§ 2.41 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAMSHIREMy 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 can make any statement as to the disposal of chairs and stools used at the Coronation Service in Westminster Abbey.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Works wishes to inform guests who attended the Coronation Service in Westminster Abbey that the chairs and stools used by the congregation may now be purchased. It may not be possible to offer more than one chair or stool to each applicant. In considering applications for chairs, preference will be given to those who occupied them. Chairs will cost £7 10s. 0d. each and stools £4 7s. 6d. each, including packing and delivery. Applications should be sent, not later than June 30, 1953, to The Controller of Supplies, Ministry of Works, Great Westminster House, Horseferry Road, London, S.W.1. The envelope should be marked "Abbey furniture." Payment should not accompany the application. Applications may also be made for the purchase of carpets and damask frontals. Preference will be given to applications from churches. In case there are some noble Lords who may not see this Reply, I am arranging for it to be circulated with the Minutes of Proceedings.
LORD STRABOLGIBefore we go on to the next Business, may I ask the noble Earl one question? I forget what we did last time; I know that I obtained two of those very beautiful chairs at the last Coronation: do we collect them ourselves or are they delivered, or what happens?
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERIf any noble Lord is lucky enough to obtain one or more chairs, the cost of £7 10s. 0d. each will include package and delivery.
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERYes.
§ VISCOUNT LONGDoes this apply to Peeresses as well?
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERMy Lords, any individual who was a guest in the Abbey can make application for a chair or a stool.