§ 96. Major BLAIRasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the respective lengths of routes from Hyde Park to 43 the Tower, being the route decided upon for the triumphal march of London regiments, and from Victoria Park to the same place; will he state any reason why the former is considered more suitable in the interests of the troops and of military requirements; on how many occasions since the Armistice have triumphal processions passed Pall Mall; and how many times have similar processions passed down the Mile End and Bow Roads; and will he give the date on which the last military demonstration took place in Victoria Park?
Captain GUESTThe distance to the Tower from Hyde Park is 3½ miles, approximately, and from Victoria Park, viâ the Mansion House) 3¾miles, approximately. The military arrangements in connection with the march are now more advanced, and, as far as can be foreseen, it will be essential to concentrate the men in barracks. Facilities for this exist in the West End, but not in the neighbourhood of Victoria Park. At least 85 per cent. of headquarters of the troops taking part in the march are situated in parts of London other than the East End. It is, therefore, in the interests of the comfort of the very large majority of the men that the concentration should take place in a central area. It would also cause great inconvenience and congestion on the railways if the troops were concentrated in Victoria Park. Since the Armistice the following processions have passed down Pall Mall:
§ Arrival of Marshal Foch.
§ Arrival of Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig.
§ Arrival of President Wilson.
§ Triumphal March of the Guards Division.
§ No triumphal processions have passed down Mile End and Bow Roads since the Armistice. The answer to the last part of the question is the 6th October last, when the General Officer Commanding London District inspected the East Group, London Volunteer Corps.