HC Deb 17 December 1952 vol 509 c199W
50. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Prime Minister why it is necessary to build a temporary annexe to Westminster Abbey for the purpose of marshalling the Coronation procession seeing that Westminster Hall, in which the marshalling of such processions took place for 700 years, is available.

The Prime Minister

To use Westminster Hall for marshalling the Coronation Procession would, I am advised, be less convenient and no less costly than to build an Annexe at the west end of the Abbey.

I am also informed that if the Coronation ceremony is to be carried out under modern conditions with the dignity and precision of execution required the whole process of marshalling the ceremony must be as close to the west door of the Abbey as possible.