asked the Prime Minister if he will move to appoint a Select Committee to join with a committee of the Lords to consider the desirability of arranging that future State Openings of Parliament should take place in Westminster Hall, as was done in former times.

No, Sir, the conclusions reached by the Joint Committee of both Houses in 1901 still apply.

Will my right hon. Friend consider that one of the facts which that Committee took into account and to which it gave great weight was the doubtfulness of Speeches from the Throne being heard down the length of the Hall? Would he take into account the fact that that no longer applies? Will he also bear in mind the very strong reasons that obtain for holding this important State occasion in the Great Hall?

Will the Prime Minister keep in mind that there is something to be said for this great occasion taking place in a warmish place rather than in a very cold hall?

These matters are under the constant consideration of the Departments and branches of the Government involved, and I am quite sure that the conversations which have occurred on the topic today will draw their attention to the matter again.