§ Sir R. NEWMANasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as women are to be entitled to vote for the election of Members of this House, steps will be taken to enlarge and improve the accommodation afforded them to witness the proceedings of this House; and whether, as in another place, legislators have not found it necessary to obscure ladies from sight by placing them behind barriers, a similar policy might be pursued by this House with equal propriety?
1758W
§ Sir A. MONDThe limitations of the present structure do not admit of any enlargement of the accommodation for ladies to witness the proceedings of the House, and the question of affording additional facilities for that purpose is not within my jurisdiction. I do not understand the hon. Member's reference to placing ladies behind barriers, as, in accordance with the directions of the House, I caused the Grille in front of the Ladies' Gallery to be removed last year.