60. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he will authorise the Secretary of State for War to direct that 11th November shall be a military occasion in order that ex-service men of all ranks may add to the impressiveness of the occasion by being allowed to wear their uniforms?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe suggestion in the question, if adopted, would greatly add to the difficulty of carrying out the arrangements.
§ Major WHELER(by Private Police) asked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements have been made to enable Members of both Houses of Parliament who have lost sons or brothers in the War to be present at the ceremony on the 11th?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWith regard to the admission of Members of the two Houses of Parliament to the ceremony of internment of the Unknown Warrior in the Abbey on 11th November, it has been decided, in view of the waiver of claim to which Members of both Houses have so readily assented, to confine admission of the ceremony to such Peers and Members of Parliament as have lost a son or brother in the War. For their accommodation, the Dean and Chapter of Westminster have kindly consented to set aside 200 seats in the Choir of the Abbey. Any Member of Parliament who belongs to the above category and desires to be present is invited to apply to Mr. Speaker's secretary not later than Saturday morning, 6th November, with a statement of the nature of his claim. If the number of claimants is in excess of the total available accommodation, the seats will be ballotted for.
§ Mr. HURDWill Members be allowed to nominate their wives, instead of attending themselves, if they so desire?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it ought to be a personal matter.
§ The PRIME MINISTERPersonal to the Member of either House.