§ 58. Major BLAIRasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the East End of London has always, since the Armistice, been left out of official Peace celebrations, processions, triumphal marches, and pageants, he will give the reason why the River Pageant yesterday could not have started opposite Greenwich and Poplar and finished at Chelsea instead of making the return journey and thus afforded a larger number of wounded and war workers an opportunity of viewing the pageant; and, considering the amount of war service done by the residents of the eastern portion of the Metropolis, will he see that the East End has its share in any future official rejoicing?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe River Pageant was not a part of the official Peace celebrations, although the Admiralty rendered every assistance possible. I am informed that the factors governing the length of the course were time, tide, landing facilities, and the fact that the principal boats-were pulling boats which rendered any extension impracticable. As regards the position of the East End, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the previous answers which I have given on this subject.