§ Mr. THURTLE(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a suggestion that troops taking part in the Armistice Ceremony at the Cenotaph should parade without arms; and if, in view of the nature of that ceremony, he will adopt this suggestion?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)Yes, Sir. But I think the suggestion should not be adopted. The troops are present at the ceremony at the Cenotaph as representing the Army—the living comrades of those whose deaths the Cenotaph commemorates. The Army Council consider that this ceremony should be accorded the highest military honour. The Army therefore parades in full dress with arms.
§ Mr. THURTLEMay I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman on this matter? Is he aware that large numbers of people in this country feel that the presence of arms on this occasion is a violation of the spirit and purposes of the ceremony, and will he not, in the circumstances, in view of the fact that the change would offend none and please very many, reconsider the matter?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, Sir; I think they are mistaken, and when they have read the answer I have given I hope they will see that they are mistaken.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that a great many units attend church parade without arms, and as it is a religious ceremony at the 50 Cenotaph, would it not be perfectly proper for troops to appear in full order but 'without arms?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, it is not a fact. Troops attend religious services with arms—always with arms. In church they wear their side-arms and pile their rifles outside, or, if barracks are close, they leave the rifles in barracks.