HL Deb 17 December 1952 vol 179 cc1044-5

2.46 p.m.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied that adequate facilities will be made available to the British Press and foreign correspondents at the time of the Coronation.]

EARL FORTESCUE

My Lords, while my noble friend will be aware that accommodation is limited, and that demands upon it are manifold, he may rest assured that the requirements of Press correspondents, home, overseas and foreign alike, are receiving the fullest consideration of Her Majesty's Government, and every effort will be made to give them reasonable satisfaction, so far as accommodation permits.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

While thanking the noble Earl for that reply, may I ask Her Majesty's Government whether they realise the deep concern felt in Press circles, both here and abroad, about the efficiency of the actual reporting facilities which may be available? Are they considering setting up any sort of Press centre to deal with journalists at the time of the Coronation?

EARL FORTESCUE

Her Majesty's Government are well aware of all that the noble Lord is asking. I am able to announce that the Earl Marshal is setting up an office at 14, Belgrave Square, which, I hope, will give every satisfaction.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

I thank the noble Earl for his reply: I am glad that the matter has been raised from an amateur to a professional level. I hope that Her Majesty's Government will also realise that foreign journalists may need interpreters, telephones, typewriters and other facilities.

LORD GIFFORD

My Lords, arising out of that answer, may I emphasise, if a journalist is not treated properly, the tremendous repercussions which that may have in the country from which he comes?

EARL FORTESCUE

I will convey to my noble friend the Lord President of the Council all that the noble Lord has said. I feel sure that facilities will be provided for interpreters, et cetera.

EARL JOWITT

And will Her Majesty's Government see to it that all journalists are treated properly?

EARL FORTESCUE

I will bring that point also to the notice of the Lord President of the Council.