§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about the current system for allocating tickets, whereby at 3 p.m. there may be many empty seats in the Gallery, and concurrently many hon. Members unable to acquire tickets for visitors and a long queue waiting in St. Stephen's for entry to the public; and whether, if diplomats do not take their place by 2.40 p.m., those places could be allocated to hon. Members.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasThe Serjeant at Arms has been asked to ensure that optimum use be made of the Gallery accommodation, and I have already referred this matter to the Services Committee for its consideration. Members may apply immediately after Prayers, to the Serjeant at Arms in the chair, for any vacant seats in the Diplomatic Gallery.