§ Captain Pluggeasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in view of the inadequate accommodation provided for the Press at the South-Western Police Court, Press representatives have for many years been permitted to sit at the solicitors' table if it is not otherwise in use, but that this privilege has recently been withdrawn without the offer of any alternative accommodation; and whether there is any possibility of remedial action being taken?
436W
§ Sir S. HoareMy hon. and gallant Friend appears to be under a misapprehension in stating that no alternative accommodation was offered. I am informed that, when it was decided that Press representatives at this court should no longer sit at the solicitors' table, the magistrates placed at the disposal of the Press additional accommodation for two or three persons and that Press representatives now have at this court more accommodation than they have ever had before. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to a question by him on the 10th instant.