were made on their Majesties' return from Canada in 1939.