HC Deb 09 July 1946 vol 425 c49W
80. Mr. W. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Works the number of seats that will be available in the New Chamber for visitors; and whether, in view of the continued public interest in Parliamentary proceedings, he is satisfied that this provision will be adequate.

Mr. Tomlinson

In accordance with the recommendations of the Select Committee on Rebuilding, whose report was approved by the House on 25th January, 1945, 326 seats will be available in the new House of Commons for strangers other than reporters and officials, an increase of 67 seats over the number in the old Chamber. In answer to the second part of the Question, a further increase would be impracticable without a drastic revision of the approved plans and a radical alteration in the size and character of the Chamber.